Well-sorted and well-rounded sand grains indicate that sediment a) Ca...
Sediment maturity refers to the length of time that the sediment has been in the sedimentary cycle. Texturally mature sediment is sediment that is well rounded (as rounding increases with transport distance and time) and well sorted (as sorting gets better as larger clasts are left behind and smaller clasts are carried away). If the fragments are angular, it indicates that they have not been transported very far and the sediment is poorly sorted.
Well-sorted and well-rounded sand grains indicate that sediment a) Ca...
Understanding Well-Sorted and Well-Rounded Sand Grains
Well-sorted and well-rounded sand grains provide significant insights into the sediment's transportation history and source.
Characteristics of Well-Sorted Sand
- Uniform Size: Well-sorted sand grains are similar in size, suggesting that they have undergone a consistent process of sorting, likely during transport.
- Indication of Energy: The uniformity in grain size indicates that the sediment was subjected to a consistent energy level, often found in environments with strong currents or waves.
Characteristics of Well-Rounded Sand
- Erosion and Transport: Well-rounded grains have been weathered and eroded over time, indicating extensive transport. The rounding process occurs as grains collide with each other and with other materials, smoothing their edges.
- Distance from Source: The more rounded and sorted the grains are, the further they have traveled from their source. This is because the process of rounding takes time and distance.
Why Option C is Correct
- Transportation from Distant Source: The combination of well-sorted and well-rounded grains strongly suggests that the sediment has traveled from a distant source area. The grains have likely been subjected to various environmental forces, such as water or wind, over a prolonged period.
- Comparison with Other Options:
- Option A (nearby source) is unlikely, as nearby sources usually yield poorly sorted grains.
- Option B (deposited at the location) does not align with the characteristics of well-rounded grains.
- Option D (not influenced by weathering) contradicts the very nature of well-rounded grains, which have been significantly weathered.
In summary, the evidence of well-sorted and well-rounded sand grains indicates they have traveled from a distant area, making option C the correct answer.