Abstract
Analyses of samples of surface sediments from 30 localities in the Niger Delta showed that the distribution and nature of clay minerals are related to source and hydro-dynamic processes. The major mineral assemblages are: o (1) Kaolinite and halloysite (2H 2O) in the central delta. (2) Highly aluminous smectites (beidellites), illite, mixed layer illite-smectite, and kaolinite in calcareous shale of eastern delta and (3) Montmorillonite and nontronite in coastal regions of the delta. The central delta with permeability > ID has the highest groundwater flow rates and constant meteoric water flushing. The young volcanics of the eastern delta are the sources for the Mg-deficient smectites. The coastal delta is sea water influenced. The clay mineral distribution is interpreted as consequences of severe leaching, rapid rate of infiltration, permeability, shale dewatering and marine, nonmarine water influence.
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