Geological Assessment of Offshore Sand Deposits

by T. John Rowland, Minerals Management Service, Herndon, United States,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Coastal Zone '91

Abstract:

The United States Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico continental shelf contains large numbers of surficial sand deposits. The search for sand resources for metropolitan construction and coastal beach nourishment leads to consideration of this sand as a potential supply source. An assessment is required for consideration of the offshore sand deposits. Such an assessment can be viewed generally as comprised of five major, dependent areas: geological, engineering, environmental, multiple-use and economic. Geological assessment consists of geochemical, geophysical, sedimentary petrological and geomorphic subareas. This paper discusses some fundamental concepts for geological assessment and cites a project currently assessing a large shoal offshore Louisiana.

Subject Headings: Sandy soils | Sand (hydraulic) | Geology | Sediment | Geological surveys | Beach protection and nourishment | Urban areas | United States | Louisiana | Gulf of Mexico

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