What is the inverse order of evaporite deposition?

The correct response emphasizes the sequence of evaporite deposition based on their solubility and crystallization properties as water evaporates from a solution. In this context, as water bodies become increasingly concentrated due to evaporation, minerals precipitate in a specific order, primarily influenced by their solubility levels.

Starting with sylvite, it is the least soluble among the salts listed and will precipitate when the brine is highly concentrated. Following this, halite precipitates as it is more soluble than sylvite but less soluble than anhydrite. Anhydrite then forms as the concentration continues to rise since it is less soluble than halite, but it can precipitate under higher temperatures and lower water content scenarios. Finally, calcite, while more common in sedimentary deposits, generally precipitates later in this sequence due to its higher solubility compared to the preceding minerals in arid, evaporative conditions.

This order reflects the chemistry of saline water evaporation, where the most soluble minerals remain in solution longer, while those that crystallize first do so at lower concentrations.