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Letter GGeology glossary

Grain Flow

Grain flow is a type of sedimentary process where loose, granular material moves downslope under the influence of gravity. This process typically occurs in environments such as dunes, beaches, and submarine slopes, forming structures like cross-bedding and graded bedding. Understanding grain flow is important in sedimentology and the interpretation of sedimentary structures. 

Golden sand dune under blue sky with clouds (grain flow)
Fig. 1 Golden sand dune under blue sky with clouds (grain flow)

Source Middleton, G. V., & Southard, J. B. (1984). Mechanics of Sediment Movement. SEPM Society for Sedimentary Geology.

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