Clay mineralogy in agrochernozems of western Ukraine

The mineralogy of clay fractions separated from deep low-humus deep-gleyic loamy typical agrochernozems on loess-like loams of the Upper Bug and Dniester uplands in the Central Russian loess province of Ukraine consists of complex disordered interstratifications with the segregation of mica- and smectite-type layers (hereafter, smectite phase), tri- and dioctahedral hydromicas, kaolinite, and chlorite. The distribution of the clay fraction is uniform. The proportions of the layered silicates vary significantly within the profile: a decrease in the content of the smectite phase and a relative increase in the content of hydromicas up the soil profile are recorded. In the upper horizons, the contents of kaolinite and chlorite increase, and some amounts of fine quartz, potassium feldspars, and plagioclases are observed. This tendency is observed in agrochernozems developed on the both Upper Bug and Dniester uplands. The differences include the larger amounts of quartz, potassium feldspars, and plagioclases in the clay material of the Upper Bug Upland, while the contents of the smectite phase in the soil profiles of the areas considered are similar. An analogous mineral association is noted in podzolized agrochernozems on loess-like deposits in the Cis-Carpathian region of the Southern Russian loess province developed on the Prut–Dniester and Syan–Dniester uplands. The distribution of particle-size fractions and the mineralogy of the clay fraction indicate the lithogenic heterogeneity of the soil-forming substrate. When the drifts change, the mineral association of the soils developed within the loess-like deposits gives place to minerals dominated by individual smectite with some mica–smectite inter stratifications, hydromicas, and chlorite.     

Minerals in the three-component combination of agrochernozems in the Kamennaya Steppe

Properties and mineralogy of fine fractions separated from agrochernozems forming a three-component noncontrasting soil combination in the Kamennaya Steppe have been characterized. The soil cover consists of zooturbated (Haplic Chernozems (Clayic, Aric, Pachic, Calcaric)), migrational-mycelial (Haplic Chernozems (Clayic, Aric, Pachic)), and clay-illuvial (Luvic Chernozems (Clayic, Aric, Pachic)) agrochernozems. All the soils are deeply quasi-gleyed because of periodical groundwater rise. The mineralogy of the fraction <1μm includes irregular mica–smectite interstratifications, di- and trioctahedral hydromicas, imperfect kaolinite, and magnesium–iron chlorite. The profile distribution of these minerals slightly varies depending on the subtype of spot-forming soils. A uniform distribution of clay minerals is observed in zooturbated agrochernozem; a poorly manifested eluvial–illuvial distribution of the smectite phase is observed in the clay-illuvial agrochernozem. The fractions of fine (1–5 μm) and medium (5–10 μm) silt consist of quartz, micas, potassium feldspars, plagioclases, kaolinite, and chlorite. There is no dominant mineral, because the share of each mineral is lower than 35–45%. The silt fractions differ in the quartz-to-mica ratio. The medium silt fraction contains more quartz, and the fine silt fraction contains more micas.     

Specific Features of Profile Distribution and Crystallochemistry of Phyllosilicates in Soils of the Cisbaikal Forest-Steppe

