gravel stage

A gravel stage in a geological or environmental context refers to a phase where loose, small rock fragments—known as gravel—accumulate in a specific area. This typically occurs through processes like water or wind deposition, where heavier particles settle after being carried by the moving fluid. Gravel stages are important in landscape formation and sediment analysis, indicating past or ongoing energy levels in the environment. Recognizing a gravel stage helps scientists understand sediment transport, erosion patterns, and the history of a terrain's development or a body's water activity.