Black shale is a type of sedimentary rock that is composed of organic matter, clay minerals, and other minerals. It is known for its dark color and fine-grained texture. Black shale has been used as a source of oil, gas, and other hydrocarbons, and it is also an important source of information about the Earth’s history.
Definitions
Black shale is a type of sedimentary rock that is characterized by its dark color, fine-grained texture, and high content of organic matter. It is formed from the accumulation of mud and other sediments in an oxygen-poor environment, such as a deep ocean basin or a stagnant lake.
Origin
Black shale is formed from the accumulation of mud and other sediments in an oxygen-poor environment. The organic matter in the sediment is preserved due to the lack of oxygen, which prevents it from decaying. Over time, the sediment is buried and compacted, and the organic matter is transformed into hydrocarbons, such as oil and gas.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, black shale is “a dark-colored shale that is rich in organic matter and is often a source of oil and gas.”
The Oxford English dictionary defines black shale as “a dark-colored sedimentary rock composed of clay minerals and organic matter.”
Associations
Black shale is associated with the formation of hydrocarbons, such as oil and gas. It is also an important source of information about the Earth’s history, as it can contain fossils and other evidence of past environments.
Synonyms
Some synonyms for black shale include dark shale, bituminous shale, and oil shale.
Antonyms
There are no direct antonyms for black shale, as it is a specific type of sedimentary rock.
The same root words
The root words of black shale are “black” and “shale.” Black refers to the color of the rock, while shale is a type of sedimentary rock that is composed of clay minerals.
Example Sentences
- The drillers found a rich deposit of oil in the black shale formation.
- The black shale layer contained a variety of fossils from the Jurassic period.
- The geologist identified the rock as black shale based on its dark color and fine-grained texture.