CLAY MINERAL STUDIES IN THE MODERN PENNER DELTA, EAST-COAST OF INDIA

Clay mineral studies have been carried out in the modern sediments of the river channel, estuary, lagoon, tidal creek and shelf of the Penner river. Smectite is the most abundant mineral followed by illite, kaolinite and chlorite. Smectite is more in river channel and in the shelf sediments and lower in estuary, tidal creeks and lagoon. High content of smectite corresponds to high content of clay in the sediments. Illite distribution is just reverse to smectite distribution. The type of clay minerals were determined by the source rocks but their distribution depends on various factors such as selective transport, differential flocculation and response to sediment depositional environment.