Original Source Area Research Articles

The ghost of connections past: A role for mainland vicariance in the isolation of an insular population of the red‐billed chough (Aves: Corvidae)

AbstractAimOceanic islands have often been colonized by small groups of individuals dispersing from the nearest mainland, giving rise to insular populations characterized by locally adapted phenotypes and low genetic diversity. Alternatively, due to past geo‐climatic changes, the present‐day distribution of the species may not correspond to that found at the time of the original colonization so that the current mainland distribution may not include the original source area, leading to erroneous assumptions regarding colonization history. Here, we use patterns of genetic variation to evaluate alternative colonization scenarios of an insular passerine in the Canary Islands.LocationLa Palma (Canary Islands), Northern Africa and the Iberian Peninsula.TaxonRed‐billed chough (Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax).MethodsWe use phylogeographical and coalescent analyses of mitochondrial DNA sequences and 10 microsatellite loci, together with Bayesian demographic modelling, to determine whether choughs on the island of La Palma originate from (a) present‐day populations in Iberia, (b) present‐day populations in the mountains of inland Morocco or (c) former populations in coastal Morocco, where suitable habitat existed in the past.ResultsBoth the mitochondrial and nuclear datasets indicate that the chough population on La Palma is genetically well differentiated from those in Iberia and Morocco, and that La Palma choughs are more closely related to choughs in Iberia than to those in Morocco. Genetic diversity in La Palma is lower than that of mainland populations, but shows no evidence of past bottlenecks. The best supported demographic model to explain the origin of La Palma choughs that is congruent with both genetic datasets includes a ‘ghost’ population closely related to Iberia, from which the insular population diverged within the last 30,000 years.Main conclusionsOur results are most consistent with the existence of a former connection between La Palma and Iberia along the North African coast, when suitable habitat was found there. Subsequent desertification of these coastal areas led to local extinctions that restricted gene flow between Iberia and the islands, promoting genetic differentiation. Our results provide a counterintuitive solution to a biogeographical enigma, and could help resolve the colonization history of other systems with similarly complex climatic pasts.

The Influence of Sogatella furcifera (Hemiptera: Delphacidae) Migratory Events on the Southern Rice Black-Streaked Dwarf Virus Epidemics.

Southern rice black-streaked dwarf virus (SRBSDV) caused serious rice losses. After the first outbreak in 2009 in northern Vietnam and southern China, the virus ravaged crops again on enormous scales in 2010, but infections have decreased sharply since 2011. We presumed that the sudden epidemics and fadeout of SRBSDV would be closely related to the migratory events of the insect vector, Sogatella furcifera. This study sought the source area of SRBSDV using the trajectory analysis method, and revealed the relationship between SRBSDV dynamics and migration of S. furcifera populations via an in-depth analysis of meteorological background of S. furcifera migration fields. The results showed that Northern Vietnam was the direct virus source area of the SRBSDV infection in China, and South Central Coast of Vietnam was the original source area of SRBSDV. Southwesterly winds were prevalent in spring of 2010 and carried large numbers of viruliferous S. furcifera to China from northern Vietnam. This infestation of S. furcifera was the direct cause of the SRBSDV outbreak in China in 2010. In 2011, the winter-spring temperatures were abnormally low and southeasterly and easterly winds dominated; therefore, the number of viruliferous S. furcifera that entered China was small, and consequently, the occurrence area of SRBSDV was rapidly reduced. The return of viruliferous S. furcifera to South Central Coast of Vietnam was an important factor that affected the occurrence scale of SRBSDV in the following year.

New developments in the representation of Saharan dust sources in the aerosol–climate model ECHAM6-HAM2

Abstract. In the aerosol–climate model ECHAM6-HAM2, dust source activation (DSA) observations from Meteosat Second Generation (MSG) satellite are proposed to replace the original source area parameterization over the Sahara Desert. The new setup is tested in nudged simulations for the period 2007 to 2008. The evaluation is based on comparisons to dust emission events inferred from MSG dust index imagery, Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET) sun photometer observations, and satellite retrievals of aerosol optical thickness (AOT).The model results agree well with AERONET measurements especially in terms of seasonal variability, and a good spatial correlation was found between model results and MSG-SEVIRI (Spinning-Enhanced Visible and InfraRed Imager) dust AOT as well as Multi-angle Imaging SpectroRadiometer (MISR) AOT. ECHAM6-HAM2 computes a more realistic geographical distribution and up to 20 % higher annual Saharan dust emissions, using the MSG-based source map. The representation of dust AOT is partly improved in the southern Sahara and Sahel. In addition, the spatial variability is increased towards a better agreement with observations depending on the season. Thus, using the MSG DSA map can help to circumvent the issue of uncertain soil input parameters.An important issue remains the need to improve the model representation of moist convection and stable nighttime conditions. Compared to sub-daily DSA information from MSG-SEVIRI and results from a regional model, ECHAM6-HAM2 notably underestimates the important fraction of morning dust events by the breakdown of the nocturnal low-level jet, while a major contribution is from afternoon-to-evening emissions.

