Sand Grain Size and Organic Matter Concentration in the Intertidal Zones on the Southwest Coast of Taiwan

From April 2013 to April 2014, the average pH and water temperature of the Taisi oyster cultivation area (TS, Yunlin County, Taiwan) were 8.05 (7.35 - 8.45) and 24.7˚C (13.7˚C - 32.8˚C) (N = 8226) The average organic matter (OM) concentration at sites TS-A and TS-B were 6.9% ± 1.3% and 6.9% ± 1.2%, and the weight of drift sand was 40.3 ± 19.1 g/d/m2 and 28.5 ± 34.3 g/d/m2 (N = 27). Considerable sand drifting typically occurs during the southwest monsoon season in summer. The average OM concentration at five dunes from Zhuoshui estuary to Zengwun estuary was 23.9 ± 4.5 g/kg. The percentage of sand grain weight of 0.15 - 0.25 mm and 0.25 - 0.60 mm was 82.5% ± 14.2% and 10.5% ± 12.0%. In the spring and autumn of 2015, the average OM concentration at the eight intertidal zones from Hanbao to Cigu was 49.8 ± 34.1 g/kg (N = 177), and the OM concentrations at Huwei estuary and Hanbao and Fangyuan intertidal zones were relatively high. The OM concentration (95.3 ± 75.7 g/kg) of the low tide zone of Huwei estuary was the highest among all tidal zones. The OM concentration during spring (59.4 ± 41.7 g/kg, N = 95) was higher than that in autumn (39.1 ± 17.8 g/kg, N = 84). For sand grain size ranges 0.15 - 0.25 and 0.063 - 0.15 mm, the weight ratio of intertidal sediment was 39.4% ± 26.9% and 27.6% ± 20.1%, respectively. The broad and flat intertidal zone was marked by fine sand and long intertidal zone;the weight ratio of SGSs < 0.25 mm exceeded 65%, and the OM concentration was between 20 and 30 g/kg. Coastal habitat diversity creates differences in biological communities, especially among crabs and benthic organisms. A greater understanding of coastal environments can aid in the management of coastal wetlands.

Influence of Gating System,Sand Grain Size,and Mould Coating on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Thin-Wall Ductile Iron

Two gating systems namely stepped and tapered runners were used to cast strip samples with different thicknesses by CO2/silicate process using sand grain sizes of AFS 151 and 171. To assess the effect of mould coating on the properties of thin wall ductile iron, half of the moulds were coated whilst the rest were not coated. Molten metal with the carbon equivalent of 4.29% was prepared and poured at 1 450 ℃. Microstructure of the specimens was analyzed by optical and scanning electron microscopes. Count, area fraction, roundness and diameter of the graphite nodules of the samples were measured by image analyzer. Brinell hardness and tensile tests of all the samples were also conducted. The results show that by using stepped runner gating system with uncoated and coarse sand mould, roundness and count of the graphite nodules decrease whereas diameter and area fraction increase. Although fine sand and coated mould cause longer distance of molten metal travel, hardness and strength of the samples decrease.

Grain-size features of aeolian sand on the east coast of Hainan Island and the revealed evolutionary processes of the sedimentary environment

The Mudui stratigraphic section represents the typical records of sedimentation processes of sand dunes and interdune depressions on the east coast of Hainan Island.Based on high-density sampling and optically stimulated luminescence(OSL) dating of the strata of the section,the grain-size composition,grain-size parameters,cumulative distribution probability curve,and grain-size-sensitivity indexes(SC/D) were analyzed.The analyzed results show that the grain-size features of aeolian sand,weakly developed sandy paleosol,two-facies(aeolian and aqueous) deposits,and lagoon deposits are all different.This indicates four evolutionary phases of the sedimentary environment of the east coast of Hainan Island since 38 ka B.P.Phase I:38-22 ka B.P.;phase II:22-17 ka B.P.;phase III:17-10 ka B.P.;phase IV:10 ka B.P.-present.The climate experienced the hot-wet/hot-dry,hot-wet/hot-dry,and warm-wet/hot-wet fluctuations,and the sedimentary environment also underwent lagoon deposition,dune and interdune depression deposition,dune stabilization and soil development,shifting sand deposition,and evolutionary processes.

