An evaluation of shape indices as palaeoenvironmental indicators using quartzite and metavolcanic clasts in Upper Cretaceous to Palaeogene beach, river and submarine fan conglomerates

The feasibility of using quantitative shape measurements to discriminate between clast populations from different depositional settings was evaluated using samples from 11 fluvial, six submarine fan and four beach conglomerates from south-west California; these origins had been established previously by facies analysis. Quartzite and metavolcanic clasts were characterized by the following indices: modified Wentworth roundness (R_w), maximum projection sphericity (δ_p), oblate-prolate index (OPI) and long (L), intermediate (I) and short (S) axial ratios. These indices were compared with those documented previously for modern gravels. The results show that certain indices are useful palaeoenvironmental indicators, despite inherited differences in shape due to texture, provided that multiple sites are sampled and a statistical approach is used. Statistically, the most effective shape indices are δ_p and S/L which give good results with the Zingg classification (I/L vs. S/I); better results are also obtained using quartzite clasts. The OPI is useful for discriminating between beach and river conglomerates, which consist largely of oblate and prolate clasts, respectively. The relative abundance of blade-shaped clasts is a useful index of sediment maturity, being greatest for river clast samples and smallest for submarine fan clast samples. The latter are dominated by spherical particles. No correlation between palaeoenvironment and R_w is observed, hence the abundance of disc-shaped clasts in the beach conglomerates studied is attributed to selective transport in suspension and sediment by passing during fluvial transport prior to deposition in the surf zone. Selective transport of rollers (spheres and rods) by traction in a shallow marine setting, prior to redeposition by mass transport, may be responsible for the dominance of spherical particles in submarine fan conglomerates.     

A morphometric analysis of terrace gravels in Santa Ynez basin,Santa Barbara County,California

An analysis of 6,300 pebbles from eighteen river terraces within the five subareas of the Santa Ynez River basin has revealed significant differences in particle sphericity and roundness of the various terrace gravels.Using the Cailleux technique of pebble measurement, Krumbein's sphericity ratio formula (Y) and the author's own roundness ratio or the I/L¹ ratio (R) the computed values derived for $\text{Y}$ range from 0.92 to 1.11, and for $\text{R}$ from 0.66 to 0.79 on these benches.An analysis of variance, based on the F-test applied to samples has established that: (a) gravel sphericity and roundness increase significantly from upstream to the river mouth; (b) in the subareas themselves pebble sphericity and roundness vary significantly from bench to bench indicating varied energy conditions of deposition; (c) all terrace gravels measured show higher sphericity and roundness than the underlying Orcutt gravels. This suggests a reworking of the latter by the Santa Ynez River.     

中国东南部海岸砂与大陆架砂沉积特征比较及其环境意义

针对目前对大陆架砂成因问题的争议,本文从海陆过渡带动力关联的统一的环境体系,选取环境相关的海岸与大陆架砂质沉积做对比分析,获知东海大陆架砂的沉积特征和形成环境不具备高度的均一性,因而不是统一的大规模风成堆积,它们基本上均属于河口海岸-浅海环境下的产物。据大陆架砂的沉积特征以及当代关于沙漠化概念的内涵,质疑东海大陆架"沙漠化"的观点。     

Use of clast shape in determining the sedimentary history of the late devonian keepit conglomerate,Australia

Clasts of the Late Devonian Keepit Conglomerate of northeastern New South Wales, Australia, are predominantly andesites of isotropic nature that lack any apparent initial shape controls. Given adequate time in a particular environment, these clasts could be reasonably expected to develop shapes characteristic of abrasion within that environment.Clasts from both fluvial and marine resedimented conglomerates of the Keepit Conglomerate possess shape characteristics indicative of shaping within a fluvial environment. Maximum projection sphericity, and a plot of sphericity against either the oblate-prolate index or the flatness parameter C/A, were the most useful in indicating fluvial shaping processes. In addition, the $\text{OP}$ Index and the dominant form classes of the Sneed and Folk Sphericity-Form diagram were in support of a fluvial history for the clasts.The occurrence of clasts exhibiting typical fluvial shapes in marine resedimented conglomerates indicates a lack of time and/or insufficient energy in a beach environment for reshaping of the clasts prior to resedimentation into deeper-water submarine-fan environments. This interpretation is consistent with and lends support to the interpretation, based on all other available data, for the Keepit Conglomerate of a history of rapid progradation of fluvial gravels into a relatively low-energy coastline environment, with periodic resedimentation of coarse sediment into deeper water.     

