Abstract
The predominantly carbonate sediments within Florida Bay contain small percentages of insoluble silicate minerals, ranging in our samples from 1.25 to 14.91% by weight. Quartz, chlorite, and montmorillonite compose most of the silicate fraction, with very minor amounts of illite and kaolinite. Clay-mineral distribution can be described by concentration gradients based on two end-member assemblages. A chloritic assemblage dominates in the eastern part of the bay, but declines westward; a montmorillonitic assemblage dominates the western bay and declines eastward. The two clay-mineral assemblages reflect different sources--chlorite from the Atlantic province, and montmorillonite from the Gulf of Mexico province. Shallow and subaerial carbonate mud banks and intervening basi s inhibit mixing waters bearing the two clay assemblages; the result is the relatively abrupt transition from one clay suite to another in the 30-40 mi span of Florida Bay. The clay mineral fractions of similar ancient carbonate reef trends would be expected to show analogous concentration gradients in the backreef area. End_of_Article - Last_Page 2039------------
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