The origin and destruction of armored mud balls in a fresh-water lacustrine environment, Lake Superior

Abstract

Abstract The evolution and destruction of armored mud balls in a fresh-water lacustrine environment have been studied for the first time. The triaxial ellipsoid mud core formed in this environment results from erosion of mud banks along the shore. The majority of the particles composing the veneer of the armor is added to the core while it is in transit within the beach zone. After formation, storms throw the mud balls onto the beach. Depending upon the temperature prevailing at the time, the balls are soon destroyed, either by dessication or by frost heaving. To date, no fossil mud balls have been found in the recent sediments of Lake Superior.