How Does Underground Water Contribute to the Formation of Petrified Trees?

[Asmaa Mohammad]

My textbook says that formation of petrified trees is a result of a degradation and a sedimentation action of theunderground water, and then it goes on explaining that the underground water replaces the plant material in the tree with silica and other inorganic materials, which I think is a sedimentation action only.
The book doesn't clarify the part of "degradation action" of the undergroundwater to form the petrified trees, and I would appreciate it if someone explained how the formation of petrified trees is considered as a degradation and a sedimentation action of the underground water in the same time?

Thanks in advance!

 

[jim mcnamara]

Hmm. Permineralization is the term most often used for the creation of petrified wood/trees.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Permineralization

You can read this and determine how it intersects your textbook's definitions. I do not have your textbook so I cannot comment. Sorry.

 

[AlexTheParticle]

Hi there,

The formation of petrified trees is considered a degradation and sedimentation action of underground water because the water is responsible for both breaking down organic material and depositing inorganic material in its place.

First, let's talk about degradation. When a tree dies and is buried, it begins to decompose. However, in certain environments where there is a lack of oxygen, this decomposition process is slowed down or halted. This is where underground water comes into play. As the water seeps through the soil and reaches the buried tree, it starts to break down the organic material through a process called hydrolysis. This is the degradation action that your textbook is referring to.

Next, let's talk about sedimentation. As the underground water is breaking down the organic material, it is also carrying inorganic minerals and sediments with it. These minerals and sediments are then deposited in the pores and spaces within the tree's cells, replacing the organic material. Eventually, the entire tree is filled with these inorganic materials, resulting in a petrified tree.

So, to sum up, the formation of petrified trees involves both the degradation of organic material and the sedimentation of inorganic materials by underground water. I hope this helps to clarify the process for you. Let me know if you have any further questions.