Comparative analysis of sediment grain size distribution and composition of the windward and leeward shores of the island of Grenad, Lesser Antilles
Kristen Lydy
Abstract
The island of Grenada is an ideal location to study the effects of sediment distribution across an independent insular environment. Data collected from shallow, intermediate and deep water Shipek sediment grabs on the windward and leeward sides of the island of Grenada showed a correlation between the size of sediment grains and the energy level of the surrounding water. Sediment grain size of samples collected on the windward shore were larger than sediments collected on the leeward shore due to the high energy environment located on the windward side. The grain size of sediments decreased in size as depth of water increased on both the windward and leeward sides of the island. Composition data indicated that nearly all sediments collected consisted of calcium carbonate material from biogenic origins. Trace amounts of volcanic material originating from Grenada were identified in one sample collected from the windward side only.