Clay minerals of peloids of the lake Sagan-Nur in the Tunka Valley as indicators of anaerobic conditions of lithogenetic processes

The results of the study of chemical, granulometric, and mineral compositions of sapropelic bottom silts from Sagan-Nur lake are presented in four cores of the layer as thick as 45 cm that overlies sandy lacustrine deposits. The silt is used as therapeutic mud (peloids). Clay minerals in sedimentary deposits are identified using X-ray diffraction analysis and scanning electron microscopy. Finely dispersed clay minerals of peloids are considered as indicators of anaerobic conditions of lithogenetic processes in the hypergenesis zone.