Date Approved
2017
Degree Type
Open Access Senior Honors Thesis
Department or School
Geography and Geology
First Advisor
Christine M. Clark
Second Advisor
Steve LoDuca
Abstract
Volcanic ash begins to weather upon deposition, resulting in the in situ development of clay minerals in the glass pore spaces. Almquist (2011) established a classification scheme of weathering based on ash deposits in New Zealand using an SEM. We are examining volcanic ash collected from Mount St. Helens, New Zealand, and Cobble Cuesta of the Gabbs Valley Basin to broaden the classification scheme based on morphology and authigenic clay mineral composition. SEM and XRD analysis of the material were used to get a better understanding of the morphology and geochemistry of the weathering products. By broadening the weathering classification scheme, we can establish a useful tool for researchers to analyze weathering differences between sites and events.
Recommended Citation
O'Dowd, Conor, "Analysis of volcanic ash" (2017). Senior Honors Theses and Projects. 549.
https://commons.emich.edu/honors/549