The Earth Contents

4. Rock Cycle

Quite striking patterns emerge when marine sediments at different locations are examined

Marine sediment patterns reflect the complex interplay between the rates at which lithogenous material is supplied from the continents, compared to the rates at which either biogenous or hydrogenous materials can be generated in situ. It is often the case that lithogenous material predominates simply because it overwhelms the other sources and, only when lithogenous supply is suppressed (in areas remote from land supply), can the other sediment types predominate.

Quite striking patterns emerge when marine sediments at different locations are examined

Why are there striking patterns in marine sediments?