Heavy Mineral Investigation of Carmel Bay Beach Sands

摘要

The investigation was conducted in order to identify the heavy minerals of the beach sands of Carmel Bay, and to analyze the distribution of these minerals. Carmel Bay offers the opportunity to study heavy mineral assemblages in a small isolated bay, internally divided by a submarine canyon, containing smaller pocket beaches influenced by several geological formations, and two fresh water streams. Correlation of the heavy mineral assemblage of each sample with the sample location clearly indicate that the beach sands can be divided into two principal mineral suites that are derivatives of the geological formations in immediate contact with the individual pocket beaches. The unique nature of each suite is preserved by natural obstructions that limit the influence of littoral drift and restrict the exchange of the beach sands. (Author)