Fine-grained clays, silts and muds would always indicate a ____ environment.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Fine-grained particles such as clays, silts, and muds settle slowly in water and require low-energy environments to accumulate. High-energy environments, such as rivers, glaciers, and shoreline areas with strong wave action, have enough kinetic energy to keep such fine-grained sediments in suspension and prevent their deposition. Therefore, fine-grained sediments indicate a low-energy depositional environment, such as a calm lake, river floodplain, or deep marine basin. Choice C is incorrect because a shoreline environment can have variable energy, depending on wave and current conditions. Choice D is incorrect because glacial environments produce a mixture of sediments of different sizes, including coarse sand and gravel, as well as fine silt and clay. Choice E is incorrect because barrier islands are typically associated with high-energy shorelines and may have sand or shell deposits, rather than fine-grained clays and muds.

Fine-Grained Clays, Silts and Muds Would Always Indicate a ____