Mudflow transport behavior and deposit morphology: Role of shear stress to yield strength ratio in subaqueous experiments

The ratio of the shear stress to yield strength, defined here as the flow factor, controls a wide spectrum of mass transport processes (slow, retrogressive failure to rapid, liquefied flows) and deposit morphologies (highly fractured and hummocky to thin and smooth) in subaqueous dam-break experiments. We control pre-failure flow factor in sediment–water slurries by systematically varying water content and silt:clay fraction. We document (1) the style and rate of sediment transport, and (2) the morphology of the entire deposit (source area to down-dip extent) for low, medium, and high flow factor slurries. A high flow factor (shear stress≫yield strength) generates a rapid collapse of the source area with an accelerating, long run-out flow and a prominent turbidity current. These flows remove approximately 70% of the original source area volume within 10s from flow initiation. These flows leave behind a thin and smooth source area and deposit as a single mass that is thin, long and wide. In contrast, a medium flow factor (shear strength>yield strength) generates a slow retrogressive failure, in which individual fault blocks evacuate the source area and accumulate gradually over time into a deposit. These flows leave behind a blocky, highly fractured source area and construct short and thick deposits with a hummocky surface. Lateral levees (characteristic of these flows) focus material down-dip while inhibiting lateral spreading, thus producing an elongated deposit. When flow factor is low, approaching unity (shear stress≈yield strength), only a narrow zone of failure occurs and a short and thick deposit is constructed. Our experiments display characteristics similar to natural field examples of submarine failures. Our experiments suggest that a detailed analysis of deposit surface morphology from geophysical or outcrop observations can yield important clues to the flow history. In turn, this has practical implications for hazards assessments and predictions in which it is important to consider how possible future failures may behave.

Hazard investigation of the Portillo Rock Avalanche site, central Andes, Chile, using an integrated field mapping and numerical modelling approach

This paper reports a detailed rock slope hazard investigation of the Portillo Rock Avalanche site located in the rugged mountains of the Andean Cordillera of central Chile. The site is important as it lies along the International Santiago–Mendoza Highway Corridor connecting Chile and Argentina, and a major ski resort is located on its deposits. A number of large lobate-shaped diamicton deposits were mapped and dated by cosmogenic nuclides ( 36Cl), with the results showing that they correspond to two significant prehistoric rockslide events. An integrated field mapping and numerical modelling investigation was subsequently carried out to assess the threat posed to the area by further rocksliding activity. Distinct-element modelling was used to back analyze the failure mechanism and identify the geological model that best reproduced the Portillo Rock Avalanche failure surface. Results show that a stress-controlled failure at the toe of the slope followed by sliding along volcaniclastic bedding was the likely failure mechanism. A 3-D dynamic runout analysis was carried out to back analyze which combinations of rheologies, material properties and rockslide sequencing were best able to reproduce the current distribution of rockslide deposits. Results indicate that two separate sliding events originating from different sources had occurred, with each involving different combinations of frictional and Voellmy rheologies depending on the level of entrainment that occurred along each travel path. Insights gained from the back analysis were then used to carry out a forward analysis to assess the potential for a recurring major rockslide under several different triggering scenarios. Results suggest that a low probability M 7.8 earthquake would be required to trigger another rockslide from the original source area. The rock slope was otherwise found to be stable, even following high precipitation events. Nevertheless, runout simulations for the estimated large-magnitude earthquake-triggered rockslide volume showed that for both a highly frictional and non-saturated path (i.e. dry season) and a snow covered path (winter), the leading edge of the flow would override part of the International Santiago–Mendoza Corridor with the debris coming to rest in a flat-lying area in the upper part of the valley. Overall, the results from this integrated hazard assessment suggest that the hazard level is low.

