Cross bedding meaning

Cross bedding is a geological phenomenon characterized by inclined layers of sediment deposited by flowing currents.


Cross bedding definitions

Word backwards ssorc gniddeb
Part of speech The part of speech of "cross bedding" is a noun.
Syllabic division cross-bed-ding
Plural The plural of the word cross bedding is cross beddings.
Total letters 12
Vogais (3) o,e,i
Consonants (7) c,r,s,b,d,n,g

Cross bedding is a geological structure commonly found in sedimentary rocks, formed by the migration of bedforms such as dunes or ripples. This distinctive pattern consists of inclined layers that are deposited at an angle to the horizontal bedding plane.

As sediment is transported and deposited by wind or water, it accumulates in layers that are inclined to the original horizontal surface. Over time, these layers become compacted and cemented together, preserving the crossbedding structure within the rock.

Formation Process

The formation of cross bedding typically occurs in environments with strong directional currents, such as rivers, deserts, or coastal areas. As the sediment is transported by these currents, it accumulates in the form of bedforms that migrate across the depositional surface.

Types of Cross Bedding

There are several types of cross bedding, including trough cross stratification, planar cross stratification, and herringbone cross stratification. Each type is characterized by a specific arrangement and orientation of the inclined layers within the rock.

Significance in Geology

Cross bedding provides valuable information to geologists about the past environments in which sedimentary rocks were deposited. By studying the orientation and characteristics of cross beds, geologists can interpret the direction of ancient currents, as well as the prevailing wind or water conditions at the time of deposition.

Fossil tracks and burrows preserved within cross beds can also offer insights into the behavior of ancient organisms that inhabited these environments. Overall, cross bedding is a key feature that helps geologists reconstruct the Earth's geological history and understand past sedimentary processes.


Cross bedding Examples

  1. The geologist pointed out the fascinating cross bedding in the layers of sandstone.
  2. Cross bedding is commonly used in the field of sedimentology to decipher ancient depositional environments.
  3. The ripple marks in the rocks are indicative of cross bedding caused by ancient water currents.
  4. The cross bedding pattern in the rock layers suggests a shifting depositional environment over time.
  5. The archaeologist carefully studied the cross bedding in the archaeological site to understand the historical sedimentation processes.
  6. Cross bedding can provide valuable information about the direction of ancient winds or water currents.
  7. The cross bedding in the limestone formation indicated a period of fluctuating sea levels in the past.
  8. The unique cross bedding patterns in the sand dunes were beautifully preserved in the rock record.
  9. The student's research project focused on analyzing the cross bedding in the layers of shale found in the area.
  10. The presence of cross bedding in the sedimentary rocks helped geologists reconstruct the geological history of the region.


Most accessed

Search the alphabet

  • #
  • Aa
  • Bb
  • Cc
  • Dd
  • Ee
  • Ff
  • Gg
  • Hh
  • Ii
  • Jj
  • Kk
  • Ll
  • Mm
  • Nn
  • Oo
  • Pp
  • Qq
  • Rr
  • Ss
  • Tt
  • Uu
  • Vv
  • Ww
  • Xx
  • Yy
  • Zz
  • Updated 20/06/2024 - 21:34:45