Micromorphological features of soils formed on calcium carbonate\u2013rich slope deposits in the Polish Carpathians

Tomasz Zaleski,Joanna Beata Kowalska,Ryszard Mazurek

doi:10.1007/s11629-019-5829-5

Tomasz Zaleski, Joanna Beata Kowalska + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1007/s11629-019-5829-5

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Abstract

Seven soil profiles developed on calcium carbonate–rich slope deposits in the Polish Carpathians were studied in order to: i) determine the micromorphological features of heterogeneous soils formed in a carbonate depositional environment, and ii) track primary and secondary calcium carbonate forms and their distribution in such stratified soils. Three cases of soils with different arrangements of calcium carbonate were distinguished, controlled mostly by slope processes. For instance, the increasing content and random distribution of angular and subangular rock fragments found in the overall soil matrix and the irregular coarse: fine size limit suggested different intensities of accumulation and mixing of soil material transported along the slope. Slope processes, together with the calcium carbonate content, mineralogical characteristics and texture influenced the type and arrangement of the bfabric pattern. The calcium carbonate distribution within the soils, besides the obvious inheritance from parent material, was governed by the translocation and mixing of deposits on slopes. The climatic conditions prevailing in the area favour the development of secondary forms of calcium carbonate. However, only three of the seven studied profiles contained pedogenic forms of calcium carbonate, yet they were distributed randomly. The occurrence, distribution and preservation of secondary carbonates depended on the content of primary calcium carbonate and soil features such as texture. The transported material down the slope may indicate a very low content of primary calcium or lack thereof, hence its pedogenic forms could not be created.

Highlights

Soils located on slopes often exhibit a high level of heterogeneity and stratification within the solum
Based on morphological features and primary and secondary calcium carbonate content and their distribution (Table 2, Table 4), the soils under study were classified into three main groups indicating different calcium carbonate arrangements within the soil profiles
The groups were as follows: (1) lithogenic calcium carbonate was present in all horizons; (2) lowermost B and C horizons showed primary calcium carbonate; (3) slight or strong content of primary calcium carbonates present only in the C horizons

Summary

Introduction

Soils located on slopes often exhibit a high level of heterogeneity and stratification within the solum. The formation of such soils is usually driven by geomorphological activity, mostly slope processes of various durations and intensities (Alijani and Sarmandian 2014; Badía et al 2013; Kacprzak and Derkowski 2007; Kowalska et al 2017; Waroszewski et al 2013, 2015). The heterogeneity of soils developed from slope deposits can be seen in macroscopic observations of morphological features such as sudden changes within the grain size distribution (Kowalska et al 2017; Waroszewski et al 2013, 2015), the presence of rock fragments with different lithology, a significant change of. Even in the absence of macroscopic indications, the analyses of micromorphological features can give even more detailed insight (Bertran and Texier 1999; Mücher et al 2010)

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