How can we distinguish fold and cycle of sedimentation on a remote sensing image or in the field?

Question

A fold is composed of stratigraphy that is symmetric and repeated. Cyclic sediments (also called rhythmic sediments) are sequences of sedimentary rocks that are characterised by repetitive patterns of different rock types (strata) or facies within the sequence (wiki). A cycle of sendimentation is usually composed of transgressive and regressive deposition, so the sequences can be also likely symmetric.

One method to distinguish them, I think, is the stratigraphic occurrence. Is there other methods that can help distinguish them on a remote sensing image? Thank you.

Answer 1

You need to take a look at lithology changes and stratification.

On a fold the stratification is parallel to the fold, while on a transgressive-regressive cycle it crosses the v form.

Source: Own work with Inkscape.

At the field the best is to look up to lithology changes and define how is stratification spatially related with the main shape.

You can easily distinguish stratification on a 2D log. From a remote sensing image it would be distinguishable if you have an outcrop that crosses the shape.