Imbrication (sedimentology)

Imbricated clasts, with an implied flow direction of left to right.
Note how the clasts are oriented at an angle to the base of the channel (blue line), which was originally approximately horizontal.

In sedimentology, imbrication is a primary depositional fabric consisting of a preferred orientation of clasts such that they overlap one another in a consistent fashion, rather like a run of toppled dominoes. Imbrication is observed in conglomerates and some volcaniclastic deposits.[1][2]

  1. ^ Karatson, D., Sztano, O. & Telbisz, T. (2002). "Preferred Clast Orientation In Volcaniclastic Mass-Flow Deposits: Application Of A New Photo-Statistical Method" (PDF). Journal of Sedimentary Research. 72 (6): 823. Bibcode:2002JSedR..72..823K. doi:10.1306/040402720823. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2009-11-16.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  2. ^ Pettijohn F. J., 1957, Sedimentary Rocks, Harper and Row, Second Edition p. 78