Fossils and Sedimentary Rock Formation

Flashcards covering fossilization processes, sedimentary rock formation steps, and favorable conditions for fossil preservation.

Replacement Process

A fossilization process during which original shell or bone minerals slowly dissolve in groundwater while dissolved inorganic minerals infiltrate and fill the resulting microscopic spaces.

Fossil Replica (Replacement)

A fossil replica formed during replacement that preserves internal details using entirely new rock minerals.

Carbonization Process

A fossilization process where extreme sediment pressure drives off liquid and gaseous elements, leaving a thin carbon film that preserves delicate organic outlines.

Compression Process

A carbonization process through which leaves and insects commonly retain high surface detail.

Permineralization Process

A fossilization process where groundwater carrying dissolved minerals percolates through porous organic tissue spaces, and deposited minerals fill open cavities and harden.

Petrified Structures

Durable structures such as bone and wood preserved during permineralization without altering their original form.

Weathering

The first step of sedimentary rock formation in which rocks are broken down into smaller particles.

Erosion

The step of sedimentary rock formation in which sediments are removed from their original location.

Transportation

The step of sedimentary rock formation in which sediments are carried by water, wind, ice, or gravity.

Deposition

The step of sedimentary rock formation in which sediments settle and accumulate in layers.

Compaction & Cementation

The step of sedimentary rock formation in which sediments are pressed together and glued by minerals.

Sedimentary Rock

A solid rock that forms from compacted and cemented sediments.

Order of Sedimentary Rock Formation

The sequential order: Weathering → Erosion → Transportation → Deposition → Compaction & Cementation → Sedimentary Rock.

Rapid Burial

A favorable preservation condition where an exceptionally rapid burial prevents scavengers from consuming or breaking decaying remains.

Shielding Remains

A favorable preservation condition that reduces decay exposure caused by atmospheric oxygen and bacterial activity.