Elżbieta Mycielska-Dowgiałło & Małgorzata Ludwikowska-Kędzia

Geologos, 2011, 17 (4): 189–203

doi: 10.2478/v10118-011-0010–9

Alternative interpretations of grain-size data from

Quaternary deposits

Elżbieta Mycielska-Dowgiałło1,* & Małgorzata Ludwikowska-Kędzia2

The Family Alliance School of Higher Education, M. Grzegorzewskiej 10, 02–778, Warsaw, Poland;
1

e-mail: [email protected]
2
Institute of Geography, Jan Kochanowski University in Kielce, Świętokrzyska 15, 25–418, Kielce, Poland;
e-mail: [email protected]
* corresponding author

Abstract

Several possibilities to present and to interpret the results of granulometric analyses of Quaternary fluvial, aeolian,
glacial and wash-out slope deposits were investigated. Attention is paid particularly to the cumulative curves at a pro-
bability scale and the frequency curves, and it is shown how these curves can help to determine the sedimentary
environment. The inclination of the cumulative curves in the part of the maximum proportion of a particular grain size
appears significant. It appears possible to obtain information on the density and dynamics of the transporting medium
from the course of the cumulative curves (inclination and spread of grain size).
The examination of textural parameters allows to draw regression lines characteristic of both deposits from various
sedimentary environments and deposits from one single environment but with different histories as to their transport
dynamics.

Keywords: Quaternary deposits, grain-size distribution, cumulative curves, frequency curves, textural parameters

1. Introduction Interpretation of the transport mechanism on

the basis of structural features is certainly justi-
Analysis of the grain-size distribution of fied when outcrops are studied, but can hardly
gravel, sand and silt fractions often provides be applied in the case of drillings.
a basis for the study of other textural features of Recent investigations of thousands of sam-
deposits. The various, sometimes controversial, ples from sediments deposited in all kinds of
interpretations of such data have led to numer- environments in Poland and abroad, from both
ous discussions (see Friedman & Sanders, 1978; outcrops and drillings, now offer a framework
Mycielska-Dowgiałło, 2007; Flemming 2007; for interpretations that previously were pos-
Hartmann & Flemming, 2007; Szmańda, 2007; sible exclusively by granulometric analyses
Weltje & Prins, 2007). It becomes more and (Mycielska-Dowgiałło, 2007; Racinowski et al.,
more clear that the grain type and size do not 2001). This refers mainly to the interpretation
depend on the transport processes and the sedi- of depositional environments but can, in our
mentation conditions; transport-related features opinion, also be applied for the interpretation
are better expressed in the structural features of the energy and nature of the transporting
(Fleming, 2007; Hartmann & Flemming, 2007). medium.
190 Elżbieta Mycielska-Dowgiałło & Małgorzata Ludwikowska-Kędzia