山东峡山湖东岸现代滩坝沉积模式及控制因素*

滩坝作为发育于滨岸带非常重要的沉积储集层类型之一,已成为隐蔽油气藏勘探的目标。为进一步明确峡山湖东岸滨浅湖滩坝沉积模式,以现代沉积考察为基础,结合探地雷达技术和粒度分析资料,对东岸研究区滩坝砂体的沉积特征以及控制因素进行详细分析。结果表明: 峡山湖东岸主要发育风成沙丘及滩坝2种沉积体系。早期风成沉积物以发育连续性好的大型板状交错层理细砂为主,分选较好,粒度概率曲线以两段式为特征;滩坝沉积物以发育连续性差的板状交错层理、平行层理中砂为主,主要为反粒序或者复合粒序,具冲刷构造,岩性较混杂并以砂泥薄互层为特征,发育大量植物根系,粒度概率曲线以三段式为主,跳跃组分分为2段,分选较好。探地雷达资料表明研究区下部主要以厚层层状反射结构砂体为主,与风成沙丘沉积反射特征较为一致,环境敏感粒度组分对滩坝沉积较强的水动力作用有较好的指示。总体上,风力作用控制了风成砂体的沉积发育并且改变了古地貌条件,风浪作用冲刷改造了早期砂体,为滩坝的发育提供了物源,控制了滩坝发育的规模和地理位置,可概括为“风运—湖改”滩坝沉积模式,可为滩坝体系的识别和有利储集层预测提供指导。     

埃迪卡拉系微生物碳酸盐岩沉积特征及其地质意义:以川中磨溪8井区灯影组四段为例*

四川盆地高石梯—磨溪地区埃迪卡拉系灯影组广泛发育一套微生物碳酸盐岩。以磨溪8井区灯影组四段(灯四段)为例,通过精细解析高频向上变浅序列的岩石学特征,发现灯四段微生物云岩及序列建造具有如下特征: (1)向上变浅序列主要由凝块石云岩、叠层石云岩和(含微生物)泥晶云岩3类构成,伴以少量微生物粘结颗粒云岩;(2)完整的典型向上变浅序列自下而上由(含微生物)泥晶云岩(A段)、平直状叠层石云岩(B段)、小型丘状叠层石云岩(C段)、分散状凝块石云岩(D段)、格架状凝块石云岩(E段)、微生物粘结颗粒云岩(F段)等6个岩性单元构成,但大量的序列由A-C-E、A-C-D、B-D、B-C-D-E等不完整的岩性单元构成,且序列顶底皆以凝块石云岩/(含微生物)泥晶云岩、叠层石云岩/(含微生物)泥晶云岩等不平整的岩性突变面或暴露面区分;(3)埃迪卡拉系微生物碳酸盐岩发育于浪基面之上至平均海平面附近的相对高能区域,且凝块石云岩较叠层石云岩形成的环境能量高。该研究结果不仅揭示出较高能的浅水环境控制了规模性微生物岩分布这一规律,而且对区域储集层预测具有指导意义,同时也因建立了有别于现代微生物的环境分布模式而具有重要的沉积学意义。     

How round is round? A new approach to the topic ‘roundness’by Fourier grain shape analysis

Numerous methods for roundness measurement have been developed. None, however, has been generally accepted, because of conceptual and practical deficiencies. Modern image processing and Fourier grain shape analysis have eliminated the practical shortcomings, but the conceptual ones remained. Single, higher harmonics of the Fourier series, for example, fail to serve as reliable equivalents for roundness evaluation. The concept outlined in this paper recognizes three criteria for the evaluation of roundness. (1) All curvatures, convex as well as concave or plane elements, must be considered. (2) The positions of morphological elements are significant because salient parts of a particle are more easily abraded than protected ones. Consequently, the curvatures have to be weighted by their relative position on the particle. (3) Positions and curvatures of morphological elements have to be compared with the particle's ultimate abraded shape, which is assumed to be an ellipsoid. The ellipsoid reflects the aspect of form or sphericity. The distinction between sphericity and roundness is retained because there is no evidence that sphericity changes significantly during transport. The measurement is based on the outline of a particle's maximum projection plane, which is transformed to a Fourier series. Roundness data are derived from the complete amplitude spectrum. The aspect of sphericity is eliminated by subtracting the amplitude spectrum of the best approximating ellipse from the spectrum of the empirical shape. The residual amplitudes are normalized and summed. In a final step the resulting values are rescaled. This guarantees reasonable boundaries and a normal distribution of roundness values. The procedure is automated and its efficiency permits the calculation of large samples. Tests on fluvial and coastal gravel populations demonstrate that the method is sensitive to abrasional wear during all stages of roundness.     

