Definition Of Cross Bedding

Definition of Cross Bedding

Cross bedding is a sedimentary structure that forms when sediment is deposited in layers that are inclined to the horizontal. It is a common feature in sandstone and other sedimentary rocks, and it can be used to infer the direction of the current that deposited the sediment.

The essential aspects of cross bedding are its:

Geometry: The geometry of cross bedding can be described by the angle of inclination of the layers, the thickness of the layers, and the shape of the layers.
Grain size: The grain size of the sediment in cross bedding can vary from fine-grained to coarse-grained.
Composition: The composition of the sediment in cross bedding can vary from quartz-rich to carbonate-rich.
Depositional environment: Cross bedding can form in a variety of depositional environments, including rivers, deltas, and beaches.

Cross bedding is an important sedimentary structure because it can be used to infer the direction of the current that deposited the sediment. It can also be used to identify the depositional environment in which the sediment was deposited.

In this article, we will discuss the essential aspects of cross bedding in more detail. We will also provide examples of cross bedding from different depositional environments.