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Dynamics of Evaporite Distribution in Soils on a Fan‐Playa Transect in the Carrizo Plain, California
Author(s) -
Eghbal M. K.,
Southard R. J.,
Whittig L. D.
Publication year - 1989
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/sssaj1989.03615995005300030044x
Subject(s) - transect , evaporite , halite , gypsum , soil water , geology , groundwater , soil horizon , mineralogy , geochemistry , soil science , sedimentary rock , oceanography , paleontology , geotechnical engineering
Investigation of the distribution and dynamics of evaporites along an alluvial fan‐playa transect in the Carrizo Plain, CA, shows that the overall salt concentration increases toward the center of the playa. Within profiles along the transect, the highest salt concentrations are found in the lower part of profiles. Sodium, K, Mg, Cl, and SO 4 concentrations increase along the transect toward Soda Lake. Calcium concentration, in the form of gypsum, is generally higher in profiles in the middle of the transect. Concentrations of Na, Ca, Mg, Cl, and SO 4 increase with depth in profiles away from Soda Lake as a function of a greater degree of leaching; higher concentrations of these ions are found toward the surface in profiles closer to Soda Lake due to capillary movement from the groundwater. Halite is the only mineral in the surface horizons. Gypsum is more common in lower horizons, closer to ground water, and is the common salt in soils farther away from Soda Lake. Other soluble evaporites, including halite, loeweite [Na 12 Mg 7 (SO 4 ) 13 · 15H 2 O], and bloedite [Na 2 Mg(SO 4 ) 2 · 4H 2 O], together with gypsum, are found in extracts of soils near Soda Lake. A seasonal influence on the anion and cation distribution generally is noticeable only in soils with intermediate salt concentrations. Higher concentrations of anions and cations are found following the dry season. The orderly differences in anion and cation concentrations within most of the profiles and along the transect reflect the well established differences in solubility of the different salts.