How is marl formed?
Question: What is “marl” and what is the process for its formation? remy rodden Answer: Marl is a rock containing clay and calcium carbonate. It is formed from the erosion of other rocks during weathering; as rocks erode, small sedimentary particles–sand, silt, and clay–pile up on top of each other. Eventually, these sedimentary particles become compacted together to form a new rock. The type of new rock that is formed depends on the original rock that was eroded and on the nature of the erosion. If the new rock contains predominantly clay and calcium carbonate, it is called marl. The most common use for marl is as a fertilizer for soils that are deficient in calcium carbonate (lime). TRIVIA TIME: Marl is also the name given to fibers obtained from peacock feathers. These fibers used to be used (and perhaps still are) in making artificial flies for fly-fishing.
