Genesis and diagenesis of paleosols from Pliocene volcanics on the Golan Heights

Abstract

Pedogenesis and diagenesis of paleosols that are intercalated amid basalt flows of Late Pliocene age (∼ 3.7-3.1 m.y.B.P.) have been studied on the southwestern slopes of the Golan Heights. The data obtained suggest that environmental conditions resembled present-day ones, being characterized by a warm climate with seasonal moisture contrasts. All soils show evidence of redeposition as well as stratification of the parent material. On very low relief sites, vertisols with a large content of smectitic clay, influenced by aeolian deposition with a large content of smectic clay formed. Rubefaction took place, as well as clay translocation and possibly also carbonatisation. The burial of the soils by lava flows resulted in partial erosion and distinct fritting, indicated by compaction, cementation and hematization. After burial, various types of alteration affected the soils, such as clay illuviation, strong carbonatisation, and tectonic movements. Pedogenic features were preserved very well, but have subsequently been overprinted by diagenetic processes, especially carbonate precipitation. e4 14C ages of the carbonates indicate continuous rejuvenation by meteoric moisture. Persistence of smectite indicated that conditions affecting soil solution chemistry had not changed significantly since burial.