Chi (X): A Proposed Standard Parameter for Settling Tube Analysis of Sediments

Abstract

ABSTRACT The use of settling speed in the analysis of sedimentary particles has become sufficiently widespread to warrant standardization. This is necessary so that various researchers can communicate and compare results of their analyses. It is proposed that the standard parameter for settling speed be expressed in Chi () units: = -log2 (s/so) where s is the settling speed in meters per second (m/s) standardized to 20° C and so is standard speed of 1 m/s. Settling speed (s) can be temperature corrected to 20° C by the formula: s = sm + (k)*(20 - t)*sm The temperature correction factor k is given by the following: 1) For sm > 0.177 m/s: k = 0 (no correction necessary) 2) For Sm between 0.177 and 0.002 m/s: k = -0.00555*1n sm - 0.00961 3) For sm < 0.002 m/s: k = 0.025.