Sedimenttyper

Sedimenttyper is a framework used in sedimentology to classify sediments by dominant characteristics, supporting interpretation of depositional processes and stratigraphic correlation. The term is used in Scandinavian geology and may appear in English-language discussions as "sediment type" typology.

Classification is usually based on grain size and texture, mineral composition, cementation or lithification state, fossil content, and sedimentary structures. Common categories include clastic or detrital sediments (such as sandstone, siltstone, and claystone), carbonate sediments (limestones, dolostones), chemical or evaporitic sediments (evaporites, cherts), and organic or biogenic sediments (peat, coal, cheniers).

In practice, sedimenttyper informs interpretations of depositional environments (river, delta, lake, coastal, deep-marine), diagenetic history, and reservoir or aquifer properties. It supports stratigraphic correlation and geotechnical assessments in civil engineering and resource exploration.

Determination combines field description, grain-size analysis, petrography, mineralogical assays, and sometimes geochemical data. Modifications over time due to diagenesis or metamorphism should be considered when assigning sediment type.

Limitations include subjectivity in category boundaries, overlap among types, and post-depositional alteration that can mask original features.