Cross-Bedding With Tidal Bundles and Mud Drapes: Evidence for Tidal Influence in Bhuj Sandstone (Lower Cretaceous), Eastern Kachchh

Silty sandstone beds in Bhuj Formation show predominantly large-scale cross-bedding showing herring-bone structure with rippled interbeds. A well-preserved large-scale cross-bedded unit shows distinct bundle structures which are interpreted as Lidal bundles. These tidal bundles are arranged in thin bundles of neap and thick bundles of spring cycle of a tidal rhythm. Bundle boundaries of neap cycle often show doublemud drapes. Presence of tidal bundles, double mud drapes, and neap-spring cycle within a single cross-bedded unit indicate significant role of tides during deposition of Bhuj Sandstone, and points to a tide-dominated coastal area as a site of deposition for Bhuj Sandstone.