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Letter TGeology glossary

Topset Bed

Topset beds are horizontal layers of sediment deposited on top of a delta, often representing the most recent phase of deltaic deposition. These beds are significant in sedimentology for understanding the dynamics of delta formation, sediment transport, and the stratigraphic record of deltaic environments. 

Eroded sedimentary rock cliff under clear blue sky (topset bed)
Fig. 1 Eroded sedimentary rock cliff under clear blue sky (topset bed)

Source Reading, H. G., & Collinson, J. D. (1996). “Clastic Coasts.” Sedimentary Environments: Processes, Facies and Stratigraphy, 154-231.

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