Correlation of side-scan backscatter intensity with grain-size distribution of shelf sediments, New Jersey margin

The dependence of acoustic backscatter variations on sediment grain-size distribution is examined using a combined analysis of 95 kHz side-scan data and approx. 300 grab samples from the New Jersey margin. We show that, under well-controlled circumstances, an unprecedented degree of correlation can be obtained between backscatter intensity and mean grain size. However, backscatter is disproportionately affected by larger grain sizes. Addition of just a few extra weight percentage of the larger grain sizes (>4 mm), which in our study is typically represented by more abundant shell hash among the older sediments at greater water depths, can completely degrade this correlation. Received: 29 September 1999 / Revision accepted: 14 February 2000     

Sedimentation and Boundary Changes of Virginia Salt Marshes

Sediment collections on a mainland fringing marsh, a lagoon marsh and a barrier island fringing marsh were conducted in conjunction with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) analysis of aerial photographs to relate changes in marsh area to sedimentary processes. The island marsh lost 7·2% of its area in 8 years by overwash. The lagoon marsh lost 10·6% of its area over 41 years by recession of marsh edges. The mainland marsh area increased by 8·2% over 50 years, primarily by upland encroachment. Surface sediment was collected monthly at the mainland and lagoon marshes for 1 year to identify changes in the mean grain size, organic content and mass of sediment deposited on sampling plates. Short-term variability in these characteristics obscured seasonal differences. Grain size and monthly sediment accumulation decreased towards the interior of both marshes, while the organic matter content increased. On the lagoon marsh, coarse sediment at creekside stations, as well as grain size contrasts between surface and subsurface sediment, are consistent with erosion evident in GIS analysis. On the mainland marsh, sediment does not vary as much with location or depth, and topography appears stable. Tidal currents appear to be competent to resuspend most particle sizes represented in surface sediment samples, including aggregates, except at the edge of the lagoon site. Decreasing rates of marsh edge change reflect moderation of oceanic processes, while the interior of both lagoon and mainland marshes remained stable throughout the study. Both lagoon marsh losses to recession and mainland marsh gains from upland reflect the submergence which this shoreline experiences.     

Preferential settling of smectite on the Amazon continental shelf

Seventy-five surface and subsurface sediment samples collected on the Amazon continental shelf were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) in the grain-size fractions smaller than 2 μm. The groups of clay minerals thus identified were smectite, kaolinite, illite, and mixed-layer illite/smectite. Calculation of relative abundance shows a predominance of smectite (37%) in the whole area, followed by kaolinite (27%), illite (23%), and a small percentage of mixed-layer illite/smectite (12%). The distal, northwest region of the continental shelf is characterized by a high abundance of smectite (41%), high salinity values, and high sediment accumulation rates (10 cm year⁻¹), whereas the proximal region is characterized by a comparatively low abundance of smectite (30%), low salinity values, and low sediment accumulation rates (<1 cm year⁻¹). This trend of increasing abundance northwestwards documents a preferential settling of smectite in the distal and more saline regions of this estuarine system. Received: 17 September 1999 / Revision accepted: 17 January 2000     

Coupled penetrometer, MBES and ADCP assessments of tidal variations in surface sediment layer characteristics along active subaqueous dunes, Danish Wadden Sea

In-situ geotechnical measurements of surface sediments were carried out along large subaqueous dunes in the Knudedyb tidal inlet channel in the Danish Wadden Sea using a small free-falling penetrometer. Vertical profiles showed a typical stratification pattern with a resolution of ∼1 cm depicting a thin surface layer of low sediment strength and a stiffer substratum below (quasi-static bearing capacity equivalent: 1–3 kPa in the top layer, 20–140 kPa in the underlying sediment; thickness of the top layer ca. 5–8 cm). Observed variations in the thickness and strength of the surface layer during a tidal cycle were compared to mean current velocities (measured using an acoustic Doppler current profiler, ADCP), high-resolution bathymetry (based on multibeam echo sounding, MBES) and qualitative estimates of suspended sediment distributions in the water column (estimated from ADCP backscatter intensity). The results revealed an ebb dominance in sediment remobilization, and a general accretion of the bed towards low water. A loose top layer occurred throughout the tidal cycle, likely influenced by bedload transport and small events of suspended sediment resettlement (thickness: 6 ± 2 cm). Furthermore, this layer showed a significant increase in thickness (e.g. from 8 cm to 16 cm) related to periods of overall deposition. These findings imply that dynamic penetrometers can conveniently serve to (1) quantify potentially mobile sediments by determining the thickness of a loose sediment surface layer, (2) unravel sediment strength development in potentially mobile sediments and (3) identify sediment accumulation. Such data are an important complement and add a new geotechnical perspective during investigations of sediment remobilization processes in highly dynamic coastal environments.     

