Spatial variability of texture over a beach-dune complex, North Devon, England

Abstract

The systematic components of spatial variation in texture over a beach foreshore-backshore-dune complex are identified using trend surface analysis. Variability across the foreshore is a function of the vector of sediment movement and reflects both orthogonal and shore-parallel transport processes. In the dune zone, textural variability reflects local topographically controlled environments, source sediments and a temporal factor. The decreasing mean size, increased sorting and decreasing negative skewness from a low water to high water mark are correlated with changes in the linear segments of the cumulative size-frequency curve: a decrease in the coarse traction population is matched by an increase in the major saltation populations. The distinction between wave-laid and wind-laid deposits is also reflected in the segments of the cumulative curve: the latter lack the coarser component but have a distinctly fine tail. Greater spatial homogeneity of textural characteristics is present in the dune sediments but distinct trends in size frequency statistics reflect the variability in a dominant saltation population, the lack of a coarse traction population, and the presence of a fine suspension population dictated by localized transport mechanisms.