GEOL 3032 : Sedimentology Midterm Study Guide
Document Summary
Sediment: solid material transported and deposited by ice, wind, or water. Strata/stratum: a layer of sedimentary rock with characteristics that separate it from other layers. Stratigraphy: the study of strata/stratum and drawings of. Sediment is created by the weathering and erosion of a rock creating loose material. Physical: rocks are broken down into smaller fragments, but no chemical or mineralogical change is made. Freeze-thaw (frost) weathering: water seeps into cracks, freezes and expands, rocks break. Insolation (sun) weathering: repeated heated and cooling of rock over daily cycles, breaking down the rock. Stress-release weathering: overlying rocks are removed from erosion causing the rock to expand. Happens in mountains or desserts where there is little soil and plant growth. Change in temperature is the main cause for physical weathering. Chemical: changes that can alter both chemical and mineralogical composition of rocks. Simple solution: removal of rock by acidic rainwater (limestone)
