Kerrostuminen

Kerrostuminen is a Finnish term that translates to "layering" or "stratification" in English. It broadly refers to the process of forming distinct layers, one on top of another. This phenomenon is observed in various natural and man-made contexts.

In geology, kerrostuminen describes the formation of sedimentary rocks, where particles like sand, silt, and clay are deposited in layers over time. These layers, called strata, can provide valuable information about past environments and geological events. The thickness and composition of these layers vary depending on the depositional conditions.

The concept of kerrostuminen also applies to soil science, where soil is formed in distinct horizontal layers or horizons. These horizons differ in their physical, chemical, and biological characteristics, reflecting processes like weathering, organic matter accumulation, and leaching.

Beyond geology and soil science, kerrostuminen can be used to describe the layering in other natural phenomena, such as atmospheric layers or the stratification of water bodies. In a more abstract sense, it can also refer to the way information or knowledge is built up in layers, or even social stratification. The key idea is the sequential addition of distinct units to create a composite whole.