The aim of the present contribution is to 2. Presentation of the grain-size

present alternative possibilities for the inter- distribution as cumulative and
pretation of the grain-size distribution of Qua-
ternary deposits in some sedimentary environ-
frequency curves
ments, based on examination of:
(1) cumulative curves on a  probability scale Grain-size distributions can be visualized
with particular regard to their inclination through diagrams. The types most applied are
and spread of the grain-size; cumulative curves and frequency curves.
(2) comparison of the cumulative and frequen- Most frequently, the results of granulom-
cy curves; etric analyses are presented in the form of cu-
(3) comparison of the frequency curves found mulative curves on a t probability scale (on the
for sediments in some environments and in vertical axis) vs. Ф (phi) units (on the horizon-
the parent material; tal axis), and in the form of frequency curves,
(4) relationships between the granulometric with frequency units on the vertical axis and
indices of Folk & Ward (1957): mean grain Ф units (together with their corresponding
diameter (Mz), standard deviation (σI) and values in millimetres) on the horizontal axis.
skewness (SkI), and particularly the course Frequency units are calculated as follows: the
of the regression line in the relationship be- proportion of grains of a particular size inter-
tween Mz and σI (the relationships between val (expressed as a weight percentage) divided
SkI and Mz, and between SkI and σI are by ∆ Ф within the same interval. They thus are
particularly useful for deposits in a homo- a measure of the sorting of the deposit. For in-
geneous sedimentary environment, where terpretation purposes, it is useful to show the
the position of a cluster of points enables to grain-size characteristics using both methods
distinguish a specific facies); (Mycielska-Dowgiałło, 2007).
(5) the Passega C-M diagram.
The interpretative possibilities of the re-
sults of granulometric analyses can be tre- 2.1. Cumulative curves
mendously enhanced if the analysis of the
grain-size distribution of the transported sedi- The basic value of presenting the grain-size
ments (Flemming, 1988) is accompanied by distribution as cumulative curves on a  proba-
studies of other textural features (Friedman bility scale consists in the opportunity to evalu-
et al., 1992) such as (1) the rounding and the ate them within the range of their straight sec-
mat ratio of the quartz grains in the sandy tions, illustrating grain-size groups of normal
fractions (Mycielska-Dowgiałło, 1992, 1993, or similar distribution. This method was used
2001; Izmaiłow, 2001; Mycielska-Dowgiałło by Visher (1969), who distinguished three ba-
& Woronko 2004); (2) Scanning Electronic sic curve segments, indicating different ways of
Microscope (SEM) analysis of the surface mi- sediment transport (through saltation: segment
cromorphology of the sand- and silt-sized A; in suspension: segment B; and bed load: seg-
quartz grains (Mycielska-Dowgiałło, 1988; ment C). Since Visher’s work, investigations
Mycielska-Dowgiałło et al., 1995, 2007); and of grain-size distribution have significantly
(3) analysis of the mineral and petrographical expanded to include deposits of various sedi-
composition of the deposit (Cichosz-Kostecka mentary environments and facies. Apart from
et al., 1991; Elsner, 1992; Mycielska-Dowgiałło, fragments of cumulative curves corresponding
2001, 2007). The interpretative possibilities to a normal distribution (most often limited to
also increase if the analysis covers not only the sand fraction), admixtures of coarser and
the deposits under study but also the deposits finer grains occur, which do not form normal
which constitute their potential source mate- distributions (Tanner, 1964). Nevertheless, their
rial (Folk, 1971; Flemming, 1988; Mycielska- presence or absence is important for the inter-
Dowgiałło, 2007). pretation of the sedimentary environment.
 Alternative interpretations of grain-size data from Quaternary deposits 191

such a sediment has been transported through

saltation.

2.1.1. The first group of cumulative curves

The first group (Fig. 1, graph 1) comprises
curves that demonstrate a  well-sorted popu-
lation, with >60% of total sample mass, and
is characterised by a  steeply inclined section
A  within the 85°–45o (mostly within 60°–70o,
towards the x-axis) interval. Admixtures of
coarser and finer grains occur within this group
as well (segments B and C). Simultaneously in
Fig. 1. The three basic groups of cumulative curves for this group appear often monosegmental cumu-
sediments deposited by currents. They appear on lative curves (Fig. 2; Fig. 3Ab) The first group
a probability scale as segments (A, B, C) with different
inclination and as a  transitional group (1/2) (modi-
of the cumulative curves is most often char-
fied after Mycielska-Dowgiałło, 2007). acteristic of aeolian deposits (Fig. 2), but occa-
sionally is found for beach and fluvial deposits
Investigations conducted in Poland of de- (particularly in meandering rivers) (Fig. 3Ab).
posits of various origins (Mycielska-Dowgiałło, The less steep inclination of the cumulative
2007) have enabled to distinguish three groups curves for coversand (approx. 50o) (Fig. 2A) as
of grain-distribution curves (Fig. 1). This may compared to dune deposits (approx. 70o) (Fig.
be done if the ’t’ units on the probability scale 2B, C) points to shorter aeolian transport for
correspond in their geometrical dimension to the coversand than for the dune deposits.
those on the Ф scale (Fig. 2A). The basic criteria
for distinguishing these groups are the course 2.1.2. The second group of cumulative curves
of the cumulative curves for the prevailing The second group of cumulative curves (Fig.
fractions of the deposit (>60%) and the sorting 1, graph 2, continuous line) comprises curves
of these fractions, as marked by the section’s in which the major section (>60% of the total
inclination. Most commonly segment A is the sample mass) represents poorly sorted mate-
best sorted (most inclined section), containing rial. The inclination of segment (B?) is concen-
the sand fraction. According to Visher (1969), trated around the value of 30o (most often 20°–