Spatial and temporal variations in sediment grain size in tidal wetlands, Yangtze Delta: On the role of physical and biotic controls

To examine the spatial and temporal variability of sediment grain size in exposed tidal wetlands with ample sediment supply, we sampled sediments and measured hydrodynamics, accretion/erosion rates, and vegetation characteristics in the Yangtze Delta. Sediment grain size exhibited a landward/upward decreasing trend. This trend is mainly attributed to attenuation of hydrodynamics. A 630-day series of daily surface sediment sampling at a fixed site on an unvegetated intertidal flat revealed significant seasonal and storm-cyclic changes in grain size. This temporal variability was related to alternating accretion/erosion events, with erosion associated with coarser grain size. Such temporal dynamics were not present in vegetation, where sediment remained fine grained throughout the year. In the marsh, vegetation cover enables the trapping of fine-grained sediments in the following ways: (a) adherence of suspended sediments onto plants; (b) deposition of suspended sediments stimulated by attenuation of hydrodynamics through plant obstruction; and (c) prevention of resuspension of fine-grained deposits due to the protection of the plant canopy. The influence of vegetation on sediment grain size was clearly seen when comparing sediment trapped by different vegetation types and seasonal patterns of trapped sediment on different vegetation canopy densities. The relatively high plant biomass of the recently introduced Spartina alterniflora enhanced the trapping effect, whereas plant degradation due to buffalo grazing reduced the trapping effect. We conclude that for exposed tidal wetlands with ample sediment supply such as the Yangtze Delta, the spatial and temporal variability of sediment grain size is governed predominantly by physical controls on the unvegetated flat and predominantly by biophysical interaction of hydrodynamics and vegetation in the salt marsh, rather than by sediment supply.     

江苏大丰海岸碱蓬滩潮沟及滩面的沉积动力特征

根据2002年7月在江苏大丰碱蓬滩潮沟观测的水文、悬沙、底质等资料,分析了潮沟的输水、输沙特征及悬沙和底质在粒径组成上的关系,结果表明,潮沟在流速、悬沙浓度、输水、悬沙输运、底质活动性等方面具有明显的涨落潮不对称.滩面归槽水占潮沟落潮输水量的33%,由此造成的悬沙输运量占潮沟落潮悬沙输运量的20%,这是导致潮沟涨落潮输水输沙不对称的主要因素.在一个潮周期中潮沟的净输水、净悬沙输运方向与滩面相反,指向落潮方向.悬沙和底质组成以粉砂和黏土为主,潮沟和滩面的悬沙粒径组成差别很小.悬沙是滩面底质的主要物质来源,两者在粒径组成上存在着必然联系,沉积物粒径与该粒级在底质中的含量与在悬沙中的含量之比具有明显的幂函数关系.     

Seasonal and annual variations in the volumetric sediment balance of a macro-tidal salt marsh

This paper examines the spatial and temporal variability in the volumetric sediment balance of Allen Creek marsh, a macro-tidal salt marsh in the Bay of Fundy. The volumetric balance was determined as the balance of inputs of sediments and organic matter via accretion on the marsh surface and outputs of sedimentary material primarily due to erosion of the marsh margin. Changes in marsh surface elevation were measured at 20 buried plates and 3 modified sediment elevation tables from 1996–2002, and detailed margin surveys were conducted in 1997, 1999 and 2001 using a differential global positioning system. Changes in surface area were calculated using GIS overlay analysis and used in conjunction with accretion and erosion data to derive volumetric estimates of gains and losses of sedimentary material in the marsh system.Currently the volumetric sediment balance at Allen Creek marsh is positive. However the processes of erosion and accretion demonstrate seasonal, annual and spatial variability. Inputs to the system include deposition on the marsh surface from sediment laden waters and from ice rafting of sediments. Sediment is deposited onto the marsh surface year round, even during the winter when vegetation cover is sparse, and the amount of deposition in general is not significantly correlated with the frequency of tidal inundations. Based on the data from 1996 to 2002, the mid and high marsh zones experience mean accretion rates of approximately 1.4 cm year^− 1 whereas accretion rates in the low marsh region are statistically significantly lower (0.8 cm year^− 1). The absolute amount of accretion varies between seasons and from year to year. The main loss to the marsh is through erosion of the marsh margin cliffs which can remove a comparatively large volume of sedimentary material in one mass wasting event and which also decreases the vegetated surface area available for deposition from sediment laden waters. The volume of material removed from the marsh margin almost tripled between 1997 (169 m³) and 2001 (502 m³) following breaching of the side of a tidal creek channel, altering the patterns of margin erosion and deposition in the marsh system. During this time, however, other sheltered areas of the marsh system, such as along the tidal creek banks, showed evidence of new vegetation growth, increasing the amount of vegetated surface area available for deposition.The processes of erosion and deposition on the marsh surface exhibit considerable spatial variability, with different regions of the marsh being more or less sensitive to seasonal variability in the dominant controls influencing sediment deposition and erosion in this system, namely wave activity, vegetation, ice and water depths. A key factor in predicting how a marsh will evolve and respond to a number of different controls, e.g. sea-level rise or reduced sediment supply, is to quantify both accretion of the marsh surface and erosion of the marsh margin, evaluating the marsh system as a volumetric whole. This study demonstrates that a marsh system should be assessed in three dimensions rather than simply as a surface of accumulation. This is particularly important for open coastal marshes exposed to the erosive action of waves.     

