Integration of different sediment characteristics to discriminate between sources of coastal sediments

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2013

Authors

Guedes, A (Author) FCUP; Murray, RC (Author) Other; Ribeiro, H (Author) FCUP; Rodrigues, A (Author) Other; Valentim, B (Author) Other; Sant'Ovaia, H (Author) FCUP; Noronha, F (Author) FCUP

Journal

Title: Geological Society Special Publication

Vol. 384

Pages: 97-108

ISSN: 0305-8719

Publisher: Geological Society

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge

Scopus - 1 Citation

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-008-H9N

DOI: 10.1144/sp384.1

Abstract (EN): In order to investigate the effects of geological setting and the surrounding lithology on coastal sediment samples, four properties were analysed in a series of samples collected from different localities: colour determined by spectrophotometry; particle size distribution determined by laser granulometry; chemical composition determined by ICP-MS (inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry); and low-field magnetic susceptibility determined using a susceptibility meter. A hierarchical cluster analysis was applied to ascertain the capacity of the different properties for discrimination between samples from the different geological settings. The study reveals that colour analysis only allowed discrimination between different geographical areas; particle size distribution allowed separation between dune and beach samples; chemical composition allowed discrimination between both different geological settings and also between dune and beach sands; and, finally, the combination of magnetic susceptibility with colour and particle size distribution allowed for clear discrimination between geological settings, and between beach and sand dunes. The studied samples are part of a larger and growing collection of data, and a more extensive evaluation will continue to be made for a more definitive assessment of the use of different characteristics for discrimination. So far, the results give confidence that it is meaningful to use these characteristics, especially when examined in combination, to distinguish between different locations. © The Geological Society of London 2013.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific