Indurated Sand Layers in Northern Moreton Bay Quaternary Deposits

Southeast Queensland coastal deposits contain indurated sand layers analyzed from exposures at Beachmere and Bells Creek. The Australian Ocean Data Network compiled data on cement composition, sediment texture, and geochronological ages. OSL and TL dating indicates induration processes occurring over periods up to approximately 100,000 years.

Use Cases

• Correlate sediment texture features like 'gravely sands' with 'degree of induration' using OSL age data.
• Analyze relationships between cement constituents (kaolinite, amorphous organic-rich complexes) and trace metal concentrations reported for the region.
• Model the timeline of induration by comparing OSL/TL ages (e.g., 76,700 ±6,500 yr, 98,000 ±9,900 yr) against the described 'incipient induration' over the last ~16,000 years.
• Investigate groundwater flow influence by linking 'poorly sorted coarser sediments' with precipitation of mineral and organic-rich cements.

Strengths

• Geochronological data includes specific OSL and TL age ranges with reported uncertainties (e.g., 100,000 ± 70,000 years).
• Analysis covers multiple specific sites (Beachmere, Bells Creek) and distinct sediment textures (gravely sands, medium to coarse sand).
• Cement composition is characterized into specific constituents like kaolinite and amorphous organic-rich complexes.

Limitations

• Sample size is not specified, likely derived from a limited number of field exposures.
• Geographic scope is restricted to two specific locations in southeast Queensland.
• Data granularity is unknown; detailed analytical results per sample are not described in the provided metadata.

Provenance

Source

Australian Ocean Data Network

Collection Method

Samples analyzed from exposures in sand mine pits and an estuarine channel bank.

Time Range

Quaternary period, with specific OSL/TL ages up to approximately 100,000 years.

Freshness

null

Geography

Northern Moreton Bay, Queensland, Australia (specifically Beachmere and Bells Creek).