Discuss why the analysis of sedimentary environments is important in the study of historical geology. Provide some

examples of how sedimentary rocks can indicate specific environments of deposition. Fill in the blank(s) with the appropriate word(s).


Sedimentary rocks preserve evidence of the surface processes responsible for deposition.
Many sedimentary rocks contain fossils that represent animals that only lived in specific
environments. Geologists use the compositions, textures, and structures of sedimentary rocks
to reconstruct these past environments, which in turn, can help predict future events. A good
example of a sedimentary structure that can be used in environmental determination is the
graded bed. These beds commonly are formed by turbidity currents in relatively deep water.

Environmental & Atmospheric Sciences

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Oil is denser than the surrounding sediments, so it is unable to migrate toward the surface from its source rock

a. True b. False

Environmental & Atmospheric Sciences

Tropical savanna is being converted to ________ biome because of overgrazing, loss of grasses and erosion

A) tropical rain forest B) desert C) taiga D) tundra E) paramo

Environmental & Atmospheric Sciences

Which of the following has a negative effect on radiative forcing?

A) Methane B) Nitrous oxide C) Sulfate aerosols D) Carbon dioxide

Environmental & Atmospheric Sciences

By definition, the porosity of rocks/sediments consists of pore spaces between particles/grains. Indicate whether the statement is true or false

Environmental & Atmospheric Sciences