Classification of Ocean Floor Sediment

1. By Origin of Sediment

1.1. Terrigenous (originating from land)

1.2. Pelagic

1.2.1. Clay

1.2.2. Marine products & remains

1.3. Hydrogenous (mineral deposits)

2. By Physical Characteristics

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

2.1.1. Red Clay

2.2. Ooze

2.2.1. Calcereous

2.2.2. Siliceous

3. By Chemical Composition

3.1. Inorganic

3.1.1. Sand & rock particles from turbidity currents

3.1.2. Volcanic ash

3.1.3. Iceberg sedimentary load

3.1.4. Meteorite dust shower

3.2. Biogenic

3.2.1. Silica (from diatoms & radiolarians)

3.2.2. Calcium Carbonate (from foraminiferans)

3.3. Chemical

3.3.1. Nodules

3.3.2. Phosphorites