A ripple mark is a regular wave-like trace that forms on the surface of sediments or sedimentary rock. It is a typical sedimentary structure and an important marker to assess the sedimentary environment. Ripple marks usually form on the top of a rock layer and can also appear on the bottom of the overlying strata. Therefore, they can be used to determine the rock sequence. They are wave-like undulating marks caused by the action of waves, currents and wind on the surface of non-viscous sediments. Ripple marks are common in sandstone, siltstone and granular limestone. In plan view, ripple marks consist of a series of parallel or forked wave peaks or troughs, and in cross-section, the peaks and troughs are alternately undulating, and they are oriented perpendicular to the direction of the fluid movement. Based on the dynamics of their formation, ripple marks can be divided into wave marks, water flow marks, interference wave marks and wind wave marks. Further subdivisions can be made...
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(2020). Ripple Mark. In: Chen, A., Ng, Y., Zhang, E., Tian, M. (eds) Dictionary of Geotourism. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-13-2538-0_2083
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-13-2538-0_2083
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