Source area determination of aeolian sediments at Jandia Isthmus (Fuerteventura, Canary Islands)

The Jandia Isthmus (Fuerteventura, Canary Islands) is a complex aeolian system composed of Pliocene and Pleistocene marine deposits, which are partially covered of carbonate crusts, palaeosols and sand sheets. The area has been greatly influenced by climate changes during the Quaternary. Nowadays this area presents an arid landscape dominated by the aeolian processes. Grain size, mineralogical and micropalaeontological analyses have been carried out to identify the source area of these wind-blown materials, considering five possible sources: windward beaches, Pliocene dune cliffs, Upper Pleistocene aeolian deposits, carbonate crusts and basaltic outcrops. Each one of these analyses has been used to discriminate between the possible sources. Especially useful has been the use of foraminifera as natural tracers of the aeolian dynamics, as well as the application of the Rietveld method to quantify the mineralogical composition from the X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD). These techniques indicate that erosion of the Upper Pleistocene aeolian deposits — which partially cover the Isthmus surface — is the process that presently supplies most of the aeolian sediments that blow across the Isthmus. This study suggests the existence of extensive backshore surfaces westward of the present shoreline, during both the Pliocene and the Upper Pleistocene. This backshore was the original source area of aeolian materials transported by the Trade Winds, combined with the dust supply from Saharan desert.

Petrology and geochemistry of Upper Carboniferous siliciclastic rocks (Téseny Sandstone Formation) from the Slavonian-Drava Unit (Tisza Megaunit, S Hungary) - summarized results

Upper Carboniferous (Westphalian) coal-bearing fluvial sediments (Téseny Sandstone Formation) of the Slavonian-Drava Unit and their reworked pebbles and cobbles occurring in the western part of the Mecsek Mountains in Miocene conglomerate sequences (Szászvár Formation) were studied. Based on the petrographic and geochemical characteristics, the sandstone studied consists of arkose, subarkose, litharenite and sublitharenite. The main clastic source was a recycled orogenic area (collision suture and fold-thrust belt) dominated by metamorphic rocks. It was associated with a probably Variscan magmatic arc as indicated by the volcanic rock fragments. The original source area of these clastic sediments was felsic and the analyzed sandstone could correspond to a continental arc/active margin tectonic suite. The pebble and cobble-sized clasts of the conglomerate were predominantly derived from acidic and intermediate volcanic rocks, low-grade regional metamorphic rocks (different types of schist, metasandstone, mylonite, metagranitoid, gneiss, quartzite, and metaquartzite) and siliceous sedimentary rocks. Among the sedimentary clasts, reworked black siltstone and fine-grained sandstone from older (possibly Carboniferous) deposits are common. Chert and contact metamorphic rocks are present in minor quantity. The extracted volcanic clasts consist of andesite, trachyandesite, dacite and rhyolite. Their geochemistry suggests convergent, active continental margin affinity. Upper Carboniferous siliciclastic successions are widely known at the southeastern margin of the European Variscides. In the area of the Upper Silesian Coal Basin, the Cracow Sandstone Series (Westphalian C and D) shows a similar petrographic composition to that of the Téseny Sandstone Formation. Additionally, volcanic clasts of the Upper Carboniferous conglomerate from southern Transdanubia and the calc-alkaline volcanites from the Intra-Sudetic Basin can be characterized by similar geochemical patterns.

Biomass leachate treatment by reverse osmosis

Leaching of alkali metals and chloride from biomass reduces fouling and slagging in furnaces and boilers, especially for grasses and other herbaceous crops used as fuel. Leaching also produces large volumes of leachate for disposal or treatment. Leachates obtained by water-washing rice straw were treated by reverse osmosis (RO) for water recovery and to evaluate ion and chemical oxygen demand (COD) rejection by the membrane as a function of feed concentration. Recovery above 90% was achieved with rejection of COD and ions other than carbonate also above 90%. Similar results would be expected to apply to other biomass leachates. Flux approaching a recommended 40 l m −2 h −1 was maintained at 90% recovery at a pressure half the maximum recommended pressure of the membrane tested. Flux declined above 90% recovery due to increasing osmotic pressure and probable fouling as salt concentrations likely exceeded solubility limits at the membrane surface. Cost of RO processing for a leaching facility handling 50,000 Mg year −1 of biomass and generating 1.9 Ml day −1 of leachate is estimated at $671 Ml −1 of leachate exclusive of brine disposal. The cost increases to $719 Ml −1 leachate for a facility of approximately half this capacity. RO costs add $7–8 Mg −1 to the cost of fuel processed. RO treatment reduces the volume of fresh water required for leaching and the volume of brine disposed. Where sufficient municipal wastewater treatment capacity exists the addition of RO to a leaching system may not be economically justified if costs assessed on the basis of strength are higher than costs assessed for flow. For treatment by evaporation ponds, RO offers a clear advantage over direct leachate disposal, reducing costs by 50% to 70%. Land application of both leachate and concentrate can take advantage of nutrients extracted from the biomass and could be used in the production of additional biomass. Application over an area one-tenth or more the original source area may be required to manage salts and to ensure that sustainable application rates are not exceeded.

