| Sand
Pits
Sand and gravel pits can provide many different samples
for Sand Collecting. In fact, on a recent
visit to one such quarry, it was not difficult to gather
around ten different samples and on another visit I was able
to procure 21 samples. These are not always
immediately obvious and close inspection is sometimes required. You may also
need to clean off the face of the exposure to see the
different beds of sand, some of which are often very thin
but still collectable.
As well as the sand found in the exposed areas of the
quarry, there may also be sand that has been processed, if
that falls within your collecting remit. Sand resulting from
natural weathering can also be found and various grades and
colours of
sand collected. Look out for wind blown dust as well if
visiting during the summer months. During the winter months,
rain washed sand may also be found.
Old, abandoned sand pits are also worth visiting and while
fresh exposures may not be as readily available as in
working quarries, you may be lucky. Also, natural weathering
may have created areas where sand and similar materials can
be found. To find sand and gravel pits start with the
local business directory, which should provide the locations
and telephone numbers of working pits. The next best source
are maps, although sand and gravel pits tend to come and go
as resources are exhausted, so they may no longer exist when
you arrive on location. Many sand and gravel pits are now
reinstated after use and very little of the original
exposures will remain.
Before you visit any sand pit it's always best to seek
permission, as quarries are dangerous places to be alone. A
polite enquiry to the site manager requesting access
should be made although access may not always be granted. If
you are given permission, you may need to provide a hard
hat, safety boots and a hi-visibility vest.
Of course, it goes without saying that care must be taken
when collecting at these locations as there are a number of
hazards to watch out for. Be aware that exposed faces can
collapse at any time and that low-lying wet areas might
conceal super-saturated patches of sand that are effectively
quicksand and can trap the unwary. Some pits may have
settlement tanks, large ponds where sediment and silt settle
out before the water is discharged into the water course.
These are very dangerous areas and no matter how tempting
the sand may be, stay well clear. |
