Abstract
Macro- and micromorphological characteristics, as well as textural, chemical and mineralogical properties of a reddish brown Saalian till deposit, covered by a 50 cm aeolian sand layer, are discussed. Morphological observations show an interaction between pedogenetic processes and frost effects. The glacial origin of the till resulted in a very dense fabric. Mechanical action of ice lense growth has further enhanced this compaction. The occurrence of alternating freezing and thawing conditions was indicated by sorted platy structures. Superimposed on these frost effects, and therefore younger, are features of biological activity, brunification and clay illuviation. These originated from interglacial pedogenesis under more temperate conditions. The occurrence of an aeolian deposit on top of the till indicated a subsequent cold and dry period. Disrupted clay illuviation coatings in the 2Btg-horizon and the absence of these clay coatins in situ, in a network of frost cracks and sandy involutions in the 2Btg-horizon, provide evidence of more recent periglacial conditions. Silt- and impure clay coatings, dominantly present in frost cracks, are typical sorting and accumulation products due to micro erosion enhanced by snow meltwater under cold conditions. Surface water gley features like iron and manganese compounds overlay periglacial structures and clay illuviation, and are therefore younger. Ferrolysis occurring predominantly in the E horizon and in frost fissures, favoured textural heterogeneity of the soil.
Published Version
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