Emplacement of clay into sand by infiltration

Abstract

Laboratory experiments and examination of core samples from Holocene sand bodies demonstrate that vadose infiltration of muddy water through sand is an effective mechanism by which clay can be emplaced into sand. Infiltrated clays are most effectively emplaced in environments characterized by high suspended sediment concentrations, fluctuating water levels, and minimal sediment reworking (e.g., point bar and delta plain). In contrast, virtually no infiltrated clay is emplaced in environments characterized by low suspended sediment concentration and continuous reworking (e.g. beach and tidal delta). -from Authors