Distinguishing depositional environments in the beach–dune system of Chandipur, India, based on sediment texture and quartz grain surface features

Abstract

An attempt has been made to discern sedimentary environments in a tropical coastal setting in Chandipur, India, using variations in grain size. Samples were collected along one 100 m‐long cross‐shore transect extending from the tide/aqueous‐influenced seaward region to the aeolian‐dominated landward region. Various grain size data analysis approaches, like bivariate data plots and discrimination functions, were used to discriminate the sedimentary environments and establish the process of sediment deposition. The analytical results suggest that diverse granulometric parameters translate different sedimentary environments such as tidal flat, beach and dune. Additionally, the surface morphologies of quartz grains were used to understand the evolution of recent mechanical, chemical and mechanical–chemical processes in this tropical coastal region. Changes in the surficial microtextural properties of quartz grains were documented at various sites of all geomorphic units along this transect, from the tidal flat to the dune. One‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to understand the significant differences in microtextural features between these units. Subaqueous surface textures such as large conchoidal fractures, sharp edges, arcuate steps and straight and curved grooves were dominant in the grains of the tidal flat. The presence of meandering ridges, upturned plates, bulbous edges and adhering particles on quartz gradually increases as the transect ascends landward. Correlation plots between distance and microtextures, along with ANOVA, suggest that aeolian transportation modulated the surface textures. Such assessment of distinct sedimentary characteristics and transport processes may serve as a modern analogue for ancient deposits on the siliciclastic coast.

Contemporary research in coastal dunes and aeolian processes

“…Sand transport was also measured using pot traps in Nguyen et al (2022) which illustrates that not all equipment needs to rely on new(er), highly technical or costly technologies to be effective. The morphology, size, and dates of sand grains were measured using scanning electron microscopy, laser granulometers, and optically stimulated luminescence (Arce Chamorro et al, 2022; Patton et al, 2022; Saha & Sinha, 2023). Satellite images and aerial photos are still the standard for estimating land cover (Fisher et al, 2023; Garzon et al, 2022; Hesp et al, 2022; Konlechner & Hilton, 2022; Robin et al, 2022).…”

“…Saha and Sinha (2023) used multiproxy techniques, including grain size parameters and the microtexture of quartz grains, to investigate and to discriminate different cross‐shore depositional processes in the tropical coastal area of Chandipur, India. Changes in the surficial microtextural properties of quartz grains were analysed suggesting that diverse granulometric parameters translate different sedimentary environments such as tidal flats, beaches, and dunes.…”

Microtextures and trapped diatoms on quartz grain surfaces in the Acapulco Beach, Mexican Pacific: An insight into palaeoenvironment

“…Microtextures of quartz grains are one of the widely applied techniques to infer the palaeoenvironment of a particular region (Machado et al 2016;Ramos-Vázquez et al, 2023;Saha and Sinha, 2023). Although microtextures on quartz grains are influenced by the medium of transport, their types are distinct for the fluvial, littoral, and aeolian environments.…”