Experiments on stratification of heterogeneous sand mixtures
by Pierre Y. Julien, Yongqiang Lan and Guy Berthault
Abstract
Superposed strata in sedimentary rocks are believed to have been formed by successive
layers of sediments deposited periodically with interruptions of sedimentation.
This experimental study examines possible stratification of heterogeneous sand mixtures
under continuous (non-periodic and non-interrupted) sedimentation. The three primary
aspects of stratification are considered: lamination, graded-beds, and joints.
- Experiments on segregation of 11 heterogeneous mixtures of sand-size quartz, limestone
and coal demonstrate that through lateral motion of a sand mixture, the fine particles
fall between the interstices of the rolling coarse particles. Coarse particles gradually
roll on top of fine particles and microscale sorting is obtained. Microscale segregation
similar to lamination is observed on plane surfaces, as well as under continuous
settling in columns filled with either air or water.
- The formation of graded-beds is examined in a laboratory flume under steady flow
and a continuous supply of heterogeneous sand particles. Under steady uniform flow
and plane bed with sediment motion, the coarse particles of the mixture roll on
a laminated bed of mostly fine sand particles. In non-uniform flow, the velocity
decrease caused by a tailgate induces the formation of a stratum of coarse particles
propagating in the downstream direction. On top of this cross-stratified bed, fine
particles settle through the moving bed layer of rolling coarse sand particles and
form a near horizontally laminated topset stratum of finer particles. Over time,
a thick stratum of coarse particles thus progresses downstream between two strata
of laminated fine particles, continuously prograding upward and downstream.
- Laboratory experiments on the desiccation of natural sands also show preferential
fracturing, or joints, of crusty deposits at the interface between strata of coarse
and fine particles.
Rather than successive sedimentary layers, these experiments demonstrate that stratification
under a continuous supply of heterogeneous sand particles results from: segregation
for lamination, non-uniform flow for graded-beds, and desiccation for joints. Superposed
strata are not necessarily identical to successive layers.
Introduction
As stratification usually describes layering in rocks, a single layer of homogeneous
lithology is referred to as a stratum. Stratification has often been associated
with intermittent sedimentary layers. Superposed strata in sedimentary rocks are
believed to have been formed by successive layers of sediment deposited periodically
with interruptions of sedimentation.
McKee et al.1 reported on the sedimentary structure, texture
and shape of the massive sand deposits developed during the Bijou Creek flood in
July 1965. Stratified sand deposits up to 12 feet (3.8 metres) in thickness formed
within a few hours. The violent flood deposited superposed thick horizontal strata
of fine and coarse sands, characteristic of the upper flow regime with internal
layering in the form of microscale lamination. Is stratification resulting from
successive intermittent layers in such rapid and quite continuous sedimentary flow?
The primary features of interest in the Bijou Creek sand deposits are: -
- lamination seen as a microscale sorting of coarse and fine particles at a vertical
scale not exceeding 10mm;
- graded-beds or strata of coarse and fine particles of thickness exceeding 10mm;
and
- horizontal joints between sediment deposits.
Hjulström29 defined a relationship between velocity and motion of
particles of different sizes. Various hypotheses formulated to explain the origin
of near-horizontal lamination in unidirectional flow were compiled by Bridge30
and Cheel and Middleton,31 and are summarized in Table 1. Allen32
stated that many authors have qualitatively recognized the importance of some periodic
or quasi-periodic phenomenon, either located in the flow or in the upper- most levels
of the bed. Velocity pulses, large eddies and turbulent fluctuations have had a
wide appeal.33-41
Table 1. Summary of hypotheses explaining the origin of horizontal lamination.
