Impact of sedimentary processes and paleopedogenesis on Holocene Luvisol formation

Abstract

stacking of periglacial layers: A differentiation of eluvial (E-) and illuvial (Bt-) horizon is already developed within the upper layer. The intermediate layer carries the main argillic horizon of those profi les whereas the within the upper layer. The intermediate layer carries the main argillic horizon of those profi les whereas the basal layer is only marginally affected by soil formation. By the help of soil micromorphology it was possible basal layer is only marginally affected by soil formation. By the help of soil micromorphology it was possible to identify numerous fragments of paleosol material within the intermediate layer (2Bt-horizon) accountto identify numerous fragments of paleosol material within the intermediate layer (2Bt-horizon) accounting for large proportions of the total clay content of this horizon. While the formation of the upper layer, ing for large proportions of the total clay content of this horizon. While the formation of the upper layer, parts of the intermediate layer were reworked and incorporated into the newly formed slope deposit. As a parts of the intermediate layer were reworked and incorporated into the newly formed slope deposit. As a result, the lower part of the upper and the whole intermediate layer contained large amounts of clay before result, the lower part of the upper and the whole intermediate layer contained large amounts of clay before the onset of Holocene pedogenesis. Recent lessivation, evidenced by undisturbed clay illuviations, affected the onset of Holocene pedogenesis. Recent lessivation, evidenced by undisturbed clay illuviations, affected the profi le. Consequently this soil formation masks prior differences in clay content due to included paleosol the profi le. Consequently this soil formation masks prior differences in clay content due to included paleosol material. Soil formation is dominated by the paleosol remnants and therefore elucidates the impact of late material. Soil formation is dominated by the paleosol remnants and therefore elucidates the impact of late glacial conditions on Holocene soils. glacial conditions on Holocene soils. Besides, a Luvisol was identifi ed which was not formed in periglacial slope deposits but in Holocene colBesides, a Luvisol was identifi ed which was not formed in periglacial slope deposits but in Holocene colluvium. In this case paleosol remnants were totally absent. Hence, a precise reconstruction of Luvisol-genesis luvium. In this case paleosol remnants were totally absent. Hence, a precise reconstruction of Luvisol-genesis is enormously improved by micromorphological analyses. is enormously improved by micromorphological analyses.