Fig. 2. Cumulative curves.

A: Coversands (Dąbski, Woronko & Szwarczewski, unpublished data); B: Dune deposits of cold-climate zones
(modified after Seppälä, 2004); C: Dune deposits (data after Zieliński, 2009).
 192
Elżbieta Mycielska-Dowgiałło & Małgorzata Ludwikowska-Kędzia

Fig. 3. Grain-size distribution of five fluvial facies in the Belnianka

River valley.
A: Cumulative curves; B: Frequency curves; C: Relationship
between granulometric indicators according to Folk & Ward
(1957): the mean grain size (Mz) vs. the standard deviation (σI).
 Alternative interpretations of grain-size data from Quaternary deposits 193

40o). These curves concern the fractions from Occasionally, cumulative curves in the sec-
silt to coarse gravel. This type of cumulative ond group may have two segments (Fig. 1:
curve is characteristic of deposits derived from continuous and dotted lines). In these cases,
high-energy currents. While settling, cobble- the less inclined section is limited from below
and pebble-sized particles are deposited first, by a very steep section. The portion of the de-
then the finer grains are trapped between them posit indicated by the steep section of the curve
(Garde, 1972). They are characteristic of fluvi- points to the largest grain size. Its content in
oglacial deposits (particularly subglacial ones), the total deposit varies significantly and ranges
as well as of braided-river deposits. This group from several percent in subglacial and fluvial
of curves can occasionally include sediments of deposits to several dozens of percents in sand/
meandering rivers (Fig. 3) and surficial run-off silt/clay mixtures (Ludwikowska-Kędzia, 2000;
sediments. These curves, although resembling Szmańda, 2002). This steep segment probably
each other as to their course, represent differ- defines the upper competence limit of a given
ent grain-size spectra (Fig. 4A, B). This second sediment transporting medium.
group of cumulative curves is characteristic The course of the second curve group (Fig.
also of sediments transported in the medium 1, graph 2) does not fall under Visher’s classifi-
of considerable density (Fig. 5). cation system. In the case of a slightly inclined

Fig. 4. Comparison of the cumulative and frequency curves for five fluvial facies in the Belnianka River valley: a = thal-
weg; b = channel outside the thalweg; c, d = overbank current facies; e = overbank-pool facies
A: Comparison of the cumulative curves; B: Comparison of the frequency curves.
194 Elżbieta Mycielska-Dowgiałło & Małgorzata Ludwikowska-Kędzia

Fig. 5. Cumulative curves for some tills (deposited since Little Ice Age, Iceland) (modified after Krüger, 1994).

