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(i) Land derived - This is the end product of the erosional process taking place on the surface of the earth. Gravel, sand, silt, etc., are all obtained from the land and contain precipitates of Sodium Chloride, Magnesium Carbonate, etc.

(ii) Organic - Animals and plants suck dissolved matter in water and expel the water through processes like breathing, transpiration, etc., in various ways. The bodies of animals and plants are the transformations of the dissolved matter obtained by them from water. The sediment which is obtained from the bodies of animals and plants are organic in nature. Peat and Coal are transformation of plants and contain phosphate, Iron oxides, carbonates of Magnesium and Calcium, Silica, etc.

(iii) Volcanic - The matter which erupts out of volcanoes is deposited in the form of particles, pieces, ash, etc., on the land as well as in the seas. Such a sediment contains sand, minerals, coal, etc. (iv) Magmatic - Magma mixed with hot water coming from the interior parts of the earth usually finds its way with hot springs. It is deposited on land and in seas. This type of sediment is usually found in small quantities.

(v) Meteoritic - Many meteors come close to the Earth. The friction with air burns them and the latter are oxidized in the shape of fine ash, which settles down on the Earth's surface.

Next: Sedimentary Rocks - Formation