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The AAPG/Datapages Combined Publications Database

GCAGS Transactions

Abstract


Gulf Coast Association of Geological Societies Transactions
Vol. 28 (1978), Pages 201-214

Mineralogical and Physical Properties of Gulf Coast Limestone Soils

W. C. Isphording (1)

ABSTRACT

The weathering of limestones in the Gulf Coastal Plain has produced a residual weathering product about which little in the way of specific facts are known. Past practice has been to simply characterize this material as either "terra rosa" or "rendzina" and to assume that its development is controlled in the same manner as the formation of all other soils. Because limestones characteristically form in marine areas not receiving an abundant contribution of detrital materials, and because they are highly susceptible to chemical attack by meteoric and groundwaters, the weathering and accumulation of the insoluble residues which ultimately form the soils proceeds in a somewhat different manner and under controls not found for other types of bedrock.

This paper examines the mineralogical and physical properties of soils developed on limestones from two areas in the Gulf Coastal Plain (Yucatan and Alabama). For comparison purposes, profiles from northern Guatemala and the Cumberland Plateau of Tennessee are also discussed. Information is presented on similarities and differences in observed properties and the generic development of these soils is then examined.


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