encrustáció

Encrustáció is a term used in geology and paleontology to describe the process where a mineral substance or organism cements sediment particles together, or where a solid deposit forms on a surface. In geology, encrustation often refers to the formation of mineral layers, such as calcite or silica, on the surface of rocks or within pores. This process can contribute to the lithification of sediments, turning loose particles into solid rock over geological time. It can also play a role in the formation of specific rock types like oolitic limestone, where concentric layers of calcite build up around a nucleus.

In paleontology, encrustation describes organisms that grow on the surface of hard substrates, such as shells, rocks, or even other living organisms. Common examples include bryozoans, serpulid worms, and barnacles, which attach themselves to a surface and build their calcareous skeletons. Fossilized encrustations are valuable for understanding past environments and the ecological interactions that occurred. They can reveal information about substrate availability, water clarity, and the presence of specific animal communities. The study of encrustations helps reconstruct paleoenvironments and trace evolutionary lineages.