The Earth Contents

4. Rock Cycle

There are consistent differences in the types of material found at different locations within the ocean basins

Differences in the type of mineral found at different locations arise because different sediment components have different origins. The material derived from land (or from the weathering of undersea volcanic material) is termed lithogenous. Material in marine sediments which has been derived by biogenic processes, principally the skeletons of marine organisms (usually silica and calcium carbonate) is termed biogenous. A third important component is called hydrogenous, which is material derived by inorganic precipitation from sea water, and examples include the new clay minerals formed by reaction between sea water and basalt, and also evaporite minerals.

Distribution of different types of mineral

What are lithogenous, biogenous and hydrogenous clays?