Sedimentary environments refer to specific locations or settings where sediment deposition occurs. These environments can be classified based on various factors such as the source of sediment, energy of the depositional system, and the nature of the sedimentary processes involved. The syllabus covers several specific sedimentary environments and their characteristics.


- Fluvial environments are associated with river systems and are characterized by the deposition of sediments transported by rivers.
- They typically exhibit a wide range of sediment sizes, from large boulders to fine silt and clay.
- Fluvial environments often display cross-bedding, channel structures, and meandering patterns.


- Lacustrine environments are associated with lakes and are characterized by the deposition of sediments in a stagnant water body.
- These environments often exhibit fine-grained sediments such as clay and silt, with occasional coarser deposits near inflow areas.
- Lacustrine sediments may show laminations and varves, which are annual layers of sediment deposition.


- Marine environments are associated with oceans and seas and are characterized by the deposition of sediments in a marine setting.
- Sediments in marine environments can vary greatly depending on the proximity to the shoreline and the energy of the waves and currents.
- Nearshore marine environments typically exhibit sand and gravel deposits, while offshore environments are characterized by fine-grained sediments such as mud and silt.


- Deltaic environments occur at the mouth of rivers where sediments are deposited as the river enters a standing body of water.
- These environments often show a mixture of fluvial, lacustrine, and marine characteristics.
- Deltaic sediments typically consist of coarse-grained deposits near the river mouth, transitioning to finer-grained sediments further away.


- Glacial environments are associated with glaciers and are characterized by the deposition of sediments carried and deposited by glaciers.
- Glacial sediments can vary in size from large boulders to fine-grained clay.
- Glacial environments often exhibit distinctive landforms such as moraines, drumlins, and erratic boulders.


- Eolian environments are associated with wind and are characterized by the deposition of sediments transported and deposited by wind.
- Eolian sediments are typically well-sorted and consist of sand-sized particles.
- These environments often exhibit features such as sand dunes and loess deposits.


The syllabus includes various sedimentary environments and their characteristics. These environments provide valuable insights into the processes and conditions under which sediments are deposited. Understanding these environments is crucial for interpreting the geological history and reconstructing past environments.