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Color Interpretations
From Sedimentary Rocks  Some broad interpretations may be made from a rock's color. Red colors mean well oxygenated environments, such as river channels, some flood plains, and very shallow marine. Green colors mean an environment low in, or lacking, oxygen, often associated with marine environments. Dark gray to black colors mean anoxic conditions, which may mean deep water, but could also be a swamp environment. The conclusion is, environmental interpretations can only be made in relation to the other evidence present with the rock. When and how these colors originate in sedimentary rocks has been in long debate but many of the colors are digenetic. Thus, environmental interpretations from color must always be viewed suspiciously. Use color with caution in making interpretations, and check its conclusions with independent evidence. |