intraformational breccia
Quick Summary
Intraformational breccia is a type of sedimentary rock composed of angular fragments larger than 2 millimeters. It is formed within the depositional basin itself, meaning the material is eroded, transported, and deposited from within the same area. This often occurs due to brief periods of strong currents that rip up recently deposited, unconsolidated sediment.12
Examples include:
* Shallow marine limestone deposits where storm waves erode and redeposit carbonate mud layers, creating bands of carbonate clasts.12
* High-velocity river currents that can form shale pebble breccias within floodplain deposits.12
These breccias are widespread but not volumetrically significant in the geologic record.1
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
