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

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 inter pretation lying only in the three-dimensional coherence across "fundamental particles". Recent evidence suggests that there is coherence through smect ite layers. We thus consider that the fundamental particle model does not c ontribute to an understanding of I/S genesis.