Sedimentary Structures

Sedimentary structures are useful tools in helping to decipher the record of depositional environments and energies.

Sedimentary structures can be divided into two broad classes, based on time of formation.  Primary sedimentary structures form during deposition, while secondary sedimentary structures develop some time after deposition.

Primary Sedimentary Structures
stratification ripples cross stratification
sole marks load structures way-up structures

 

Secondary Sedimentary Structures
mudcracks slump structures dewatering structures