The mineralogical composition of agrogray, dark gray, and agro-dark gray soils (Luvic Greyzemic Retic Phaeozems); agro-dark gray residual-calcareous soils (Calcaric Cambic Phaeozems); clay-illuvial agrochernozems (Luvic Chernic Phaeozems); and agrochernozems with migrational–mycelial carbonates (Haplic Chernozems) developed in the forest-steppe of Central Siberia within the Irkutsk Depression has been studied. The clay (<1 μm) fraction separated from these soils consists of mixed-layer minerals with alternating layers of hydromica, smectite, vermiculite, and chlorite; the proportions between them change within the soil profiles. The clay fraction also contains hydromicas, kaolinite, chlorite, and some admixture of the fine-dispersed quartz. Each type of the soils is characterized by its own distribution pattern of clay material with specific alternation of layers in the mixed-layer formations. Mixed-layer minerals of the chlorite–vermiculite type predominate in the upper horizons of texture-differentiated soils. Down the soil profile, the content of mixed-layer mica–smectitic minerals increases. In the clay fraction of arable dark gray-humus soils with residual carbonates, the distribution of the clay fraction and major mineral phases in the soil profile is relatively even. An increased content of well-crystallized kaolinite is typical of these soils. The parent material of agrochernozems has a layered character: the upper horizons are generally depleted of clay, and the middle-profile and lower horizons are characterized by the considerable kaolinite content. In general, the clay material of soils of the Tulun–Irkutsk forest-steppe differs considerably from the clay material of foreststeppe soils developed from loesslike and mantle loams in the European part of Russia. In particular, this difference is seen in the proportions between major mineral phases and between biotitic and muscovitic components, as well as in the degree of crystallinity and behavior of kaolinite and chlorite.     

Lability of soil organic carbon in tropical soils with different clay minerals

Soil organic carbon (SOC) storage and turnover is influenced by interactions between organic matter and the mineral soil fraction. However, the influence of clay content and type on SOC turnover rates remains unclear, particularly in tropical soils under natural vegetation. We examined the lability of SOC in tropical soils with contrasting clay mineralogy (kaolinite, smectite, allophane and Al-rich chlorite). Soil was sampled from A horizons at six sites in humid tropical areas of Ghana, Malaysian Borneo and the Solomon Islands and separated into fractions above and below 250 μm by wet sieving. Basal soil respiration rates were determined from bulk soils and soil fractions. Substrate induced respiration rates were determined from soil fractions. SOC lability was significantly influenced by clay mineralogy, but not by clay content when compared across contrasting clay minerals. The lability of SOC was lowest in the allophanic and chloritic soil, higher in the kaolinitic soils and highest in the smectitic soil. Our results contrast with conventional concepts of the greater capacity of smectite than of kaolinite to stabilize SOC. Contents of dithionite-citrate-bicarbonate extractable Fe and Al were inversely related to SOC lability when compared across soil types. A stronger inverse correlation between content of ammonium-oxalate extractable Fe and SOC lability was found when considering the kaolinitic soils only and we conclude that the content of active Fe (hydr-) oxides controls SOC stabilization in the kaolinitic soils. Our results suggest that the validity of predictive models of SOC turnover in tropical soils would be improved by the inclusion of soil types and contents of Fe and Al (hydr-) oxides.     

The nature of smectites and associated interstratified minerals in soils of the Gharb plain of Morocco

The mineralogies of ‘Tirs’ (Typic Pelloxererts), and ‘Debs’ (Typic Haploxerolls and Typic Xerochrepts) soils of the Gharb plain in north-western Morocco are investigated, with special attention given to the determination of the nature of the smectitic phase using the lithium test (Li test) and the alkylammonium method. The sand and silt mineralogy of Tirs soils is dominated by quartz with small amounts of feldspars and kaolinite. The sand and silt fractions of Dehs soils also contain significant amounts of mica, chlorite, and interstratified phyllosilicates. The clay minerals of Tirs soils are predominantly a high-charge smectite. The estimated interlayer charge for this phase is 0.61 mol(c)/O₁₀(OH)₂ and the fraction of tetrahedral charge varies from 38 to 44%. Although the percentage tetrahedral charge is less than 50%, the smectitic phase behaves as beidellite with the Li test. Dehs clays are more heterogeneous, consisting of smectite, vermiculite, illite, kaolinite, chlorite, and interstratified illite/smectite and illite/vermiculite. The Li test and the alkylammonium method demonstrate that a high-charge smectite or vermiculite is interstratified with illite. A low-charge montmorillonite is also present both in Tirs and in Dehs soils. The high-charge beidellitic phase is believed to be a transformation product of mica, whilst the low charge montmorillonite is thought to be inherited from the parent material.     

