Where Does Sand Come From?
We spent the morning down at Sapphire Beach and investigated the variety of rocks and sand that forms the beach. We discussed how sand is made up of rocks, shells, crustaceans and Atticus’s favourite, quartz.
As these materials get pounded into the shore over and over again and become smaller and smaller over time.
We took some photos of this evolution, although we forgot one of very fine sand. That will be for next time.
Sand comes from many locations, sources, and environments. Sand forms when rocks break down from weathering and eroding over thousands and even millions of years. Rocks take time to decompose, especially quartz (silica) and feldspar.
https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/sand.html
Often starting thousands of miles from the ocean, rocks slowly travel down rivers and streams, constantly breaking down along the way. Once they make it to the ocean, they further erode from the constant action of waves and tides.
