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A distribution‐free statistical method for the spatial characterization of dune granulometry: an example from the Strzelecki Desert, South Australia
Author(s) -
Bishop Mark A.
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
earth surface processes and landforms
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.294
H-Index - 127
eISSN - 1096-9837
pISSN - 0197-9337
DOI - 10.1002/esp.1007
Subject(s) - winnowing , geology , granulometry , aeolian processes , sorting , skewness , geomorphology , physical geography , geography , archaeology , statistics , mathematics , sediment , computer science , programming language
Distribution‐free statistical methods of comparative data analysis have identied subtle granulometric differences attributed to the evolution of barchan form at Gurra‐Gurra waterhole. Geomorphic locations on the barchan dunes display statistically signicant grain‐size differences that assist in the interpretation of aeolian processes. In summer, very ne sands mantle the dunescape and are the fraction that most affects the parameters of sorting and skewness. The surcial sedimentological character is one of subtle contrasts between the processes of grain winnowing and intergranular protection. The second and third moment measures are parameters that best demonstrate the spatial granulometric differences. Dune‐forming processes at Gurra‐Gurra have produced dune sands that have a very narrow range of grain size, which, in turn, reects textural and mineralogical maturity, and hence an extensive transport history. The statistical techniques employed in this study can also be used for the comparison of temporal (seasonal) sedimentological change, and for the granulometric analysis and association of process for dunes of different morpho‐types. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.