Prediction method of sand-movement direction in water by geochemical elements

The analysis of sand samples by x-ray fluorescent spectroscopy (XRF) gives the ratio of the geochemical elements to construct the sand samples. The x-ray analysis therefore shows the geochemical characteristics of sand in the sampled area. In this study, sand is sampled on coasts and rivers of the Noto Peninsula to determine the geochemical elements and to show the geological characteristics that occur, especially iron and calcium. The experiments show the effect of rivers and Kotogahama beach on iron and calcium, respectively. Applying the method of ratio matching to the measured data of the geochemical elements, the direction of movement of sand on the coast is determined by considering the correlation matrix and the ratio of geochemical elements between sand samples at two locations. The predominant longshore direction movement of sand offshore in the study area is from south to north. Sand in rivers is not directly transported to adjacent beaches; however, offshore sand is transported to beaches. The estimated direction of movement of sand longshore near coastal structures agrees with observations. The proposed method to predict the direction of movement of sand gives the correct one in comparison with the observed data in rivers.