---
title: "Bedding versus foliation"
subject: "Engineering Geology I"
chapter: 4
key: "semester_3/engineering_geology_i:bedding-versus-foliation"
source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_3/engineering_geology_i/bedding-versus-foliation
site: BCT Engineering
---

# Bedding versus foliation

Engineering Geology I · Chapter 4: Petrology

- Asked in: 2059 Chaitra (old course), 4 marks
- Video: [The Proterozoic Ramshorn Slate of central Idaho: a great example of bedding vs foliation in rock](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hLvMPPf-Vrw) — Shawn Willsey: Geology Explained
- Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14
- Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_3/engineering_geology_i/bedding-versus-foliation
- Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_3/engineering_geology_i/chapter-4

## Question

Differentiate between bedding and foliation.

## Short answer

Bedding is primary layering in sedimentary rocks from depositional changes. Foliation is a secondary planar structure in metamorphic rocks, formed by alignment of minerals under directed pressure, which may cut bedding.

## Answer

| Point | Bedding | Foliation |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Layering of sedimentary rocks produced during deposition | Planar parallel arrangement of mineral grains in metamorphic rocks produced by pressure |
| Rock type | Sedimentary rocks | Metamorphic rocks (slate, phyllite, schist, gneiss) |
| Origin | Primary structure, formed at the time of deposition | Secondary structure, formed after the rock is formed |
| Cause | Changes in sediment type, grain size, colour or energy of deposition | Directed (differential) stress and recrystallisation |
| Planes | Bedding planes separate beds of different composition | Planes of alignment of platy minerals (mica), often perpendicular to maximum stress |
| Relation with original layers | Follows the original horizontal layering | May cut across original bedding |
| Examples | Sandstone, shale, limestone | Slaty cleavage, schistosity, gneissic banding |

## Check yourself

The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why.

1. Bedding is formed when?
   A. During deposition, primary structure
   B. After rock formation by pressure
   C. During metamorphism
   D. During cooling of magma
   Answer: A. Sedimentary layering. (Key point: Bedding origin)

2. Foliation is formed by what?
   A. Deposition
   B. Directed stress and recrystallisation after rock formation
   C. Cooling
   D. Weathering
   Answer: B. Secondary structure. (Key point: Foliation origin)

3. Foliation occurs in?
   A. Sedimentary rocks
   B. Plutonic rocks
   C. Metamorphic rocks
   D. Volcanic rocks
   Answer: C. Slate, schist, gneiss. (Key point: Rock type)

4. How does foliation relate to original layering?
   A. Always parallel
   B. Never
   C. Same as bedding
   D. May cut across it
   Answer: D. Bedding follows original layering. (Key point: Relation)

## Related in Engineering Geology I

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