In order to reveal sedimentary facies and geochemical characteristics on sediments distributed in upper intertidal zone, the southwestern coast of Korea, grain size and metal content analyses to the sediments were carried out. The grain size distribut...
In order to reveal sedimentary facies and geochemical characteristics on sediments distributed in upper intertidal zone, the southwestern coast of Korea, grain size and metal content analyses to the sediments were carried out. The grain size distribution of sediments shows very wide range from gravel to mud. The sediments are very well sorted to very poorly sorted and mostly positively skewed. Geochemical behavior of metals in the sediments is dependant on grain size, in part, but might be much controlled by complex submarine topography, highly varied tidal currents and surrounding land geology in the study area. Igeo (index of geoaccumulation) representing metal condensation in the sediments moderately/strongly polluted in Co and Cr and moderately polluted in Cu and Ni. But notable metal condensations are not found in the study area. So, it might be interpreted that grain size and metal content distribution tendencies in the sediments are considerably influenced by complex submarine topography, highly varied tidal currents and surrounding land geology.