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Reading segmented grain-size curves

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 May 2009

E. K. Walton ,
W. E. Stephens  and
M. S. Shawa
E. K. Walton
Affiliation:
Department of Geology, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, Fife KY16 9ST, Scotland
W. E. Stephens
Affiliation:
Department of Geology, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, Fife KY16 9ST, Scotland
M. S. Shawa
Affiliation:
Geoconsultants, Calgary, Canada
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Summary

Cumulative curves of grain-size against frequency often show segmented shapes which have been interpreted as the result of combination of normally distributed populations. The origin of the segments is explored by the examination of two classes of models, truncation and mixing. Similar curves may be generated by a variety of models. The segments rarely reflect precisely the original populations. Simulation of the tri-segmented curves commonly ascribed to combinations of suspension, saltation and traction populations shows that the characteristics of the contributing populations are not consistent with these three modes of transportation.

Type
Articles
Information
Geological Magazine , Volume 117 , Issue 6 , November 1980 , pp. 517 - 524
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1980

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