Sedimentology Flashcards
pieces of broken down, pre-existing rocks at or near the earth’s surface
sediment
model of the processes responsible for the production of sediments and sedimentary rocks
sedimentary cycle
what is the sequence of the sedimentary cycle?
Weathering-Erosion-Transport-Deposition-Diagenesis
physical breakdown or chemical alteration of rocks
weathering
factors affecting weathering
- climate
- rock characteristics
- differential weathering
layer of rock fragments produced by weathering
regolith
physical breakdown or disintegration of rocks
mechanical weathering
chemical breakdown or decomposition of rocks
chemical weathering
physical removal of material by mobile agents
erosion
horizontal freeze-thaw action of water trapped in rocks that eventually disintegrate rocks
frost wedging
vertical freeze-thaw action of water trapped in rocks that eventually disintegrate rocks
frost heaving
salt from seawater accumulate through cracks in rock and disintegrate them at the crystal grows
salt crystal growth
rocks originally covered are uncovered and are relieved from pressure, causing expansion
sheeting or unloading
organisms burrow and break the rocks
biological action
intrusions from beneath exert pressure on the rock mass, fracturing it
intrusions