Soil Solids Laboratory

Abstract

The main part of the course is the investigation of real samples of soils/sediments in the lab working in groups. A brief theoretical introduction into the overall principle and the meaning of physical, mineralogical and chemical parameters of soils and sediments and into each analytical method for their investigation will be given in advance.

Objective

Upon successful completion of this course students are able to: - describe structural, mineralogical and chemical properties of the inorganic solid part of soils and sediments, - propose and apply different advanced methods and techniques to measure these properties, - critically assess the data and explain the relationships between them, - communicate the results in a scientific report. The competencies of process understanding, system understanding, concept development, and measurement methods are taught and assessed.

Content

Basic introduction to mineralogy and texture of soils Analytical techniques Practical exercises in sample preparation Measurement and evaluation of the data: - physical parameters (grain size distribution, surface, densities, porosity, (micro)structur) - mineralogical/geochemical parameters (quantitative mineralogical composition, thermal analysis, cation exchange etc.)

Resources