Evaporites are a type of sedimentary rock formed from the evaporation of water, typically in arid environments. As water evaporates, it leaves behind minerals such as halite and gypsum, which crystallize and accumulate over time. These deposits can provide valuable insights into past climatic conditions and the geological history of an area.
The formation of evaporites often occurs in closed basins where water can only exit through evaporation. This process leads to the concentration of dissolved minerals, creating thick layers of evaporite deposits. Such formations are significant in the study of paleoenvironments and can also be important resources for various industries, including mining and petroleum extraction.