Chapter 5, Problem 1RQ

To determine

The kind of nonmarine sedimentary deposits that reflects arid environmental conditions.

Answer to Problem 1RQ

The nonmarine environments that reflect the arid environments are sand dunes and evaporites.

Explanation of Solution

Evaporites and sand dunes reflect the arid environment. These are explained as follows:

(i) Sand dunes: Sand dunes comprise the nonmarine sedimentary deposits that reflect the arid environment. Desert soil consists of very less organic matter and support little vegetation. The occasional rainfall leads to soil erosion and deposition of sediments. These sediments contain mineral from the weathering of arid and desert basins. The sand present in this area is blown by the wind and deposited in the form of a sand dune.

(ii) Evaporite: The evaporites also constitute nonmarine sedimentary deposits. In the arid environment, sediment becomes deposited by weathering of arid basins. The precipitation of these sediments and minerals form the crystal-like deposits. Such deposits are not able to evaporate or absorbed into the soil. These deposits are capable to reach the ocean with rainfall and drainage.