23. Quaternary Period
2.6 Million Years Ago
Soil Formation, Sea Level Change
Quaternary 2.6 Mya - Name used for sediments younger than “Tertiary” in France’s Seine Basin
Soil Formation - cobalt in the congo
Weathering of Granite - the primary minerals of granite include feldspars, micas and quartz. When orthoclase feldspar (KALSi3O8) undergoes weathering a portion of potassium (K) and silica (SiO2) dissolve into solution leaving a potassium bearing clay minerals. When plagioclase feldspar (Na,Ca)Al1-2Si3-2O8) is weathered some sodium (Na), calcium (Ca) and silica (SiO2) leaving clay minerals. The micas (muscovite and biotite)
Importance of Air-Rock interface. Nitrogen from the air bonds with weathering minerals.
Zonal soil types refer to the types of soils that are formed in a particular climate or biogeographical zone. These soil types are influenced by factors such as temperature, precipitation, vegetation, and topography, which vary across different regions of the world.
The main zonal soil types are:
Tropical soils: These soils are found in hot and humid regions, such as rainforests, and are characterized by high levels of rainfall and temperature. They tend to be nutrient-poor due to rapid decomposition of organic matter, and often have a reddish color due to the presence of iron oxides.
Desert soils: These soils are found in arid regions with little rainfall and high temperatures. They are often sandy or rocky, with low organic matter content and limited water-holding capacity.
Grassland soils: These soils are found in temperate grassland regions, such as the prairies of North America. They tend to be deep and fertile, with a high percentage of organic matter, and are often used for agricultural purposes.
Forest soils: These soils are found in temperate and tropical forest regions, and are characterized by high levels of rainfall and organic matter. They are often acidic due to the presence of organic acids and have a high capacity to hold water.
Tundra soils: These soils are found in high-latitude regions with short growing seasons and cold temperatures. They are often thin and nutrient-poor, with low organic matter content.
Mediterranean soils: These soils are found in regions with a Mediterranean climate, characterized by dry summers and mild, wet winters. They tend to be nutrient-poor and have a high percentage of sand, with low water-holding capacity.
Alpine soils: These soils are found in high-altitude regions with cold temperatures and short growing seasons. They are often thin and rocky, with low organic matter content and limited nutrient availability.
Podzol soils: These soils are found in regions with a cool and humid climate, such as northern Europe and Canada. They are characterized by a distinctive layering pattern, with a dark organic layer on top of a lighter-colored mineral layer. They are often acidic and nutrient-poor.
Vertisols: These soils are found in regions with a tropical or subtropical climate and are characterized by a high content of clay minerals. They are known for their ability to swell and shrink with changes in moisture, which can cause problems for construction and agriculture.
Andisols: These soils are found in volcanic regions and are characterized by a high content of volcanic ash and other volcanic materials. They tend to be nutrient-rich and have a high water-holding capacity, but can be unstable due to their loose structure.