Along channel flow and sediment dynamics at North Inlet, South Carolina

In May of 2005, an observational program was carried out to investigate the along channel hydrodynamics and suspended sediment transport patterns at North Inlet, South Carolina. Along channel variability, which is important in establishing sediment transport pathways, has not been characterized for this system. Measurements of water column currents, salinity, bed sediment, suspended sediment concentration, and particle size distribution were obtained over a complete tidal cycle along the thalweg of the inlet entrance. Along channel currents, shear stress and bed sediment distributions vary significantly in space and time along a 3 km section bracketing the inlet throat. Most of the variability is consistent with geomorphic controls such as bed elevation variability and channel width. The highest velocities, shear stresses, suspended sediment concentration and bed sediment grain size are observed in the narrowest section of the inlet throat. Magnitudes systematically decrease along the channel toward the marsh as changes in channel geometry and branching reduces flow energy. Due to tidal asymmetry, the ebb phase contains significantly higher currents and associated sediment transport. Over the complete tidal cycle, depth integrated transport is directed towards the marsh landward of the intersection of Town and Debidue Creek. In contrast, net transport is out of the inlet seaward of this intersection. Sediment grain size distributions show 35% more material less than 63 μm on flood, suggesting net landward transport of fines.     

潮沟系统水沙输运研究——以长江口崇明东滩为例

本研究以崇明东滩2015年4月实测潮间带水沙数据为基础,分析了潮沟、盐沼及光滩的水沙特征,重点研究了潮沟系统及邻近潮滩潮周期内悬沙通量情况。结果表明:（1）潮沟表层沉积物比潮滩细,二者平均中值粒径分别为21.7 μm和33.0 μm,悬沙粒径由海向陆逐渐变小;（2）大、小潮沟潮周期内潮流均以往复流为主,垂向平均流速分别为15.4 cm/s和34.6 cm/s;盐沼界和光滩则以旋转流为主,平均流速分别为11.3 cm/s和28.9 cm/s;（3）潮沟中的高悬沙浓度出现在涨潮初期,最大可达7.5 kg/m3,而潮滩高悬沙浓度则出现在潮落潮中期和高水位时刻;大、小潮沟和盐沼界站涨潮阶段平均悬沙浓度大于落潮阶段,光滩站则相反。潮沟悬沙主要来自邻近水域,而潮滩悬沙则与滩面表层沉积物密切相关;（4）潮沟在潮周期内净输沙方向均指向滩地,大潮沟潮周期单宽净输沙量可达4.0 t/m;盐沼界处垂直岸线和沿岸输沙强度相近,净输沙由海向陆,潮周期离岸输沙强度为1.0 t/m;光滩沿岸输沙强度远大于垂直岸线输沙,光滩净输沙由陆向海。研究揭示了潮间带潮沟系统的强供沙能力以及研究区域光滩冲蚀,盐沼植被带淤积的动力地貌过程。     

Prediction of riverine suspended sediment discharge using fuzzy logic algorithms, and some implications for estuarine settings

