Classification of Ocean Floor Sediment

1. By Chemical Composition

1.1. Inorganic

1.1.1. Sand & rock particles from turbidity currents

1.1.2. Volcanic ash

1.1.3. Iceberg sedimentary load

1.1.4. Meteorite dust shower

1.2. Biogenic

1.2.1. Silica (from diatoms & radiolarians)

1.2.2. Calcium Carbonate (from foraminiferans)

1.3. Chemical

1.3.1. Nodules

1.3.2. Phosphorites

2. By Origin of Sediment

2.1. Terrigenous (originating from land)

2.2. Pelagic

2.2.1. Clay

2.2.2. Marine products & remains

2.3. Hydrogenous (mineral deposits)

3. By Physical Characteristics

3.1. Mud (silt- and clay-sized particles)

3.1.1. Red Clay

3.2. Ooze

3.2.1. Calcereous

3.2.2. Siliceous