Bedforms Vs. Flow
Typical unidirectional bedforms represent a specific flow velocity, assuming typical sediments (sands and silts) and water depths, and a chart such as below can be used for interpreting depositional environments, with increasing water velocity going down the chart.
| Flow Regime | Bedform | Preservation Potential | Identification Tips |
| Lower | |||
| Lower plane bed | High | Flat laminae, almost lack of current | |
| Ripple marks | High | Small, cm-scale undulations | |
| Sand waves | Medium to low | Rare, longer wavelength than ripples | |
| Dunes/Megaripples | Low | Large, meter-scale ripples | |
| Upper | |||
| Upper plane bed | High | Flat laminae, +/- aligned grains (parting lineations) | |
| Antidunes | Low | Water in phase with bedform, low angle, subtle laminae | |
| Pool and chute | Very low | Mostly erosional features |
Read more about this topic: Sedimentary Structures
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