Invasion of Sargassum muticum in Limfjorden (Denmark) and its possible impact on the indigenous macroalgal community

MEPS Marine Ecology Progress Series Contact the journal Facebook Twitter RSS Mailing List Subscribe to our mailing list via Mailchimp HomeLatest VolumeAbout the JournalEditorsTheme Sections MEPS 207:79-88 (2000) - doi:10.3354/meps207079 Invasion of Sargassum muticum in Limfjorden (Denmark) and its possible impact on the indigenous macroalgal community Peter A. Stæhr1,*, Morten F. Pedersen1, Mads S. Thomsen1, Thomas Wernberg1, Dorte Krause-Jensen2 1Department of Life Sciences and Chemistry, Roskilde University, Box 260, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark 2National Environmental Research Institute, Department of Lake and Estuarine Ecology, Box 314, 8600 Silkeborg, Denmark *Present address: National Environmental Research Institute, Department of Marine Ecology, Box 358, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark. E-mail: pst@dmu.dk ABSTRACT: Attached Sargassum muticum (Yendo) Fensholt was first observed in the westernmost part of Limfjorden (Denmark) in 1984, and it has since colonized Limfjorden from west to east at a rate of 15 to 17 km yr-1. By 1997, S. muticum had become the most dominant macroalga, covering more than 6% of the bottom between 0 and 6 m depth, corresponding to ca 35% cover of the hard substrate. In 1990, the cover of S. muticum was strongly correlated with distance from the original source area in the westernmost part of the estuary, suggesting that colonization was still in progress. By 1997, the cover of S. muticum was less correlated with distance from the original source area and more strongly correlated with the amount of hard substrate, indicating that colonization was reaching its climax. The absence of S. muticum from certain parts of Limfjorden by 1997 is therefore best explained by lack of hard substrate in these areas, and not by insufficient colonization time. The increased abundance of S. muticum between 1990 and 1997 affected species richness and diversity of the macroalgal community only marginally. However, multivariate community analysis revealed significant changes in the macroalgal community structure that were closely related to the increased abundance of S. muticum. Not only did the dominance of S. muticum increase significantly from 1990 to 1997, but the cover of several indigenous species belonging to the genera Laminaria, Fucus, and Codium decreased during the same period, indicating competitive displacement through competition for hard substrate and light. KEY WORDS: Sargassum muticum · Macroalgae · Invasion · Macroalgal community structure Full text in pdf format PreviousNextExport citation RSS - Facebook - Tweet - linkedIn Cited by Published in MEPS Vol. 207. Online publication date: November 22, 2000 Print ISSN: 0171-8630; Online ISSN: 1616-1599 Copyright © 2000 Inter-Research.

Provenance of granitic anchor stones recovered from the Takashima submerged site: an approach using the CHIME method for dating of zircons

Wooden anchors equipped with a pair of granitic anchor stones were found and recovered form a number of submerged wrecks located in Imari Bay of Takashima, Nagasaki Prefecture. These remains are from wrecked Mongolian warships that were involved in the second Mongol invasion of 1281. All the granitic anchor stones from different anchors are alkali granite, consisting mainly of microcline-micro-perthite and quartz with trace amounts of biotite and plagioclase. The CHIME (chemical Th-U-total Pb isochron method) age determination was carried out on zircons from the recovered granitic anchor stones to try to identify the original source area for the anchor stones. The CHIME zircon ages for 3 anchor stones from different anchors are 110±1Ma, 108±3Ma and 108±2Ma. The ages together with the Sr-poor nature of the bulk chemistry suggest that the anchor stones were derived from a leucocratic alkali granite body found close to Quanzhou, southeastern China. This result implies that the wrecked warships were constructed in Quanzhou and supports the view that the Moslem traders in Quanzhou contributed significantly to the second Mongol invasion by providing ships and seamen.