Mineralogy and heavy metal contents of soils and stream sediments in a rural region of Western Germany

This paper presents the results of a study of clay mineralogy and Pb, Zn, Cu, Rb, Sr, Y and Zr analyses of soils and stream sediments of the Schwarzach watershed, a drainage system located in a secluded rural region of eastern Bavaria, far removed from major industrial installations.Clay fractions of soils and stream sediments differ significantly in their mineralogy. The soils average 50% secondary chlorite and 40% illite, whereas recent stream sediments average 20% chlorite and 70% illite. These assemblages are possibly interconvertible under the influence, or on withdrawal, of Schwarzach water. Proportions of clay minerals in fossil stream sediments average approximately 30% chlorite, 50% illite, and 20% kaolinite with up to 10% of 10–14 Å interstratified minerals.Surface soil layers have been enriched in Pb, as have recent stream sediments. The latter have also been enriched in Zn and Cu. The increased amounts of Pb plus its close association with organic C indicate atmospheric deposition of Pb and incipient eutrophication of the Schwarzach River.     

Dispersion and migration of fine particles in two palygorskite‐containing soils of the Jordan Valley

Migration of different mineral particles within columns of soil‐sand mixtures containing 10 or 20 mass % of soil was investigated by establishing differences in the mineral suite between the ”︁bulk clay” and the ”︁mobile fine material” fractions. The ”︁bulk clay” fractions of all soils contained smectite, palygorskite, kaolinite, quartz, feldspar, and calcite. The soils were saturated with sodium by leaching with NaCl solution, and then leached with distilled water. Clay dispersion and particle migration occurred in the columns. Values of SAR (sodium adsorption ratio) of the effluent decreased with time due to carbonate dissolution. At a certain SAR value, the clays apparently formed aggregates, and as a consequence particle migration stopped in the column. In addition to clay‐sized particles (< 2 μm), very‐fine‐silt‐sized particles (2— 5 μm) were able to migrate in the soil‐sand mixtures, too, and to some extent fine‐silt‐sized particles (5—10 μm) as well. Average size of mobile particles decreases with increase of soil content in the soil‐sand mixtures. The mineralogical composition of the ”︁mobile fine material” changed during the experiment. At the beginning of the experiment, the ”︁mobile fine material” was enriched in the non‐phyllosilicates (especially in calcite, and in some cases in quartz, feldspar and dolomite) and contained low concentrations of phyllosilicates (smectite, palygorskite and kaolinite). At the end of the experiment, the proportion of non‐phyllosilicates decreased, and as a consequence, the proportion of phyllosilicates increased. Among the non‐phyllosilicates, calcite was the most mobile mineral. Among the phyllosilicates, palygorskite was preferentially mobilized in topsoil horizons. In subsoil horizons, on the other hand, kaolinite was preferentially mobilized. This difference was explained by the different nature of carbonates in the topsoil and subsoil horizons. Palygorskite is preferentially occluded within the soil carbonates of lacustrine origin over smectite and kaolinite. These carbonates are present mainly in the subsoil horizons. As a consequence, the presence of these carbonates in the subsoil horizons decreases the migration of mainly palygorskite.     

The impact of long-term irrigation on the degree of aggregation and the mineralogical composition of the clay fraction in dark chestnut soils of the Transvolga region

