Sandliuose

Sandliuose is a term used in sedimentology to describe a distinctive sand-dominated facies that commonly occurs in coastal dune and beach-ridge systems. The lithofacies is defined by laminated to cross-bedded sands with localized organic-rich laminae and occasional calcareous nodules. It is characterized by good lateral continuity, moderate to well-sorted grains, and a color range from pale yellow to light brown.

Depositional characteristics and processes

Sandliuose deposits typically form through repeated cycles of wind-driven sediment accumulation (aeolian deposition) interspersed with short-lived marine or lacustrine incursions. This results in sequences that show cross-bedding, horizontal lamination, and intermittent organic-rich layers. Diagenetic cementation may enhance grain-to-grain binding, helping to preserve delicate laminations in some settings. The facies often records changes in sediment supply and moisture, reflecting shifts in dune stability, storm activity, and coastal hydrology.

Distribution and significance

Sandliuose-type deposits have been described in several temperate and subtropical coastal regions, including parts of the North Atlantic and Southern Hemisphere shorelines. In regional stratigraphy, sandliuose facies serve as indicators of past coastal dynamics, including dune formation, storm frequency, and relative sea-level fluctuations. They contribute to paleoenvironmental reconstructions by signaling episodes of arid-to-moderate climate and episodic marine influence within dune fields.

Nomenclature and usage

The term sandliuose was proposed to denote this recurring assemblage of dune-related, sand-rich deposits. It is used primarily in regional stratigraphic studies and is not yet universally adopted across all coastal sedimentology literature.

See also: sedimentology, facies, aeolian deposition, beach ridge, diagenesis