The ability of fuzzy logic algorithms to model relationships between stream flow and suspended sediment discharge was investigated using daily measurements of stream flow and suspended sediment discharge for the Escanaba River mouth station, situated on the shore of Lake Michigan and operated by the US Geological Survey. Three different configurations of inputs were applied, whereby the inputs were fuzzified into fuzzy subsets of variables by means of triangular membership functions. The relationships between inputs and suspended sediment discharge (output) were represented by a set of fuzzy rule expressed in IF–THEN format. The weighted average method served for defuzzification. The commonly used sediment rating curve was also applied to the data, and its performance compared with that of the three models by means of statistical analyses. For all three models, suspended sediment discharge predicted by the fuzzy logic algorithm was in satisfactory agreement with observations. Furthermore, the fuzzy logic algorithms performed better than the sediment rating curve, particularly at higher rates of suspended sediment discharge (in this study, more than 50  × 10⁶ g/day). Considered collectively, the use of fuzzy logic algorithms is suggested as a simple and effective approach for better prediction of suspended sediment discharge, also for estuaries.     

Hydrodynamics and associated sediment transport over coastal wetlands in Quanzhou Bay,China

Coastal salt marshes represent an important coastal wetland system.In order to understand the differences between boundary layer parameters of vegetated and unvegetated areas,as well as the mechanisms of sediment transport,several electromagnetic current meters (AEM HR,products of Alec Electronics Co.Ltd.) were deployed in coastal wetlands in Quanzhou Bay,China,to measure current velocity.During the low tide phase,the surficial sediment was collected at 10 m intervals.In situ measurements show that the current velocities on the bare flat were much higher than those in the Spartina alterniflora marsh.Current velocity also varied with distance from marsh edge and plant canopy height and diameter.Around 63% of the velocity profiles in the tidal creek can be described by a logarithmic equation.Over the bare flat and Spartina alterniflora marsh,a logarithmic profile almost occurs during the flood tide phase.Sediment analysis shows that mean grain size was 6.7 Φ along the marsh edge,and surface sediments were transported from bare flat to marsh;the tidal creeks may change this sediment transport pattern.The hydrodynamics at early flood tide and late ebb tide phases determined the net transport direction within the study area.     

互花米草对泉州湾盐沼表层沉积物输运的影响

海岸盐沼是海岸湿地系统的重要组成部分,具有很强的环境调节功能．互花米草（Spartina alterniflora）的引种对海岸盐沼的沉积动力产生很大影响．粒度分析结果表明,互花米草盐沼边缘与沉积物平均粒径为6．7φ的等值线分布一致．现场观测表明,互花米草对流速具有明显的阻滞作用,使得光滩流速明显大于互花米草内的流速;在互花米草滩内,随着离盐沼边缘距离、植被高度、植株直径的不同,涨落潮流速也表现出不同的变化趋势．粒径趋势分析结果显示,互花米草盐沼边缘的表层沉积物由光滩向盐沼内输运,潮水沟的存在对沉积物的输运格局具有显著影响．对比分析表明落潮后期的水动力条件控制着研究区内表层沉积物的净输运方向．     

Assessment of the distribution of sponge chips in the sediment of East Pacific Ocean reefs

Sponges are one of the principal agents of bioerosion and sediment production in coral reefs. They generate small carbonate chips that can be found in the sediments, and we investigated whether these could provide a means for assessment of bioerosion applicable to reef monitoring. We tested this hypothesis on samples from 12 Mexican coral reefs distributed along the Pacific coast, where boring sponges were particularly abundant, and quantified the amount of chips in samples of superficial sediment in three grain‐size fractions: fine (<44 μm), medium (44–210 μm) and coarse (>210 μm). The grain‐size distribution varied among reefs, with the majority of the sediment of most reefs being composed of coarse sands, and the medium and fine fractions dominating only at La Entrega and Playa Blanca. All the reefs presented clear evidence of bioerosion by sponges, with the characteristic chips present in the sediment, although at most sites the percentage of chips was very low (from 1% to 3% of the total sediment). Only at La Entrega and Playa Blanca did they constitute a significant fraction of the total sediment (18% and 16%, respectively). While not statistically significant, there was an interesting trend between sponge chips versus sponge abundance that suggests that quantification of the chips in the sediment could be used as a proxy for sponge erosion of the entire community, which cannot be estimated in by laboratory experiments. However, while this methodology could provide an integrated approach to monitor sponge bioerosion, more studies are necessary due to the influence of environmental factors on the transport and deposition of these chips.     

