Fluting (geology)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Fluting is a process of differential weathering and erosion by which an exposed well-jointed coarse-grained rock such as granite or gneiss, develops a corrugated surface of flutes; especially the formation of small-scale ridges and depressions by wave action.

Fluting in glacial geology:

• the formation by glacial action of smooth deep gutterlike channels or furrows on the stoss side of a rocky hill obstructing the

advance of a glacier; the furrows are larger than glacial grooves, and they do not extend around the hill to the lee side. Also, a furrow so formed

• lineations or streamline grooves and ridges parallel to the direction of ice movement, formed in newly deposited till or older drift. They range in height from a few centimeters to 25 meters, and in length from a few meters to more than 20 km.

Fluting with respect to sedimentary action:

• the process of forming a flute by the cutting or scouring action of a current of water flowing over a muddy surface
• scalloped or rippled rock surfaces.
• flute cast