GeologyRocks

An olistostrome is a sedimentary rock formation that comprises a chaotic assemblage of blocks of preexisting rocks, which can be of considerable size, in a finer grained matrix. Olistostromes are the result of submarine slumping or gravity sliding on an unstable shelf. A mélange is a similar rock unit but has a tectonic origin. The term olistostrome is derived from olio - a dish of many ingredients or stew; a mixture of heterogeneous elements; hodgepodge. and stroma - a bed covering (Greek equivalent of the Latin stratum).