Particle Size Distribution

Particle-size distribution (Coulter LS13-320 laser diffraction) of sediment is controlled by the prevailing environmental conditions of drainage basin, and by the dynamics of the sediment-transport and depositional systems. The particle-size distribution therefore is a fundamental characteristic of sediment (and soils) that has been used widely to track environmental changes. The distribution can be summarized as the relative proportions of sand, silt and clay. The Coulter LS13 320 laser diffraction with automated sample loader measures particle sizes with continuous resolution from 0.04 to 2000 µm.

The pre-treatment procedure isolates the minerogenic component of the sediment (or soil) from biogenic material, and uses a laser-diffraction particle-size analyzer to measure the particle-size distribution. The particle-size distribution is determined by the relative proportion of grain sizes from 0.04 µm to 2 mm, the mean grain size, and the sorting. Contact the lab for pricing information.