Evaporite sedimentary rocks form when minerals precipitate from a saline brine created by evaporation. Evaporites are composed of a variety of minerals, but gypsum, anhydrite, halite, K and Mg salts ...Evaporite sedimentary rocks form when minerals precipitate from a saline brine created by evaporation. Evaporites are composed of a variety of minerals, but gypsum, anhydrite, halite, K and Mg salts are the most abundant. Evaporite minerals form in a predictable sequence related to brine chemistry. Thick evaporite deposits occur in basins where continued influx of waters enriched in dissolved materials. Differential loading can cause evaporites to flow and deform.
Deserts form in arid environments where water is limited and wind is the primary mechanism for sediment transport. Desert deposits are characterized by thick sets of cross-bedded sandstones and a com...Deserts form in arid environments where water is limited and wind is the primary mechanism for sediment transport. Desert deposits are characterized by thick sets of cross-bedded sandstones and a combination of evaporites, mud, gravel, and fluvial deposits in interdune areas.
