What Is A Bedding Plane Surface

What is a Bedding Plane Surface?

The bedding plane surface is the surface that separates two adjacent layers of sedimentary rock. The orientation of the bedding plane surface provides us with information about the depositional environment and the subsequent deformation of the rock. ### Essential Aspects *

Depositional Environment:

The orientation of the bedding plane surface can provide information about the depositional environment, such as the direction of the current or wind. For example, in a river, the bedding plane surface will be parallel to the river flow. *

Deformation:

The orientation of the bedding plane surface can also provide information about the deformation of the rock. For example, if the bedding plane surface is folded, it indicates that the rock has been subjected to folding. *

Jointing:

The orientation of the bedding plane surface can also influence the formation of joints. Joints are fractures in the rock that occur when the rock is subjected to stress. Joints tend to form perpendicular to the bedding plane surface. *

Shear Zones:

The orientation of the bedding plane surface can also influence the formation of shear zones. Shear zones are zones of localized deformation where the rock has been sheared. Shear zones tend to form parallel to the bedding plane surface.