Blown with the wind : radiometry of evolving beaches

At locations with considerable presence of heavy minerals on the beach of the island Texel, The Netherlands, the radiation level was measured simultaneously with the beach elevation, approximately once a month. Correlations were made between the changes in them. Surface sand samples were taken and analysed in the laboratory to their heavy mineral content. Theory concerning sediment movement was studies and an attempt was made to explain the selectivity of sand transport mechanisms, depending on density and grain size. Radiometric mapping appeared to be a sensitive method for studying sand transport phenomena. Selective sand transport was observed due to action of wind in general, and due to the action of water only under specific circumstances.