Comparative Analysis of Sedimentary Records in Coastal and Inland Basins

Thesis Abstract

This study explores the comparative characteristics and depositional dynamics of sedimentary records in coastal and inland basins, addressing the pressing need to understand regional variations in sedimentation processes influenced by climatic, tectonic, and hydrological factors. Sedimentary deposits serve as vital archives for reconstructing Earth’s environmental history; however, spatial heterogeneity between coastal and inland settings warrants a detailed examination to improve predictive models of sedimentation and unlock insights into past environmental changes. The primary aim is to delineate the differences and similarities in stratigraphic, mineralogical, and geochemical signatures of sediments in these contrasting environments, contributing to enhanced paleoenvironmental reconstructions and sediment management practices. The specific objectives of the research include (a) to conduct detailed stratigraphic profiling of selected coastal and inland basins, (b) to analyze mineralogical and geochemical compositions using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), (c) to assess sediment provenance and depositional environments through petrographic analysis and compound-specific isotopic techniques, and (d) to evaluate the influence of climatic and tectonic factors on depositional variability. The study employs a mixed-methods approach integrating quantitative geochemical and mineralogical analyses with qualitative sedimentological and stratigraphic data. The research adopts a quantitative research design grounded in stratigraphic and sedimentological analysis, complemented by qualitative interpretative methods. The population comprises sediment samples from ten well-characterized coastal and inland basins across a defined geographic region. A sample size of 120 sediment cores is selected through stratified random sampling to ensure representative coverage of each basin type. Data collection instruments include core sampling kits, portable XRD, ICP-MS for geochemical profiling, and petrographic microscopes for mineralogical studies. Analytical procedures follow standard protocols for sample preparation, calibration, and quality assurance, ensuring high reliability and validity of data. The study further employs multivariate statistical techniques such as principal component analysis (PCA) and regression analysis to identify key factors influencing sediment characteristics and depositional trends. The anticipated findings suggest distinct stratigraphic and compositional signatures between coastal and inland sediments, attributable to differences in sediment source, transport pathways, and depositional environments. Coastal sediments are expected to exhibit higher proportions of marine siliciclastic components and certain geochemical markers indicative of marine influence, whereas inland sediments are likely to show more terrestrial signatures with pronounced provenance variability. The analysis is expected to reveal correlations between climatic factors—such as precipitation and temperature regimes—and sediment composition, along with tectonic influences on sedimentation rates and stratigraphic architecture. These findings will deepen understanding of sedimentary process variability across environments and refine models for paleoenvironmental interpretation. This research makes a significant contribution to sedimentology and environmental geology by providing a comparative framework for sedimentary record analysis in contrasting depositional settings. It enhances comprehension of environmental drivers influencing sediment composition and stratigraphy, thereby improving predictive models of sediment behavior under changing climate and tectonic conditions. The study’s outcomes are poised to benefit sediment management, coastal zone planning, and resource exploration, especially in regions where sedimentary archives inform environmental and developmental policies. The main conclusion underscores the importance of integrated sedimentological, mineralogical, and geochemical approaches in deciphering depositional histories across different environments. Based on the findings, recommendations include adopting environment-specific sediment management strategies, developing regional geological models to predict sediment dynamics, and integrating sedimentary data into climate change impact assessments. Future research should expand to include isotope geochemistry and high-resolution spatial analyses to further elucidate sediment provenance pathways and environmental change processes at finer temporal and spatial scales.