Sedimentology: general introduction and definitions : fluvial sediment and channel morphology

Sedimentology, the study of sedimentary rocks and the
processes by which they are formed, includes and is related
to a large number of phenomena. Sedimentology includes the
five fundamental processes defined by the term sediaentation
--weathering, erosion, transportation, deposition and
diagenesis.
Sedimentology shares with geomorphology the study of
the surface features of the earth. Sedimentology also
shares with hydrology the study of river.--channels. River
channels are formed in part or in total as a result of
flowing water and sediment transport, commonly called the
"work of the rivers."
This survey of published literature was made to aid in
arriving at definitions which would be acceptable to, and
representative of, a majority of professional personnel
actively engaged in laboratory and field investigations
related to the "work of the river." The definitions in this
list are intended to explain the terms used in studies of
fluvial sediment and channel morphology. No set of
definitions can expect universal acceptance, however, i t is
hoped that this compilation will be considered a summary
and synthesis of present and past usage and that it will
serve as a starting point for future usage.
Multiple references are cited from textbooks, glossaries and dictionaries, scientific journals and u.s. Government
publications. To obtain a mutual understanding and enhance
precision, many of the proposed definitions are a composite
of those selected from papers or reports covering research
studies and field investigations.

A draft of this glossary has been reviewed by a group of
interested personnel. The results of this review have been
carefully considered and the originally-suggested definitions
have been revised accordingly, resulting in the present
compilation.
R. G. Wolff, with the help of Mrs. v. Blatcher, carried
out the literature search and compilation of terms and the
review results. Paul c. Benedict approved or composed the
definitions as presented in this report.