Particle Shape Particle Shape Clastic Sediments Particle Size Outline Particle shape is an important property in detrital sediments. There are many descriptive terms that are applied to particle shape. Ellipsoidal, cylindrical and spherical particles are generated by abrasion. With increased transport distances, particles become abraded and rounded.
Water is the most effective transport medium for rounding particles.
Wind abrasion can also generate near spherical particles. Ice transport can sometimes carry particles over large distance with little or no abrasion. The mechanical strength of granular medium relies of friction between particles. In general, angular particles with low sphericity tend to mobilize more friction than rounded partlicles. On the other hand, rounded or spherical particles tend to pack together more effectively to create denser sediments.