The term red beds usually refers to strata of reddish-colored sedimentary rocks such as sandstone, siltstone or shale that were deposited in hot climates under oxidizing conditions.^* The red color comes from iron oxide in their mineral structure. Although they have been deposited throughout the Phanerozoic, they are most commonly associated with rocks deposited during the Permian and Triassic periods.

Red beds have economic significance since many of them contain reservoirs of petroleum and natural gas.

References

1. American Geological Institute, Dictionary of Geological Terms, (New York: Dolphin Books, 1962), p. 416.

External links and sources

• Description of Ventura Red Beds
• Another summary of red beds
• Pictures of Permo-Triassic red beds in Palo Duro Canyon

Sedimentary rocks