Abstract:

Grain size analysis and parameter calculations have been carried out for 110 surface sediment samples from the Changhua River Estuary, Hainan Island. Based on the Folk sediment classification ternary plot, the surface sediment samples can be divided into 10 sediment types: gravelly sand, sand, gravelly argillaceous sand, sandy gravel, silt-sand, mud, sandy mud, gravelly sand, sandy silt, and silty sand. Distribution range of sediment sand and gravel components is similar, and the particle size composition comprises mainly sand, silt-sand, and mud. Factor and cluster analysis of grain size parameters is used to discriminate different depositional environments. The study area can be further divided into the southern nearshore and northern offshore subareas. Grain size trend analysis suggests that the sediment transport pattern is consistent with the local hydrodynamic conditions. There are two aggregate sedimentation centers in the southern and northern parts of the study area. The material source of the banded sediments at Sigengsha Cape has also been identified.

Key words: grain size characteristic, grain-size trend analysis, surface sediment, Changhua River Estuary