Influences of eolian and pedogenic processes on the origin and evolution of desert pavements

Abstract

Research Article| June 01, 1987 Influences of eolian and pedogenic processes on the origin and evolution of desert pavements Leslie D. McFadden; Leslie D. McFadden 1Department of Geology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131 Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Stephen G. Wells; Stephen G. Wells 1Department of Geology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131 Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Michael J. Jercinovich Michael J. Jercinovich 1Department of Geology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131 Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Geology (1987) 15 (6): 504–508. https://doi.org/10.1130/0091-7613(1987)15<504:IOEAPP>2.0.CO;2 Article history first online: 02 Jun 2017 Cite View This Citation Add to Citation Manager Share Icon Share MailTo Twitter LinkedIn Tools Icon Tools Get Permissions Search Site Citation Leslie D. McFadden, Stephen G. Wells, Michael J. Jercinovich; Influences of eolian and pedogenic processes on the origin and evolution of desert pavements. Geology 1987;; 15 (6): 504–508. doi: https://doi.org/10.1130/0091-7613(1987)15<504:IOEAPP>2.0.CO;2 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Refmanager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentBy SocietyGeology Search Advanced Search Abstract Well-developed desert pavements are present above eolian deposits that mantle flows of the Cima volcanic field, located in the Mojave Desert, California. Soil-stratigraphic data and geochemical data demonstrate that eolian and pedogenic processes play major roles in the evolution of these pavements. Eolian dust (1) accelerates mechanical fragmentation of flow rock, providing the source material for pavements, and (2) accumulates slowly below basaltic colluvium in flow depressions, eventually promoting development of cumulate soils below the evolving stone pavement. An increase in dust flux during the Holocene has raised ancient Pleistocene pavements as much as 20 cm above the former land surface. The results of our studies demonstrate for the first time that most desert pavements do not form by deflation, by overland flow, or by upward migration of stones through a slowly formed, clayey argillic horizon. Desert pavements are born and maintained at the surface. This content is PDF only. Please click on the PDF icon to access. First Page Preview Close Modal You do not have access to this content, please speak to your institutional administrator if you feel you should have access.