Ocean Sediments

 

Topic outline:

1. Classification of Sediments
   1. Source
   2. Terrigenous
   3. Biogenous
   4. Hydrogenous
   5. Cosmogenous
2. Distribution of Marine Sediments
   1. Neritic – near shore
   2. Pelagic – deep ocean
      1. Carbonate Compensation Depth (CCD)

 

Fun places to visit:

Marine sediments: http://www.clas.ufl.edu/users/gmead/ocbasins/marseds.htm

 

Another sediment site: http://www-class.unl.edu/geol109/sediment.htm

 

When you are finished with this topic, you should be able to answer these questions:

1. What is the calcium carbonate compensation depth?
2. What sediment type is greatest in volume and quantity?
3. What sediment type is most widespread in distribution?
4. Why is calcium carbonate ooze absent from the deep sea floor?