The Education Corner is dedicated to providing information used in the oil industry and useful for young geologists. Look for us to add more links in the future. Be sure to visit our Research and Khuff Forum pages for more educational information. Submit your e-mail to for inclusion on our mailing list and notifications when new material gets posted on our website.

Future Links: Deep Hypersaline Seas • Gypsum-Anhydrite Transformations: Blades • Rosettes • Subaqueous Selenite • Clastic Gypsum

Dunham Classification

Because the oil industry is interested in the origin and evolution of sediments, a textural classification seems the most beneficial. Two schemes are widely used today: Folk (1962) and Dunham (1962). Each classification has its own advantages and disadvantages. In many oil companies, Dunham’s classification is used because not only is it easy to apply but it also accurately communicates textural data and ideas that have genetic significance. A reproduction of Dunham’s classification is presented below.