Depositional Sedimentary Environment Data Sheet

Image of Depositional Description of Depositional Common types of Rocks found Image Sedimentary
Sedimentary Environment Sedimentary Environment Structures found

I. CONTINENTAL  sites of deposition of immature  immature angular gravel

a. Alluvial Fan angular gravel, sandstone and  sandstone
mud. When these sediments get  limestone
cemented or lithified, they turn  mud
into, respectively breccia, arkose  Sedimentary Rock Varieties :
and shale. When these sediments get
 characterized by coarse cemented or lithified, they
sedimentation, though the turn into, respectively
sediments making up the fan conglomerates, breccia,
become less coarse further from arkose and shale.
the apex. Gravels show well-
developed imbrication with the
pebbles dipping towards the apex.
 Cone-Shaped Appearance:
Alluvial fans have a characteristic
fan or cone-shaped appearance
when viewed from above, with the
narrow end (apex) near the
mountain source and the broader
end (toe) extending into the lower,
flatter terrain. The angle of slope
of the fan can vary depending on
the specific geomorphic
conditions
b. River Channels  Large, nearly flat, triangular or
fan-shaped plains of accumulated
river-supplied sediment build out
into the lake or ocean over time.
Coarser sands or gravels are
deposited at the inland side in the
main channel. Upper delta plains
may be traversed by many
tributaries originating from the
main river channel.
 Depositional sedimentary
environments in river channels are
complex and ever-changing,
reflecting the interaction between
the river's flow, sediment supply,
and local geology.
 Bedrock: Solid, unweathered
rock that forms the foundation
of a river channel.
 Sedimentary rocks: Rocks
that have been formed from
the accumulation of sediment,
such as sandstone, shale, or
limestone.
 Metamorphic Rocks: Schist
and Gneiss
 Boulders and Cobbles

 Channel Evolution: River

channels are not static; they evolve
over time. Sediments deposited in
river channels contribute to the
building of features such as bars,
islands, and floodplains. These
features may shift and change in
response to fluctuations in water
flow and sediment supply.

 Sedimentary Structures:
Sedimentary structures, such as
cross-bedding, ripple marks, and
mudcracks, can be found in river
channel deposits. These structures
offer insights into the direction and
speed of past water flow and can
indicate changes in environmental
conditions.
c.Lakes  are specific settings where
sediments accumulate and formIgneous Rocks:
sedimentary rocks. Lakes are
relatively quiet, low-energy
environments compared to rivers
or marine environments, and as a
result, they exhibit distinct
characteristics in terms of
sediment deposition. Here's a
description of the depositional
sedimentary environment in lakes
 Mudcracks, wave ripples,
laminations, and varves may be
present in lakes. Fine sediment and
organic matter settling in some
lakes produced laminated oil
shales.
 Graded Bedding: In the absence of
strong currents, sediments in lakes
often exhibit graded bedding. This
means that the sedimentary layers
are arranged with the coarsest
particles at the bottom and finer
particles on top. This is due to the
settling of larger particles first and
finer particles being suspended
longer in the water column.
 Quiet Water: Lakes are
characterized by still or quiet
water conditions. This low-energy
environment allows fine sediment
particles to settle out of the water
column and accumulate on the
lakebed.
 Granite: Granite is an igneous
rock that can be found in
some lake areas. It forms from
the cooling and solidification
of molten magma deep within
the Earth's crust.
 Basalt: Basalt is another
common igneous rock and
can be found in volcanic lake
regions. It is a fine-grained,
dark-colored rock that
originates from the cooling of
lava.
Sedimentary Rocks:
 Limestone: Limestone is a
common sedimentary rock
found around lakes.
 carbonate rocks
 Shale and Mudstone:
 Lakes often accumulate fine-
grained sediment, including
shale and mudstone. These
sedimentary rocks are formed
from the compaction and
cementation of silt and clay-
sized particles.
 Terrigenous
d. Deserts Cross-Bedding:
 Within sand dunes, you can often Rocks:
find cross-bedding, a characteristic  Pumice
sedimentary structure. Cross-  Scoria
bedding occurs when layers of  Rock outcrops
sediment within the dune are  Gibber plain or hamada.
inclined at an angle to the overall  Common sedimentary rocks
horizontal layering. These inclined include sandstone, limestone,
layers result from the migration and shale.
and deposition of sand in the
direction of the prevailing winds. Mineral Rocks:
 Gems
Sand Dunes:  Minerals
 Deserts usually contain vast areas  Agate
where sand is deposited in dunes.  Amethyst
Dune sands are well sorted, well
 Calcite
rounded, and frosted or polished.
 Chalcedony
Wind Erosion and Deposition:  Copper
 Wind is a dominant geological  Diamonds
agent in deserts and is responsible  Fluorite
for both erosion and deposition of  Geodes
sediments. Strong winds in deserts
can transport sand grains over vast
distances, leading to the formation
of sand dunes. As the wind carries
sand grains, they can collide and
bounce, leading to the rounding of
grains.

