Effect of north and south exposure on weathering rates and clay mineral formation in alpine soils

Auteurs :
EGLI, M.
MIRABELLA, A.
SARTORI, G.
ZANELLI, R.
BISCHOF, S.

Description :
A comparison was made between 2 soil climosequences on north- and south-facing slopes in northern Italy to determine the influence of slope aspect on soil processes. The climosequences span an elevational gradient ranging from moderate to high alpine climate zones on surfaces having an age of about 15 000 years. The degree of chemical weathering increases from the south to the north-facing sites that are characterised by lower temperatures, lower evapotranspiration and consequently by a higher humidity. Although precipitation in Alpine regions is abundant, the availability and flux of water through the soil is the prime factor of weathering intensity.


Type de document :
Article de périodique

Source :
Catena (Giessen), issn : 0341-8162, 2006, vol. 67, n°. 3, p. 155-174, nombre de pages : 20, Collation : Illustration, Références bibliographiques : 85 ref.

Date :
2006

Editeur :
Pays édition : Allemagne, Cremlingen-Destedt, Catena