|
Reference |
Summary of Hypothesis |
Kuenen and Menard (1952)2
Kuenen (1953)3
Kuenen (1957)4 |
Velocity pulsations in turbidity current. |
|
Ksiazkiewicz (1952)5 |
Diluted secondary turbidity currents suspended above bed. |
|
Ten Haaf (1956)6 |
Sorting action of vortices by turbulence in turbidity currents. |
|
Hsü(1959)7 |
Settling and laminar flow of fluidized sediment along bed. |
Unrug (1959)8
Wood and Smith (1959)9 |
Settling from tail of turbidity current with non-uniform concentration. |
Bouma (1962)10 and
Lombard (1963)11 |
Small turbulent eddies. Current velocity pulses with settling or traction. |
Moss (1963)12
Kuenen (1966)13 |
Grains of similar susceptibility to transport tend to deposit together, that is,
spatial and temporal selection of similar grains due to grain interaction under
quasi-steady flow condition - the 'like-seek-like' principle. |
|
Allen (1964)14 |
Pulsating sediment supply due to separate large-scale eddies. Upper regime plane
bed. |
|
Walker (1965)15 |
Intermittent supply of mixed sediment to top of viscous sublayer followed by differential
settling through; for finer grained laminae. Coarser grained laminae under upper
regime plane bed. |
|
Sanders (1965)16 |
Settling and traction during current velocity fluctuation. Not upper regime plane
bed. |
|
Jopling (1967)17 |
Attributed laminae to the superposition of longitudinal segregations of bedload
grains under aggradation of an upper regime plane bed. |
Pettijohn (1957)18
Pettijohn (1975)19 |
Transitory phases or minor chance fluctuations in velocity of depositing current. |
|
Middleton (1970)20 |
Smaller grains filter down between larger ones during flow, thus displacing the
larger ones towards the free surface. |
Smith (1971)21
McBride et al. (1975)22 |
Migration of very low relief bedforms (diminished ripples and dunes). |
|
Frostick and Reid (1977)23 |
Combined the ideas of Pettijohn, Moss and Kuenen. |
|
Bridge (1978)24 |
Described the possible lamination formation due to the effect of single burst-sweep
cycle on a plane bed. |
|
Hesse and Chough (1980)25 |
Suggested that a horizontal lamination formed with multiple burst-sweep events on
plane bed. |
|
Allen (1984)26 |
Laminae form due to the shifting distribution of boundary shear stress as large
eddies move downstream over a plane bed. |
|
Bridge and Best (1988)27 |
Lamination form by both migration of low-relief bedwaves and the turbulent bursting
process. |
|
Paola, Wiele and Rienhart (1989)28 |
Extremely low amplitude bedforms. Initial deposition from small-scale turbulent
fluctuations in shear stress followed by sieving out mechanism resulting in a smooth
surface process termed glazing. |
|
Bridge42 proposed the 'burst-sweep cycle' in the turbulent boundary layers
to explain the vertical sorting that defines laminae. Accordingly, bursts would
cause upward dispersion of the suspended load throughout the flow; also some of
the saltating load would carry coarser grains due to higher shear stress. As bed
shear stress decreases, the dispersed particles settle down to form a laminated
layer. Allen43 suggested a model based on the larger coherent structures
of the turbulent boundary layers to explain the formation of horizontal laminae
under a plane bed in the upper flow regime. Cheel and Middleton44 suggested
that the probable mechanism for the formation of FU (fining- upward) and CU (coarsening-upward)
laminae was the burst-sweep process. Unrug,45 and Wood and Smith,46
saw parallel lamination as caused by the segregation of the coarser grains into
distinct clouds within the flow. Hsü47 attributed lamination to
laminar flow at the bed.
On the basis of field observations or laboratory experiments, other investigators
have explained parallel laminations by the travel of extremely flat symmetrical
to strongly asymmetrical bed waves,48-53 although not always in the context
of an upper-stage plane bed. Paola et al.,54 along with Bridge
and Best,55 explained that lamination results from the superposition
of two processes:-
- high-frequency erosion and deposition due to turbulence; and
- migration of low-amplitude bedforms that is neither upper nor lower flow regime.
A 'like-seeks-like 'mechanism of grain sorting in the bedload layer was advocated
by Moss56,57 and Kuenen.58 Interestingly, Kuenen59
reported that:
'current pulsations are so numerous that they should produce ten to a hundred times
more laminae than are present.'
'the selective concentration is due to the tendency of particles moving along the
bottom to join stationary ones of equal weight, density and shape. . .
'
He added that
'in spite of extremely uniform discharge without pulsation, lamination developed
in nearly all experiments.'
