Quaternary Coastal Sand Induration and Geochronology in Moreton Bay

Late Quaternary coastal deposits from northern Moreton Bay, Queensland, were analyzed for indurated sand layers. Samples from exposures at Beachmere and Bells Creek were examined for cement composition, texture, and dated using OSL and TL methods. The dataset was contributed by the Australian Ocean Data Network and last updated in April 2026.

Use Cases

• Model the relationship between sediment texture (e.g., gravely sands vs. medium to coarse sand) and the degree of induration using OSL ages as a temporal control.
• Analyze cement composition (kaolinite, amorphous organic-rich complexes) to infer past soil development phases and groundwater precipitation processes.
• Correlate OSL and TL ages (e.g., 100,000 ± 70,000 years, 76,700 ±6,500 yr) with trace metal concentrations to assess regional geochemical evolution over time.
• Study the rate of induration by comparing ages of well-indurated deposits with incipient induration observed in deposits from the last 16,000 ± 2,600 years.

Strengths

• Includes geochronological data from OSL and TL dating, providing specific age ranges like 76,700 ±6,500 years and 98,000 ±9,900 years.
• Analyzes specific sediment textures (gravely sands, medium to coarse sand) and cement compositions (kaolinite, amorphous organic complexes) from two distinct field sites.

Limitations

• Sample size and specific row/column counts are not provided, limiting statistical assessment.
• Geographic coverage is limited to two specific locations (Beachmere and Bells Creek) within Moreton Bay, Queensland.
• The primary data format is HTML, which may not be structured for direct computational analysis.

Provenance

Source

Australian Ocean Data Network

Collection Method

Samples analyzed from exposures in sand mine pits and estuarine channel banks; laboratory analysis of cement composition and geochronology (OSL, TL).

Time Range

Late Quaternary, with specific OSL/TL ages ranging from approximately 16,000 to over 100,000 years.

Freshness

Last updated in April 2026.

Geography

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