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Regional clay Mineral Patterns in the Gulf of Mexico

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 January 2024

Arthur P. Pinsak  and
Haydn H. Murray
Arthur P. Pinsak*
Affiliation:
Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
Haydn H. Murray*
Affiliation:
Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
*
1Present address: Indiana Geological Survey, Bloomington, Indiana.
2Present address: Georgia Kaolin Co., Elizabeth, New Jersey.
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Abstract

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A semiquantitative study of the surficial clay mineral distribution from 79 cores in the Recent sediments in the Gulf of Mexico shows a regional pattern which can be related to source and environment. The dominant factor controlling distribution of these surflcial sediments appears to be source. Montmorillonite is the most abundant clay mineral, and illite, chlorite, kaolinite and mixed-layer minerals are present in almost every sample.

Alteration of the clay minerals is influenced by (a) change of environment, and (b) length of exposure. Initial ion exchange, which is caused by a tendency to reach equilibrium with a new environment, occurs so rapidly in the clay minerals after they enter the marine environment that rate of sedimentation is a minor factor in comparison to environmental change. Slow alteration and adjustment toward a stable end state are most complete in areas of slow deposition and extended exposure of the clay minerals to the environment.

Type
Article
Information
Clays and Clay Minerals (National Conference on Clays and Clay Minerals) , Volume 7 , February 1958 , pp. 162 - 177
Copyright
Copyright © Clay Minerals Society 1958

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