Some Characteristics and Physical Properties of Alberta Tills

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.