GROSS DEPOSITIONAL ENVIRONMENT ASPECTS OF THE UPPER HOLOCENE SANDS FROM PETROLEUM-GAS UNIVERSITY OF PLOIESTI AREA USING GRANULOMETRIC ANALYSIS

Granulometric analysis conducted on four samples from the same Holocene depth (covering 1363.73 sqm) reveals strong evidence for a braided fluvial environment, consistent with channel bar, levee, and floodplain deposition. Upon analysis, statistics reveal significant spatial heterogeneity: mean grain sizes range from 0.124 to 0.226 mm, while standard deviations (0.161–0.212 mm) reflect variable sorting. Kurtosis spans from 0.717 to 2.99, with higher values indicating well-sorted, peaked distributions from low-energy suspended settling (levee/floodplain) and lower values marking broader, mixed sorting in active channel bars. Positive folk skewness and diverse uniformity coefficients further point to episodic fluctuations in hydraulic flow and rapid sediment pulses. The coexistence of fine and coarse fractions and contrasting sorting regimes – supported by the absence of marine influence in the Holocene – confirms alternating energy and sediment supply typical of a braided river. These textural signatures underpin a gross depositional environment map, highlighting dynamic channel migration and nuanced fluvial architecture.