The relationship of sediment texture with coastal environments along the Kuala Terengganu Coast, Malaysia

The subtidal sediments of four coastal environments (beach, berm, surf zone and nearshore sea floor) of Kuala Terengganu have been studied in terms of their textural characteristics and depositional process. Sampling and statistical analyses of the grain size distributions of beach, surf zone and shallow sea-floor sediments at various locations along the coastline show that they varied in their mean grain size as well as values of sorting and skewness. The statistical parameters of grain size distributions thus allowed recognition of distinct sub-environments. The size distribution of such sediments suggests that the various processes that are responsible for their transportation and deposition are wave, current and wind action. The different energy conditions and the morphology of each coastal environment seem to be reflected in the characteristics of the sediments in each environment.     

混积岩一例--滇东震旦系陡山沱组砂质砂屑白云岩的成因

滇东震旦系陡山沱组顶部的砂质砂屑白云岩是一例典型的混积岩,即狭义的混合沉积。岩石中的石英砂分选好,圆度和球度高,它们时稀时密地呈“悬浮”状散布在白云石砂屑沉积物中。其产状及结构构造特征表明,它是当时的海滩砂在海进过程中被搬运到海洋中,并与白云石砂屑混合而形成的。     

Application of GPR in the study of shallow subsurface sedimentary architecture of Modwa spit,Gulf of Kachchh

The coastline constitutes a very sensitive geomorphic domain constantly subjected to dynamic coastal processes. The study of its ever-changing physiography and stratigraphy provides a wealth of information on its history and evolution, in many cases at decadal and annual scales. The present study was carried out on the Modwa beach complex between Rawal Pir and Modwa, about 10 km east of Mandvi on the northern coast of the Gulf of Kachchh. The Modwa spit is a 7-km long WNW-ESE trending prograding amalgamated beach ridge complex that is about 0.5 km wide at its western end and 1.5 km wide at its eastern end. This Ground-Penetrating Radar (GPR) survey delineated a variety of the radar surfaces and radar facies which reflects not only large scale sedimentary architecture, but depositional facies of the beach ridge complex. These are bounding surfaces separating the radar facies outline beach ridge (br), washover (wo), coastal dune (cd) and swale (sw) depositional environments. The internal sedimentary structures like tangential, parallel, concave and convex upward stratifications could also be visualized from the GPR profiles. The architecture suggests the formation of this complex due to a combined process of eastward littoral drift of locally derived sediments and its onshore deposition by storms and eolian activities.     

鲕粒粒度特征及其指示意义

沉积物的粒度资料是确定沉积环境的重要依据,一直以来多应用在碎屑岩方面,较少用于碳酸盐岩的分析。以北京西山寒武系张夏组鲕粒石灰岩为研究对象,在野外实测、室内薄片粒度统计的基础上,通过分析鲕粒粒度参数、粒度频率曲线及概率累积曲线特征,明确了鲕粒粒度在分析鲕粒灰岩沉积环境上的重要作用,并建立了下苇甸鲕粒粒度特征与鲕粒滩在空间上的耦合关系。研究结果表明:鲕粒粒径大小、分选系数、峰度及概率累积曲线组分截点可以很好地反映鲕粒沉积水动力环境;一般情况下,水动力环境较稳定的间歇高能滩沉积的灰泥鲕粒石灰岩鲕粒粒径较小,分选好,峰度尖锐,频率曲线主要为单峰态,鲕粒以悬浮搬运为主;水动力较为动荡的高能滩沉积的亮晶鲕粒石灰岩鲕粒粒径较大,分选较差,峰度多为平坦、中等,频率曲线主要为多峰态,概率累积曲线多为一跳一悬两段式;鲕粒的粒径与鲕粒圈层类型密切相关,粒径较大的鲕粒多以同心鲕、同心放射鲕为主,粒径较小的鲕粒多为放射鲕。研究结果为分析颗粒石灰岩的沉积环境提供了理论和依据。     

Depositional environments of coastal sediments of Calangute,Goa

The grain-size statistics and environmental conditions of deposition of the beach and dune sediments from the Calangute region, Goa, have been studied. The results of Student's t test and bivariate plots reveal that there exist distinct differences in grain-size parameters of the sediments from different environments and that these differences are highly significant. The study shows that the variations in mean grain size (Mz), graphic standard deviation (O₁), graphic skewness (Sk₁), simple sorting measure (So_s) and simple skewness measure (O_s) are significant in identifying the sediments from different environments. Further, the study reveals the usefulness of grain-size parameters not only in differentiating beach and dune sediments, but also in delineating the beach into foreshore and backshore. The differences in grain-size characteristics of the sediments between the environments reflect the transport, erosional and depositional mechanisms (active hydrodynamic processes in the beach foreshore and aerodynamic processes in the backshore and dune environments) prevailing in the area of study.     

