CLASTIC ROCK Meaning and
Definition
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Clastic rock refers to a type of sedimentary rock that is composed of fragments, or clasts, of pre-existing rocks or minerals. These clasts are typically transported and deposited by natural forces such as water, wind, or ice, and are eventually compacted and cemented together to form the rock. Clastic rocks are characterized by their heterogeneous nature, with varying sizes and shapes of clasts embedded within a matrix.
The clasts found in clastic rocks can range in size from microscopic particles to pebbles, cobbles, or even boulders. They derive from a variety of source rocks, including igneous, metamorphic, and other sedimentary rocks. The composition and texture of clastic rocks depend on factors such as the types of clasts present, the environment of deposition, and the degree of transportation and weathering.
Various types of clastic rock exist based on the size of their clasts and the nature of their matrix. For instance, conglomerate is a coarse-grained clastic rock with rounded clasts that are typically larger than 2 millimeters. Sandstone, on the other hand, comprises sand-sized clasts and has a gritty texture. Finally, shale is a fine-grained clastic rock consisting of silt- or clay-sized particles, often exhibiting a fissile or laminated structure.
Clastic rocks occur abundantly throughout the Earth's surface and provide valuable clues about past environments and geological processes. Geologists study these rocks to understand the history of sediment deposition, as well as to identify potential energy resources, such as oil, gas, or coal, that may be trapped within their layers.
Common Misspellings for CLASTIC ROCK
- xlastic rock
- vlastic rock
- flastic rock
- dlastic rock
- ckastic rock
- cpastic rock
- coastic rock
- clzstic rock
- clsstic rock
- clwstic rock
- clqstic rock
- claatic rock
- claztic rock
- claxtic rock
- cladtic rock
- claetic rock
- clawtic rock
- clasric rock
- clasfic rock
- clasgic rock
Etymology of CLASTIC ROCK
The word "clastic" comes from the Greek word "klastos", which means "broken" or "fragmented". It is derived from the verb "klaō", meaning "to break". "Rock" is a term of Germanic origin. When combined, "clastic rock" refers to a type of sedimentary rock composed of fragments or particles that have been broken or eroded from pre-existing rocks.
Similar spelling word for CLASTIC ROCK
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