PREDICTION METHOD OF SAND MOVEMENT DIRECTION IN WATER BY GEOCHEMICAL ELEMENTS

The analysis of sand samples by x-ray fluorescent spectroscopy (XRF) g ives the ratio of the geochemical elements to construct the sand sampl es. The x-ray analysis therefore shows the geochemical characteristics of sand in the sampled area. In this study, sand is sampled on coasts and rivers of the Note Peninsula to determine the geochemical element s and to show the geological characteristics that occur, especially ir on and calcium. The experiments show the effect of rivers and Kotogaha ma beach on iron and calcium, respectively. Applying the method of rat io matching to the measured data of the geochemical elements, the dire ction of movement of sand on the coast is determined by considering th e correlation matrix and the ratio of geochemical elements between san d samples at two locations. The predominant longshore direction moveme nt of sand offshore in the study area is from south to north. Sand in rivers is not directly transported to adjacent beaches; however, offsh ore sand is transported to beaches. The estimated direction of movemen t of sand longshore near coastal structures agrees with observations. The proposed method to predict the direction of movement of sand gives the correct one in comparison with the observed data in rivers.