Shape and erosion of pebbles

D. J. Durian, H. Bideaud, P. Duringer, A. P. Schröder, and C. M. Marques
Phys. Rev. E 75, 021301 – Published 5 February 2007

Abstract

The shapes of flat pebbles may be characterized in terms of the statistical distribution of curvatures measured along their contours. We illustrate this method for clay pebbles eroded in a controlled laboratory apparatus, and also for naturally occurring rip-up clasts formed and eroded in the Mont St.-Michel bay. We find that the curvature distribution allows finer discrimination than traditional measures of aspect ratios. Furthermore, it connects to the microscopic action of erosion processes that are typically faster at protruding regions of high curvature. We discuss in detail how the curvature may be reliably deduced from digital photographs.

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  • Received 6 July 2006

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevE.75.021301

©2007 American Physical Society

Authors & Affiliations

D. J. Durian1,2, H. Bideaud2, P. Duringer3, A. P. Schröder2,4, and C. M. Marques2,4

  • 1Department of Physics & Astronomy, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104-6396, USA
  • 2LDFC-CNRS UMR 7506, 3 rue de l’Université, 67084 Strasbourg Cedex, France
  • 3CGS-CNRS UMR 7517, Institut de Géologie, 1 rue Blessig, 67084 Strasbourg Cedex, France
  • 4Institut Charles Sadron, CNRS UMR 22 and ULP, 6 rue Boussingault, 67083 Strasbourg Cedex, France

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Issue

Vol. 75, Iss. 2 — February 2007

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