Abstract
Abstract Erosion generates large amounts of sediment, which may be deposited at the site of origin, on the slope of a hill, or along waterways. The transportability of each type of sediment by runoff and its potential for subsequent deposition largely depends on its morphological features and particle size distribution. The aim of this study is to describe and characterize the morphology and micromorphology of sediments deposited in a reforested area and to understand the dynamics of the transport process. In order to understand the sedimentation processes, the following analyses were performed: particle size distribution, with and without the use of a dispersant solution; statistical analysis of the sand fraction using Folk and Ward parameters; sediment and soil micromorphology; and two-dimensional distribution and geometry of soil horizons and sediments. The sedimentation occurred in a localized and discontinuous manner and in the lowest parts of the landscape. The sediments were generated by low intensity erosive events producing well-sorted sediments and the clay in these deposits was transported mainly in the form of silt-sized clay aggregates. Microscopic analysis of the sediments was important for clarifying the genesis and transport dynamics of the sedimentary deposits.
Highlights
Soil erosion is a process consisting of three phases: particle detachment from the soil mass, particle transport by erosive agents, and particle deposition (Sharma, 1996; Morgan, 2005)
Soils that exhibit high cohesion generate sediments partially consisting of primary particle aggregates, whereas low cohesion soils tend to produce sediments in the form of primary particles detached by the breakdown of the aggregates during the erosion process (Meyer et al, 1980)
The aim of this study is to describe and characterize the morphology of soils and sediments deposited in a reforested area, and to understand the associated dynamics of sediment transport and deposition
Summary
Soil erosion is a process consisting of three phases: particle detachment from the soil mass, particle transport by erosive agents, and particle deposition (Sharma, 1996; Morgan, 2005). (Young et al, 1987; Pimentel et al, 1995; Morgan, 2005) In view of these and other consequences, studies on sediment properties, such as particle size, mineralogy, texture, and grain orientation, are important since these characteristics are related to the physical and chemical factors of the depositional environment (van Lier and Vidal-Torrado, 1992). Particle size distribution of sediments is determined by the properties of the source material (soil, rock, etc.), landscape, and rainfall amount and intensity An analysis of this distribution elucidates the transport mechanism of these particles and their subsequent deposition in the lower compartments of the landscape (Harmon et al, 1989). Soils that exhibit high cohesion generate sediments partially consisting of primary particle aggregates, whereas low cohesion soils tend to produce sediments in the form of primary particles detached by the breakdown of the aggregates during the erosion process (Meyer et al, 1980)
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