SCIENCE
earth science
Unravelling the origins of chevrons Chevrons are a type of wedge-shaped sediment deposit, that can be seen
on coastlines and continental interiors. They were originally reported by scholars as large, V-shaped, sub-linear to parabolic landforms seen in south west Egypt and islands of the Bahamas. These bed forms are most commonly described to be parabolic generated dunes, with most being sculpted by the wind. Yet, the origins of these structures have been widely debated among researchers. We speak with sedimentologist Lucas Vimpere about his team’s investigation of how chevrons form, armed with his geological and outdoor skills.
Above: The Tamala Limestone exposed along the Zuytdorp Cliffs in the Shark Bay region, Wester Australia. The cliffs are composed of aeolian dunes deposited during the successive glacial periods of the Pleistocene. Here scientists rappelled down to describe and sample the different units in order to understand their formation and their age. Photo by N. Del Piero. All rights reserved. © NatureVolve digital magazine. All rights reserved.
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