Bedforms Vs. Flow
Typical unidirectional bedforms represent a specific flow velocity, assuming typical sediments (sands and silts) and water depths, and a chart such as below can be used for interpreting depositional environments, with increasing water velocity going down the chart.
Flow Regime | Bedform | Preservation Potential | Identification Tips |
Lower | |||
Lower plane bed | High | Flat laminae, almost lack of current | |
Ripple marks | High | Small, cm-scale undulations | |
Sand waves | Medium to low | Rare, longer wavelength than ripples | |
Dunes/Megaripples | Low | Large, meter-scale ripples | |
Upper | |||
Upper plane bed | High | Flat laminae, +/- aligned grains (parting lineations) | |
Antidunes | Low | Water in phase with bedform, low angle, subtle laminae | |
Pool and chute | Very low | Mostly erosional features |
Read more about this topic: Sedimentary Structures
Famous quotes containing the word flow:
“By the flow of the inland river,
Whence the fleets of iron have fled,
Where the blades of the grave-grass quiver,
Asleep are the ranks of the dead:”
—Francis Miles Finch (18271907)