The predominant mineral responsible for shrinkage and swelling in black cotton soils is
A
illite
No worries! We‘ve got your back. Try BYJU‘S free classes today!
B
kaolinite
No worries! We‘ve got your back. Try BYJU‘S free classes today!
C
mica
No worries! We‘ve got your back. Try BYJU‘S free classes today!
D
montmorillonite
Right on! Give the BNAT exam to get a 100% scholarship for BYJUS courses
Open in App
Solution
The correct option is D montmorillonite (d)
Montmorillonites expand considerably more than other clays due to water penetrating the interlayer molecular spaces and concomitant adsorption. The amount of expansion is due largely to the type of exchangeable cation can result in the clay swelling to several times its original volume. Also the water content of montmorillonite is variable and it increases greatly in volume when it absorbs water.