Recent work on Quaternary paleosols in Britain

Abstract

Abstract Apart from observations of isolated exposures of buried paleosols, most of the early paleopedological work in Britain was concerned with surface (non-buried) paleosols, principally the paleo-argillic soils of the current system of soil classification for England and Wales. Within the last 20 years more extensive buried interglacial soils have been discovered in parts of East Anglia and the Lake District. Those on a sequence of buried pre-Anglian terraces of the proto-Thames in East Anglia strongly resemble the surface paleo-argillic soils. Comparison of the two would show whether the paleo-argillic soils should be subdivided in any way, and could clarify diagenetic processes affecting buried soils and the extent to which early soil features are lost by continuing pedogenesis. Buried arctic structure soils were formed in many different periods, including the Dimlington and Loch Lomond Stadials of the Late Devensian (since 26,000 BP). If these can be correlated with the frost features that occur widely in paleo-argillic and other surface soils, they will also clarify the pedogenetic histories and improve the classification of British surface soils. Buried Late Devensian interstadial soils are also widespread, and provide evidence for the ecological effects of the rapid climatic changes occurring (between 13,000 and 10,000 BP). Those exposed in recent excavations related to the Channel Tunnel provide the first evidence for clay illuviation at this time in Britain.