Guy et al.60 noted the sorting of coarse and fine sand particles
in laboratory flumes. Middleton61 proposed that grading arose because
smaller grains tended to filter down between the larger ones during flow, thus displacing
the larger grains toward the free surface. This segregation mechanism is also referred
to as 'kinematic sieving' in Allen.62 A sorting process was also advocated
by Frostick and Reid.63 Berthault64,65 found that the thickness
of laminae in still water increased as the difference between the size of particles
became greater, and the laminar thickness also increased with the flow velocity
of running water.
The fundamental study reported herein focuses on laboratory experiments addressing
three key issues in sediment stratification:-
- lamination (thinner than 10mm) resulting from segregation of heterogeneous sand
mixtures;
- graded-beds (thicker than 10mm) of heterogeneous sand mixtures that may result from
steady non-uniform flow and continuous settling; and
- horizontal joints at the interface between strata.
The use of sand mixtures with coarse and fine particles of different colours ensures
a better visualization of the sediment sorting, besides providing an assessment
of the distribution of different particle sizes. This article summarizes several
laboratory reports by Julien and Chen66,67 and Julien and Lan68-70
on recent laboratory experiments carried out in the Hydraulic Laboratory of the
Engineering Research Centre at Colorado State University.
Experiments On Segregation And Lamination
Laboratory experiments on segregation of sand size mixtures of quartz, limestone
and coal were carried out to examine how clearly various mixtures of particles of
different sizes, density and shape can separate into thin layers of coarse and fine
particles not exceeding a few millimetres in thickness:-
- under horizontal motion; and
- through settling in air and water.
Table 2.Characteristics of sands tested
|
Sand |
Colour |
Density |
Angle of
repose in
air |
Angle of
repose in
water |
Angularity |
Particle diammeter
(mm) |
|
|
|
g/cm3 |
(degrees) |
(degrees) |
|
D10 |
D25 |
D50 |
D75 |
D90 |
|
B2040 |
black |
2.70 |
39.5 |
38 |
angular |
0.38 |
0.48 |
0.57 |
0.67 |
0.76 |
|
B3060 |
black |
2.70 |
37 |
36 |
angular |
0.14 |
0.20 |
0.33 |
0.55 |
0.62 |
|
ERC#1 |
white |
2.45 |
35 |
32 |
rounded |
0.08 |
0.11 |
0.13 |
0.15 |
0.18 |
|
ERC#2 |
white |
2.65 |
37 |
34 |
rounded |
0.72 |
0.90 |
1.20 |
1.50 |
1.90 |
|
ERC#3 |
white |
2.65 |
37.5 |
35 |
rounded |
0.48 |
0.55 |
0.63 |
0.73 |
0.82 |
|
ERC#4 |
white |
2.65 |
-- |
-- |
-- |
0.09 |
0.13 |
0.16 |
0.19 |
0.29 |
|
ERC#5 |
beige |
2.65 |
42.5 |
35 |
rounded |
0.15 |
0.29 |
0.55 |
0.97 |
-- |
|
Limestone#1 |
white |
2.65 |
-- |
-- |
rounded |
-- |
0.31 |
0.39 |
0.47 |
-- |
|
Limestone#2 |
white |
2.65 |
37 |
34 |
rounded |
-- |
0.76 |
0.91 |
1.00 |
-- |
|
Coal#1 |
black |
1.30 |
-- |
-- |
angular |
-- |
0.26 |
0.41 |
0.57 |
-- |
|
Coal#2 |
black |
1.30 |
40 |
40 |
very
angular |
-- |
-- |
0.25 |
-- |
-- |
|
Coal#3 |
black |
1.30 |
-- |
-- |
angular |
-- |
-- |
0.66 |
-- |
-- |
|
Coal#4 |
black |
1.30 |
-- |
-- |
angular |
-- |
-- |
1.24 |
-- |
-- |
(a) Sediment Mixtures
Thirteen different sand-size materials have been used in the experiments. For each
material the particle size distribution, mass density, angle of repose, angularity
and colour are summarized in Table 2. Note that D10, D25,
D50, D75 and D90 represent the particle size for
which 10%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 90%, respectively, of the particles are finer. The
measured angle of repose increases as the subjective (angular vs. rounded) microscopic
observation of angularity increases. Both parameters indicate that ERC #1, ERC #2,
ERC #3, ERC #5, limestone #1 and limestone #2 are rounded, while coal #1, coal #3,
coal #4, B2040 and B3060 are angular. Equal weights of materials of different sizes
and colours were mixed to form a total of 11 mixtures listed in Table 3.
