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Basal Mixing Zones in Loesses of Louisiana and Idaho: I. Identification and Characterization
Author(s) -
Schumacher B. A.,
Lewis G. C.,
Miller B. J.,
Day W. J.
Publication year - 1988
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/sssaj1988.03615995005200030028x
Subject(s) - loess , geology , alluvium , paleosol , quaternary , geomorphology , geochemistry , mineralogy , hydrology (agriculture) , paleontology , geotechnical engineering
The thickness and character of basal mixing zones in loess with different underlying materials and in different climates were studied in Louisiana and Idaho. Peoria loess in Louisiana is underlain by sandy braided stream deposits, clayey alluvium, and an older Sicily Island loess. In Idaho, materials underlying loess deposits include glacial till, basalt, Pliocene sediments, and a paleosol developed in loess. Multiple criteria, divided into primary and secondary indicators, were used in the identification of basal mixing zones. The primary indicators of basal mixing zones were field morphology and particle‐size distribution. Secondary indicators include total elemental analyses, clay mineralogy, CaCO 3 equivalence, exchangeable cations and soil reaction listed in order of decreasing sensitivity. In Louisiana, basal mixed zones varied in thickness from 61 to 124 cm while in Idaho, basal mixed zones were between 8 and 40 cm thick.