* Composition: Arkosic sandstone contains a significant amount of feldspar, which is less resistant to weathering than quartz. Feldspar breaks down relatively quickly, especially in humid climates.
* Weathering and Transport: As arkosic sandstone is transported, the feldspar grains are gradually broken down and dissolved, leading to a smaller grain size and a higher proportion of quartz. This weathering process can continue for a considerable distance.
* Quartz Stability: Quartz is extremely resistant to weathering, meaning it can survive long transport distances without significant alteration.
* Quartz as a Residual Mineral: As feldspar is weathered and transported, the quartz grains become more concentrated, forming a relatively pure quartz sandstone. This process suggests that quartz sandstone has undergone more extensive transport.
Therefore, the greater presence of feldspar in arkosic sandstone indicates that it has travelled further before deposition compared to quartz sandstone.
