A preliminary investigation of solifluction macrofabrics

Abstract

SummaryStatistical analysis of clast orientation in various parts of solifluction lobes demonstrates large departures from uniformity. Although concentration is not homogeneous, the clasts of all samples are strongly oriented parallel to the direction faced by the slope, and dip upslope. This pattern probably reflects operation of both flow and creep processes. Samples are coplanar after rotation of data into the plane of their respective local slopes, and this transformation is suggested as a precursor to statistical analysis in future studies. Three-dimensional fabric analysis is a useful tool for establishing the direction in which movement occurred within fossil solifluction deposits, but should be accompanied by other lines of evidence for establishing the origin of such deposits.