Sorting of Sediments and
Deposition
Agents of Deposition
• The agents of erosion are also agents of
deposition.
• Depositional rate depends on sediment size,
shape and density.
• Depositional rate also depends on
characteristics of the depositional agent.
Agents of Deposition
• -
Settling Rate Vs. Velocity
Settling Rate
• -
Velocity
Settling Rate Vs. Density
Settling Rate
• -
Density
Settling Time Vs. Rate
Settling Rate
• -
Settling Time
Horizontal Sorting
As the stream enters the lake or an
ocean, the stream velocity decreases
and sediments are deposited.
Lake
-
Vertical Sorting
Region of maximum stream velocity changes when
streams bend or turn. There is an interface between
regions of erosion and deposition…
Vertical Sorting
Boulders
Vertical Sorting
•-
•Vertical sorting can occur as a single depositional
event in still water or a series of events as when a
stream’s velocity decreases through the seasons
allowing particles to settle in a Vertical Sorting
Latest layer
Later layer
Earliest layer
Vertical Sorting
Deltas
-
Named for the
Greek letter
Mississippi Delta
• Sediment-laden
river water mixes
with cold, deepsea currents,
creating a
nutrient rich zone
where both salt
and freshwater
fish flourish.
Deposition by other agents of erosion
• Wind-• -
Crossbeds in a Sand Dune
Unsorted Sediments
• -
• -
Final Question
• What are the factors that affect the settling
rates of sediments?
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