Observations and analyses of floc size and floc settling velocity in coastal salt marsh of Luoyuan Bay, Fujian Province, China

In coastal environments, fine-grain sediments often aggregate into large and porous flocs. ElectroMagnetic Current Meters (EMCM) and Laser In Situ Scattering and Transmissometry (LISST-ST) have been deployed within a Spartina alterniflora marsh of the Luoyuan Bay in Fujian Province, China, to measure the current velocity, the floc size and the settling velocity between 15 and 22 January 2008. During the observations, the near-bed water was collected in order to obtain the suspended sediment concentration (SSC) and constituent grain size. Data show that: (1) the nearbed current velocities vary from 0.1 to 5.6 cm/s in the central Spartina alterniflora marsh and 0.1–12.5 cm/s at the edge; (2) the SSCs vary from 47 to 188 mg/dm 3 . The mean grain size of constituent grains varies from 7.0 to 9.6 μm, and the mean floc sizes (MFS) vary from 30.4 to 69.4 μm. The relationship between the mean floc size and settling velocity can be described as: w s =ad b , in which w s is the floc settling velocity (mm/s), a and b are coefficients. The floc settling velocity varies from 0.17 to 0.32 mm/s, with a mean value of 0.26 mm/s, and the floc settling velocity during the flood tide is higher than that during the ebb tide. The current velocity and the SSC are the main factors controlling the flocculation processes and the floc settling velocity.     

Particulate organic carbon (POC) in surface sediments of the Baltic Sea

In this study, particulate organic carbon (POC) contents and their distribution pattern in surficial sediments of the Baltic Sea are presented for 1,471 sampling stations. POC contents range from approx. 0.1% in shallow sandy areas up to 16% in deep muddy basins (e.g. Gotland Basin). Some novel relationships were identified between sediment mass physical properties (dry bulk density (DBD), grain size) and POC levels. Notably, the highest POC concentrations (about 10–17 mg cm^–3) occur in sandy mud to mud (60–100% mud content) with intermediate POC contents of about 3–7% and DBDs of 0.1–0.4 g cm^–3. Areas with this range in values seem to represent the optimum conditions for POC accumulation in the Baltic Sea. The maximum POC contents (8–16%) are found in fluid mud of the central Baltic Sea characterized by extremely low DBDs (<0.1 g cm^–3) and moderate POC concentrations (4–7 mg cm^–3). Furthermore, sediment mass accumulation rates (MAR), based on ²¹⁰Pb and ¹³⁷Cs measurements and available for 303 sites of the Baltic Sea, were used for assessing the spatial distribution of POC burial rates. Overall, these vary between 14 and 35 g m^–2 year^–1 in the mud depositional areas and, in total, at least 3.5 (±2.9) Mt POC are buried annually. Distribution patterns of POC contents and burial rates are not identical for the central Baltic Sea because of the low MAR in this area. The presented data characterize Baltic Sea sediments as an important sink for organic carbon. Regional differences in organic carbon deposition can be explained by the origin and transport pathways of POC, as well as the environmental conditions prevailing at the seafloor (morphology, currents, redox conditions). These findings can serve to improve budget calculations and modelling of the carbon cycle in this large brackish-water marginal sea.     

海南新村港潟湖表层沉积物粒度特征及其沉积环境

对2013年8月在海南新村港潟湖采集的表层沉积物样品进行粒度分析,揭示了该区表层沉积物的粒度特征和沉积物类型,结合高空间分辨率的水动力和水深数据,采用系统聚类和主成分相结合的方法划分现代沉积环境。结果表明,研究区表层沉积物主要有4种类型,以粉砂和粉砂质砂为主,分别分布在潟湖中部和近岸浅水区域。沉积物平均粒径变化较大(0~8.0 Ф),均值为4.6 Ф,沉积物随水深增大而逐渐变细;沉积物粒度组分以砂(平均含量43%)和粉砂(平均含量为52%)为主,黏土含量较少,平均含量为5%。聚类结果表明,平均粒径可分为两组:第一组平均粒径均大于5.5 Ф,均值为6.8 Ф;而第二组平均粒径均小于3.5 Ф,均值为2.2 Ф。此外,平均粒径与分选、偏态和峰态系数之间呈现出两种不同的相关关系。研究区大潮和小潮期间的均方根流速(RMSV)均值是7.5和6.9 cm/s,标准偏差分别是15.3和14.9 cm/s。当RMSV大于4 cm/s,RMSV与极细砂(63~125 μm)含量呈明显的正相关关系,这表明RMSV决定了潟湖沉积物中极细砂含量。聚类和主成分分析结果表明,平均粒径、峰态和分选系数是对沉积环境最为敏感的粒度参数组合,同时结合高空间分辨率的水动力和水深数据,将研究区沉积环境划分为3类。这样划分充分考虑了水动力、物源、地形及其相互作用,更能有效地揭示沉积环境的差异,尤其体现了适宜的粒度参数组合和高空间分辨率的水动力数据在沉积环境划分中的重要性。     

