Regranulaat

Regranulaat is a term used in the field of geology and sedimentology to describe a type of sedimentary rock or sediment that has undergone a process of reworking and reconsolidation. This process typically occurs in environments where sediments are repeatedly deposited, eroded, and redeposited, such as in coastal areas, river deltas, or alluvial plains. Regranulation can alter the original characteristics of the sediment, such as its grain size, sorting, and composition, by subjecting it to mechanical and chemical processes.

The regranulation process can involve several mechanisms, including abrasion, sorting, and the dissolution and precipitation of minerals. Abrasion, for example, can break down larger grains into smaller ones, while sorting can separate grains based on their size and density. Chemical processes, such as the dissolution of certain minerals and the precipitation of others, can also alter the composition of the sediment.

Regranulated sediments often exhibit distinctive features, such as a higher degree of sorting, a more uniform grain size, and a different mineral composition compared to the original sediment. These characteristics can provide valuable information about the depositional environment and the history of sediment reworking.

Regranulation is an important process in understanding the evolution of sedimentary basins and the formation of sedimentary rocks. By studying regranulated sediments, geologists can gain insights into the dynamics of sediment transport, deposition, and erosion, as well as the geological history of a particular area.