Course Description
Clay minerals with emphasis on x-ray diffraction analysis and identification of mixed layer systems. Geochemical factors for clay origin and uses including applications to soils, petroleum, archeological, environmental and economic ore deposit studies.
Additional Requirements for Graduate Students:
Term project or paper.
Athena Title
CLAY MINERAOLOGY
Prerequisite
GEOL 3010-3010L
Semester Course Offered
Offered spring
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
Provide basic understanding of clay mineral structures for students in the fields of soils, hydrology, contaminant transport, environmental chemistry, economic geology, petroleum geology, metamorphic, igneous petrology, and archeology. Students will 1. learn to identify discrete and mixed-layer clay minerals using X-ray diffraction and electron diffraction methods 2. Identify clay minerals using Infrared spectroscopy
Topical Outline
Topics include: X-ray diffraction analysis and identification. Spectroscopy and Electron microscopy Systematic coverage of clay mineral groups. Mixed-layered clays. Clay mineral reactions: Weathering Diagenesis Applications: waste disposal contaminant transport paper industry petroleum industry