A sediment accumulation sensor for use in lacustrine and marine sedimentation studies

A design for a sediment flux sensor is provided for use in sedimentation studies in lacustrine and shallow marine environments. The sensor utilizes an optical system to measure sediment accumulation with a data logger. Unlike other passive or mechanical sediment trapping systems, the sediment flux sensor records the time of deposition precisely and therefore is useful for investigating the linkages between external processes (e.g., hydrological) and sedimentation.