Cross Bedding Definition in Geology
Cross bedding is a geological structure that forms when sediment is deposited in layers that are inclined to the horizontal. This can occur in a variety of settings, including river channels, sand dunes, and beaches. Cross bedding is often used to determine the direction of past water flow or wind direction.
There are several essential aspects of cross bedding that are important to understand. These include:
- Definition: Cross bedding is a type of sedimentary structure that forms when sediment is deposited in layers that are inclined to the horizontal.
- Formation: Cross bedding forms when sediment is deposited in a moving fluid, such as water or wind. The fluid causes the sediment to be deposited in layers that are inclined to the direction of flow.
- Significance: Cross bedding can be used to determine the direction of past water flow or wind direction. It can also be used to identify the type of depositional environment in which the sediment was deposited.
Cross bedding is a common geological structure that can be found in a variety of settings. It is an important tool for geologists because it can provide information about the past environment in which the sediment was deposited.
###1. Types of Cross Bedding
There are several different types of cross bedding, including:
- Trough cross bedding: This type of cross bedding is characterized by a series of U-shaped troughs. The troughs are typically filled with fine-grained sediment, such as sand or silt.
- Planar cross bedding: This type of cross bedding is characterized by a series of flat, parallel layers. The layers are typically composed of coarse-grained sediment, such as gravel or pebbles.
- Festoon cross bedding: This type of cross bedding is characterized by a series of curved layers. The layers are typically composed of fine-grained sediment, such as sand or silt.
2. Formation of Cross Bedding
Cross bedding forms when sediment is deposited in a moving fluid, such as water or wind. The fluid causes the sediment to be deposited in layers that are inclined to the direction of flow.
The angle of inclination of the cross bedding is determined by the velocity of the fluid. The faster the fluid is moving, the steeper the angle of inclination.
Cross bedding can also form when sediment is deposited on a slope. The slope causes the sediment to be deposited in layers that are inclined to the horizontal.
###3. Significance of Cross Bedding
Cross bedding can be used to determine the direction of past water flow or wind direction. It can also be used to identify the type of depositional environment in which the sediment was deposited.
For example, cross bedding that is inclined to the south indicates that the water or wind was flowing from the north.
Cross bedding can also be used to identify the type of depositional environment in which the sediment was deposited. For example, cross bedding that is found in a river channel indicates that the sediment was deposited by a river. Cross bedding that is found in a sand dune indicates that the sediment was deposited by wind.
###Conclusion:
Cross bedding is a common geological structure that can be found in a variety of settings. It is an important tool for geologists because it can provide information about the past environment in which the sediment was deposited.
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6 4 Sedimentary Structures And Fossils Physical Geology