The rate of sedimentation is considered as a major factor in the distribution of faunal facies. The continental slope is believed to be the site of the greatest accumulation of sediment, but the rate of sedimentation on the slope commonly is low. Although it is nearly impossible to determine the rate of sedimentation in the geologic section, the relative rate of sedimentation generally is easy to establish. Five concepts are needed to interpret the relative rate of sedimentation in the geologic section: (1) Moore's concept (modified): the greater the relative abundance of Foraminifera in sediments, the slower the rate of sedimentation; (2) each facies has its own "normal" rate of sedimentation; (3) given uniform conditions, each facies should be present in belts approxima ely parallel with the coast; (4) each fossil species is present in a belt along the coast which overlaps or coincides with those of several other species; and (5) population peaks of many species tend to recur in the geologic section whenever and wherever conditions are favorable. The masking of fossil facies resulting from high rates of sedimentation is emphasized.

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