A way up structure, way up criterion, or geopetal indicator is a characteristic relationship observed in a sedimentary or volcanic rock, or sequence of rocks, that makes it possible to determine wheth
Cross-bedding in Zion National Park, Utah. Both the tangential bases on the cross beds and the truncations of overlying layers can be used as a way up indicator.
A dinosaur footprint preserved in positive relief is a trace fossil indicating the bottom (or sole) of the bed (Lower Jurassic Moenave Formation, southwestern Utah).
Geopetal structure in bivalve boring in coral; bivalve shell visible; Matmor Formation (Middle Jurassic), southern Israel.
Sediment is a solid material made of loose particles that is transported to a new location where it is deposited. It occurs naturally and, through the processes of weathering and erosion, is broken do
River Tiber discharging sediment into the sea
Sediment in the Gulf of Mexico
Sediment off the Yucatán Peninsula
Sediment builds up on human-made breakwaters because they reduce the speed of water flow, so the stream cannot carry as much sediment load.