Measuring and analyzing particle size in a geomorphic context

Abstract

Measuring the particle-size distribution of sediments is a fundamental tool in geomorphology. Boulder- and cobble-size material is generally measured by direct measurement whereas a wide variety of techniques are available to determine grain-size distributions for sand- to clay-dominated sediments. Commonly, a combination of methods is needed and no particular technique can be considered 'more accurate' or 'more precise' than another. This chapter reviews the main techniques used to obtain the particle-size distribution of sediments samples and outlines some of the uses and limitations of each technique along with a commentary on popular methods to present grain-size data