section (Fig. 1, segment B?), a certain analogy though differing as to their position on the dia-
to Visher’s segment B can be seen (sediment gram, are characteristic of deposits composed
transported in suspension), but the steep sec- of grains appearing in various size intervals
tion at the curve’s end (dotted line) represents (Fig. 4A, B). For instance glacial deposits (peb-
material with a different history. ble/gravel/sand/clay mixtures) may exhibit
a course of cumulative curves resembling that
2.1.3. The third group of cumulative curves of flood deposits (sand/silt/clay). This may
The third, transitional, group of curves (Fig. result from differences in the density of the
1, graph 1/2) has an inclination of segment transporting medium (e.g. fluvial vs. glacial or
A of approx. 45o (Fig. 3A). This group of cumu- fluvial vs. aeolian) or different current dynam-
lative curves comprises sediments which were ics (e.g. various facies of fluvial deposits).
formed by a relatively short-lived depositional
process or in an environment with a higher en-
ergy than the first group (Fig. 1, graph 1), but 2.2. Frequency curves
also comprises deposits resulting from vari-
ous overlapping processes. The curves in this The grain-size distribution of a deposit may
group thus may represent a  variety of depo- also be presented in a  frequency curve (Folk,
sitional environments. This group of cumula- 1971; Besler, 1996; Mycielska-Dowgiałło, 2007)
tive curves is also characteristic of run-off sedi- since such curves provide a clear illustration of
ments, the transport of which could have been the relative proportion of grains of the various
initiated by the splashes of raindrops. grain-size fractions. Together with cumulative
The deposits built by material deriving curves they increase the possibility to interpret
from a proximal floodplain (i.e. close to the riv- the genesis of a deposit and the transport/dep-
er channel) show a similar regularity (Gheith, osition dynamics.
2000). The marine coastal environment adjacent
to the beach, which is characterised by consid- 2.2.1. Comparison with source material
erable wave and current dynamics, is built by A comparison of the frequency curves of
deposits for which the curves can be classified dune deposits and of deposits in the same area
as belonging to the transitional group (Fig. 1, that form the parent material for the dunes
graph 1/2). (Fig. 6) illustrates their relationship (Mycielska-
Dowgiałło, 2007) and the capabilities of the ae-
2.1.4. Conclusions as to the groups olian process. It shows that the dunes became
of cumulative curves enriched with relatively coarse grains because
As mentioned above, the group of cumula- of selective removal of the grains from substra-
tive curves that resemble each other in shape, tum (cf. Folk, 1971). A similar relationship be-
 Alternative interpretations of grain-size data from Quaternary deposits 195

rent velocity (thalweg). All cumulative curves

of facies a are contained within the intermedi-
ary group (Fig. 1, graph 1/2).
Facies b comprises deposits the curves of
which show a  prevailing saltation segment
A (compare Fig. 1) of a somewhat better sort-
ing. This is shown by a  steeper inclination of
segment A  of the cumulative curves (approx.
50°–60o) and a  high peak (approx. 120) in the
frequency curves. Contrary to facies a, these
deposits fall into the first group (Fig. 1, graph
1). The spreadoffing in their grain size points to
accumulation in the channel, mainly by salta-
tion.

Fig. 6. Relationship of frequency curves for dune sand

and the dune’s substratum (fluvial sand) in Jeziórko, 2.3. Comparison of cumulative and
Sandomierz Basin (Mycielska-Dowgiałło, 2007).
frequency curves

tween source deposits and marine coastal de- The deposits represented by the cumula-
posits can be found in frequency curves, which tive and frequency curves in diagrams c and
had also been noted by Flemming (1988). d of Figures 3, 4 are characterised by a  most
extended segment B, representing suspension
2.2.2. Differentiation between facies transport, which adjoins the steep segment
Frequency curves can also be used to distin- (compare Fig. 1, segment A?). The shift of the
guish between different facies (Ludwikowska- cumulative curves towards a smaller grain size
Kędzia, 2000; Szmańda, 2002). In the Belnianka than that of the channel deposits (a and b), as
River valley (Holy Cross Mountains, central well as the occurrence of the steep segment of
Poland), for instance, five samples from four the curve (comprising grains within the upper
fluvial facies (Figs. 3, 4) may be distinguished. competence limit of a given transport medium)
These facies show different courses of both the possibly indicates rapid accumulation during
cumulative and the frequency curves (Figs. a waning flood in overbank areas. This is par-
3A, B, 4). The differences between the cumu- ticularly clear on diagram d (Fig. 3A) and re-
lative curves result from the fraction intervals sembles graph 2 in Figure 1 (continuous and
which they fall into, but they may be similar in dotted lines). The bimodal course and the low
shape. peaks of the frequency curves point to poor
Facies a  refers to those channel sediments sorting of particles in both saltation and sus-
that are transported through rolling and drag- pension.
ging, and by saltation. Part of the 0.2-0.3 mm Characteristic of the deposits of the over-
grains (which is a  well sorted portion) repre- bank-pool facies (e) is very poor sorting; their
sents the transport by saltation. This is shown frequency curves is mostly monomodal and
by the inclination of segment A of the cumula- indicates smaller grains than in the overbank
tive curves (approx. 45o) (compare Fig. 1) and by current facies (d).
the high peak position in the frequency curves Figure 4 presents a set of cumulative curves
(approx. 110). The spreading in the grain size of the various facies of the Belnianka River val-
indicates that the particles accumulated in the ley. Despite their similar shapes, the cumula-
part of the river channel with the highest cur- tive curves differ in their range of grain sizes.
196 Elżbieta Mycielska-Dowgiałło & Małgorzata Ludwikowska-Kędzia

