Abstract
Rare earth elements (REE) in the clay fraction (< 2 μ) of the Quaternary deposits in the Numedal area, southern Norway, have been determined by a spark source mass spectrometric method. The REE content was studied in relation to weathering and sedimentological factors. The total REE content varies from 100 to 1300 ppm. An average of the similar fraction of 16 non-marine clays, mostly tillitic, gave 527 ppm REE. An average of 38 glacial and postglacial marine clays from the lower part of the Numedal valley gave 335 ppm REE (max. 781 ppm). After removal of adsorbed ions the average total REE content of morainian and marine clays decreased to 186 ppm. The content and distribution of the REE in the Numedal clays are strongly influenced by environmental factors. Under neutral and alkaline conditions the REE are accumulated by adsorption on clay minerals, and by increasing the hydrogen ion concentration the adsorbed ions are readily removed.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.