Sedimentology is the study of sediments, including their origin, transport, and deposition. It focuses on understanding how sediments are formed from weathered rocks and organic materials, and how they accumulate in various environments such as rivers, lakes, and oceans. This field is crucial for interpreting Earth's history and the processes that shape its surface.
In addition to examining sediment types, sedimentology also investigates the structures and features formed by sedimentary processes. By analyzing these elements, scientists can reconstruct past environments and predict future geological changes, making sedimentology essential for fields like petroleum geology and environmental science.