Heavy mineral analysis of some soils of an old deltaic plain in western desert of Egypt
2009
Hammad, M.A. | Abdel-Mawqoud, A.S.A. | El-Desooky, A.I.
A mineralogical study of the sand fraction was conducted on some soil profiles representing the different physiographic units of the studied area (Samalout to Baharia Oasis) Western Desert of Egypt, to define the nature and origin of these soils. Data reveal that index figures are fluctuating with depth in most of the studied soil profiles. The relatively high contents of heavy minerals in the deepest layers may be associated with the sedimentation regime rather than the effect of weathering processes. Microscopic inspection of soil samples shows that Opaques are the most abundant minerals. The non-opaque minerals are less abundant and include zircon, epidotes, amphiboles, pyroxenes, tourmaline, rutile, staurolite, garnet, kyanite, boitite and other minerals in trace amounts. The weathering ratios of soil samples reveal irregular distribution pattern among either layers or sites. This is expected due to the formation of soils from different parent materials of heterogonous nature and/or multi-depositional regimes. Generally, the soils understudy is pedologically young and are weakly developed. Moreover, processes of soil formation, in such locations, are usually interrupted by alternative water and wind actions. Therefore, good and detailed knowledge of various local conditions, as well as, back history of every site are greatly required.
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