Clasificación general y nomenclatura de los depósitos y las rocas sedimentarias, una revisión

A new general and genetic classification is proposed that can be applied to sedimentary deposits and rocks (sedimentites), in six main groups depending on the processes that originate them, this classification seeks the standardization and systematization of the criteria and the most used terms, and proposes some new terms: (1) detrital sedimentites formed by fragmentation of rocks “in situ”; (2) clastic sedimentites formed by erosion, transport and sedimentation of solid materials; (3) biogenic sedimentites formed by biological productivity and activity “in situ”; (4) chemical sedimentites formed by crystal precipitation from solutions “in situ” within the basin; (5) mixed sedimentites, those formed by mixed sedimentary processes, e.g., biogenic accumulation and clastic sedimentation, among others; and (6) diagenetic modification-transformation sedimentites, entities formed “in situ” by compaction- reorganization, alteration-transformation, dissolution-collapse, precipitation-cementation, crushing and grinding, or deformation-remobilization processes. Additionally, a new compositional-mineralogical classification of the sedimentites in eleven groups are proposed: silicate; carbonate; phosphate; iron, manganese, aluminum and titanium oxides and hydroxides; sulfate and salts; organic rich; nitrate; sulphide; borate; native rich (metals and the non-metals); and mixed. This systematization offers the advantage of allowing a better and easier sequencing of the classification of the sedimentites and facilitates the improvement in the teaching and learning processes. This systematization offers the advantage of allowing a better and easier sequencing of the classification of sedimentary deposits and rocks and facilitates the improvement in the teaching and learning processes.