Developments in Sedimentology

Slope deposits that formed by unconcentrated dislocation and that cover slopes in a rather uniform way are referred to as “cover beds” in this book. They consist of materials from upslope but may contain admixed eolian matter. They are commonly multilayered with the individual layers separated by disconformities (lithological discontinuities). The main scope of this book is to provide a comprehensive state of the art of this particular type of slope deposits in the mid-latitudes. Being a major component of the near-surface ground, cover beds should be included as an integral part into the so-called critical-zone concept and may partially replace the existing “biomantle concept” for the mid-latitudes.