3. Comparison of the textural 3.1. Co-ordinate system

parameters and their significance
A co-ordinate system (Fig. 7) has been devel-
for facies interpretation oped that shows tendencies in sorting of vari-
ous grain sizes of the material transported in
If samples from various facies are analysed, different environments (Mycielska-Dowgiałło,
their grain-size distributions may be described 2007), where the symbols Mz and σI represent
by textural parameters calculated from cu- respectively the mean grain diameter and sort-
mulative curves. The parameters proposed ing degree after Folk & Ward (1957).
by Folk & Ward (1957) are most frequently
applied. The relationship between the mean 3.1.1. The first co-ordinate system
grain size (Mz) and the standard deviation, i.e. The first co-ordinate system (Fig. 7 line 1)
the sorting parameter (σI), is a  good tool for is found most frequently where the increase
reconstructing the transport and depositional of the mean grain size (Mz) is accompanied by
processes. Studies of various types of aeolian a diminishing sorting (σI). This system is typi-
sediments in the Taklamakan Desert (analys- cal of depositional environments with high
ing frequency curves and comparing granulo- variability of transport energy. Phases of low-
metric indicators), for instance, have enabled energy transport (e.g. by water or air), dur-
to draw conclusions relating to process dura- ing which the sorting of the deposited mate-
tion, migration of aeolian forms and transport rial takes place, alternate with brief phases of
types (Besler, 1996). higher-energy transport which – when rapidly

Fig. 7. Principles of the co-ordinate system.

A: Basic regression lines, for genetically homogeneous deposits, derived from the relationship between σI (sorting)
and Mz (mean grain size). 1 = channel deposits; 2 = overbank deposits, aeolian deposits of hot deserts, wash-out
deposits, fluvial channel lag; 3 = aeolian deposits of the moderate climate zone, overbank-pool deposits; 4 = slope
sediments formed by splashing of rain drops; B: Some characteristic facies: a = braided-river and subglacial-channel
deposits; b = channel infilling of meandering rivers; c = overbank deposits; d = lag deposits; e = dune deposits of
recent deserts; f = dune deposits from central Poland; g = slope deposits related to raindrop splashes; h = alluvial
fan deposits (modified after Mycielska-Dowgiałło, 2007).
 Alternative interpretations of grain-size data from Quaternary deposits 197

