Abstract
Despite the publication of numerous papers on surface textures of quartz sand grains from different environments, only one paper has reported examining sand grains from a first cycle sand. Montara Beach, California is thought to contain first cycle sand grains derived from the adjacent granitic rocks of Montara Mountain. Sand grains were collected, prepared, and viewed with the Scanning Electron Microscope. Forty-five to 50 grains were examined and many photomicrographs taken of surface textures. These textures were compared to those reported as being diagnostic of high energy beach environments. Textures of grains from Montara Beach are indeed similar to those from other high energy beaches. This confirms that surface features described as Being diagnostic of beach environments are, in fact, produced on the beach.
