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Ephemeral sedimentary structures formed during Aeolian deflation of beaches

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 May 2009

R. W. G. Carter
Affiliation:
School of Biological and Environmental Studies, The New University of Ulster, Coleraine, Co. Londonderry, Northern Ireland BT52 1SA.

Summary

Structures formed during wind deflation of poorly sorted beach sediments have rarely been described in the literature. However, a number of distinct forms exist including capped pedestals, asymmetrical ‘tear’ structures and scoured or impacted crusts. All these phenomena result from differential spatial erosion of the beach surface by wind, caused by textural or compositional variations. Ephemeral structures are indicative of rapidly changing geomorphological conditions and their presence may also exert control over continuing aeolian processes.

Type
Articles
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1978

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