These particles are transported by ice, air or water to a region of lower energy called a sedimentary basin. The primary mineralogical and textural characteristics of the rock can be modified as the sediments are buried deeper in the earth's crust and undergo an increase in both temperature and pressure. These low pressure, low temperature changes are termed diagneisis.
Sediments form in either marine or terrestrial environments.
Sediment grain size depends on the size of organisms' skeletons and calcified hard parts. Sediment grain size depends on the hydraulic energy of the environment. Lime mud indicates presence and growth of organisms whose calcified parts are mud-sized crystallites. Mud indicates settling out of suspension. Shallow water sand bodies result from ocean current and wave action.