An experimental investigation on the effect of grain size on oil-well sand production

Sand production in oil wells is closely related to the mechanical behavior and petrographical properties of sandstones reservoir. Grain size is one of the main parameters controlling the phenomenon, which is studied in this paper. Large-scale hollow cylindrical synthetic samples with the same rock strength but different grain sizes were tested by an experimental setup in the laboratory. Different external stresses and fluid flow rates were applied to the samples and produced sand was measured continuously. Results show two different trends between sanding stress level and grain size. For the samples with finer grain size （D50〈0.3 mm）, the required confining stress for different sanding levels decreased with an increase in the grain size and for the samples with the coarser grains （D50〉0.3 mm） the required confining stress for different sanding levels dramatically increased with an increase in the grain size. Those two different trends were discussed and explained. The first one was production of individual grains and the second was bigger chunks in the slab form. In samples with large grains, plastic zones around hole were changed to a completely loose zone including interlocked individual grains or cluster of grains. In these samples after breakage of these interlocked zones sand was produced in the form of individual grains and clusters. Contrary to this, for samples with smaller grain size, shear bands were formed around the plastified hole and sand was produced in the form of big chunks or slabs.

The reverse sediment transport trend between abandoned Huanghe River(Yellow River) Delta and radial sand ridges along Jiangsu coastline of China——an evidence from grain size analysis

To reveal the sediment transporting mechanism between the abandoned Huanghe River （Yellow River） Delta and radial sand ridges, “End Member” Model and grain size trend analysis have been employed to separate the “dynamic populations” in the surficial sediment particle spectra and to determine the possible sediment transporting pathway. The results reveal four “dynamic subpopulations”（EM1 to EM4） and two reverse sediment transporting directions： a northward transport tend from the radial sand ridges to mud patch, and a southward transport trend in deep water area outside the mud patch. Combined with the published hydrodynamic information, the transporting mechanism of dynamic populations has been discussed, and the main conclusion is that the transporting of finer subpopulations EM1 and EM2 is controlled by the “anticlockwise residual current circulation” forming during tidal cycle, which favor a northward transporting trend and the forming of mud patch on the north of radial sand ridges, while the transporting of coarser EM3 is mainly controlled by wind driven drift in winter, which favors a southward transporting direction.

East Asian Winter Monsoon record from the environmental sensitive grain size component of QF Old Red Sand, Haitan Island, China

The ＂Old Red Sand＂ is widely distributed along the coast of Fujian Province, China. Most studies have been carried out from as- pects of the origin, age and laterization of the ＂Old Red Sand＂, but this paper focused on reconstructing the history of the Asian Winter Monsoon change. On the basis of granulometric analysis of high-resohition samples, we have obtained environmental sen- sitive grain size component （ESGSC） from the Qingfeng （QF） profile by using the grain size-standard deviation method, which proves that the selected ESGSC is an important climate proxy. The mean grain size of this ESGSC could be used to reconstruct the East Asian Winter Monsoon （EAWM） intensity. As such, the history of the EAWM change since 44.0 ka reconstructed here reveals three main phases based on chronology dates of previous researches： （1） 44.0-25.5 ka B.P., the EAWM is relatively weak but increases gradually with fluctuations; （2） 25.5-15.5 ka B.P., relatively strong with high frequency fluctuations; （3） 15.5-7.1 ka B.P., with a weaker winter monsoon, but during 11-10 ka B.P. is remarkably enhanced. The EAWM recorded by mean grain size of the two neighboring sections have a better repeatability, so the millennial scales oscillation should be a reliable signal of the EAWM intensity. The climate recorded by ESGSC of the QF ＂Old Red Sand＂ compared to 6-80 of Huhi Cave stalagmites and Greenland GISP2 ice cores shows a good consistency, especially in detail, the YD event and four Heinrich events are all recorded, but the signal of D-O cycles was relatively weak.