Varied Coloration:
 Sedimentary rocks in desert
environments can exhibit a range
of colors depending on the mineral
content. For example, sandstones
may have red, orange, or yellow
hues due to the presence of iron
oxide
  The depositional sedimentary
environment of a desert is
characterized by wind-driven
processes, the formation of sand
dunes, distinctive sedimentary
structures like cross-bedding, and
a variety of sediment types.
Deserts provide valuable clues
about Earth's past climate and the
forces that have shaped its
landscapes.

e. Swamps  often form in low-lying areas (for

example, the area near sea level Non-clastic rocks:
behind the shore environment) in  Limestone
which parallel layered, organic-  Chert
rich black shales and coal form. In  Dolostone
arid regions with little vegetation  Gypsum
and few rivers, aeolian (wind  Halite (rock salt)
deposited - sand dunes)  Diatomite
environments may dominate.  Chalk.
depositional sedimentary
environments characterized by the Organic sedimentary rocks form
accumulation of fine sediments such as:
and organic material in
 Peat rocks- (accumulation of
waterlogged areas with abundant partially decomposed organic
vegetation. matter, such as dead plant
material and mosses, that
 are typically densely vegetated forms in waterlogged, acidic
with various types of wetland environments like swamps. It
plants, including cattails, reeds, is not a true rock, but rather a
ferns, and water lilies. These type of soil or sediment
plants have adaptations for living commonly found in swamps.)
in waterlogged conditions and
 Mudstone
often have extensive root systems
 Coal- (. It is not a true rock,
that help bind and stabilize the
but rather a type of soil or
sediments. As plants grow and die
 in the swamp, they add to the sediment commonly found in
accumulation of organic material swamps.)
in the sediment layers.

 Swamps are rich in biodiversity

and support a variety of wildlife,
including amphibians, reptiles,
birds, insects, and small mammals.
These ecosystems are also critical
for migratory birds and provide
breeding and feeding grounds for
many species. In some swamps,
you may find unique species
adapted to the specific
environmental conditions.

 can preserve plant and animal

fossils exceptionally well due to
the anaerobic (low-oxygen)
conditions that inhibit
decomposition. The organic-rich
sediments can lead to the
formation of fossil fuels like coal
when subjected to heat and
pressure over geological time.

