About This Item

Share This Item

The AAPG/Datapages Combined Publications Database

GCAGS Transactions

Abstract


Gulf Coast Association of Geological Societies Transactions
Vol. 33 (1983), Pages 347-356

Recognition of Sandstone Depositional Environment: A Grain Shape Approach, with an Example from North Padre Island

Jim Mazzullo (1), Donald Sims (1)

ABSTRACT

The shapes of 8000 fine quartz sand grains from Malaquite beach, North Padre Island, were analyzed with the Fourier shape technique. It was found with this technique that dune sands can be easily differentiated from beach sands on the basis of both their gross and fine (roundness) shape characteristics.

The analysis of samples from transects across the beach and dunes also reveals a high degree of grain shape variation within these environments. This variation is considered due to the effects of hydrodynamic and aerodynamic sorting by swash and wind currents respectively.

The Fourier technique provides a rapid and objective manner in which to discriminate between beach and dune sands, and can be applied to ancient as well as modern sands with equal facility.


Pay-Per-View Purchase Options

The article is available through a document delivery service. Explain these Purchase Options.

Watermarked PDF Document: $14
Open PDF Document: $24