Grain Size Analysis of a Growing Sand Bar at Sonadia Island, Bangladesh

Sonadia is one of the most important islands of Bangladesh. South-eastern shore of the island, which is a growing sand bar, has to encounter continuous and rapid morphological changes. So study of the sediment characteristics of this Sand Bar is very important. In the present study, grain size analysis of this Sand Bar has been done on the basis of laboratory analysis. Sediment samples were collected from 9 (Nine) stations and texture analysis of sediment was completed following a standard procedure of sieve analysis of sand samples. The average value of median (MD), mean (M), standard deviation (s), skewness (SK) and kurtosis (K) of sediment of the Sand Bar of Sonadia Island was 1.93, 1.87, 0.44, 0.11 and 1.88 respectively. Highest median, mean, standard deviation, skewness and kurtosis of Sand Bar of Sonadia Island was 2.98 (Station 2, Lower Shore), 2.68 (Station 1, Lower Shore), 0.83 (Station 1, Middle Shore and Station 2, Lower Shore), 0.65 (Station 2, Lower Shore) and 3.59 (Station 1, Lower Shore) respectively. Lowest median, mean, standard deviation, skewness and kurtosis of Sand Bar of Sonadia Island was 1.42 (Station 9, Middle Shore), 1.45 (Station 9, Middle Shore), 0.30 (Station 5, Lower Shore and Station 8, Lower Shore), 0.04 (Station 5, Upper Shore) and 0.94 (Station 6, Upper Shore) respectively.

Spatial Variations in Particle Size,Heavy Mineral Assemblage and Magnetic Concentration of Dark-reddish Sands on Cedar Beach,Western Lake Erie,Ontario,Canada

Environmental magnetic research on beaches and shoreline processes is limited.Therefore,we carried out environmental magnetic studies on the heavy mineral-enriched,dark-reddish sands on Cedar Beach of western Lake Erie(41.68°N,82.40°W).Magnetite has been identified as the dominant magnetic mineral of these sands.This study reveals a spatial variation in concentration of magnetite particles,distribution of

A late Holocene winter monsoon record inferred from the palaeo-aeolian sand dune in the southeastern Mu Us Desert, northern China

The variation of the Asian winter monsoonal strength has seriously affected the climate and environmental conditions in the Asian monsoonal region, and even in marginal islands and the ocean in the East Asian region. However, relevant under-standing remains unclear due to the lack of suitable geological materials and effective proxies in the key study areas. Here, we present a grain-size record derived from the palaeo-aeolian sand dune in the southeastern Mu Us Desert, together with other proxies and OSL dating, which reflect a relatively detailed history of the winter monsoon and abrupt environmental events during the past 4.2 ka. Our grain-size standard deviation model indicated that 〉224 μm content can be considered as an indicator of the intensity of Asian winter monsoon, and it shows declined around 4.2–2.1 ka, enhanced but unstable in 2.1–0.9 ka, and obviously stronger since then. In addition, several typical climate events were also documented, forced by the periodic variation of winter monsoonal intensity. These include the cold intervals of 4.2, 2.8, 1.4 ka, and the Little Ice Age （LIA）, and relatively warm sub-phases around 3.0, 2.1, 1.8 ka, and the Medieval Warm Period （MWP）, which were roughly accordant with the records of the aeolian materials, peat, stalagmites, ice cores, and sea sediments in various latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere. Combined with the previous progresses of the Asian summer monsoon, we prelimi-narily confirmed a millennial-scale anti-correlation of Asian winter and summer monsoons in the Late Holocene epoch. This study suggests that the evolution of the palaeo-aeolian sand dune has the potential for comprehending the history of Asian monsoon across the desert regions of the modern Asian monsoonal margin in northern China.

