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[Bio60_2019] Sand Sources: Middle East vs Branner Front Yard

| Sun, Feb 10, 2019, 6:52 PM



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Sand grains are formed by a variety of processes, such as the weathering of rocks, in what’s known as the rock cycle. Clearly, then, the composition of sand varies depending on the rock source and local conditions. But the main constituents of sand tend to stay constant regardless of their source. I was interested in seeing to what extent this consistency holds across two sand samples from vastly distinct geographic origins (Middle East vs a college dorm at Stanford). Although I’d need higher magnification to look at the actual crystal structure of the individual grains, the average size should still give a good general idea. I tried my best to crush the samples to the smallest possible grain size, then spent a little time trying to get them to adhere to the glass slides; the samples had to be completely dry to be representative of the actual consistency (as opposed to a thicker one; namely, mud), so I didn’t add a drop of water to either sample. For some reason, I could get the sand from the Middle East to adhere to the glass slide from the first go but it took me a few trials to do the same with the other sample. The samples looked pretty distinct upon collection but vaguely the same after being crushed (in terms of color and size)- so I was surprised to find that under the microscope, they looked completely different! The Middle Eastern sand has a much smaller grain size- I’m guessing the harsher weather conditions there caused the rocks to be subject to higher strain, leading to finer grains.

middleeasternsand
Middle Eastern Sand
americansand
Branner Sand


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Type of Sample
unknown
Foldscope Lens Magnification
140x

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