What is the difference between consolidated and unconsolidated sediments?
Consolidated sediments are materials that have been metamorphosed or cemented together, like limestone and sandstone. Much of the western portion of Maryland that includes the Piedmont, Valley and Ridge, Blue Ridge and Appalachian Plateau consists of consolidated sediments. Ground water flows through fracture networks in these consolidated sediments. Unconsolidated sediments are sediments ranging from clay to sand to gravel, with connected pore spaces that allow ground water to be stored and transported. The Coastal Plain consists mainly of unconsolidated sediments. Coastal Plain confined aquifers are the main source for municipal water supplies on the Delmarva Peninsula and the western shore of Maryland.
Consolidated sediments are materials that have been metamorphosed or cemented together, like limestone and sandstone. Much of the western portion of Maryland that includes the Piedmont, Valley and Ridge, Blue Ridge and Appalachian Plateau consists of consolidated sediments. Groundwater flows through fracture networks in these consolidated sediments. Unconsolidated sediments are sediments ranging from clay to sand to gravel, with connected pore spaces that allow Groundwater to be stored and transported. The Coastal Plain consists mainly of unconsolidated sediments. Coastal Plain confined aquifers are the main source for municipal water supplies on the Delmarva Peninsula and the western shore of Maryland.