Table 3. Horizontal segregation of sand mixtures.
(b) Experiments on Segregation

Figure 1a. Clear segregation of mixture ERC #1 and B2040, from above.

Figure 1b. Clear segregation of mixture ERC #1 and B2040, from underneath.
Simple experiments were conducted to investigate possible segregation of sediment
particles on a transparent horizontal plexiglas plate 30 x 40 cm2. A
small volume (not exceeding 10cm3) of a given homogeneous sand mixture
was poured onto the plate, which was then gently agitated manually for a few minutes
in the horizontal plane of the Plexiglas plate. Pictures were then taken above and
below the plate to examine whether segregation occurs. The same procedure was repeated
for each sand mixture. Typical experimental results, shown in Figure 1, demonstrate
how easy it is to segregate these two types of particles, with the finer white particles
(ERC #1) underneath (see Figure la), and the coarser black particles (B2040) on
top (see Figure 1b).
The experimental results for the segregation of 12 different mixtures scrutinized
by Julien and Lan71 are summarized in Table 3. The pattern of particle
segregation generally includes three types:-
- no segregation;
- fine particles on top of coarse particles; and
- coarse particles on top of fine particles (see Figure 1).
Segregation of particles always takes place if the two types of particles in the
mixture have different sizes or densities. The particle segregation diagram in Figure
2 illustrates the three types of particle segregation according to particle diameter
D50 and mass density ρ of the data from Table 3.

Figure 2. Particle separation diagram.
The most fundamental mechanism explaining the segregation of heterogeneous mixtures
of constant mass density starts from a uniform mixture of coarse and fine particles,
as sketched in Figure 3. Only the lateral motion of the mixture in any direction
is necessary to induce segregation. During lateral motion of the sand mixture in
Figure 3a, the fine particles fall through the interstices between the coarse particles
and reach the bottom of the moving layer, while the coarse particles start rolling
on top of the fine particles (see Figure 3b). After a certain time, the fine particles
stabilize at the bottom of the moving layer while the coarse particles remain mobile
on top (see Figure 3c). In order to obtain segregation with particles of the same
mass density, it is important that the fine particles be sufficiently small to fall
between the interstices of the coarse particles, and also the coarse particles must
be able to roll on top of the small ones. Particles of equivalent sizes and different
densities also segregate with lighter particles on top of heavier particles.

Figure 3. Sketch of the segregation process with constant particle mass density,
before (a), during (b), and after (c) motion.
Segregation is possible without bedforms and without turbulence; in that regard
the segregation process is very different from the 'glazing' process suggested by
Paola et al.72 Middleton73 and Allen74
also debated whether the dispersive shear stress arising from interparticle collisions
exerts a significant influence on segregation. Given that the dispersive stress
is proportional to the square of the rate of deformation, we repeated our experiments
under extremely low rates of deformation without interparticle impact, thus negligible
dispersive stress. The similar patterns that developed demonstrate that the segregation
process results from the displacement of smaller grains between the coarser grains,
rather than from high speed inertial impact between particles.
(c) Experiments on Lamination

Figure 4. Example of clear lamination in air (mixture #C).
The objective of these experiments in a settling column was to examine possible
repetitive segregation, or lamination, of various heterogeneous sand mixtures settling
in air and in water. The visualization, of the repetitive segregation under continuous
settling of these mixtures falling into a column filled with air or water, is possible
through the Plexiglas sidewalls of a square, cylindrical settling column 10cm x
10cm x 84cm (see Figure 4). A valve was installed at both ends of the cylinder to
supply or drain water during and/or after experiments. Photographs were taken from
the sides of the column, and the sorting characteristics of various mixtures with
different densities, sizes and shapes were documented. A homogeneous mixture was
poured at a constant rate (see Table 4) into the cone at the top of the cylinder.
The valve controlling the settling rate was then opened to let the mixture settle
directly near the centre of the stationary cylinder.
During most experiments in air, the splashing of particles after impact was significant,
owing to high fall velocities of the particles. The saltating distance of particles
reached 5cm from the point of impact. In many instances, no laminae formed when
rolling of one type of particles on the other was not obvious. Splashing was reduced
by raising the base height of the settling column. Clear repetitive segregation,
or lamination, was shown in at least two experiments.
