Full View

Contents of 5.6 How do sedimentary rocks reveal ancient environments?

5.6 How do sedimentary rocks reveal ancient environments?

• Different sedimentary rock types indicate the physical and chemical processes active in the depositional environment.
• Sedimentary structures reveal aspects of physical processes such as current direction and energy.
• Changes in environment or processes produce boundaries between sedimentary layers. Observation of their vertical succession allows for interpretation of environmental change over time.