GEOE540 CLAY MINERALOGY
| Course Code: | 5640540 |
| METU Credit (Theoretical-Laboratory hours/week): | 3 (2.00 - 2.00) |
| ECTS Credit: | 8.0 |
| Department: | Geological Engineering |
| Language of Instruction: | English |
| Level of Study: | Graduate |
| Course Coordinator: | Prof.Dr. ASUMAN GÜNAL TÜRKMENOĞLU |
| Offered Semester: | Fall or Spring Semesters. |
Course Objectives
By the end of this course, students will,
-gain the basic knowledge on clay science with the emphasis on clay minerals classifications, their crystal structures and chemical compositions.
- have skills to obtain and interpret data for qualitative and quantitative analysis of clays and clay mineralas by using computer programs and methodologies of thin-section petrography, X-ray powder diffraction, thermal analysis, scanning electron microscopy, chemical and ion exchange analysis as performed in the laboratory.
-develop abilities in oral and written presentations on selected topics which are mainly related to their academic interests on clays and clay minerals.
-increase their capabilities to work in teams during experimental work.
-learn the importance of clays and clay minerals properties for their engineering, industrial and geological applications.
Course Content
Classification and structural mineralogy of the major groups of clay minerals based on AIPEA nomenclature. Species variation within groups discussed in terms of substitution, layer stacking arrangement and ion exchange capacity. Dehydration-rehydration reactions and clay organic complexes. Laboratory devoted to analytical methods, interpretation of data and calculation of structural formulas.
Course Learning Outcomes
At the end of this Course, the students will,
-be able to identify clay minerals by X-ray powder diffraction analysis.
- be able to explain origin of clay mineral crystal-chemical properties like swelling, ion exchange, surface charge and interaction with water and organic compounds.
-learn clay mineral polytypes, mixed-layering and their transformation during diagenesis.
- use NEWMOD computer program for quantitative analysis of interstratified clay minerals.
-comprehend wide ranges of applications of bentonites, and kaolins.