page_title: Rhythmite
section_title: Periodically laminated rhythmites
hierarchical_section_title: Rhythmite / Periodically laminated rhythmites
context_page_description: A rhythmite consists of layers of sediment or sedimentary rock which are laid down with an obvious periodicity and regularity. They may be created by annual processes such as seasonally varying deposits reflecting variations in the runoff cycle, by shorter term processes such as tides, or by longer term processes such as periodic floods.
  Rhythmites serve a significant role in unraveling prehistoric events, providing insights into sea level change, glaciation change, and earth's orbital variations which serve to answer questions about climate change.
context_section_description: Rhythmites may be deposited with periodicities other than annual. The geologic record captures both more frequent events (e.g., tides) and less frequent events (glacial floods).
caption: Touchet beds in the "Little Grand Canyon" near Lowden in the Walla Walla valley. Note distinct layers.
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