Silicate clay flocculation
Silicate clays are common weathering product, & are often carried into oceans by rivers
Often clay minerals are missing cations in their structure
Clays react chemically on encountering sea water, taking up Na+1 & K+1
Clay particles coagulate as a result of their sorption of Na+1 & K+1 & sink to the bottom
Entire process = chemical reaction + coagulation + sinking = flocculation
Flocculation removes masses of Na+1 & K+1