science - richard, Wednesday, September 26, 2007 at 8:58pm
how are organic and clastic rocks the same
Since this is not my area of expertise, I searched Google under the key words "organic clastic rocks" to get these possible sources:
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http://geology.about.com/cs/basics_roxmin/a/aa011804b.htm
http://science.jrank.org/pages/6055/Sedimentary-Rock.html
In the future, you can find the information you desire more quickly, if you use appropriate key words to do your own search.
I hope this helps. Thanks for asking.
Organic rocks and clastic rocks are both types of sedimentary rocks, but they differ in their composition and formation processes.
1. Organic rocks: These rocks are formed from the remains of once-living organisms, such as plants and animals. Over time, the organic material gets compressed and undergoes chemical changes, leading to the formation of organic rocks. Examples of organic rocks include coal, limestone, and chalk.
2. Clastic rocks: Clastic rocks are formed from the accumulation of loose particles or sediments. These particles can be of various sizes, ranging from clay and silt to sand and gravel. The sediment is transported by wind, water, or ice and eventually gets deposited in layers. Over time, with the pressure of overlying sediments, these layers compact and cement together to form clastic rocks. Examples of clastic rocks include sandstone, shale, and conglomerate.
Despite these differences, organic and clastic rocks share certain similarities:
1. Sedimentary origin: Both types of rocks are formed through the process of sedimentation, where loose particles accumulate and undergo lithification, transforming into solid rocks.
2. Layered structure: Both organic and clastic rocks often show a distinct layering or bedding structure. This is a result of the sequential deposition and compaction of sediment particles.
3. Porosity: Both types of rocks can have varying degrees of porosity, allowing for the movement and storage of fluids like water or hydrocarbons.
4. Environmental indicators: Both organic and clastic rocks provide valuable information about past environments. Organic rocks, such as coal and limestone, can reveal the existence of ancient swampy or marine environments. Similarly, clastic rocks can provide clues about past depositional environments, such as deserts, rivers, or oceans.
To summarize, while organic and clastic rocks differ in their composition and formation processes, they share similarities such as sedimentary origin, layering, porosity, and their ability to act as indicators of past environments.