II. TRANSITIONAL  lithic sandstone

a. Delta  is a deltoid-shaped area  quartz arenite
determined by the major  marine and nonmarine
bifurcations of a river and mudstone
resulting from relatively rapid  Sandstone (is a sedimentary
deposition of river-borne sediment rock which is often found in
into a more or less still standing deltaic environments due to
body of water. the abundance of sand-sized
particles brought by the
 istinctive depositional river.)
sedimentary environment that
 forms at the mouth of a river or in
some cases, at the inflow of a lake.
Deltas are characterized by their
unique topography, sedimentary
structures, and the presence of
various sediment types. They are
dynamic and ever-changing
landforms shaped by the
interaction of riverine processes,
waves, tides, and vegetation.
 The deltaic environment is
dynamic and ever-changing due to
the interplay between sediment
deposition and the continuous
input of new sediments from the
river. The sediment accumulation
creates a progradation, or growth,
of the delta as it extends further
into the body of water. Over time,
the delta can expand and change
shape, influenced by factors such
as changes in river flow, sea level
fluctuations, and tectonic activity.
 Conglomerate (forms when
larger particles such as
pebbles and cobbles are
transported by the river and
deposited near the river
mouth. These deposits are
often found in the delta front.)
 Shale is a fine-grained
sedimentary rock composed
of tiny particles such as clay
minerals. In deltas, the river
water carries these fine
particles, which settle in the
slower-moving water near the
river mouth. As these
particles accumulate and
become compacted, they form
layers of shale
b. Beach  The deposition of sediments on a
beach is influenced by a variety of
factors, including wave energy,
sediment supply, and coastal
morphology. Wave energy is
primarily determined by the
strength and direction of the
prevailing winds, as well as the
fetch, which is the distance over
which the wind blows
uninterrupted across the open
water. Sediment supply, on the
other hand, depends on the
availability of sediment sources
upstream and its delivery to the
coast through rivers, or erosion of
cliffs. Coastal morphology refers
to the shape and configuration of
the coastline, which can include
headlands, bays, and barrier
islands, all of which affect the
movement and deposition of
sediments.
 Beaches are composed of a
mixture of sediments, including
sand, gravel, pebbles, shells, and
sometimes finer materials like silt
and clay which are constantly
being reshaped by waves, currents,
and tides . The dominant sediment
on a beach is often sand, which
gives it its characteristic
appearance and texture.
 It is a dynamic and ever-changing
environment found along the
shoreline, where land and sea
 Hag stones, witch stones, or
adder stones (are
mysterious-looking grey,
brown, or black stones. Their
notable feature is their
singular hole punctured
through the center or edges
of the rock.)
 Sandstone: Sandstone is a
sedimentary rock made up of
sand-sized mineral, rock, or
organic particles. It often
forms beautiful, smooth, and
rounded pebbles on some
beaches.
 Granite: Granite is an igneous
rock composed of quartz,
feldspar, and mica. It can be
found on many beaches,
especially in areas with
granite bedrock.
 Basalt: Basalt is another type
of igneous rock, often dark-
colored and rich in iron and
magnesium. It can be found
in coastal areas with volcanic
activity.
 Limestone: Limestone is a
sedimentary rock made of
calcium carbonate and is
often associated with shells
and fossils. Some beaches
have limestone outcrops and
deposits.
 Shale: Shale is a fine-grained
sedimentary rock composed
of clay and silt-sized particles.
 meet. It is a fascinating
depositional sedimentary
environment that serves as a
bridge between the terrestrial and
marine realms.
 it represents a dynamic and
transitional depositional
environment shaped by the
interaction of water, wind, and
sediment. Beaches are found along
the coastlines of oceans, seas, and
even large lakes.
c. Lagoons  A unique depositional sedimentary
environment that is characterized Sedimentary Rocks:
by calm and quiet waters. It is a
shallow body of water that is
separated from the open sea by a
barrier, such as a sandbar or an
island. These enclosed water
bodies are highly dynamic and
play a crucial role in the formation
of sedimentary deposits.
 Lagoons are shallow, coastal
bodies of water separated from the
open sea by barriers like barrier
islands, spits, or reefs. These
environments exhibit unique
characteristics that influence the
types of sediments and rocks that
form within them. Which are often
fine-grained and organic-rich. The
calm and stagnant nature of the
water allows fine particles to settle
out and accumulate, forming
layers of silt, clay, and organic
It can form layers along
coastal cliffs.
 Chert: Chert is a hard, dense
sedimentary rock made of
microcrystalline quartz. It can
often be found in coastal
areas, especially as nodules
or pebbles.
 Sandstone: Sandstone is a
common sedimentary rock
found in coastal lagoons,
especially in areas with sandy
shorelines.
 Mudstone and Shale:
Lagoons often accumulate
fine-grained sediments,
leading to the formation of
mudstone and shale.
 Limestone: In some coastal
lagoons, you may find
limestone deposits.
Limestone can form through
the accumulation of shells,
coral reefs, and other organic
materials.
 Gravel and Pebbles: Lagoons
 matter. with a more energetic wave
and current environment may
 For instance, ripple marks and have gravel and pebble
cross-bedding can be seen in sandy deposits along their shores.
deposits, indicating the presence
of currents and gentle wave action.
Mud cracks and desiccation cracks
are common in the intertidal zones
of lagoons, where the sediment is
exposed during low tide.

d. Tidal Flats  Areas where sediments from river

runoff, or inflow from tides,
deposit mud or sand. If the energy
of waves beating on these shores is
low, then **small-grained Tidal flats may be:
sediment or mud is deposited in  Muddy/Mudstone
the upper reaches of the area. In
this instance, these areas are called  Sandy/ Sandstone
mud flats.

 tidal flats can be classified into  Gravelly/ gravel rock

three major types in terms of their
depositional environments:  or covered in shell pavements
(1) back-barrier settings, (2) tide-
dominated estuaries, and (3) deltas  The sediments commonly
and adjacent chenier plains, with contain both siliciclastic and
increasing wave exposure from carbonate particles
low to high

 Tidal flats are typically found in

sheltered bays, estuaries, and
intertidal zones, where the
influence of waves and currents is
minimal. The flat topography of
these areas allows for the
deposition and accumulation of
 fine-grained sediments, such as
mud and silt. The absence of
strong water currents prevents
larger, coarser particles from
settling on tidal flats, resulting in
the development of a soft, muddy
substrate.
 sandy-muddy depositional
systems along marine and
estuarine shores periodically
submerged and exposed in the
course of the rise and fall of the
tide
III. MARINE  The continental shelf is an
a. Continental Shelf expansive, relatively shallow area  Sedimentary Rocks:
located on the edge of a continent, Sedimentary rocks are the
extending from the coastline to the most common type found on
continental slope. This unique continental shelves. They are
environment plays a crucial role in formed from the
the deposition of sedimentary accumulation and compaction
materials, shaping the overall of sediments over time.
geology of our planet. Examples of sedimentary
rocks on continental shelves
 It is predominantly made up of include sandstone,
clastic sediments, which are mudstone, siltstone, and
derived from the erosion and limestone.
weathering of rocks on the
mainland. These clastic materials  Sand and Gravel Deposits:
include a wide range of In addition to sandstone, sand
substances, such as sand, silt, and and gravel deposits can
clay. accumulate on continental
shelves, especially in areas
 The deposition of these sediments influenced by strong currents,
is influenced by various factors,
including the energy of the waves,
the currents, and the nature of the
material itself. The depositional
environment of continental
 shelves is generally characterized
by gentle slopes and a relatively
calm, low-energy sea. This makes
it an ideal location for the
deposition of fine-grained
sediments. The calm conditions
allow the settling of particles
suspended in the water, leading to
the formation of sediment layers
over time. As a result, continental
shelves are often associated with
the formation of thick sedimentary
sequences.

