Clay deposits are accumulations of fine-grained, clay-sized minerals (typically <2 μm) formed through chemical weathering, hydrothermal alteration, or sedimentary processes and concentrated in specific stratigraphic or geomorphic settings. They consist predominantly of phyllosilicate minerals such as kaolinite, illite, smectite, and mixed-layer clays, whose composition reflects source rock mineralogy, climate, pH, redox conditions, and diagenetic history. As research topics, clay deposits are studied for their provenance, paleoclimatic significance, mechanical and rheological behavior, sorption and ion-exchange properties, role in hydrocarbon systems, and as raw materials in ceramics, barriers for waste isolation, and environmental remediation.
In this age of Mars rovers, questions about the planet's ancient past have shifted. A growing body of evidence supports the idea that Mars was once warm and wet. Now researchers are focused on the timeline of the red planet's ...
Planetary Sciences
Mar 1, 2026
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67
In the days since last week's fatal landslides at Mount Maunganui, there has been widespread discussion about what may have caused the slopes above the campground to fail, including the possible role of recent tree removal ...
Environment
Jan 28, 2026
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20
Deep in Iraq's southern desert, bulldozers and earthmovers spread layers of moist clay over sand dunes as part of a broader effort to fight increasingly frequent sandstorms.
Environment
Dec 28, 2025
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27
Recently, NASA revealed exciting details of new findings from Mars. Scientists have discovered tiny patterns of unusual minerals in the clay-rich rocks on the edge of Jezero Crater—an ancient lake once fed by Martian river ...
Astrobiology
Oct 6, 2025
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143
The planet Mars is home to thick layers of clay that can span hundreds of feet. Since they need water to form, these outcrops have long been of interest to scientists looking for signs of past life on the red planet.
Astrobiology
Jun 17, 2025
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97
In the future, quantum technology will become the standard for extremely fast computers. These kinds of machines will be important in everything from space technology to mineral exploration and the development of new medicines.
Condensed Matter
May 15, 2025
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107
Thousands of mounds and hills in Mars' barren northern plains are full of clay minerals, providing evidence that the rocks here were once soaked with water, a new study reveals. These mounds are all that is left of a landscape, ...
Planetary Sciences
Jan 20, 2025
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