Classification of Marine Sediments

Abstract

Most of the marine sediments in the continental margin are derived from terrestrial sources, but vast areas of the sea floor are covered with sediments that are unique to the ocean environment. A knowledge of the origin and composition of these sediments is very important for their classification. A new classification system is proposed for marine sediments based on the principles of soil mechanics and geology. The system can be used as an auxiliary to the unified classification system. Marine sediments are divided into three major groups: terrigenous; biogenous; and hydrogenous. Each group is then subdivided into various subgroups. The classification system incorporates new symbols, consistent with those of the unified system, for all marine sediments. A classification chart is provided, and numerous examples are cited to illustrate the application of the system.