Clay Mineral Properties of the Soils of the Wetlands in the Eastern Mediterranean Region

Abstract

Amik, Gavur and Golbasi Lakes wetland soils's in the East Mediterranean Region were selected as the research area. Quantitative clay analysis was performed by means of factorial method to determine clay mineral contents and distributions of soils. Clay mineralogy analysis was domination of smectite mineral soils, and was followed by palygorskite, illite, vermiculite and kaolinite, respectively. The higher calcium level in the soil and the basicity of the soil pH make smectite the predominant mineral, thus providing favorable conditions. The presence of palygorskite mineral in all soils indicates that the richness of calcium and magnesium in the basement lake basins is a favorable condition for this mineral to maintain its stability. Having no statistical differences found among clay mineral types in the plain soil was due to presence of similar factors for clay mineral formation conditions in all soils in the plain and the different timing of drying practises, consequently, occuring some physical and chemical differences did not affect much on clay minerals formation.