
Pelagic sedimentation
Pelagic sedimentation refers to the gradual accumulation of fine particles and tiny remains of microscopic organisms settling through the water column in the open ocean. These sediments, mainly composed of clay, silt, and the shells of microscopic marine life, settle on the ocean floor over millions of years. This process helps form deep-sea sediments and contributes to the Earth's geological record. Pelagic sedimentation is influenced by factors like ocean currents, biological activity, and the age of the water, playing a crucial role in marine geology and the Earth's carbon cycle.