MONITORING THE COASTAL ENVIRONMENT .2. SEDIMENT SAMPLING AND GEOTECHNICAL METHODS

The successful application of a variety of subaqueous sediment samplin g devices depends upon several criteria. These criteria include an und erstanding of the depth and purpose of sampling, the anticipated chara cter of the material to be sampled, and the depositional energy enviro nments of the sample zone. Samples provide geologic information on the mineralogic content and condition. Proxmity, sequence and magnitude o f sediment units or zones provide energy system change rates, source a reas variations, and mechanisms of sediment emplacement. Dynamic condi tions during and after sediment deposition produce features and bed fo rms such as ripples, dunes, and bedding. Using techniques that no not disturb or cause only minimal disturbance of the target sediment zones is important in the ultimate analysis of the subaqueous system. Descr iption of commonly-available samplers, standard operating procedures, and methods of analysis are provided to give guidance for the successf ul collection and interpretation of subaqueous sediment environments.