In such, cases as mixture #C, black particles rolled on top of white particles before
landsliding, resulting in clear lamination with thickness less than 0.5cm.
The experimental results for each often different mixtures of quartz, limestone
and coal are summarized in Table 4, for both runs in air and in water, respectively.
Generally speaking, mixtures forming laminae in air often form laminae in water.
However, cases such as mixtures #0 and #1 do not form laminae in water because coal
particles settle very slowly in water. When the cylinder was slightly inclined at
an angle of approximately 5°, the experiment with mixture #C highlights the
importance of the rolling distance of the moving layers. Lamination becomes clearer
as the rolling distance increases. The laminae thickness, however, remains unaffected
by the inclination angle of the cylinder.
Table 4. Settling lamination in air and water
|
Mixture
|
Characteristic
|
In Air
|
In Water
|
Settling Rate
cm3/s) |
Lamination
|
Settling Rate
(cm3/s) |
Lamination |
|
B |
B2040 and ERC #3 |
 |
 |
2.05
|
not clear
|
1.02
|
none
|
|
C |
ERC #1 and B3060 |
 |
 |
9.14
|
clear
|
9.11
|
not clear
|
|
D |
ERC #1 and coal #1 |
 |
 |
7.00
|
clear
|
9.0
|
none
|
|
E |
ERC #3 and coal #3 |
 |
 |
4.01
|
not clear
|
0.80
|
clear
|
|
F |
limestone #1 & B3060 |
 |
 |
9.00
|
none
|
0.84
|
not clear
|
|
G |
limestone #2 & coal #1 |
 |
 |
5.20
|
none
|
1.05
|
none
|
|
H |
ERC #2 and coal #1 |
 |
 |
9.00
|
none
|
0.75
|
none
|
|
I |
limestone #1 & coal #2 |
 |
 |
3.44
|
not clear
|
1.30
|
none
|
|
J |
limestone #1 & B2040 |
 |
 |
1.62
|
not clear
|
0.76
|
clear
|
|
L |
limestone #2 & B3060 |
 |
 |
9.00
|
none
|
0.90
|
none
|
|
These experiments on lamination, summarized in Table 4, support the following conclusions:
- Laminae can develop in either:
- mixtures of the same density but different particle size—mixture #C;
- mixtures of the same size but different particle density—mixture #E; or
- mixtures of different particle density and different particle size—mixture
#D.
- Laminae can be produced in both air and water. In air, splashing of the particles
becomes predominant as the mixture gets coarser due to higher fall velocity. Splashing
is greatly reduced in water, although the turbulence induced by the settling of
coarser particles enhances suspension of finer particles. The settling of such mixtures
becomes more uniform in that no laminae can be found because the segregation mechanism
does not take place.
- Under a continuous supply of sediment, lamination is found to be essentially the
result of the mechanical interaction between particles of different size, shape
and density. The segregation process of heterogeneous sand mixtures under lateral
motion is the primary cause of lamination (see Figure 3). Segregation results from
the rolling of one particle over the other, and lamination is possible without fluid
turbulence and without the migration of low amplitude bedforms. Superposed laminae
cannot be identical to discontinuous sedimentation into successive layers.
Experiments On Graded-Beds
Laboratory experiments on graded-beds were conducted to determine whether stratification
of heterogeneous sand mixtures is possible under steady flow and a continuous supply
of sand particles. As opposed to segregation and lamination where sorting of particles
occurs at a scale not exceeding a few millimetres, the graded-beds experiments determine
whether graded-beds of coarse and fine sands at a scale exceeding 10mm are possible.
The flow conditions examined in the laboratory flume are - that is, upper regime
plane bed-flow conditions similar to those of Bijou Creek during the 1965 flood.
(a) Experimental Procedure

Figure 5. Small recirculating flume.
Laboratory experiments on graded-beds were carried out in a tilting Plexiglas flume
(0.15m wide, 0.15m deep, and 2.40m long) (see Figure 5). The flume recirculates
both water and sediment in order to provide a continuous supply of heterogeneous
sand particles under steady flow conditions during the course of each experiment.
Particular design consideration of the headbox and the entrance profile of the flume
ensured complete sediment mixing and steady inflow of sediment.
