Accession Number:

AD0288536

Title:

APPLICATION OF X-RAY DIFFRACTION TO OCEANIC SOIL ANALYSIS

Descriptive Note:

Corporate Author:

NAVAL CIVIL ENGINEERING LAB PORT HUENEME CALIF

Personal Author(s):

• SMITH,R.J.
• CRILLY,J.B.

Report Date:

1962-10-26

Pagination or Media Count:

23.0

Abstract:

The Core Borings in Deep Ocean subtask of the general Str ctures in Deep Ocean program is designed to gain familarity with means of obtaining and treating undisturbed samples from the floor of the deep sea relative to their supporting abilities. One of the major problems connected with oceanic soil work pertains to distinguishing the various soil types that all have much visual similarity. To determine the suitability of X-ray diffraction methods for investigating its compositional characteristics, a representative sample of ocean floor soil procured from a 1200foot water depth on the continental shelf off the Port Hueneme harbor entrance was subjected to analysis. The sample was broken into plus200-mesh, minus-200-mesh, and clay fractions by means of a sieving and centrifuging process. Diffraction patterns obtained for the clastic fraction verified results of microscopic compositional estimates. X-ray analysis of the clay fraction indicated the presence of kaolinitic, illitic, and montmorillonitic types. The effects on the patterns of varying instrument settings and scanning rates are described. It is recommended that diffraction patterns be obtained in conjunction with normal test measurements to assist in discriminating between fine-grained soil constituents. Author

Descriptors:

• *OCEAN BOTTOM
• *SOILS
• *X RAY DIFFRACTION
• CLAY
• SEDIMENTATION

Subject Categories:

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE