Compaction bands which are composed of a number of closely-spaced, sub-parallel distinct individual bands are referred to as zones, also known as 'clusters.' Incipient band zones or clusters include a few bands formed next to each other (Figure 1a) suggesting that each band forms sequentially. Well-developed zones of compaction bands are generally more complicated (Torabi et al., 2015) and may also include bands at different orientation than that of the main set, which will be described under 'Splay Volumetric Bands' and 'Multiple Compaction Band Sets.'

Figure 1. Compaction band zones in the Aztec Sandstone cropping out at Valley Fire State Park, NV. (a) An incipient compaction band zone containing only a few sub-parallel and closely-spaced bands. Pen for scale. (b) One of the largest zones of compaction bands including many bands with steps or eye structure. Also, wiggly splays within the eye structure and in the area surrounding the core appear to form a damage zone. Hammer for scale. From Torabi et al. (2015).

Compaction bands, particularly zones, are typically more resistant to weathering thus forming fins with prominent geomorphic features in the field.