declining – result in the accumulation of par- 7B, a, b) requires analysis of the structures in
ticular coarse-grained material forming poor- these deposits.
ly-sorted deposits. This occurs most frequently The lag deposits (Fig. 7B, d) consist often
in fluvial (and thus also in fluvioglacial) chan- of washed-out coarse fluvioglacial deposits at
nels (Harasimiuk, 1991; Niedziałkowska, 1991; river bottoms.
Kothyari, 1995; Ludwikowska-Kędzia, 2000). The second system has also been found in
The first co-ordinate system (Fig. 7A) is slope wash-out deposits without sorting, and
rarely found in aeolian deposits. It is character- where accumulation is very rapid (Smolska,
istic of areas with considerable wind dynamics 2003; Twardy, 2004). It can also be found in
(Sarre & Chancey, 1990; Besler, 1996; Wang et channel lags where the coarse-grained fraction
al., 2003). It has also been referred to sediments is best sorted (Ostrowska et al., 2004). Based on
derived from wash-out on slopes (Twardy, the relationship between mean grain-size and
2004). It was also identified in very fine-grained standard deviation, channel deposits (the first
deposits, in the 4–6 Ф interval of floodplain system) can easily be distinguished from flu-
deposits in the Wisłoka River (Czyżowska- vial lag deposits (the second system) (Fig. 8A).
Wiśniewska, 2003). The first system was also The distinction should be based on the range
identified by Kordowski (2003) within very of the mean grain size; as a rule the fluvial lag
fine-grained (4–8 Ф) deposits in an overbank deposits are coarser than the channel infilling.
area of the lower Vistula River valley, where Thus, the range of the grain size should also be
ribbons of sandy deposits occur. The interpre- considered.
tation of the transport and depositional history
of the sediments that are represented by this 3.1.3. The third co-ordinate system
cluster of points within the silt fraction is not The third system (Fig. 7, line 3) with a con-
completely clear (in general flood deposits are stant degree of sorting rate (σI) and a  vari-
depicted in the second system). able mean grain size (Mz), seems typical of
less dynamic environments characterised by
3.1.2. The second co-ordinate system small variations in the energy of the transport
The second co-ordinate system (Fig. 7, line medium, as well as by low-density transport
2), wherein the sorting (σI) diminishes paral- media, e.g. air. Accumulation through salta-
lel with a decreasing mean grain size (Mz), re- tion or suspension prevails. When comparing
fers to media with prevalent sorting processes the results of the third system, aeolian deposits
within the range of a  coarser fraction (sand) are inclined to be better sorted than overbank-
and with periodical supply of a poorly-sorted pool deposits (Fig. 8B). This type of system is
finer fraction (silt) transported in suspension. characteristic of sandy sediments which form
The accumulation may take place during a rap- active parabolic dunes (Sarre & Chancey, 1990;
id decrease in the competence of the transport- Ruz & Allard, 1995; Rizzetto et al., 1998), and
ing medium (e.g. silt deposition after a  sand it is also found in the majority of Polish fossil
storm, or accumulation from suspension dur- dunes (Mycielska-Dowgiałło,2007). The third
ing a waning flood). This is particularly char- system also includes deposits accumulated in
acteristic of aeolian deposits in hot deserts stagnant water, e.g. in oxbow lakes.
(Mycielska-Dowgiałło, 2007) and of floodplain
deposits (Starkel et al., 1982; Florek et al., 1990; 3.1.4. The fourth co-ordinate system
Rizzetto et al., 1998; Ludwikowska-Kędzia, Recently, indications were found that the
2000; Szmańda, 2002, 2007). fourth system is characteristic of wash-out de-
The course of the regression lines is pre- posits on slopes. In this system, the sediment
sented here together with sedimentary logs sorting (σI) varies despite a  constant mean
of some facies (Fig. 7B). It should be stressed grain size (Mz). This system is linked with
that the proper classification of deposits with a slope system where the rain splashing is the
a similar course of the regression lines (e.g. Fig. dominant process (Fig. 7 line 4).
198 Elżbieta Mycielska-Dowgiałło & Małgorzata Ludwikowska-Kędzia

concentrate within the first system, whereas

the third system is formed by deposits from
dune ridges where the sorting process prevails,
irrespective of the grain size.
Within the reg area, the coarsest grains are
selected by wind deflation (resulting in good
sorting), as well as additional settling of poor-
ly-sorted fine-grained sediment transported
in suspension. This process has also been de-
scribed for the Negev Desert by Goossens
(1995).