Sand wave deposition in the Taiwan Shoal of China

The Taiwan Shoal is the convex terrain in the southern Taiwan Strait, the largest strait in China. In 2006 and 2007, 21 samples and more than 200-km sub-bottom data as well as 80-km near shore side-scan sonar data were gotten, which gave an initial image of the boundaries of the Taiwan Shoal and revealed the internal structure of the sand waves in this area. The results showed that the major component of the sediment samples was sand, and sand waves occurred everywhere in this area, which closely followed the range of the Taiwan Shoal as we know. The western boundary of the Taiwan Shoal thus reaches the 30 m isobaths near the shore, and as a result, its area potentially covers approximately 12 800-14 770 km2. The sand waves have different shapes under the complex ocean dynamics, and the height of sand waves in the near shore is usually smaller than that in the Taiwan Shoal. The number of sand waves ranged from 1-5 per kilometer, with more waves in the isobath-intensive area, suggesting the importance of topography for the formation of sand waves. The stratigraphic structure under the seabed has parallel bedding or cross bedding, and large dipping groove bedding can be seen locally in different parts, which may be the result of terrestrial deposition since the Late Pleistocene.

Deposition of sandstorms in a vegetation-covered sand dune in Ejin Oasis and its characteristics

＂Ejin Section＂ found in a typical vegetation-covered sand dune in Ejin Oasis was investigated. In this study, 263 samples were taken from the section for grain-size analysis, 25 for chemical analysis, 11 for ^14C dating and 6 for scanning electron microscope （SEM）. The results of the study indicate that 3 types of the sediments in the section can be identified, YS, LS and ST. YS, homogeneous yellow-brown dune sands, is equal to those of inland deserts, LS, loess-like sandy soils, is the same as the sandy loess in the middle Yellow River and modem falling dusts, and ST, sandy sediments interbeded with the deadwood and defoliation of Tamarix spp, represents the depositional process of the section interrupted by abrupt changes in climate. The Ejin Section has recorded the repeated dust-storms or sandstorms since 2500 yr BP and the peak periods of the dust-storms or sandstorms revealed by the section are consistent with the records of ＂dust rains＂ in historical literatures, indicating that the change of climate is a key factor to increase sandstorms or dust-storms, whereas, ＂artificial＂ factor may only be an accelerating one for desertification.

Influences of sand cover on erosion processes of loess slopes based on rainfall simulation experiments

Aeolian-fluvial interplay erosion regions are subject to intense soil erosion and are of particular concern in loess areas of northwestern China. Understanding the composition, distribution, and transport processes of eroded sediments in these regions is of considerable scientific significance for controlling soil erosion. In this study, based on laboratory rainfall simulation experiments, we analyzed rainfall-induced erosion processes on sand-covered loess slopes （SS） with different sand cover patterns （including length and thickness） and uncovered loess slopes （LS） to investigate the influences of sand cover on erosion processes of loess slopes in case regions of aeolian-fluvial erosion. The grain-size curves of eroded sediments were fitted using the Weibull function. Compositions of eroded sediments under different sand cover patterns and rainfall intensities were analyzed to explore sediment transport modes of SS. The influences of sand cover amount and pattern on erosion processes of loess slopes were also discussed. The results show that sand cover on loess slopes influences the proportion of loess erosion and that the compositions of eroded sediments vary between SS and LS. Sand cover on loess slopes transforms silt erosion into sand erosion by reducing splash erosion and changing the rainfall-induced erosion processes. The percentage of eroded sand from SS in the early stage of runoff and sediment generation is always higher than that in the late stage. Sand cover on loess slopes aggravates loess erosion, not only by adding sand as additional eroded sediments but also by increasing the amount of eroded loess, compared with the loess slopes without sand cover. The influence of sand cover pattern on runoff yield and the amount of eroded sediments is larger than that of sand cover amount. Furthermore, given the same sand cover pattern, a thicker sand cover could increase sand erosion while a thinner sand cover could aggravate loess erosion. This difference explains the existence of intense erosion on slopes that are thinly covered with sand in regions where aeolian erosion and fluvial erosion interact.

