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Development rates of Late Quaternary soils, Silver Lake Playa, California

Soil Science Society of America Journal
By: , and 

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Abstract

Soils formed on alluvial fan deposits that range in age from about 35 000 to 200 yr BP near Silver Lake playa in the Mojave Desert permit study of the rates of soil development in an arid, hyperthermic climate. Field-described properties of soils were quantified and analyzed using a soil development index that combines properties and horizon thicknesses. Pedogenic CaCO3 (as indicated by color), pH increase, and dry consistence appear to change with age at linear rates, whereas rubification appears to change at a logarithmic rate. The linear rates are best attributed to the progressive accumulation of CaCO3- and salt-rich eolian dust derived from the playa and other mnore distant sources. The total-texture values of soils on fans older than 10 000 yr BP are similar, which suggests that playas in this area may have been wet enough to restrict the availability of fines from these sources for many thousands of years prior to 10 000 yr BP. Equations derived from regressions of soil age and properties can be used to estimate ages of undated, lithologically similar deposits in similar climates and geomorphic settings. -from Authors
Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Development rates of Late Quaternary soils, Silver Lake Playa, California
Series title Soil Science Society of America Journal
Volume 53
Issue 4
Year Published 1989
Language English
Larger Work Type Article
Larger Work Subtype Journal Article
Larger Work Title Soil Science Society of America Journal
First page 1127
Last page 1140
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