Deep-Sea Sediments
Deep-sea sediments are materials that accumulate on the ocean floor, primarily composed of organic matter, minerals, and particles from land. These sediments can be classified into three main types: terrigenous (from land), biogenic (from marine organisms), and hydrogenous (from chemical processes). They play a crucial role in the ocean's ecosystem, providing habitats for various marine life.
The study of deep-sea sediments helps scientists understand Earth's history, climate changes, and oceanic processes. Sediment cores, which are cylindrical samples taken from the ocean floor, reveal information about past environments and can indicate changes in climate over millions of years.