This book provides a comprehensive synthesis of information on the origin, early diagenesis, character, distribution, and bulk geochemical composition of sedimentary organic matter. It is intended for a geological audience but is also accessible to earth and environmental scientists with interests in sedimentary organic matter. The book is organized around the discussion of processes, mechanisms, and the nature and distribution of particular organic components rather than different depositional environments. Chapters 2 to 6 cover general aspects of the character, production, diagenesis, and distribution of organic carbon in sediments, while chapters 7 to 11 focus on the biological origin and nature of specific components of particulate organic matter. Chapters 12 to 19 discuss the physical and ecological controls on their distribution in modern and ancient sediments. The next few chapters consider methods and criteria for classifying organic matter in sediments. Chapter 20 reviews optical classification of particulate organic matter. Chapters 21 to 23 review bulk geochemical methods for characterizing and classifying organic matter. Chapter 24 examines the relationship between palynofacies and sequence stratigraphy. Chapter 25 considers methodological and practical questions related to the palaeoenvironmental interpretation of palynofacies data. The book emphasizes marine environments but also includes details on lacustrine settings. The book is not intended for beginners and does not explain all basic concepts and terms. It includes a comprehensive bibliography to help readers locate specific and background information. The book aims to provide a solid foundation of data and concepts for subsequent studies and to promote the wider use of palynofacies techniques in earth sciences.This book provides a comprehensive synthesis of information on the origin, early diagenesis, character, distribution, and bulk geochemical composition of sedimentary organic matter. It is intended for a geological audience but is also accessible to earth and environmental scientists with interests in sedimentary organic matter. The book is organized around the discussion of processes, mechanisms, and the nature and distribution of particular organic components rather than different depositional environments. Chapters 2 to 6 cover general aspects of the character, production, diagenesis, and distribution of organic carbon in sediments, while chapters 7 to 11 focus on the biological origin and nature of specific components of particulate organic matter. Chapters 12 to 19 discuss the physical and ecological controls on their distribution in modern and ancient sediments. The next few chapters consider methods and criteria for classifying organic matter in sediments. Chapter 20 reviews optical classification of particulate organic matter. Chapters 21 to 23 review bulk geochemical methods for characterizing and classifying organic matter. Chapter 24 examines the relationship between palynofacies and sequence stratigraphy. Chapter 25 considers methodological and practical questions related to the palaeoenvironmental interpretation of palynofacies data. The book emphasizes marine environments but also includes details on lacustrine settings. The book is not intended for beginners and does not explain all basic concepts and terms. It includes a comprehensive bibliography to help readers locate specific and background information. The book aims to provide a solid foundation of data and concepts for subsequent studies and to promote the wider use of palynofacies techniques in earth sciences.