Primary Classification

Textural Features

Sedimentary Structures

Fossil Content

CONTINENTAL ZONE TRANSITIONAL ZONE PLATFORM MARINE ZONE A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R Sea Level +200m +100m +20m 0m -200m >-2000m

Complete Environmental Sequence:

  • A - Proximal Volcanic (+200m to +150m): Lava flows, pyroclastic deposits, volcanic breccias
  • B - Distal Volcanic (+150m to +100m): Ash falls, tuffs, reworked volcanic sediments
  • C - Fluvial (+100m to +50m): River deposits, channel sands, flood plain muds
  • D - Sabkha (+50m to +20m): Evaporite deposits, mudcracks, algal mats
  • E - Swamp (+30m to +10m): Plant remains, coal formation, organic-rich sediments
  • F - Peat Bog (+20m to +5m): Organic accumulation, plant debris, acidic conditions
  • G - Playa Lake (+15m to 0m): Evaporites, mudcracks, salt crystal casts
  • H - Lagoon (+5m to -5m): Restricted circulation, fine sediments, limited fauna
  • I - Tidal Flat (+2m to -2m): Bidirectional currents, mudcracks, algal mats
  • J - Beach (0m): Wave-reworked sands, shell fragments, barrier islands
  • K - Reef (-5m to -50m): Framework carbonates, bioherms, reef debris
  • L - Deltaic (-2m to -30m): Distributary channels, mouth bars, prodelta muds
  • M - Carbonate Platform (-20m to -100m): Oolites, bioclasts, carbonate muds
  • N - Transitional Marine (-30m to -150m): Mixed sediments, variable energy conditions
  • O - Mixed Carbonate-Clastic Shelf (-50m to -200m): Interbedded carbonates and clastics
  • P - Shallow Marine (-100m to -200m): Mixed deposits, storm beds, bioturbation
  • Q - Deep Basin (-200m to -1000m): Evaporites, anoxic conditions, limited fossils
  • R - Deep Marine (-200m to >-2000m): Hemipelagic muds, turbidites, pelagic ooze