Regolith Science - From Interpreting Fossils to Watching it Happen - A Proposal
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Abstract:
Regolith dating clearly shows that most of the weathering profiles found on the Australian continent have existed since the Tertiary. This is a fundamental problem for determining and understanding the processes that may have contributed to weathering profile formation because it introduces the possibility that the profiles being studied are fossils, preserved remnants of once more active systems. Even in tropical climates, which have long been advocated as the environments most likely to be responsible for 'laterite' formation, the possible antiquity of the weathering profiles (e.g. Twidale 1994, Nott 1994 and Dammer et al. 1996) could make it difficult to distinguish between what are products of current weathering processes and what are products of weathering that has occurred in the past.Keywords:
Regolith
Laterite
Soil production function
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Introduction The importance of rock weathering is equally great, whether viewed from the purely scientific or from the economic standpoint. As the initial step in the processes of subaerial denudation and subsequent deposition and in other relations, weathering demands the most serious consideration of geologists ; while for a rational study of soils and of building stones, as well as for a thorough understanding of the conditions presented in the superficial portions of ore deposits, a knowledge of the principles of weathering is indispensable. This is exemplified by, to cite only a few instances, such papers as those of Pumpelly,* Reade,† Chamberlin and Salisbury,‡ and Russell.§ on the one hand, and of Shaler,* Hilgard,† and Penrose,‡ on the other. A decided impetus has recently been given to the study of weathering in general, both as to the processes involved and the results attained, by Dr G. P. Merrill’s admirable series . . .
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_L ~ATERITES and lateritic soils sparked what probably has become the longest and most obfuscating discussion in the history of earth science. Sources'of the confusion surrounding the word laterite can be identified in terms of two general problems with past research.1 The all-important problem has been the general failure to develop a functional definitional framework for laterite. Agronomists, geologists, geomorphologists, and pedologists have applied the term specifically to variably cemented, sesquioxide-rich soil horizons. It has also been widely used to describe any soil profile that contains such a horizon and has even been applied indiscriminately to any reddish colored soil or sediment at or near the earth's surface.2 In addition, assorted mineralogical definitions have been used, particularly by soil scientists. It is unclear whether any or all of these definitions should be considered correct. The definitional problem has been compounded by the different genetic explanations that have been provided for all possible definitions. The second problem with past laterite research has been the general lack of concern for recognition and dating of laterite-like paleosols, which reflect past rather than contemporary weathering conditions. Even when laterites have been identified according to an acceptable definition, they have often been uncritically ascribed contemporary formation in the environment in which they are now found. It is frequently not appreciated that a surficial sediment or weathering profile may be a relict of past environmental settings yet serves in an only slightly modified fashion as the substrate for the modern vegetation cover.3 Furthermore, when laterites have indeed been identified as fossil, dating has generally proved to be difficult. Laterites
Laterite
Cape
Paleosol
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