clastic rock
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Definition
- Noun:
- (Geology) A rock composed of broken pieces of older rocks: A clastic rock is a type of sedimentary rock formed from the accumulation and lithification (cementing together) of fragments derived from pre-existing rocks or minerals. These fragments, called clasts, are transported by agents like water, wind, or ice before being deposited and compacted.
Examples of Usage
- Noun:
- Sandstone is a common clastic rock formed from cemented sand grains.
- The canyon walls revealed layers of various clastic rocks, telling a story of ancient erosion and deposition.
- To identify a clastic rock, geologists examine the size, shape, and composition of its constituent particles.
Advanced Usage
- "Clastic" as an adjective: The term "clastic" itself is an adjective describing rocks or sediments composed of fragments. It is often used in geological descriptions.
- The sedimentary basin is filled with clastic material ranging from fine mud to coarse gravel.
Variants and Related Words
- Clast (n): An individual fragment or grain that makes up a clastic rock.
- A conglomerate is a clastic rock containing large, rounded clasts.
- Clastic Sediment (n): Unconsolidated, loose fragments before they become rock.
- Rivers carry clastic sediment downstream to the delta.
Synonyms
- Detrital rock: A synonym often used interchangeably with clastic rock, emphasizing the rock is made of detritus (worn-out fragments).
- Fragmental rock: A descriptive synonym highlighting the rock's composition of fragments.
Related Phrases
- Clastic texture: The physical appearance of a rock defined by its clasts.
- The clastic texture of the sandstone indicated it was deposited by fast-moving water.
- Clastic sequence: A series of layered clastic rocks.
- The drill core sampled a thick clastic sequence from the Mesozoic era.
Noun
- (geology) a rock composed of broken pieces of older rocks