Cosmogenous sediments come from outer space and have extraterrestrial sources, such as the remains from the impact of large bodies of space material like comets and asteroids. This type of sediment is rarely found by scientists and is the most insignificantly important one.
Origin, Composition and Distribution
The two different types are microscopic spherules and macroscopic meteor debris. Microscopic spherules are made of silicate rock material and were once formed by extraterrestrial impact events that released molten pieces of crust called tektites into space. Other spherules of iron and nickel were created in the asteroid belt and rains down on Earth's surface as part of space dust or micrometeorites. Space dust that falls in oceans eventually dissolves. Meteorite material is referred to as chondrites when consisting of silicate rock material and irons when consisting of iron and nickel.
Cosmogenous sediments are mainly located near meteor impact structures or can be found in small amounts mixed with a variety of sediments in all kinds of marine environments.
Origin, Composition and Distribution
The two different types are microscopic spherules and macroscopic meteor debris. Microscopic spherules are made of silicate rock material and were once formed by extraterrestrial impact events that released molten pieces of crust called tektites into space. Other spherules of iron and nickel were created in the asteroid belt and rains down on Earth's surface as part of space dust or micrometeorites. Space dust that falls in oceans eventually dissolves. Meteorite material is referred to as chondrites when consisting of silicate rock material and irons when consisting of iron and nickel.
Cosmogenous sediments are mainly located near meteor impact structures or can be found in small amounts mixed with a variety of sediments in all kinds of marine environments.