Dark chestnut soils of the Ershov Experimental Station in the Transvolga region are characterized by the even distribution and aggregation of clay minerals in the profile. Hydromica, chlorite, kaolinite, and smectitic minerals predominate in the clay (<1 μm) fraction. The smectitic phase consists of randomly ordered mixed-layered minerals of the following types: mica-smectite with a low (<50%) content of smectite layers, mica-smectite with a high (>50%) content of smectite layers, and chlorite-smectite. In some horizons, the smectitic phase occurs in the superdispersed state. The long-term irrigation of these soils with fresh water of the Volga River has led to certain changes in the composition and properties of the clay particles. The weakening of bonds between them has taken place. As a result, the content of water-peptizable clay has increased by two times, and the content of aggregated clay of the first category (AC1) has increased by 1.5 times at the expense of a decrease in the contents of tightly bound clay (TBC) and aggregated clay of the second category (AC2). Also, the redistribution of organic matter bound with clay particles has taken place: its content in the AC1 fraction has decreased, whereas its content in the AC2 and TBC fractions has increased. In the topsoil horizon, the amount of the smectitic phase has lowered, whereas the contents of hydromica, kaolinite, and fine-dispersed quartz in the clay fraction have increased. In general, some amorphization of the clay material has occurred. The periodic alkalization of the soil solutions upon irrigation has led to the conversion of the smectitic phase into the superdispersed state in the entire soil profile.     

中国东南部某些水稻土的矿物学

Limited information is available concerning the mineralogy of paddy soils in the southeastern China. Using chemical methods in conjunction with X-ray diffractometry, we studied the mineral composition of three paddy soils: Jinghua (paddy soil on Quaternary red clay), Fuyang (Hapl-percogenic loamy paddy soil), and Shaoxing (gleyic clayey paddy soil). All the soils contained quartz, mica, vermiculite, chlorite and kaolinite, and the distribution of these minerals varied with soil particle size fractions. The clay fraction of the Fuyang and Shaoxing soils also contained smectite. Although X-ray data did not show the presence of smectite in the Jinghua soil, this mineral was identified by the chemical method, suggesting a transitional property of the mineral in the soil. Hydroxy-Al interlayered minerals were also present in the clay fraction. The amount of smectite in the soils was 31.6 (Shaoxing), 16.5 (Fuyang), and 21.4 (Jinghua) g kg^-1; for vermiculite it was 33.3 (Shaoxing), 16.5 (Fuyang), and 8.5 (Jinghua) g kg^-1. Smectite was only found in the clay fraction. In contrast, amounts of vermiculite in soil particle size fractions were 3.0~11.4 (sand), 2.1~6.0 (coarse silt), 4.6~18.9 (medium silt), 0.9~40.0 (fine silt), and 17.0~108 (clay) g kg^-1. The amount of noncrystalline aluminosilicates in the soils in g kg^-1 decreased in the order: Shaoxing (2.4) > Jinghua (1.9) > Fuyang (1.7). This study has provided useful mineralogical information that is fundamental in future development of management strategies of the soils.     

CLAY MINERAL DISTRIBUTION AND ORIGIN IN THE SOIL TYPES OF ISRAEL

The mineralogical composition of clays (< 2μm) in representative profiles of all soil types of Israel was investigated. The soils were classified according to their clay mineral assemblages into three groups. I. Montmorillonitic soils. Montmorillonite is the dominant mineral and exceeds 65 per cent of the total minerals found; each of the other minerals comprises less than 15 per cent. 2. Montmorillonitic-kaolinitic soils. The soil clay fractions contain 50-60 per cent montmorillonite and 15-25 per cent kaolinite, generally adding up to more than 75 per cent of the clay fraction. 3. Montmorillonitic-calcitic soils. The clays contain more than 10 per cent calcite. Montmorillonite is the dominant clay mineral (except for one soil type, mountain rendzina, where calcite is dominant). The first and second assemblages are typical of the soils of the Mediterranean zone, whereas the soils of the desert zone are characterized by the third assemblage. The origin of montmorillonite, kaolinite, and illite, the three main clay minerals, was found to be detritic, as was the origin of palygorskite which was mainly found in the calcite rich soils of the desert zone. The cation exchange capacity of montmorillonite seems to be higher under higher precipitation. Montmorillonite content and cation exchange capacity of the clays were found to be highly correlated. The carbonate content of the clay fraction and the amount of carbonate in the soil were also highly correlated.     

