Scientific Lecture: “Clay Minerals from Field to Laboratory: A Chemical, Geological, Geomorphological, Economic, and Pedogenic Study”

As part of the Scientific Lecture and Seminar Series organized by the Department of Environmental Science and Natural Resources, a scientific lecture entitled “Clay Minerals from Field to Laboratory: A Chemical, Geological, Geomorphological, Economic, and Pedogenic Study” was held on Sunday, May 24, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.

The lecture was delivered by Dr. Ahmed Abdul Majeed Al-Sharif, Professor of Geomorphology and Soil Science in the Department.

The event was opened by the Head of the Department, Mr. Mustafa Al-Essawi, who welcomed the attendees, emphasized the importance of continuing such academic and scientific activities, and commended the lecturer’s efforts.

The lecturer presented the objectives of the session, highlighting the importance of clay minerals as one of the most significant natural resources, while pointing out the limited availability of specialized studies on these resources in the region. He encouraged graduation-project students, postgraduate students, and teaching assistants to consider this field among their research priorities.

The lecture provided a comprehensive overview covering fundamental concepts, the chemistry of primary and secondary clay minerals, and their classification. It also addressed the methodology used in clay-mineral studies, beginning with field sampling and laboratory preparation, followed by separation and chemical treatment processes, and concluding with sample preparation for X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis.

The lecture further examined the geological, geomorphological, and pedological processes involved in the formation of clay minerals. The lecturer explained how to interpret X-ray diffraction patterns and apply the relevant equations to identify different clay-mineral types and compare them with international standards.

The discussion also highlighted the industrial, agricultural, engineering, and pedological significance of clay minerals.

The lecture concluded with a presentation of the distribution of clay deposits on the geological map of the Tripoli Sheet, identifying the geological formations containing these minerals, particularly sedimentary rock formations, metamorphic and subvolcanic rocks, and volcanic ash deposits. Field photographs of Triassic and Jurassic deposits, as well as Pleistocene formations in the region, were also presented.

At the conclusion of the lecture, the speaker thanked the attendees. He was subsequently honored with a Certificate of Appreciation, prepared under the supervision of Quality Coordinator Ms. Amani Abdul Salam, in coordination with the Department Chair and the Research and Consultation Office.

The event reaffirmed the importance of such scientific activities in supporting academic development, enriching students’ knowledge, and contributing to the continuous improvement of the educational process at the Faculty.