cross bedding: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “cross bedding” mean?
A geological structure where sedimentary layers are inclined relative to the main bedding plane, formed by water or wind currents.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A geological structure where sedimentary layers are inclined relative to the main bedding plane, formed by water or wind currents.
In geology, a sedimentary structure characterized by inclined layers (foresets) within a larger sedimentary unit, indicating the direction of ancient currents during deposition.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage between British and American English in technical contexts.
Connotations
Purely technical term with no additional cultural connotations in either variety.
Frequency
Equally rare in general discourse but standard in geological literature in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “cross bedding” in a Sentence
The sandstone shows cross bedding.Cross bedding indicates palaeocurrent direction.Researchers analysed the cross bedding.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cross bedding” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Not applicable as a verb.
American English
- Not applicable as a verb.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable as an adverb.
American English
- Not applicable as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- The cross-bedding structures were well preserved.
- A cross-bedding analysis was conducted.
American English
- The cross-bedding features were clearly visible.
- Cross-bedding patterns indicated fluvial deposition.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in geology, earth sciences, sedimentology, and palaeontology papers and textbooks.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Core term in sedimentology for describing and interpreting sedimentary rocks and depositional environments.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cross bedding”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “cross bedding”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cross bedding”
- Using 'cross-bedding' as a verb (e.g., 'The river cross-bedded the sand'). It is only a noun.
- Confusing it with 'crossbed' (a type of mattress).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is typically written as two separate words ('cross bedding'), though the hyphenated form 'cross-bedding' is also common in technical writing.
Yes, cross bedding is common in aeolian (wind-blown) sandstones, such as those found in ancient desert environments.
Cross bedding features inclined layers, while graded bedding shows a gradual change in grain size from bottom to top within a single layer.
It is a key sedimentary structure used to interpret past environments (paleoenvironments), current directions (paleocurrents), and the way-up of rock sequences.
A geological structure where sedimentary layers are inclined relative to the main bedding plane, formed by water or wind currents.
Cross bedding is usually technical/scientific in register.
Cross bedding: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkrɒs ˈbedɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkrɔːs ˈbedɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine ancient river currents CROSSing and making slanted BEDS of sand in the rock.
Conceptual Metaphor
LAYERS ARE PAGES OF HISTORY (cross bedding reveals the story of ancient currents).
Practice
Quiz
What does cross bedding primarily indicate?