An assessment of the sand resources in old riverbeds and flood plain deposits within a branch of the Geum River, South Korea

Abstract Technical research for the assessment of the sand resources in old riverbeds and flood plain deposits involves mechanical, geophysical, geochemical, mineralogical and engineering methods. General properties of sand-rich stream sediments from old riverbeds and flood plain are closely linked to the nature of the bedrock source. However, the particle size of sand-rich sediments is locally more important than the bedrock type in a small basin with a simple bedrock assemblage. Increases in SiO 2 concentrations are associated with decreases in the other major element concentrations, resulting from weathering process. SiO 2 was strongly correlated with Al 2 O 3 concentrations. SiO 2 and Al 2 O 3 act as major components for the understanding of weathering indices of sand-rich stream sediments. Engineering properties are assessed using KS categories. This study indicates a mechanism of sedimentation in connection with the parent rock and gives information on the development of appropriate quality aggregate.