Heterolithic bedding

Heterolithic bedding is a sedimentary structure made up of interbedded deposits of sand and mud.

[1] Heterolithic bedding forms in response to alternations in sediment supply and tidal velocity.

The rippled sand layer is formed during high tidal currents, while the mud is deposited during slack tide periods.

Differentiating of these various types of heterolithic bedding is based on the relative volume of mud and sand.

It usually loosely follows the alternating concave-convex nature of the ripples creating a wavy appearance.

[2] Lenticular bedding occurs when sand ripples are deposited in mud in an isolated distribution pattern.