Four types of sands identified in Table 1 as ERC #2, ERC #4, B2040 and B3060 were
selected to prepare two sand mixtures identified as SM2 (equal weights of B2040
and ERC #4), and SM3 (equal weights of B3060 and ERC #2). These mixtures have been
used by Julien and Chen75 and Julien and Lan.76
Table 5. Summary of graded-bed measurements.
|
Step
|
Discharge
Q (cm3/s)
|
Flow depth
h (cm)
|
Average velocity
Vm (cm/s)
|
Up-
stream velocity
Vu (cm/s)
|
Down-
stream velocity
Vd (cm/s)
|
H-Lam*
(cm)
|
Froude no.
Fr
|
Delta thickness
(cm) |
|
Run: SM2A (Horizontal) D50 = 0.28mm |
|
SM2A-1
|
2650
|
2.9
|
57.5
|
53.2
|
33.2
|
0.27
|
0.99
|
1.9
|
|
SM2A-2
|
3470
|
3.9
|
57.4
|
47.6
|
40.0
|
0.8
|
0.59
|
0.8
|
|
SM2A-3
|
3949
|
4.0
|
63.6
|
50.0
|
46.3
|
1.1
|
0.64
|
0.4
|
|
SM2A-4 |
4480
|
4.1
|
70.4
|
54.5
|
52.5
|
1.2
|
0.74
|
0.2
|
|
Run: SM2D (Horizontal) D50 = 0.28mm |
|
SM2D-1
|
2750
|
3.4
|
52.1
|
46.7
|
26.2
|
0.4
|
0.81
|
2.9
|
|
SM2D-2
|
4026
|
4.0
|
64.9
|
57.5
|
37.6
|
0.5
|
1.07
|
2.3
|
|
Run: SM2C (Positive slope S = +0.005) D50 = 0.28mm |
|
SM2C-1
|
2778
|
3.7
|
48.4
|
42.0
|
35.5
|
0.6
|
0.65
|
0.8
|
|
SM2C-2
|
3470
|
3.8
|
58.9
|
50.0
|
41.4
|
0.7
|
0.93
|
0.9
|
|
SM2C-3
|
4007
|
4.5
|
57.4
|
50.0
|
45.3
|
0.7
|
0.75
|
0.5
|
|
SM2C-4
|
4428
|
4.4
|
64.9
|
53.8
|
50.0
|
0.9
|
0.98
|
0.4
|
|
Run: SM2B (Adverse slope S = -0.005) D50 = 0.28mm |
|
SM2B-1
|
3334
|
4.0
|
53.7
|
45.7
|
36.4
|
0.7
|
0.73
|
1.2
|
|
SM2B-2
|
3601
|
4.1
|
56.6
|
50.0
|
41.5
|
0.6
|
0.80
|
0.9
|
|
SM2B-3
|
3644
|
4.0
|
58.7
|
50.0
|
42.7
|
0.7
|
0.88
|
0.8
|
|
SM2B-4
|
3988
|
4.1
|
62.7
|
52.5
|
42.1
|
0.8
|
0.98
|
1.2
|
|
Run: SM3A (Horizontal) D50 = 0.62mm |
|
SM3A-1
|
3558
|
3.9
|
58.8
|
50.0
|
44.0
|
0.7
|
0.90
|
0.8
|
|
SM3A-2
|
3850
|
3.9
|
63.6
|
49.6
|
45.1
|
1.1
|
1.06
|
0.5
|
|
SM3A-3
|
4304
|
4.4
|
63.1
|
49.6
|
42.0
|
1.2
|
0.92
|
1.0
|
|
SM3A-4
|
4939
|
4.4
|
70.8
|
54.9
|
51.4
|
1.3
|
1.14
|
0.4
|
|
*Horizontally laminated deposit thickness.
Prior to each experiment, the flume slope was set (horizontal, positive, or adverse
slope). The flow rate was controlled by a gate valve and measured by a Venturi orifice.
The flow of water and sediment first ran freely near critical flow conditions, without
downstream gate control until reaching the equilibrium plane bed with sediment transport.