210Pb-derived sediment accumulation rates in the southwestern East Sea (Sea of Japan)

 Recent sediment accumulation rates are 18–230 mg cm^-2 yr^-1 (0.02–0.2 cm yr^-1) based on excess ²¹⁰Pb activity profiles in the southwestern part of the East Sea (Sea of Japan). Assuming no mixing beneath surface mixed layers, ²¹⁰Pb-derived sediment accumulation rates are 18–32 mg cm^-2 yr^-1 in the northern part of the Yamato Ridge and the Ulleung Basin, 29–136 mg cm^-2 yr^-1 in the Korea Plateau, and 230 mg cm^-2 yr^-1 in the southern shelf. These values generally agree with long-term sedimentation rates estimated from dated ash layers. Received: 6 October 1995 / Revision received: 31 May 1996     

Relationship between sediment distribution and Posidonia oceanica seagrass

Relationships between sedimentary features and the distribution and structure of Posidonia oceanica meadows were investigated in the Gulf of Oristano (Sardinia) in a study site stretching from the mouth of the Tirso River in a more sheltered, inner sector of the gulf to an outer, more exposed sector near the rocky Cape San Marco. The results demonstrate that gradients in sediment texture and composition can be related to meadow distribution and areal coverage. We suggest that this involves the mechanical trapping of fine particles by the plants, enhanced mud deposition due to dampening of wave action in the meadows, and the admixture of bioclastic sediments linked to increased production by epiphytes and invertebrates. Independent evidence of seagrass erosion was recorded in an unvegetated breach in the meadow. The mass of fine sediment which would be resuspended in the wake of meadow destruction was estimated at 30–90 × 10³ tonnes km⁻², an amount which could substantially influence water quality and ecosystem stability in the gulf. Received: 27 May 1999 / Revision accepted: 2 February 2000     

近百年来黄河改道及输沙量变化对山东半岛泥质楔沉积物粒度特征的影响

对山东半岛泥质楔柱状样进行沉积物粒度分析,并在210Pb测年基础上结合黄河年输沙量、悬浮泥沙粒径、河口位置及沿岸流强弱替代指标等数据研究近百年来黄河改道及输沙量变化对远端沉积区沉积特征的影响。研究结果显示,研究区沉积物粒度的变化是黄河入海泥沙特征和沿岸流等水动力作用共同影响的结果。1884–1939年及1947–1999年,研究区沉积物粒度特征的变化主要受到沿岸流强弱的影响;1939–1947年及1999–2012年,受1938–1947年花园口决堤以及20世纪90年代末以来黄河年输沙量持续偏低致使源区泥沙不足的影响,沉积物粒度相对粗化,与沿岸流强度的相关性减弱。与黄河入海泥沙近端沉积区不同,研究区粒度特征对黄河尾闾改道事件不敏感,且对花园口决堤及年输沙量低于临界值的响应有一定程度的延迟,这与该区沉积物经历了再悬浮过程及中间复杂的物质混合有关。黄河改道及输沙量变化仍然是远端沉积区沉积特征演化不可忽视的因素。     

Geoacoustic and physical properties of carbonate sediments of the Lower Florida Keys

 Near-surface sediment geoacoustic and physical properties were measured from a variety of unconsolidated carbonate sediments in the Lower Florida Keys. Surficial values of compressional and shear speed correlate with sediment physical properties and near-surface acoustic reflectivity. Highest speeds (shear 125–150 m s^-1; compressional 1670–1725 m s^-1) are from sandy sediments near Rebecca Shoal and lowest speeds (shear 40–65 m s^-1; compressional 1520–1570 m s^-1) are found in soft, silty sediments which collect in sediment ponds in the Southeast Channel of the Dry Tortugas. High compressional wave attenuation is attributed to scattering of acoustic waves from heterogeneity caused by accumulation of abundant shell material and other impedance discontinuities rather than high intrinsic attenuation. Compared to siliciclastic sediments, carbonate sediment shear wave speed is high for comparable values of sediment physical properties. Sediment fabric, rather than changes due to the effects of biogeochemical processes, is responsible for these differences.