In this paper

mineral composition

microstructure

cementing materials

physico-chemical properties of marine soil are systematically investigated and chemical composition of sea water are analysed. Soil samples for this study are obtained from three areas: Weizhou Island

Hainan Island

Nansa Islands in South China Sea. Experimental results indicate that the mineral composition of marine soil mainly consists of ellite

chlorite

kaolinite and quartz

the cementing materials contains free oxides

carbonate and organic matter

the variety of microstructure is also revealed. The properties mentioned above would be the main causes of special engineering characters of marine soil.