Geomorphic control on the formation of mixed layer clays by progressive degradation of biotite: A case study from Jutulsessen Gjelsvikfjella, East Antarctica

Abstract

Eleven glacial sediment samples collected from different elevation of Jutulsessen Nunatak, Gjelsvikfjella of East Antarctica were studied for the clay mineralogical analysis using X-ray diffraction technique. The result shows prominent peak at 10, and 3.34 A suggesting the presence of biotite possibly derived from the catchment where biotite rich granite gneisses are exposed. The detailed investigation on the shape of biotite peak of certain samples shows the signs of alteration of biotite in to a mixed layer containing tri-octahedral smectite (low charge vermiculite). The presence of mixed layer along with the biotite is found to be associated with the samples of lower geomorphic level. The progressive alteration of clay sized biotite to form a mixed layer in the lower horizons of Jutulsessen Nunatak is probably due to the periodic accumulation of melt-water during the austral summer.