Clay Mineral Formation in Mud Pots, Yellowstone Park, Wyoming

Abstract

Kaolinitic, montmorillonitic, illitic, and mixed-layer clay minerals are found in mud springs and mud pots of Yellowstone Park. A sequence of alteration is proposed as Phase I, alteration of bedrock and sediments by hot spring waters to produce three-layer clay minerals (including mixed layer species) and kaolinite-group minerals; Phase II, further alteration to produce a mud composed predominantly of kaolinite and some form of silica.