Deltas, radiocarbon dating, and measurements of sediment storage and subsidence

In Holocene marine deltaic sequences there is no simple relationship between radiocarbon age and depth of sampling. The Nile and Ganges-Brahmaputra deltas show remarkably similar radiocarbon age-depth relationships: (1) most radiocarbon dates, by conventional and accelerator mass spectrometric (AMS) analyses, are older (some by 4000 yr) than reasonably expected; (2) dates are commonly inverted (i.e., older upcore); and (3) sample dates at delta surfaces commonly exceed 2000 yr B.P. These anomalous age-depth phenomena are in part a response to reservoir effects, introduction of old carbon, and, emphasized herein, influence of sediment storage and remobilization that prevail in fluvial and delta plains. In fluvial systems, sediment generally is not transported in a single episode from its original source area to the sea. Rather, material transported from upland reaches and river valley to coast is subject to a repeated series of depositional, burial, and erosional events induced by episodic flooding, overbank sedimentation, and channel migration. Because sediment is likely to be temporarily stored in the delta plain, it is difficult to determine the time of a sediment9s final deposition and burial at a delta site. A successful strategy requires use of several independent dating methods, including AMS analyses of in situ basal peats and fossils and, where possible, archaeological evaluation of associated artifacts that are in place. Accurate dates are needed for reliable measurement of rates of delta plain aggradation and land subsidence, information to help implement effective coastal protection measures.

Isotopic evidence for biological controls on migration of petroleum hydrocarbons

The isotopic compositions of potential metabolic byproducts of petroleum hydrocarbon biodegradation in soil gas and groundwater samples from a shallow plume of aviation gas (AVGAS) were analyzed to assess levels and pathways of intrinsic bioremediation occurring at the site. Gasoline range organic compounds (GROs) in soil gas samples from the original source area were low (<1000 ppm), but GRO levels under an adjacent, asphalt-covered parking lot exceeded 100,000 ppm. Soil gas CH 4 was >20% in the central part of the plume and correlated well with GRO concentrations. The 14C contents of the CH 4, associated soil gas CO 2 and dissolved inorganic carbon compounds (DIC) in the groundwater were all less than 0.1 times modern, indicating they were primarily formed from degradation of AVGAS and not other potential carbon sources such as degradation of natural organic matter or dissolution of carbonate shells. The δD and δ 13C values of the CH 4 indicate that it was produced via acetate fermentation. The δ 13C values of CO 2 and DIC in the central part of the plume were high, suggesting that a large fraction of the CO 2 in that area was also produced by acetate fermentation. At the down-gradient edges of the plume, CH 4 levels dropped to zero and the δ 13C values of CO 2 were much lower (−26‰), indicating that aerobic degradation of the AVGAS was dominant in this area. Beyond the down-gradient edges of the plume, the 14C contents of both groundwater DIC and soil gas CO 2 were significantly below modern levels, implying that most of the carbon there was derived from hydrocarbons and had migrated beyond the edge of the plume. These data show that methanogenic activity in the central part of the plume was slowly degrading the AVGAS, but aerobic activity at the edges of the plume was effectively limiting migration of the hydrocarbons.

Flow processes and sediment deformation in the Canary Debris Flow on the NW African Continental Rise

The Canary Debris Flow formed an extensive deposit on the NW African Continental Margin west of the Canary Islands. Sidescan sonar images and 3.5-kHz profiles show that the middle part of the debris flow deposit consists of complex channel systems separated by banks and ridges of debris. Channels are typically up to 10 km wide and 10 to 20 m deep, and have little or no debris fill. They appear to feed a more laterally continuous debris flow sheet which is seen further downslope. Interchannel banks and ridges are composed of 5 to 20 m thick debris deposits. This morphology is remarkably similar to that seen in subaerial debris flows, and we therefore infer that the observed submarine debris flow morphology is a primary flow fabric, rather than the result of the debris flow interacting with or exploiting pre-existing channels. High-resolution Sidescan sonar images show that the debris flow surface is covered by sediment blocks up to 300 m in diameter. A single core collected from the flow shows that most of the 4.6-m flow thickness at the core site is composed of a single clast. The clast has been folded, with its upper part consisting of an inverted minor image of the lower part. The same sequence occurs again, in situ, beneath the debris flow, suggesting that the clast may have a local source, rather than having been derived from the debris flow source area, some 200 km upslope. This indicates that the debris flow was capable of substantial seabed erosion in the middle part of its course. In these middle reaches, erosion within the channelled areas probably occurred simultaneously with deposition in the interchannel areas. Interchannel deposits may contain both locally derived and original source area material.