Spatial distribution of mineral components in microcombinations of agrogrey soils with the second humus horizon in the Vladimir opolie area

Mineralogical composition of silt and clay fractions (<1.1–5 and 5–10 µm) in heavy loamy agrogrey soils (Luvic Retic Phaeozems) considerably changes both in the vertical (along the soil profile) and horizontal (along soil microcatenas) directions. The eluvial–illuvial distribution pattern of the clay fraction in the podzolized agrogrey soils with the second humus horizon is replaced by the homogeneous distribution in the agrogrey soils with residual carbonates. The distribution of silt fractions in the soil profiles is relatively homogeneous. The clay (<1 µm) fraction of the parent material is represented by the poorly ordered micasmectite interstratifications minerals, the proportion between which changes in the soil profiles in dependence on the particular pedogenetic processes. Hydromicas represent the second important component of the clay fraction. They consist of di- and trioctahedral varieties, the proportion between which changes in the soil profiles. Kaolinite and iron–magnesium chlorite are present in smaller amounts. The second humus horizon is characterized by the lowest content of mica-smectite interstratifications minerals with the high content of smectitic layers and by the lowest content of the clay fraction. Silt fractions are composed of quartz, micas, potassium feldspars, and plagioclases.     

Differentiation of layered silicates and biogenic silica in meadow podbel soils of the Central Amur Lowland

Mineralogy of the fine component of meadow podbel soil in the Central Amur Lowland significantly varies depending on texture differentiation within the profile and clay categories with different binding strengths (water-peptized and aggregated clay). In the eluvial part of the profile, hydromicas are predominant, which are accompanied by kaolinite and mica-smectites with a low content of smectite layers; there are many finely dispersed quartz and feldspars; plagioclases are less abundant. The illuvial part of the profile is characterized by a high content of smectite minerals (mica-smectite and kaolinite-smectite interstratifications). Kaolinite, chlorite, and chlorite-vermiculite are also found. Fragmentary components pass into a peptized state: micas-hydromicas, kaolinite, finely dispersed quartz, feldspars, plagioclases, amphiboles, and diatom skeletons (mainly in the illuvial part of the profile). Aggregated clays are characterized by a high content of interstratifications with smectite layers. The mineral composition of two clay categories is strongly differentiated according to eluvial-illuvial type. The bulk chemical composition confirms the textural differentiation of the finely dispersed component within the profile. The chemistry of silty sand cutans on the faces of structural units in the illuvial part of the profile significantly differs from the chemistry of the enclosing horizon and is analogous to that of the eluvial part of the profile. The involvement of silica in the meadow podbel fractions with different binding strengths has been revealed.     

Factors affecting potassium fixation in calcareous soils of southern Iran

Potassium fixation capacity and mineralogical analysis of 24 representative soils, collected from southern Iran, were studied. Potassium fixation analysis was performed by adding six rates of K from 0 to 1000 mg kg^?1 soil in a plastic beaker and shaking for 24 h. Mineralogical analysis showed that the clay fractions were dominated by smectite, chlorite, mica, palygorskite, vermiculite and quartz. In general, the studied soils fixed 8.5–55% of the added K. The potassium fixation capacity of the studied soils was significantly correlated with smectite content (r ² = 0.87), clay content (r ² = 0.60), cation-exchange capacity (r ² = 0.79) and NH₄OAc-K. Wetting and drying treatment and incubation time had significant effects on K fixation. The average percentage increase in K fixation following the wetting and drying treatment was 24 and 30% for surface and subsurface soils, respectively. The average percentage increase in K fixation with increasing residence time was 79 and 56% for surface and subsurface soils, respectively. Because K fixation is a diffusion process, time and increased concentration of soluble K (because of soil drying) are factors affecting the rate of K diffusion from a soil solution to the interlayer positions of the expansible 2:1 clay minerals.     

