Reconstructing Quaternary pedogenesis in a paleosol sequence in Hungary
摘要
In addition to field observations, mineralogical, chemical, and micromorphological analyses, and scanning electron microscope studies were conducted to reconstruct soil forming processes in a paleosol profile sequence located in an open-cast lignite mine in North Central Hungary (Visonta, pediment of the Mátra Mountains). Based on these investigations, several different, sometimes contradictory processes were identified: bioturbation on various scales, shrinking–swelling, leaching, CaCO3 and Fe-oxide precipitation, erosion, sedimentation, weathering, clay mineral transformation, clay illuviation, organic matter accumulations, reduction and oxidation, and frost action. Joint occurrence of these phenomena indicates environmental changes during the formation of the studied sequence. Many of these processes overlap and might have occurred several times. The presence of erosional surfaces makes it more difficult to establish the exact age of this complex formation. All observations suggest that sedimentation and soil formation on the Mátra pediment were not continuous during the Quaternary.