A quantitative technique for assessing the roundness of pottery sherds in water currents

The shape property of transposed pottery sherds that changes most rapidly due to wear during water transport in natural sedimentary environments is roundness, the degree of curvature of edges and corners. of the many methods for the measurement of particle roundness, which are briefly reviewed, that proposed by Wadell (1932, 1933) is considered to specify roundness best. A simple and rapid procedure for the measurement of the Wadell projection roundness is described, which yields roundness values having a precision of the order of a few percent, the precision improving with the degree of roundness. the technique is therefore suitable for the analysis of large samples of transposed and transported sherds.     

The shape of rock particles, a critical review

An attempt was made to distinguish aspects of the shape of rock particles, and to discover by analysis and empirical considerations the most appropriate parameters for describing these aspects. The shape of a rock particle can be expressed in terms of three independent properties: form (overall shape), roundness (large-scale smoothness) and surface texture. These form a three-tiered hierarchy of observational scale, and of response to geological processes. Form can be represented by only two independent measures from the three orthogonal axes normally measured. Of the four pairs of independent measures commonly used for bivariate plots, the two sphericity/shape factor pairs appear to be more efficient discriminators than simple axial ratios. Of the two, the most desirable pair is the maximum projection sphericity and oblate-prolate index for both measures show an arithmetic normal distribution for the range investigated. A measure of form that is independent of the three orthogonal axes, and measures derived from them, is the angularity measure of Lees. Roundness has measures of three types, those estimating average roundness of corners, those based on the sharpest corner, and a measure of convexity in the particle outline. Although each type measures a different aspect, they are not independent of each other. Only roundness from corners is considered in detail. As neither average nor sharpest corner measures are inherently more objective or more quantitative, purpose should determine which is more appropriate. Of the visual comparison charts for average roundness, Krumbein's appears best. The Modified Wentworth roundness is the most satisfactory for estimating roundness from the sharpest corner. The Cailleux Roundness index should not be used because it includes aspects of roundness and form. Shape is a difficult parameter to use for solving sedimentological problems. Even the best of the commonly used procedures are limited by observational subjectivity and a low discriminating power. Unambiguous interpretation of particle shape in terms of source material and processes will always be made difficult by the large number of natural variables and their interactions. For ancient sediments satisfactory results can be expected only from carefully planned studies or rather unusual geological situations.     

Differentiating fluvio-marine depositional environments in the Nile Delta using textural and compositional components

Textural and coarse fraction compositional components are evaluated to distinguish samples from modern environments of the Nile Delta of Egypt. These environments include: river, coastal dune, accretion ridges, beach, neashore, lagoon and prodelta. In this study petrological variables (12 textural and 18 mineralogical, faunal and floral) were considered for each sample. Discrimination was achieved by using simple bar graphs of the raw data for each environment and Q-mode factor analysis. The factor analysis yielded four compositional assemblages: Factor 1 is dominated by terrigenous fine sand; factor 2 consists of biogenic mud; factor 3 contains terrigenous coarse and medium sands; and factor 4 comprises composite silty sand. Discrimination of the seven environments is generally good, with a lower resolution for beach, coastal dune and river sands.Having discriminating the examined environments using Q-mode factor analysis, a graphic model was constructed to help determine the origin of ‘unknown’ samples. As a test, this model is satisfactory in identifying and interpreting the origin of sediments of Holocene age from two additional cores recovered off the delta coast.     

