Week 4: Erosion and Transport

Define Erosion

The removal of clast from their substrate by water, wind, or ice

What are characteristics of sediment that has been transported far and for a long time?

The grains/clast are well-rounded

The sediment is smooth

What is the relationship between transport system energy and clast size?

The more energy there is, larger clast can be moved

Ie: Fast moving water can move larger rocks compared to a still stream

How does grain/clast size compare when it’s closer or further from a transport system source?

Closer: The clast is more coarse-grained

Further; The clast is more fine-grained

What are characteristics of clast that have been transported long distances?

Well-rounded (Smoother)

Well-sorted (Clasts are organized by size)

Finer grain

What are characteristics of clast that have been transported short distances?

Angular clasts

Poorly-sorted

Coarse grain size