GENESIS OF LAMINATED SAND AND GRADED RHYTHMITES IN STORM‐SAND LAYERS OF SHELF MUD

ABSTRACT The formation of laminated sand and graded rhythmites — so‐called storm‐sand layers — found embedded in shelf mud is discussed. With decreasing energy of a storm, the sand eroded on the coast is transported away by the retreating waters into the open sea, and is retained in suspension because of the high wave energy of the rough sea. With decreasing wave energy, the individual suspension clouds settle, forming parallel sand layers. As generally only slow bottom currents are present, the sediment deposited is not reformed into ripples, but sedimented in the form of laminated sand.