3.2. Relationships between granulometric

parameters

For the interpretation of the transport and

depositional history of fluvial deposits, the
relationships of several granulometric param-
eters must be taken into consideration. This
regards the: mean grain size vs. standard de-
viation (Mz and σI), the skewness vs. the mean
grain size (SkI and Mz), and the standard de-
viation vs. the skewness (σI and SkI). These
relationships are presented in the diagrams as
fields of points (Fig. 9).
Worth noting is the overlapping of two
fields of points representing different facies
(river channel deposits and overbank deposits)
Fig. 8. The co-ordinate systems. (Fig. 9A). The common part of the two fields
A: The first and second system (from Fig. 7) presented
corresponds to the best sorted grain-size (ap-
in a  diagram relating the mean grain size (Mz) and
the sorting rate (σI). The trends change in accordance prox. 2 Ф = 0.25 mm). The boundary between
with grain-size intervals as well as sedimentary sub- the two facies in Fig. 9C is, similarly, situated
environments; B: The third system (from Fig. 7) with in the zone of the best sorting and the zero
aeolian and overbank-pool facies (from Mycielska- value of skewness. The plot, obtained for chan-
Dowgiałło, 2007).
nel and overbank deposits of the same river,
forms a  parabolic diagram. Channel deposits
3.1.5. A case history from central Mongolia concentrate on the left-hand side of the parab-
The grain-size distribution for dunes and ola, whereas overbank ones occur on the right-
regs in central Mongolia (Potocki & Angiel, hand side (cf. Ludwikowska-Kędzia, 2000).
2004) points to three different tendencies: for The relationship between skewness (SkI)
reg deposits (the second system; Fig. 7, line 2), and mean grain size (Mz) shows a  system of
for deposits at dune bases (the first system; Fig. several ’waves’ (Fig. 9B). The lowermost wave
7, line 1), and for deposits from dune ridges within the negative skewness values repre-
(the third system; Fig. 7, line 3). It seems that sents channel deposits. The next wave, already
various dynamics of deflation, transport and in the range of positive skewness values and
accumulation of sediments are expressed by finer grains, represents overbank deposits. The
these three systems. third wave, in the range of skewness values
The deposits from the dune base, where the lower than those of the preceding wave and
highest dynamics of spin currents prevails, with a still finer grain size, represents stagnant-
 Alternative interpretations of grain-size data from Quaternary deposits 199

Fig. 9. Relationships of Folk & Ward textural parameters (modified from Ludwikowska-Kędzia, 2000; Mycielska-
Dowgiałło, 2007).
A: Mean grain diameter (Mz) vs. standard deviation (σI); B: Skewness (SkI) vs. mean grain diameter (Mz); C: Stand-
ard deviation (σI) vs. skewness (SkI).

water deposits. A  similar system of two (sec- tained from grain-size analyses, wherein the
ond and third) waves for overbank deposits values of the first percentile (C) are plotted
has been presented by Szmańda (2002) for the against the median (M)(probability scale). The
Drwęca River valley. C and M values may be presented in Ф units
A study by Kordowski (2003) concerning and/or in millimetres. Thus far, the so-called
overbank deposits in the lower Vistula River Passega C-M diagram has been applied in par-
valley makes it possible to specify precisely ticular to the study of fluvial and coastal depos-
their location in the range of the wave-shaped its, because both consist of different lithofacies,
diagram. Just like in the presented diagram, which can be ‘translated’ into depositional
the lower left-hand segment of the lowest wave subenvironments with the help of the diagram.
represents channel deposits and the overbank Different transport and depositional histories
sandy deposits. The second wave mainly con- can thus be distinguished (Ludwikowska-
centrates on deposits accumulated at the river Kędzia, 2000; Szmańda, 2002).
side of the natural levee, passing downwards According to Passega (1957, 1964) and
into overbank-pool deposits left after flooding. Passega & Byramjee, (1969) the first percentile
The third wave refers to deposits filling the ox- refers to the grain size that is representative of
bow lakes, swamps and lacustrine depressions. the maximum competence of the transporting
medium. Based on the analysis of river and
marine coastal deposits, Passega & Byramjee
4. Application of the C-M (1969) distinguished three basic limits, viz. Cr
diagram to palaeoenvironmental (C – rolling), Cu (C – uniform suspension) and
Cs (C – graded suspension) (Fig. 10). The Cr
interpretation forms the lower size limit of grains transported
through rolling (with a contribution of suspen-
The C-M diagram (Passega, 1957, 1964) is sion); the Cs characterises the maximum diam-
another method for presenting the results ob- eter of grains transported in ‘graded suspen-
200 Elżbieta Mycielska-Dowgiałło & Małgorzata Ludwikowska-Kędzia

