Abstract
Twenty-two samples of till representing Ck horizons of soils with very similar morphologies were investigated in west-central Alberta in order to determine the validity for their separation into four separate soil series on the basis of parent material characteristics. Physical, chemical and mineralogical analyses were conducted in order to characterize the tills and determine differences in their lithology, texture and geochemistry. The data were statistically evaluated using Duncan's new multiple range test. The data indicate that the four tills investigated are statistically separable on the basis of their analytical differences. The Lobley till is characterized by a higher limestone content and higher calcium carbonate equivalent than the other three tills. Amphibole minerals and high grade metamorphic and igneous pebbles were absent in the Lobley till. A greater quantity of total sand, coarse sand and amphiboles permits the separation of the Cooking Lake till from the other three tills. The Hubalta and Breton tills were found to be somewhat similar in many of their characteristics. However, the Breton till is coarser in texture and contains a greater montmorillonitic component in the clay fraction.
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