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Chapter 6: Problem 11

Name two important terrestrial depositional environments and two important marine ones.

Short Answer

Expert verified
Two important terrestrial depositional environments are alluvial fans and eolian sand dunes. Alluvial fans are cone-shaped deposits of sediments found at the base of mountain ranges, while eolian sand dunes are formed by the deposition of sand particles carried by the wind. Two important marine depositional environments are coral reefs and deep-sea fans. Coral reefs are formed by the limestone skeletons of corals in warm, shallow seas, and deep-sea fans are formed by sediments deposited at the mouth of submarine canyons in the deep ocean basins.

Step by step solution

01

Terrestrial Depositional Environment 1

Alluvial fans: An alluvial fan is a cone-shaped deposit of sediments, including gravel, sand, and mud, formed where a stream or river spills out of a mountain range and onto a flatter area. The sediments are transported by the flow of water and deposition occurs when the flow loses its energy and drops the sediments. Alluvial fans are typically found at the base of mountain ranges.
02

Terrestrial Depositional Environment 2

Eolian sand dunes: Eolian sand dunes are formed by the deposition of sand particles carried by the wind. When the wind encounters an obstacle or there is a change in wind speed or direction, the sand particles are deposited. The resulting depositional environment is characterized by sand dunes with distinct shapes based on the wind patterns.
03

Marine Depositional Environment 1

Coral reefs: Coral reefs are marine depositional environments formed by the limestone skeletons of tiny marine animals called corals. As these corals grow and die, their skeletons accumulate and, over time, become cemented together with other sediments to form limestone reefs. Coral reefs are found in warm, shallow, tropical and subtropical seas.
04

Marine Depositional Environment 2

Deep-sea fans: Deep-sea fans are depositional environments formed at the mouth of submarine canyons (deep channels in the ocean floor) where sediments transported by turbidity currents are deposited. Turbidity currents are fast-moving, sediment-laden water flows driven by gravity. When these currents reach the base of the submarine canyon, they slow down and deposit the sediments, forming a fan-shaped deposit. Deep-sea fans are found in the deep ocean basins.

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