Fig. 10. C-M diagram. a: according

to Passega (1964) and Passega &
Byramjee (1969); b: according to
Ludwikowska-Kędzia (2000) for
fluvial deposits in the Belnianka
River valley. The letter symbols
are explained in the text. Loca-
tion of Cr, Cs, and Cu symbols
following Passega (1964) in ital-
ics; following Passega & Byramjee
(1969) in bold (modified after ���
Lu-
dwikowska-Kędzia, 2000; Myciel-
ska-Dowgiałło, 2007).

sion’, i.e. mainly through saltation; and Cu is tween the values of the mean grain size (Mz)
the limit for the maximum size of grains trans- and standard deviation (σI) have been prepared
ported in homogeneous suspension, i.e. in the (Fig. 9A). The boundary between SR and RQ
upper part of the water column. (Fig. 10b) corresponds to the place where two
On the diagram (Fig. 10), characteristic sec- fields of points representing different subenvi-
tions indicative of different transport and sedi- ronments (river channel and overbank) over-
mentation modes can be distinguished (Passega lap each other (Fig. 9A).
& Byramjee 1969). They include transport in While analysing coastal deposits, Passega
a  homogeneous suspension (SR), transport in (1964) noted that the Cs limit becomes lower
‘graded suspension’, mainly through saltation with increasing depth of the marine basin.
(RQ), transport through suspension with some This is due to the turbulence and wave activ-
rolling (QP), transport through rolling with ity which decrease towards deeper parts of
a  contribution of suspension (PO), transport marine basins. Similarly, when comparing flu-
exclusively through rolling (N), and settling vial deposits in rivers of various gradients and
from suspension in stagnant water (T). various current dynamics, an upward shift of
For fluvial deposits in the Belnianka Riv- the Cu and Cs limit (towards higher C values)
er valley (in the Holy Cross Mountains area) has been noted.
a  Passega & Byramjee (1969) diagram (Fig. The scope of the aforementioned study
10b), cumulative curves of various facies (e.g. (Passega, 1964) has been further extended by
Fig. 3A) and a diagram of the relationship be- Royse (1968, 1970), who analysed deposits in
 Alternative interpretations of grain-size data from Quaternary deposits 201

rivers with known conditions of the current, mulation, as well as – in the case of aeolian
load, and concentration of clastic material. Sed- deposits – the duration of the process, but it
imentological studies in Poland have also been is advised to confirm the results by compar-
conducted on deposits of rivers with different ing them with the course of the cumulative
gradients and dynamics, and have extended curves;
the scope of interpretative possibilities for the (4) the relationships between the various Folk
Passega diagram (Ludwikowska-Kędzia, 2000; & Ward (1957) parameters may be a good
Szmańda, 2002; Ostrowska et al., 2003). tool for analyzing the sedimentary envi-
These studies have shown that data on C-M ronment diagnosis, as indicated by the case
diagrams (as in Fig. 10b) show a shift towards history in which – based on comparison of
higher C values than the original Passega (1964) the relationships of three indices (Mz, σI,
diagram (Fig. 10a). This phenomenon is di- SkI) – the subenvironments of fluvial de-
rectly proportional to the gradient and current posits of the upland Belnianka River in the
dynamics of the river. This shift is particularly Holy Cross Mountains were distinguished.
well visible as for the course of the Cr limit at
high C values.
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