Quantitative characterization of grain shape: Implications for textural maturity analysis and discrimination between depositional environments

Grain shape plays an important role in textural analysis of sedimentary grains. Textural analysis helps to determine the formation, transportation and deposition processes of sedimentary rocks. However, there is a lack of standardized methodology for quantitative characterization of grain shapes. The utility of fully automated image analysis for grain shape measurement is assessed in this paper. This research aimed to identify the most useful shape parameters for textural characterization of populations of grains and determine the relative importance of the parameters. A key aspect of this study is to determine whether, in a particular sedimentary environment, textural maturity of the samples can be ranked based on their grain shape data. Furthermore, discrimination of sedimentary depositional environments is explored on the basis of grain shape. In this study, 20 loose sediment samples from four known depositional environments (beach, aeolian, glacial and fluvial) were analysed using newly implemented automatic image analysis methods. For each sample, a set of 11 shape parameters were calculated for 200 grains. The data demonstrate a progression in textural maturity in terms of roundness, angularity, irregularity, fractal dimension, convexity, solidity and rectangularity. Furthermore, statistical analysis provides strong support for significant differences between samples grouped by environment and generates a ranking consistent with trends in maturity. Based on novel application of machine learning algorithms, angularity and fractal dimension are found to be the two most important parameters in texturally classifying a grain. The results of this study indicate that textural maturity is readily categorized using automated grain shape parameter analysis. However, it is not possible to absolutely discriminate between different depositional environments on the basis of shape parameters alone. This work opens up the possibility of detailed studies of the relationship between textural maturity and sedimentary environment, which may be more complicated than previously considered.     

海南岛崖州湾宁远河河口区现代沉积特征

崖州湾宁远河河口区位于海南岛南侧,是以陆源为主、沉积环境相对简单的小型河流入海沉积区。分别在宁远河中游、下游、河流两侧海岸带以及近岸300余米的滩坝处,采集了5根重力柱状样、55个底质沉积物样品,通过粒度分析和同位素测试,对研究区近代沉积物沉积环境、空间展布规律和水动力演化规律进行了详细探讨。结果发现,研究区主要以河流三角洲沉积为主,在空间上,根据沉积物粒度和分选将研究区划分为五类沉积环境分区;在时间上,近百年来不同地区的水动力变化有所区别,入海口附近区域水体动荡随时间变化频繁;而河道上游附近区域水体条件变化小,形成明显的沉积旋回。     

Sedimentation of the northwestern Gulf of Mexico

Six years of intensive study of the shallow water sediments of the northwestern Gulf of Mexico have indicated that there are many criteria by which ancient sediments deposited under similar conditions can be recognized. Thus the presence of echinoid fragments and of glauconite-filled Foraminifera tests favors marine shelf deposition over bay deposits; calcareous aggregates and grains of gypsum suggest high salinity bay deposits; abundance of wood fibers, high mica content, ferruginous aggregates, and well laminated sediments all are suggestive of deposition near river mouths; greater roundness distinguishes dunes from adjacent beach sands; and coarser grain size distinguishes beach sands from shallow shelf sands in the vicinity.Faunal assemblages of Foraminifera, Ostracoda, and Mollusca all serve to distinguish between bay and shelf deposits. Within the bays the faunas show a close relationship to salinity conditions whereas on the shelf the faunas are arranged in bands parallel to the shore and to the depth contours. Certain generalizations concerning the relation of faunas to environment can be made without detailed knowledge of the species.Contribution from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, New Series No. 997. Investigation supported by a grant from American Petroleum Institute, Project 51.     

腾格里沙漠西北缘湖泊沉积记录的区域风沙特征

对位于腾格里沙漠西北缘的青土湖QTL01剖面进行了沉积物粒度分析,并利用粒级—标准偏差模型,提取出了对沉积环境变化敏感的粒度组分,60~550 μm粒级含量指示了区域风沙活动的强弱,而<60 μm颗粒含量指示了入湖径流量的变化。结合14C测年结果,探讨了10~2.5 Cal kaBP青土湖地区风沙活动和环境演化特征:10～7.8 Cal kaBP,<60 μm组分含量逐渐增加,指示湖区入湖径流逐渐增多,同时60～550 μm组分含量逐渐减少表明湖区风沙活动逐渐减弱,总体上表明了早全新世该区域环境逐渐转湿;7.8～7.5 Cal kaBP,60～550 μm组分含量几乎占该阶段沉积物的95％以上,表明风沙活动极为强烈,区域非常干旱;7.5～5 Cal kaBP,沉积物中<60 μm、60~550 μm的组分含量相对稳定,且<60 μm组分含量达到了10～2.5 Cal kaBP期间最高值,表明了区域风沙活动较弱,气候环境湿润稳定; 5～2.5 Cal kaBP,<60 μm组分含量逐渐降低,而60～550 μm组分逐渐升高,表明了区域风沙活动逐渐加强,入湖径流逐渐减小,指示了区域干旱化的趋势。