depositional environment

A depositional environment is a natural setting where sediments like sand, mud, and gravel settle and accumulate over time, forming layers that may become rocks. These environments are shaped by factors such as water, wind, or ice, and include rivers, lakes, deserts, oceans, and deltas. The conditions of each environment determine the types of sediments deposited and their arrangement, which can reveal important clues about Earth's history and past climates. Understanding depositional environments helps geologists interpret the origin and formation of sedimentary rocks found in the Earth's crust.