Clay mineralogy of sediment core CRP-1

The assemblages are dominated by smectite, illite and chlorite. Kaolinite occurs in trace amounts only.

The lower part of the drillcore, below c. 70 mbsf, is characterised by high illite and chlorite, but low smectite concentrations. This assemblage is typical of a source consisting mainly of granitic and metamorphic rocks, such as are widespread in the Transantarctic Mountains and on the East Antarctic craton. In contrast, the upper c. 70 mbsf of the core is characterised by three intervals with high smectite, but low illite and chlorite concentrations at around 59, 45 and 33 mbsf.