BibTeX
@MISC{Rice_chemicalweathering,
author = {C. M. Rice},
title = {Chemical weathering on the Carnmenellis granite},
year = {}
}
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Abstract
SUMMARY. The behaviour of 25 major and trace elements, together with mineral changes, has been examined in a deep weathering profile on the Cammenellis granite, Cornwall. The bulk chemical and mineralogical composition ofthe regolith shows only minor changes from the parent rock indicat-ing a low degree of chemical weathering. However, within the regolith marked differences occur between the fine fractions from the various horizons. Chlorite and degraded muscovite characterize the fines of horizons A+B and C whereas gibbsite and kaolinite characterize horizon D. Secondary minerals becoming base deficient with depth is the reverse of normal behaviour and two possible theories are advanced to explain this anomaly. Most of the trace elements are concentrated in the < lo t~m fraction of the various horizons, in part by an association with degraded muscovite. Tin and Zr occur in resistates and Be, St, and Co are mainly lost during weathering. A CONSIDERABLE amount of work has been done in an attempt o elucidate the nature of the weathering process and the controls upon it but relatively little of it has been from the geochemical point of view. Some of the more notable contributions in this respect have been Butler (I953, I954), Short ( I96I), and Harris and Adams
Keyphrases
carnmenellis granite various horizon trace element secondary mineral mineralogical composition ofthe regolith notable contribution mineral change degraded muscovite chemical weathering bulk chemical considerable amount fine fraction normal behaviour deep weathering profile minor change low degree characterize horizon cammenellis granite parent rock geochemical point weathering process lo fraction base deficient possible theory