A transport-rate model of wind-blown sand

Sand transport by wind plays an important role in environmental problems.Formulating the sand-transport rate model has been of continuing significance,because the majority of the existing models relate sand-transport rate to the wind-shear velocity.However,the wind-shear velocity readapted to blown sand is difficult to determine from the measured wind profiles when sand movement occurs,especially at high wind velocity.Detailed wind tunnel tests were carried out to reformulate the sand-transport rate model,followed by attempts to relate sand-transport rate to parameters of wind velocity,threshold shear-velocity,and grain size.Finally,we validated the model based on the data from field observations.

Variability of Sand Mobility Surrounding Cylinder Object Freely Resting on the Seabed under the Action of Typhoon

In sandy sediments, scour and fill is the key process contributed to mine burial. The scour processes surrounding the cylinder mines freely resting on the sandy seabed under the 12-hr combined action of tidal currents and wind-generated waves, especially over typhoon events are numerically simulated using the DRAMBUIE model. The East China Sea is a good case study due to the dominant impact of summer typhoon events on sediment transport and scour. The numerical results show that the scour depth generally increases with time under the combined current and wave stresses exerted on the seabed, while the depth of the scour pit depends on infill once the currents subside. There is a positive relationship between the scour depth and the bottom orbital velocity after experiencing 12-hr wave action including storm waves, while the relation is not linear. The experimental results also display an elevated trend for scour depth with the increase of orbital velocity. The numerical results reveal a surprising phenomenon: the mobility of sand altering with the increasing bed shear stress larger than the certain threshold, which is also manifested as the curves of scour depth with the different grain size might cross each other. For laboratory experiments, the variability of sand mobility does not occur, likely because typhoon storm waves cannot be reproduced in the flume. More numerical tests indicate that the intersection will be triggered by the division of critical Shields parameter. The preliminary analysis suggests that the phenomenon never documented is likely generated from the error of empirical formulae.

甘肃青土湖地区不同类型沙丘的表沙理化特征及其环境意义

沙丘表层沉积物的理化特征在揭示风沙的来源、沉积过程、风化作用等方面具有重要作用。本研究采用野外实地采样和实验室分析方法分析了甘肃青土湖地区不同类型沙丘表层沉积物的粒度和地球化学特征。结果表明:(1)青土湖地区沙丘表层沉积物以细砂为优势粒级,平均含量达72.08%,其次为极细砂,黏粒成分很少。频率分布曲线为单峰分布,概率累积曲线表现为三段式,反映出沉积环境较为稳定。(2)研究区沙丘表层沉积物常量元素以SiO2为主,平均含量为76.40%,其次为Al2O3和CaO,平均含量分别为5.05%、3.74%。微量元素以Cr、Mn、Co、Sr、Ba、Ti、Ce和P为主,平均含量均>100 mg/L。(3)Y、Zr和Y/Zr、Rb/Zr双变量图、A-CNK-FM图解表明巴丹吉林沙漠和腾格里沙漠为其沙源。风沙搬运过程中的磨蚀、风选作用是研究区富集Fe、Mg元素的主要原因。此外,下伏湖相沉积物就地起砂,石羊河冲积物也为其提供了部分沙物质。(4)A-CN-K和A-CNK-FM三角模式图表明研究区风化程度较弱,处于初期脱Na、Ca阶段。在沙丘固定过程中成土作用增强但淋溶作用减小,这是由于植被的影响导致半固定、固定沙丘Na、Ca含量较高。

