One perspective on spatial variability in geologic mapping
Links
- The Publications Warehouse does not have links to digital versions of this publication at this time
- Download citation as: RIS | Dublin Core
Abstract
This paper discusses some of the differences between geologic mapping and soil mapping, and how the resultant maps are interpreted. The role of spatial variability in geologic mapping is addressed only indirectly because in geologic mapping there have been few attempts at quantification of spatial differences. This is largely because geologic maps deal with temporal as well as spatial variability and consider time, age, and origin, as well as composition and geometry. Both soil scientists and geologists use spatial variability to delineate mappable units; however, the classification systems from which these mappable units are defined differ greatly. Mappable soil units are derived from systematic, well-defined, highly structured sets of taxonomic criteria; whereas mappable geologic units are based on a more arbitrary hierarchy of categories that integrate many features without strict values or definitions. Soil taxonomy is a sorting tool used to reduce heterogeneity between soil units. Thus at the series level, soils in any one series are relatively homogeneous because their range of properties is small and well-defined. Soil maps show the distribution of soils on the land surface. Within a map area, soils, which are often less than 2 m thick, show a direct correlation to topography and to active surface processes as well as to parent material.
| Publication type | Conference Paper |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Conference Paper |
| Title | One perspective on spatial variability in geologic mapping |
| ISBN | 0891187987 |
| Issue | 28 |
| Year Published | 1991 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | Publ by Soil Science Soc of America |
| Publisher location | Madison, WI, United States |
| Description | 14 p. |
| Larger Work Title | SSSA Special Publication (Soil Science Society of America) |
| First page | 25 |
| Last page | 38 |
| Conference Title | Spatial Variabilities of Soil and Landforms |
| Conference Location | Las Vegas, NV, USA |
| Conference Date | October 17, 1989 |
| Google Analytic Metrics | Metrics page |