Deep-sea fan sediments in the Torlesse zone, Lake Ohau, South Canterbury, New Zealand

Abstract Late Triassic Torlesse metasediments outcropping in and around the Lake Ohau Ski-basin comprise interbedded granule-conglomerate, sandstone, siltstone and mudstone. The strata dip steeply and are broken by numerous faults. The sediments have undergone low grade regional metamorphism of the prehnite-pumpellyite facies. Seven facies are recognised within the sedimentary pile. Facies A-F are thought to have been deposited dominantly by one of the processes of gravity-induced subaqueous mass transport, inchiding synsedimentary slumping and debris, inertia, or turbidity flows. Facies G includes finer sediments attributable to hemipelagic rain on an ocean floor. Associations of these facies suggest that sedimentation occurred on and around the midfan region of a submarine fan system. Suites of facies associations reflect the meandering and progradation of the main axes of sediment dispersal over the fan complex. Paleocurrent and paleoslope indicators support a fan model, and possibly suggest turbidity current transport down a northwest-facing paleoslope. Chemical analyses and detrital modes of the sand lithologies require the original source area to be typically acid-plutonic.

The Precambrian Shield and the Lower Paleozoic Shelf: The Unstable Provenance of the Lower Paleozoic Flysch Sandstones and Conglomerates of the Appalachians between Beaumont and Bic, Quebec

Three sections of lower Paleozoic flysch in the Quebec Appalachians were sampled at Beaumont, Bic, and Trois Pistoles in order to determine the position, composition, and relief of the source area. At Beaumont, the mean flow direction of sediment transport is east-southeasterly; at Trois Pistoles and Bic it is south-southeasterly. Locally there is strong dispersion of the data but no northerly directions have been observed.Albite is the common plagioclase in all Cambrian sandstones; grains generally show polysynthetic twins, but in a few beds only untwinned albite is present. Oligoclase and andesine are the dominant plagioclases in Lower Ordovician rocks. The accessory suite has few diagnostic species; pink garnet is present in all sections, but absent in the basal unit at Bic. Diopside, sphalerite, and barite are found only in the Lower Ordovician rocks at Beaumont. At the three localities, the feldspar content, grain size, and sand/shale ratio vary up-section.The original source area for the sandstones and conglomerates consisted of an early Paleozoic shelf and a Precambrian land-mass. The oldest sands were derived from Precambrian metasediments, Paleozoic shelf sediments, Precambrian sodic plutons, and to a minor degree from gneisses. In Late Cambrian time the major contributors were sedimentary rocks of the shelf, sodic plutons, and gneisses. By Early Ordovician time most of the sands were derived from Grenvillian gneisses and shelf sedimentary rocks.The relief of the Grenvillian Orogenic Belt was high and denudation rapid from Early Cambrian to Late Cambrian, suggesting continuous, but irregular uplift. Uplift of the shelf began early in Cambrian, with major movements occurring in Late Cambrian when the Grenvillian source was rejuvenated. The source area was stabilized by Early Ordovician time.

On the relationship between the mineral composition of the beach sands and its provenance in Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan

Mineral composition and optical properties of the constituent minerals of beach sands in some sea-coasts in Kagoshima Prefecture, south Kyushu, are given in this paper. The relationship between gelogy of the provenance and the mineral composition of the beach sands is also discussed on each sea-coast area. On the mineral composition, beach sands at Fukiagehama and Shibushi sea-coasts are characterized by the material which was derived from so-called “Shirasu” (pyroclastic flow deposits), those at Uchinoura sea-coast by the material which was drived from granodiorite, and those at Ibusuki sea-coast by the material which was derived from basic volcanic rocks, respectively. In short, the characteristics observed in both the mineral composition and the optical properties of the constituent minerals of beach sands reflect remarkably geology of the original source area of the material.