Surface textures of quartz grains from Goa coast - An application of the scanning electron microscope

Abstract

The scanning electron microscopy of quartz grains along the Goa beaches reveals 10 microfeatures. Three types of process response environments viz. Beach (Littoral), subaqueous and low to high-energy chemical environments appears to be active in the coastal area of Goa. Subaqueous environment is predominant and is revealed in the form of mechanical impact features like conchoidal breakage, abrasion marks, impact V-marks, grooves, concave fractures while chemically dominant environment shows etch V-marks, solution precipitation, solution pits etc. The breakage is assumed to be the result of high-energy conditions prevailing along the coastal zone. Etch V, solution pits, precipitation features indicate relatively calm environment in sheltered beaches. From the present study an attempt has been made to understand the micro-textures developed on quartz grains and its significance in understanding the transport and depositional environments