Clastic sedimentology

Clastic sedimentology is the study of rock materials made from fragments of pre-existing rocks or minerals that have been weathered, transported, deposited, and compacted over time. These particles, called clasts, vary in size from clay and silt to gravel and boulders. By analyzing these clasts and their layers, geologists can understand the history of Earth's surface processes, such as erosion, sediment transport, and depositional environments like rivers, lakes, or deserts. This field helps reconstruct past climates, landscapes, and geological events, contributing to our overall understanding of Earth's dynamic surface.