What does AAB mean in INTERNATIONAL

An anticlinal Aguada Bandera, or AAAB for short, is a type of sedimentary rock formation characterized by curved layers of sedimentary rocks that dip down at its edges when viewed in cross-section. It is commonly found in the southwest region of the United States.

AAAB formations are typically found in the American Southwest region, predominantly across Arizona and New Mexico. They can also be found in parts of Utah, California and Texas.

AAAB formations are usually created through a combination of sedimentary deposition and tectonic uplift, typically during periods of folding or compression. This type of environment is known as a foreland basin.

These sedimentary structures usually date back to the Jurassic period, approximately 150 million years ago, although they can form in more recent geological ages as well.

The primary characteristic of these formations is that they have curved layers which form an arching arch around its edges when viewed in cross-section. Other notable features include sharp angular contacts between beds with bedding planes that dip down at its edges into synclines or troughs.

AAABs form due to tectonic forces acting on underlying sediments such as those occurring during folding or compaction events. As the earth’s crust moves and deforms over time, these sediment layers become buckled and warped creating these distinctive arched shapes.

They are also known as ‘arch-shaped layers’ or ‘trough fold’ because it takes on a similar shape to an arch when viewed from above.

Most common rock types that compose an AAAB include sandstones, shale and siltstones which have built up over millions of years.

Yes, since many oil fields tend to be located near areas with high concentrations of AAABs; their presence provides potential sites for petroleum exploration and mining operations due to the structural nature favorability for hydrocarbon accumulation.