Knowra Sand Sand Sand is loose sediment composed of grains generally between 0.0625 and 2 millimeters in diameter. Its grains may consist of minerals, rock fragments, shells, or other materials.
Wentworth scale : A grain-size classification system that divides sediment into categories from clay to boulders. It defines the size range that distinguishes sand from finer and coarser sediment.
Weathering : The breakdown or alteration of rocks and minerals at or near Earth's surface. Weathering releases grains that can become sand.
Concrete : A construction material made from cement, water, and aggregates such as sand and gravel. Sand fills space between coarse aggregate and contributes to concrete's structure.
Beach : A shore zone where loose sediment accumulates along a body of water. Many beaches are deposits of sand shaped by waves and currents.
Mineral : A naturally occurring solid with a defined chemical composition and ordered atomic structure. Quartz and feldspar are common minerals that make up sand grains.
Erosion : The removal and transport of soil or rock by water, wind, ice, or gravity. Erosion carries sand grains away from their source.
Glass : An amorphous solid commonly produced by heating silica-rich materials until they melt. Silica sand is a major raw material for many kinds of glass.
Sand dune : A mound or ridge of sand formed and moved by wind or, sometimes, water. Dunes show how wind transports and deposits sand into changing landforms.
Quartz : A hard, abundant mineral composed of silicon dioxide. Its durability makes quartz grains common in sand deposits.
Sediment transport : The movement of sediment by flowing water, wind, ice, or gravity. Transport sorts and reshapes sand grains as they travel.
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