Sedimentology 101

On a turquoise sea

Back to a favourite topic of mine - geology! I must have rocks in my head *lol*

Sedimentary rocks are like tree rings; the variation in the sediments indicates differing sea conditions in which they were laid down. Finer sediments are laid down in deeper water because they remain in suspension longer during transportation. Coarser grains can't be transported very far before they settle out of the water column. Therefore, coarser rocks indicate deposition near shore in shallow seas. Finer grained rocks are indicative of deposition farther off shore in deeper water.

Sedimentary rocks are laid down in "beds". A change in grain size results in different beds that can be seen in the sedimentary strata. Every change in appearance means either a change in sea level or uplifting/subsidence of the land.

Its part of the paddling environment that I particularly enjoy and I like to know something about it.

Will I or won't I?

The lines of the sedimentary beds here draw the eye through the tunnel and to the focal point at the end.

The far end looks inviting but rocks were exposed in the floor of the tunnel at the time we were here so we didn't go in. A higher sea level would make it possible.

Optical illusion

A small cave eaten into the cliff makes it look like the rocks have been contorted. The sedimentary rocks of Bell Island had suffered very little deformation since they were laid down some 440 million years ago.