PRINCIPLES OF SEDIMENTOLOGY

What is Sedimentology

Definition:
Sedimentology is the science which deals with the study of
sedimentary processes i.e., production, composition,
transportation deposition and lithification (transformation to
rock) of sediments.
This discipline is concerned with the physical and chemical
properties of sedimentary rocks and the processes involved in
their formation

What is sediment and what comes from sediments?

It is a rock fragment which is broken down by the processes of
weathering and erosion and is subsequently settle down and
accumulate, typically in layers, after being transported by the
action of water, wind, ice, or precipitating out of solution in
water.
Consequently, sediment is converted in to sedimentary rock.

What is Sedimentary Rock?

Sedimentary rocks are those formed from the compaction and
cementation of fragments of pre-existing rocks called clasts, or
plant and animals remains. The exogenic processes of
weathering and erosion create the raw materials for sedimentary
rocks. It forms at, or very near, the Earth's surface where rocks
particles transported by wind, water and ice are deposited on dry
land, on the beds of rivers and lakes and in marine
environments: beaches, deltas and the sea.

Importance of sedimentary rocks

By volume, sedimentary rocks are only 5% of the Earth’s outer
15 km. Sedimentary rocks constitute 75% of the rocks
EXPOSED at the Earth’s land surface. Sedimentary rocks are
deposited in strata that form a structure called bedding.
Sedimentary rocks are the principal source of
1.Coal, oil and natural gas
2. Iron and aluminum ore
3. Building material etc
4. Underground freshwater
5. Provide a record of past geologic environments and life.