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Sponge Spicules in Illinois Soils
Author(s) -
Jones Robert L.,
Beavers A. H.
Publication year - 1963
Publication title -
soil science society of america journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.836
H-Index - 168
eISSN - 1435-0661
pISSN - 0361-5995
DOI - 10.2136/sssaj1963.03615995002700040022x
Subject(s) - sponge spicule , loess , aeolian processes , silt , geology , fluvial , soil water , floodplain , geomorphology , soil science , ecology , paleontology , biology , structural basin
Examination of silt fractions of surface horizons of upland Illinois soils indicates that fragments of opaline freshwater sponge spicules are unusually common. Spicules also occur in various degrees of abundance in Peorian loess and are rare or absent in till. Size, state of preservation, and distribution of spicules indicates aeolian transport from floodplains. The presence of a thin mantle of recent loess covering most of Illinois deposited during a period when fluvial conditions were favorable for sponge growth is postulated.