Chemical element - Sedimentary Rocks

chemical element

Table of Contents

Introduction
General observations
Historical development of the concept of element
The atomic nature of the elements
- The structure of atoms
- The existence of isotopes
Origin of the elements
- Cosmic abundances of the elements
  - Stars and gas clouds
  - Cosmic rays
  - Solar system
  - Summary of observations
- Processes producing heavier elements
  - Reaction stages reflecting increasing temperature
    - Hydrogen burning
    - Helium burning
    - Carbon and oxygen burning
    - Silicon burning
    - Reversible nuclear reaction equilibrium
  - Neutron capture
- Regions of element synthesis
  - Element production in the universe as a whole
  - Element production in stars
  - Element production in massive objects
- Radioactive chronologies
Geochemical distribution of the elements
- Terrestrial distribution
  - The Earth’s core
  - The Earth’s mantle
  - The Earth’s crust
    - Igneous rocks
      Major components
      Elements of minor and trace abundance
    - Sedimentary rocks
    - Metamorphic rocks
    - Ore deposits
    - Mineral fuels
    - Soils
  - The hydrosphere
    - Composition of seawater
    - Circulation of water through the hydrosphere
    - Geochemical balance of seawater over time
  - The atmosphere
    - Composition
    - Geochemical history
- The geochemical cycle
  - Early history of the Earth
  - Results of magmatism, sedimentation, and metamorphism

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The decomposition of pre-existing rocks by weathering, the transportation and deposition of the weathering products as sediments, and the eventual formation of sedimentary rocks might be expected to produce a gross mixture of materials, thereby working against further geochemical differentiation of the elements. This is not the case; sedimentary processes frequently produce remarkable concentrations of the elements, leading to almost pure deposits of certain minerals. Some sandstones, e.g., contain over 99 percent quartz and some limestones over 99 percent calcium carbonate. The ultimate is reached in salt deposits, with extensive beds of anhydrite (CaSO₄), gypsum (CaSO₄ · 2H₂O), halite (NaCl), ...(100 of 18829 words)

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