Clastic vs Chemical Sedimentary Rocks and Carbonate Sedimentation

These flashcards cover key definitions and concepts related to sedimentary rocks, specifically clastic versus chemical sedimentary rocks, carbonate sedimentation, and various classifications of sedimentary environments.

Clastic Sedimentary Rocks

Rocks formed from pieces left over from physical weathering of other rocks.

Chemical Sedimentary Rocks

Rocks that originate from chemical weathering and are precipitated from dissolved materials.

Carbonates

Compounds containing the carbonate ion, such as CaCO3, primarily found in limestone.

Evaporites

Minerals that form from the evaporation of seawater, resulting in salts.

Basin Model

A geological model indicative of cool water environments where sediments are deposited.

Carbonate Bank Model

A geological framework for tropical environments where carbonate sediments from biological organisms thrive.

Limestone

A sedimentary rock composed mainly of calcite or aragonite.

Dolostone

A type of carbonate rock originally similar to limestone but altered to contain magnesium.

Facies

Distinctive environmental conditions represented by a specific body of rock.

Ooid

A small, spherical sedimentary particle formed in shallow marine water.

Packstone

A carbonate rock texture where grains are supported by a matrix.

Grainstone

A type of rock that is grain-supported with little to no matrix.

Travertine

A type of sedimentary rock formed by the precipitation of calcium carbonate from groundwater.

Caliche

A sedimentary rock formed from calcium carbonate precipitating in arid environments.

Reef Facies

Sedimentary features that depict environments supportive of reef ecosystems.