CLAY MINERALS IN SOILS DERIVED FROM LOWER OLD RED SANDSTONE TILL: EFFECTS OF INHERITANCE AND PEDOGENESIS

The clay mineralogy of thirty-two profiles located mainly in the Vale of Strathmore and developed on glacial till derived from Lower Red Sandstone sediments and lavas has been investigated by X-ray diffraction. The soils were selected so that the parent material was related predominantly to one of the rock types common in the Lower Old Red Sandstone succession—namely, marl, sandstone, lava, or conglomerate. Comparison of the < 1.4μm fractions separated from fresh rock samples with those separated from the C horizons of the soils clearly established the dominant influence of parent rock on the soil-clay mineralogy. The clay minerals inherited by the soil often include unusual trioctahedral expansible minerals such as saponite, interstratified vermiculite-chlorite, and smectite-vermiculite, as well as more common types like mica, montmorillonite, and chlorite. Kaolinite is also found but it is not certain that it is only of inherited origin. Weathering of the clays during soil formation brings about complete degradation of the expansible trioctahedral minerals, a process usually well advanced in the B or even at the top of the C horizon, and vermiculitization of mica. The latter process occurs mainly in the A horizon, with concomitant precipitation of interlayer aquohydroxy-aluminium ions thereby forming a vermiculite-chlorite intergrade. Chlorite and kaolinite appear to be little affected by weathering. The weathering transformations are most pronounced in freely drained acid soils (pH < s) and are at a minimum in poorly drained soils and where the pH remains above 6. The susceptibility to weathering of the trioctahedral expansible minerals results in relatively high values for exchangeable magnesium at the base of the profile.     

THE WEATHERING OF CHLORITIC MINERALS IN SOME SCOTTISH SOILS

The mineralogy of 14 chloritic soils of various drainage classes developed on different parent materials from the Loch Awe area of Argyllshire, Caithness, and the Southern Uplands reveals only minor variations'in clay mineralogy with profile depth, the frequent presence of primary minerals indicating that all the soils are immature, and that weathering is at an early stage. Iron-rich chlorite generally persists throughout the profiles, varying little in amount or chemical composition between horizons; where identifiable, the polytype is II b. Oxidation of iron modifies the thermal characteristics of the chlorite in all the freely-drained soils but usually only in the surface horizons of gleys. Irrespective of soil type or drainage class, in most profiles chlorite weathers only slightly, probably by vermiculitization around the edges of flakes.     

Clay mineralogy of the B horizons of two hydrandepts,a Torrox and a Humitropept in Hawaii

The mineralogy of the clay fractions separated from the B horizons of two Hydrandepts (Hilo and Akaka soils), a Torrox (Molokai soil) and a Humitropept (Kolekole soil) was determined by a combination of methods.The Hydrandept B horizons were characterized by predominance of hydrous non-crystalline alumina and iron oxides associated with considerable amounts of humus and with very small amounts of silica. Allophane, allophane-like constituents and imogolite were present but in minor amounts. Gibbsite, goethite, chlorite and illite were also present as accessory minerals.The Torrox and Humitropept B horizons were characterized by predominance of kaolinite, hematite and goethite. The iron oxide minerals were present as fine particles (40–80 A diameter) often clustered to form larger aggregates. Neither imogolite nor allophane and allophane-like constituents were detected. Considerable amounts of dithionite-citrate soluble Al and humus were, however, present in the Humitropept B horizon, which may reflect the effect of an admixture of volcanic ash to the parent material.     

Spatial distribution of clay minerals in agrochernozems of erosional and denudational plains in the Stavropol region

