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Letter EGeology glossary

Epiclastic

Epiclastic rocks are sedimentary rocks composed of clastic fragments derived from the erosion of pre-existing rocks, typically of volcanic origin. These rocks are important in reconstructing past volcanic environments and understanding the processes of erosion, transportation, and deposition in volcanic terrains.

Basalt lava flows (left) and volcanic lithic sandstone (right background), a sedimentary rock built from grains eroded from such lavas; Duluth, Minnesota
Fig. 1 Basalt lava flows (left) and volcanic lithic sandstone (right background), a sedimentary rock built from grains eroded from such lavas; Duluth, MinnesotaImage: James St. John, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Source Fisher, R. V., & Schmincke, H.-U. (1984). “Pyroclastic Rocks.” Springer.

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