Week 4: Lithification

What are 2 Lithification processes?

Compaction

Cementation

Define compaction

When the weight of overlying sediments decreases the pore space

Define cementation

When fluids circulating through sediments precipitate

How are clastic rocks classified?

Clast (grain/particle) size

Mineralogy

sorting

roundness

What are clastic rocks composed of?

Clay minerals (chemical weathering product)

Quartz

Feldspar

Micas

(The above 3 are physical weathering products)

What are some important clastic rocks?

Shale

Sandstone

Conglomerate/Breccia

What are biochemical sedimentary rocks?

Classified based on mineral composition

Consists of precipitated material that was once in solution

Precipitation of minerals occur by both inorganic and organic processes

What are key biochemical sedimentary rock types?

Limestone

Dolostone

Chert

Evaporites

What are some organic sedimentary rocks?

They have high carbon content

Examples;

Coal

Oil Shale