The distribution pattern of the fine fractions (<1.0 and 1?C5 ??m) and the mineralogical composition of the agrochernozems formed on the erosional-denudational plains of the Stavropol region have been studied. Erosion and denudation caused the redistribution of the fine material within the catena with its maximal accumulation on the lowermost part of the slope. The same processes favored the formation of surface deposits slightly differing in the composition of the principal mineral phases, i.e., complex disordered mixedlayered micas-smectites with varying combinations of micaceous and smectite layers in crystallites and di- and trioctahedral hydromicas. Imperfect kaolinite and magnesium-ferric chlorite are accompanying minerals. An increase in the amount of mixed-layered minerals with smectite layer is observed down the profile. In addition to the mentioned minerals, the individual smectite and clinoptilolite, which are components of Tertiary deposits, are identified in the lower parts of the agrochernozem profiles. The fine-silt fractions consist of (in decreasing order) di- and tri-octahedral micas, quartz, feldspars, plagioclase, and an admixture of phyllosilicates (kaolinite, chlorite, and mixed-layered chlorite-smectites). The maximal amount of the fine fraction, as well as the maximal amount of mica in it, is registered in the soils in the lower part of the slope. The phyllosilicates are decomposed in this fraction in the upper horizons. The seven-year-long application of mineral fertilizers intensified the peptization of the soil mass in the arable horizons, which increased the content of clay particles in them. A more contrasting distribution of the mixed-layered formations in the profiles, a considerable decrease in their reflection intensities, an increase in the structural disorder of the minerals, and a certain increase in the content of the fine-dispersed quartz are observed.     

Mineralogical and geo-chemical characterization of a diapiric formation in the North of Spain

We have selected seven profiles located in a diapiric formation in the North of Spain. The profiles have been analyzed for the mineralogy and the chemical composition of original materials, soils developed above them and clay fractions. Three soils formed on basic rock of volcanic origin (ophite) and rich in alterable minerals, three others formed on clay marl and one soil formed on gypsiferous marl. Plagioclases, pyroxenes, vermiculites, and biotites are the main minerals found in the soil samples and ophitic rocks. Biotite, smectite, chlorite and interstratified chlorite–vermiculite make up the predominant mineralogical association in the clay fraction of the soils. Calcite, biotite and on top of all chlorite are the main minerals in the marls and the soils developed on them, with gypsum predominant in the gypsiferous marl. The mineralogy of its clay fraction is comprised mainly of chlorite and biotite. The variations in content of Al₂O₃, TiO₂ and Na₂O in the ophites are considered to be associated with the differences in the evolution of the pyroxenes. The variability of the chemical composition of the Keuper sediments and the soils is attributed more to the chaotic disposition of the Triassic materials in the formation of the diapir than to intense chemical weathering. The low concentrations of silica, iron, and aluminum extractable with ammonium oxalate indicate the low proportion of non-crystalline products. Fundamentally, it is the semiarid conditions in the study zone, together with the processes of extrusion and hydrothermal activity affecting the formation of the diapir, that are responsible for the genesis of the minerals.     

中国土壤胶体研究 Ⅵ.西藏高原几种主要土壤的粘土矿物组成和演变

西藏高原突起于我国西南,绝大部分地面的海拔高度在4000米以上,为世界上最高的大高原。它大致在第三纪开始形成,后来曾受第四纪冰川的深刻作用,高山顶部至今仍是冰川的活动场所^[1,2]。高原为昆仑山、唐古拉山、喜马拉雅山和横断山等大山脉所盘踞。     

Mineralogy of soil kaolinites from Cameroon

Different particle-size fractions of soil clays from the semi arid north and the humid tropical south of Cameroon have been characterized with reference to their chemical composition, clay mineralogy and kaolinite crystallinity (Hinckley indices). Selected samples were also examined by Mössbauer spectroscopy. Hinckley indices of kaolinites, which were a major component of the coarse clays, varied considerably (< 0.1 - 0.69) and differed significantly as a function of the geographic and landscape positions of the soil profiles. The Hinckley indices averaged 0.31 in soils from southern Cameroon and 0.30 and 0.07 in soils from high and low landscape positions in northern Cameroon, respectively. Kaolinite crystallinity is therefore considered to vary as a function of transport and/or depositional environment of the kaolinite-containing material. Mössbauer spectra showed that kaolinite-dominated Vertisol coarse clays contained higher relative amounts of Fe²⁺ than the corresponding fine clay, which is dominated by smectite. It is conceivable that the Fe²⁺ content of the kaolinite reflects the redox environment of the samples.