Bulletin 026

Some Characteristics and Physical Properties of Alberta Tills

Authors: Bayrock, L.A.; Pawluk, S.

Executive Summary

Maps depicting the regional variation in the chemical and mineralogical composition, and physical properties of tills from throughout the plains region of Alberta were prepared by a computer with an attached plotter.

The chemical constituents and properties analyzed and discussed are: Copper, zinc, manganese, calcium, boron, molybdenum, cobalt, pH, and oluble salts. The mineralogical components included are clay minerals and feldspars. The physical properties included are particle-size istribution, liquid limit and plastic limit, on the basis of which a number of additional engineering properties were calculated and discussed: plasticity number, plasticity, activity and corrosion potential.

Generally, the lithology of the till closely reflects that of the underlying bedrock. A noticeable exception is the distribution of soluble salts, the origin of which is more likely related to groundwater phenomena.

Place Keywords: 72e; 72l; 72m; 73d; 73e; 73l; 73m; 74d; 74e; 74l; 74m; 82g; 82h; 82i; 82j; 82n; 82o; 82p; 83a; 83b; 83c; 83d; 83e; 83f; 83g; 83h; 83i; 83j; 83k; 83l; 83m; 83n; 83o; 83p; 84a; 84b; 84c; 84d; 84e; 84f; 84g; 84h; 84i; 84j; 84k; 84l; 84m; 84n; 84o; 84p; alberta

Theme Keywords: chemical properties; cretaceous; mineralogical characteristics; physical properties; till