Starting from equilibrium plane conditions, the deposition of sand in the flume
in non-uniform flow was induced by inserting a first tailgate, 0.15m wide and 0.02m
high, at the downstream end of the flume. The water depth and the thickening sediment
deposits were measured through the transparent sidewall of the flume. Local velocity
measurements upstream and downstream of the delta were taken using an Ultrasonic
Doppler Velocimeter Model UDV-H9, with an accuracy of +0.003 m/sec or 2% of reading,
whichever was greater. Measurements of discharge, surface velocity and depth were
taken and compiled, and the progression of the deltaic sediment deposits was recorded
(see Table 5). The new deposit reached the downstream end of the flume about 20
to 30 minutes after inserting the tailgate, and new equilibrium conditions were
then obtained. After completing the measurements, the second gate was inserted to
form a second deposit and the documentation procedure was repeated.

Fig 6a. Schematic formation of graded-beds.

Fig 6b. Time sequence of deposit formation for t1 < t2
< t3.
(b) Experimental Results
This experimental procedure clearly demonstrated the formation of stratified graded-beds.
A schematic description of the formation of graded-beds is sketched on Figure 6.
Under initial steady uniform flow conditions and a continuous supply of heterogeneous
sand-size particles, coarse particles roll on a bed of fine sand particles. The
plane bed laminated deposit is comprised mostly of fine sand particles. The insertion
of a single tailgate induces first the formation of a deltaic stratum of coarse
black particles which propagates in the downstream direction. On the delta, fine
particles cover the topset slope, while coarse particles roll on a laminated bed
of fine particles. Coarse particles settle on the foreset slope of the delta, which
progresses in the downstream direction (see Figure 7). On the top of the delta,
the fine white particles in the moving layer of rolling black particles deposit
on the topset deposit of fine white particles. The thickness of the laminated topset
deposit gradually increases until the delta foreset reaches the downstream end of
the flume. Typical cross-sectional and longitudinal views of the deposit after a
single tailgate has been inserted clearly illustrate the stratified nature of the
deposit of coarse black particles between two laminated deposits of finer white
particles (see Figure 8).

Figure 7a. Example of graded-beds with first tailgate.
Figure 7b. Example of graded-beds with second tailgate.
Elaborate descriptions of the deposits for each run (4 sets with mixture SM2 identified
as SM2A to SM2D, and one set with mixture SM3 noted as SM3A) are found in Julien
and Chen.77 Flume bed slopes are given in Table 5 for each set of runs.
The horizontally laminated (H-Lam) layer thickness was examined in terms of depth-averaged
velocities upstream Vu and downstream VD at the tip of the delta in Table
5. It was found that for the runs SM2A, Vu varies slightly, although
VD and H-Lam significantly increase with discharge. At a comparable discharge, the
runs SM2D showed an expected increase in delta thickness with gate height. With
positive slope, runs SM2C, the results were similar to those with horizontal slope
(SM2A), except that the thickness of deposits was less sensitive to changes in discharge.
Under adverse slopes, runs SM2B, the thickness variability with discharge was also
less significant.

Figure 8a. Typical cross-sectional view of deposit.
Figure 8b. Typical longitudinal view of deposit (flow from right to left)
These results primarily show that the delta thickness increases as VD decreases,
while Vu remains fairly constant (Vu ~ 50 cm/s). The
effect of slope shows that the delta and H-Lam thicknesses vary with discharge for
horizontal slope. Results are uncertain for both positive and adverse slopes.
In summary, the velocity change in the downstream direction induces selective settling
of particles of different sizes, thus forming graded-beds which develop in the downstream
direction. These observations of graded-bed formation highlight the simultaneous
development of topset and foreset deposits (see Figures 6 and 7). A laminated stratum
of fine particles forms on top and at the base of a cross-stratified foreset stratum
of coarse particles. The time sequence of the formation of this stratified deposit
shows that sets of laminae develop vertically upward and propagate downstream as
the cross-stratified bed of coarse particles progresses in the downstream direction.
At a microscopic scale on the surface of the deposit, the coarse particles roll
on a bed of fine particles in a manner very similar to the segregation process shown
in Figure 3 and described in the first part of this experimental program. The experiments
demonstrate that stratified deposits can form in steady non-uniform flow under a
continuous supply of fine and coarse sediment particles.
