Description of sedimentary structures

Abstract

Primary sedimentary structures are formed at the time of deposition or shortly thereafter. The character of these structures depends mainly on current velocity, water depth, grain size, and sedimentation rate. As such they are critical to the understanding of the processes and conditions of deposition and lead to an interpretation of the depositional environment. In addition, some are useful in determining “stratigraphical-up” or “way-up” in folded sequences and paleocurrent directions.