Evolution, current situation and geological implications of the "fundamental particle concept"

Abstract

The fundamental particle concept has evolved from its original formulation in order to take into account experimental evidence, in particular lattice fringe images and the polar character of I/S. This process has brought the concept closer to the traditional mixed-layer view, the difference in interpretation lying only in the tridimensional coherence across “fundamental particles”. Recent evidence suggests that there is coherence through smectite layers, given which we consider that the fundamental particle model does not contribute to the understanding of I/S genesis.