江西星子镇沙岭沙山顶部一处红色砂层的粒度分析及释光年代研究

鄱阳湖作为我国最大淡水湖,其周边分布若干沙山。此前研究多认为这些沙山为风成堆积的产物。选取星子镇沙岭沙山顶部(吴淞高程约58.3 m)一处红色砂层(含泥质团块)为研究对象,开展粒度分析和释光测年,以进一步揭示其形成环境和年代。粒度结果为:(1)以中粗砂为主;(2)粒度分选性差;(3)频率分布曲线显示该红色砂层包含多峰;(4)概率累积曲线显示该红色砂层包含1个推移组分、2个跃移组分和4个悬移组分;(5)萨胡判别公式值均>-2.74。之后,对红色砂层下伏泥层、红色砂层和红色砂层上覆黄色砂层开展石英单颗粒释光测年,其年代分别为:(24.7±2.1) ka、(24.0±2.4) ka和(22.4±3.9) ka。研究表明该红色砂层虽然形成于MIS2阶段,但其不是干旱环境下的风成沉积砂层。

Comparisons of grain size characteristics of red earth from southern China with that of loess and dune sand from Beijing region

The comparisons of grain size distributions among eolian deposits along the monsoon wind trajectory are a fundamental task for the reconstruction of the past wind regimes. Here the authors sampled the dune sands in Hunsandak desert, loess deposits in Beijing region and red earth in southern China. Grain size analyses show that the distribution models of the loess

海岸沙丘表面不同部位风沙流中不同粒径沙粒垂向分布的变化

河北昌黎黄金海岸典型沙丘的实地观测表明,风沙流中中沙与细沙输沙量的垂向分布在沙丘表面不同部位的变化并无本质性差别但有一定变化幅度的差异,如绝对输沙量均在迎风坡至丘顶增加、丘顶至背风坡坡脚减小,但中沙输沙量在迎风坡增加的幅度小于细沙、在背风坡减少的幅度大于细沙;相对输沙量在沙丘不同部位的变化趋向类似,但细沙的变化幅度要小于中沙;中沙的垂向分布模式均为幂函数,细沙则表现为指数分布(0～10cm高度内)和幂函数分布(10～30cm高度内)。

武汉青山“砂山”粒度特征及其成因指示

根据代表性的武汉青山"砂山"的粒度分析探讨"砂山"的成因。结果表明:剖面砂颗粒含量较高,平均达59%,粗粉砂约23%,细粉砂约11%,黏土含量少。粒度参数特征与典型沙丘砂一致,频率分布曲线为双峰,概率累积曲线为两段式,部分层位三段式,跃移质含量高,显示风积成因,C—M图及结构参数散点图与河流沉积物差别明显,判别分析结果正负夹杂。综合看来,"砂山"是末次冰期时出露的河流沉积物经风力吹扬、搬运,在长江南岸堆积而成。

水泥砂浆固化土抗压强度特性试验

为论证水泥砂浆固化土工程应用的可行性,通过设置不同掺砂量、含水率、砂料粒径和养护龄期条件,对水泥砂浆固化土进行无侧限抗压强度试验.试验结果表明:(a)掺砂可提高水泥砂浆固化土的抗压强度,尤其是早期强度.一定水泥掺入比条件下,当掺砂量处于最优掺砂率(10%左右)时水泥砂浆固化土的强度特性改善幅度最大,掺砂量超过最优掺砂率后水泥砂浆固化土的抗压强度无显著提高.(b)水泥砂浆固化土的抗压强度随原料土含水率的增加而减小,当原料土的含水率较低或养护龄期较短时,水泥砂浆固化土的抗压强度下降幅度均较大,当含水率较高时水泥土掺砂难以达到预期的固化效果.(c)砂料粒径变化对水泥砂浆固化土的抗压强度影响较小,水泥砂浆固化土强度随着粒径的增大略有提高;砂料粒径变化对水泥砂浆固化土变形系数的影响较大,两者近似成正比关系,在实际工程中无需对砂料进行筛分而直接运用即可获得较好的处理效果.(d)水泥砂浆固化土无侧限抗压强度试验的破坏模式多为脆性张裂破坏和塑性剪切破坏.随着养护龄期的延长以及掺砂量的增加,脆性张裂破坏更为显著.