Ocean Sediments

Front

What is ocean sediment?

Back

Ocean sediment refers to particles of organic and inorganic material that settle on the ocean floor. They can include sand, silt, clay, and biological debris.

Front

What are the main types of ocean sediments?

Back

The main types of ocean sediments are terrigenous (from land), biogenous (from organisms), hydrogenous (from chemical reactions), and cosmogenous (from space).

Front

What is biogenous ooze?

Back

Biogenous ooze is a type of sediment that is composed primarily of the remains of marine organisms, such as shells and skeletons.

Front

Which sediment type has the largest particle size?

Back

Gravel has the largest particle size among common sediment types.

Front

What is the smallest grain size in sediments?

Back

Clay has the smallest grain size among common sediment types.

Front

How does particle size affect sediment transport?

Back

Smaller particles, like silt, can be transported farther by water currents than larger particles, like sand.

Front

What is the primary source of beach sand?

Back

Most beach sand comes from the erosion of rocks and minerals found inland.

Front

True or False: Most of the sea floor is covered in sand.

Back

False, because there is mostly biogenous ooze on the deep sea floor.

Front

What is the difference between sand and silt?

Back

Sand has larger particles than silt, which allows sand to settle more quickly and not travel as far in water.

Front

What role do ocean currents play in sediment distribution?

Back

Ocean currents help transport sediments from one location to another, influencing where different types of sediments accumulate.