SOURCES OF INNER-SHELF SEDIMENT IN THE NORTHERN SOUTH CHINA SEA AND THE CONTROLLING FACTORS

The sediments on the inner shelf of the northern South China Sea, mainly composed of terrigenous fragments, are continually transported herein by streams and floods. The coastal and strait-bottom erosion by waves and currents also contribute to the sedimentation. Under the dynamic conditions of the sea, the terrigenous sediments are differentiated with the coarse debris deposited mainly within the 20 m isobath off Guangdong, Guangxi and the Hainan Island. Organisms thrive in some areas, forming coral-reef platforms, foraminifera sand and shell sand. Chemically-formed clay minerals and various authigenic ones are developed in gulf and outlet areas. The modern sediments, thin in depth, are attributed to the short period of ingression of the sea, and their distribution is controlled by a variety of factors with the sea-level changes dominating.