What type of sediments might indicate a high-energy depositional environment?

Sandy sediments are indicative of a high-energy depositional environment due to their formation under conditions where the energy is sufficient to transport larger particles. In environments with high-energy, such as beaches, river mouths, and storm-influenced areas, sediment is continuously disturbed and deposited. Sandy sediments signify that the movements of water or wind are strong enough to carry and settle grains of sand, which are larger than clay or silt.

The presence of sandy sediments suggests active processes, like strong currents or wave action, that facilitate the transport of these coarser materials. In contrast, clay-rich, organic-rich, or silty sediments are generally associated with lower-energy environments, where fine particles settle slowly and do not require strong forces for deposition. This correlation between sediment type and energy level aids geologists and oceanographers in interpreting past environmental conditions and understanding current ocean dynamics.