Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => The Environment => Topic started by: thedoc on 29/06/2016 15:50:01

Title: Why do grains of sand seem to be one size in dunes and on beaches?
Post by: thedoc on 29/06/2016 15:50:01

Scott asked the Naked Scientists:
   Why do grains of sand seem to be one size in dunes and on beaches?
What do you think?

Title: Re: Why do grains of sand seem to be one size in dunes and on beaches?
Post by: JimBob on 30/06/2016 04:03:23

These sands are all one chemical compound and thus, crystal structure.

Title: Re: Why do grains of sand seem to be one size in dunes and on beaches?
Post by: RD on 30/06/2016 04:47:36

The grains are of similar size as they have been sorted by the action of water and/or wind ... https://www.nps.gov/grsa/learn/education/classrooms/all-sand-grains-great-and-small.htm

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/7b/Sand_from_Gobi_Desert.jpg/480px-Sand_from_Gobi_Desert.jpg)
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Sand_from_Gobi_Desert.jpg

Title: Re: Why do grains of sand seem to be one size in dunes and on beaches?
Post by: evan_au on 30/06/2016 04:52:57

Quote from: Scott

Why do grains of sand seem to be one size in dunes and on beaches?

1.Possibly because we can't see them easily with the naked eye, so we don't check their sizes too carefully.

2. Sand grains are sorted by wind and running water. Very small particles tend to be carried much farther than heavier particles. So the sand you see in one location is in that location because of its size.

Oops - crossover with RD...

Title: Re: Why do grains of sand seem to be one size in dunes and on beaches?
Post by: JimBob on 04/07/2016 03:20:25

Yes, I ignored sorting. BUT the smaller the size-es are also governed by crystal structure