Experiments On Joints From Desiccation
The purpose of laboratory experiments on horizontal stratification joints was to
examine, through desiccation, the possible appearance of vertical cracks and horizontal
planes of preferential fracturing. The experiments focused on depositional and drying
characteristics of the Bijou Creek natural sand in a small recirculating flume.
This study was limited to deposits under steady flow and continuous supply of natural
sand over a plane bed without bedforms.78
(a) Experimental Procedure
The sediment used in this experiment was the natural sand from the surface of the
main channel bed of Bijou Creek near Hoyt, Colorado. The sample was taken near the
locality III in the investigation of McKee et al.79 Prior to
the experiments, this natural sand was sieved to remove pebbles and organic material.
The particle size ranged from fine to very coarse sand (D10 = 0.34mm,
D50 = 0.75mm, and D90 = 1.65mm), and the silt and clay content
(passing the sieve #230) is only 0.1 percent of the sediment. The sediment size
distribution was similar to that reported by McKee et al.80
The procedure used was similar to that of the flume experiments discussed in the
previous section. The graded-beds left in the flume after the experiment were exposed
to solar lights for seven days until complete desiccation o the deposit.
(b) Experimental Results

Figure 9. Horizontal fracturing of the Bijou Creek sand.
No vertical cracks were found in the stratified deposit after seven days under solar
lights, which may be attributed to the low silt and clay content (less than 1% )
of the hard crusted deposit. The horizontal planes, or joints, between the crusted
finer sands and the coarser sands separated easily as shown in Figure 9. These joints
separating particles of different sizes constitute preferential plane for the propagation
of fractures in dried sediment deposits. These experiments simply support previous
observations that joints can result from desiccation and not necessarily from periods
without sediment settling.
Conclusions
This fundamental study demonstrates the usefulness of laboratory experiments in
the analysis of stratification of heterogeneous sand mixtures. Upper flow regime
conditions similar to the Bijou Creek flood can be reproduced in the laboratory,
and clear stratification of heterogeneous mixtures is evidenced by using coarse
and fine sand grains of different colours.
Lamination essentially results from the mechanical segregation of heterogeneous
particles in a moving layer. Lamination is possible without turbulence and without
the migration of low amplitude bedforms. Through lateral movement of particles of
constant mass density, finer particles fall within the interstices of rolling coarser
particles. Coarse particles then roll on top of fines and microscale segregation
of particles is then obtained. The degree of segregation depends on particle size
distribution, density, and possibly angularity of heterogeneous sand mixtures (see
Figure 2). Repetitive segregation is also possible in settling columns where lamination
is clearly observed both in air and water. Sufficient space, or rolling distance,
is required for clear lamination to develop in moving layers of heterogeneous particles.
Particles of comparable size but different densities segregate similarly, with heavier
particles falling between lighter particles.
The graded-bed experiments clearly demonstrate the simultaneous formation of stratified
deposits under steady flow conditions and a continuous supply of heterogeneous particles.
The deposition process involves the formation of a stratum of coarse particles between
laminated deposits of fine particles as a result of velocity changes in non-uniform
flow. The time sequence of the deposit formation shows that sets of laminae develop
vertically upward and progress in the downstream direction. At a microscopic scale,
at the surface of the deposit, coarse particles roll on a deposit of fine particles
as a result of particle segregation.
Desiccation experiments on the Bijou Creek sand deposits in laboratory flumes indicate
preferential fracturing of the crusty deposit along horizontal planes, or stratification
joints, separating graded-beds of coarse and fine particles. On the other hand,
no vertical cracks were observed in the experiments, which may be explained by the
low clay content of the Bijou Creek sand.
In summary, these experiments demonstrate that stratification of heterogeneous sand
mixtures can result from: segregation for lamination, non-uniform flow for graded-beds,
and desiccation for joints. Therefore, superposed strata are not necessarily identical
to successive sedimentary layers.
Acknowledgment
The writers would like to thank Messrs Berné and Postma, and editorial advisor
Mr Séguret for their insightful suggestions in the review of this publication.
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|
This piece of original research was first published with the same title and authors
in the Bulletin of the Geological Society of France, vol. 164(5),
1993, pp. 649-650. We are grateful to the Société Géologique
de France for permission to publish this English version of the paper. The Society
requests that the original paper should always be cited, and wishes it to be noted
that it is not responsible for the ideas expressed in the paper. |
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