The ellipsoidal form of clasts with practical applications to fabric and size analyses of fluvial gravels
The widespread assumption that most water-worn gravel clasts approximate ellipsoids is confirmed by a statistical analysis of available data. The analysis demonstrates a Gaussian distribution of V/Ve ratios, centred on unit ratio, where V is clast volume and Ve the volume of a symmetric ellipsoid with equivalent triaxial dimensions. For internally isotropic and unbroken clasts, ellipsoidal form evolves as the rounding due to abrasion reaches its final stages. There appears to be no other major control on the tendency towards ellipsoidal geometry. The ellipsoidal tendency assists the interpretation of fluvial gravel deposits, which depends greatly on accurate description of clast size and fabric.Firstly, it facilitates calculation of Ap, the plane area projected upstream by clasts, a key parameter in bed–flow interactions such as preferred fabric. Formulae are derived to calculate Ap for ellipsoidal clasts with any configuration relative to flow direction. Viewing fabric in terms of the Ap variable support...