Grain Size Data Analysis of Marine Sediments, from the Gulf of Oran (Algerian West Coast)

Abstract

Background and Objective:The characterization of sediment grain sizes and their spatial distributions are key input parameters to study the nature and texture of the seabed substrate. The aim for analysis of these parameters makes it possible to identify the distribution of sediments and a better understanding of the spatial distribution of benthic communities in the soft bottoms of the Gulf of Oran. Materials and Methods: Sediment samples were collected and studied from the sampling of 36 stations, ranging in depth from -30 to -106 m. All samples were analysed for their grain size distribution and statistical relationships. Results: The study area is mainly composed of sand and gravel. The sand content of the stations studied is between 19.14 and 89.71% and that of the gravel is between 80.0 and 2.14%. Most stations in the Gulf of Oran contain less than 5% muddy sediment. Five important sedimentary facies and a small zone of reduced mud are identified. Conclusion: Sand is found often mixed with gravel. The sediments of the stations near the coasts are very affected by urban and industrial pollution. The sediments at all stations are generally varied and influenced by hydrodynamics, turbidity and wave dynamics.