 It is relatively flat (with a slope of

less than 0.1º), shallow (less than
200 m or 600 ft deep). It may be up
to hundreds of miles wide. The
continental shelves are exposed to
waves, tides, and currents.
b. Continental Slope/Rise  A depositional sedimentary
environment on the continental
slope and rise is a distinctive
region of the ocean floor where
various sediments accumulate due
to the interplay of geological,
oceanographic, and biological
processes. This environment is
typically found beyond the
continental shelf, where the
seafloor starts to descend into
deeper water. The continental
slope and rise are integral
components of the continental
margin, and they exhibit unique
characteristics and features.
 The depth of the continental slope Manganese Nodules:
and rise can vary significantly
depending on the location, but it
typically ranges from several
hundred meters to a few
kilometers below sea level.
 The continental slope is the
relatively steep transition zone
between the continental shelf and
the deep ocean basin. It extends
from the shelf break, where the
seafloor starts to drop off, to the
continental rise. The continental
rise is a more gentle, sloping
region that extends from the base
of the continental slope to the
abyssal plain, which is the flat,
deep-sea floor.
 Various types of sediments can
 Greywacke
 Sedimentary Rocks:
Sedimentary rocks are the
most common type of rocks
found in these areas. They are
formed by the accumulation
and compaction of sediments
over time. Examples of
sedimentary rocks found on
the continental slope and rise
include mudstone ; there are
smaller amounts of sediments
of sandstone and gravel
stones.
 Manganese nodules are
concretions of manganese and
iron oxides that form on the
seafloor over long periods.
They can be found on the
continental rise and are of
economic interest due to their
metal content.
 Coral and Biogenic Deposits:
Some areas of the continental
slope and rise may have
deposits of coral reefs and
other biogenic sediments,
composed of the remains of
marine organisms like corals,
foraminifera, and shells.
 accumulate on the continental
slope and rise, including clay, silt,
sand, and even larger debris, such
as boulders and pebbles. The
specific sediment composition can
vary depending on factors like
proximity to terrestrial sediment
sources, ocean currents, and
biological activity
C. Deep marine or abyssal  A deep marine or abyssal plain is a
plain specific type of depositional
sedimentary environment found in
the Earth's oceans. It is
characterized by its extreme depth,
typically exceeding 2,000 meters
(6,561 feet), and is considered one
of the most remote and least
explored regions of the ocean.
 These environments experience
very low energy conditions. There
are no significant waves, tides, or
currents in the abyssal plain, which
allows for the accumulation of
fine-grained sediments.
 Fine-grained sediments, such as
clay, silt, and organic particles,
slowly settle to the ocean floor in
this low-energy environment.
These sediments accumulate over
vast periods of time, creating thick
layers of sedimentary rock.
 The process of sedimentation is
exceptionally slow in the abyssal
 Chert
 Chalk
 Limestone
 Mudstone
 Basalt: In areas near mid-
ocean ridges or volcanic
activity, basaltic rocks can be
found. Basalt is an igneous
rock that forms when magma
from the mantle erupts and
cools rapidly on the ocean
floor.
 Serpentinite: In areas where
tectonic processes like
subduction occur, serpentinite
rocks can form. Serpentinite
is a metamorphic rock that
results from the alteration of
peridotite in the presence of
water, often deep beneath the
ocean floor.
 Metamorphic Rocks: In
regions with tectonic activity,
there can be metamorphic
rocks like schist, gneiss, or
blueschist that have been
plain due to the lack of strong
currents. This gradual
accumulation of sediment leads to
the formation of well-preserved,
finely laminated sedimentary
rocks.
subjected to high pressure and
temperature conditions due to
plate interactions.
 Sedimentary Rocks: These
are the most common rock
types in abyssal plains.
Sedimentary rocks form from
the accumulation of sediment
particles over long periods of
time. Common abyssal plain
sedimentary rocks include
mudstones, siltstones, and
claystones. These rocks are
often rich in organic material
and can contain microfossils.