Quantification of chemical weathering and mass balance of soils developed on two different catena derived from granite and gneiss in denizli, turkey

Abstract

Features of pedogenic evolution were detected in mountain soils developed on two different catena from the Buldan horst (Denizli, Turkey). Mass-balance analysis was used to quantify elemental losses, gains and transformations for soil developed on Granite and Gneiss rocks. For these purpose geochemical features, elemental mass-balance change, some physicochemical properties were determined to compare the weathering rates of profiles. These soils are characterized as coarse textured with low organic matter content. Weathering indices such as Chemical Index of Alteration (CIA), Product Index (P), some geochemical rates (Eu/Eu, Ce/Ce, etc.) and other characteristics (physical, chemical, etc.) indicated some pedogenic evolution. These indices indicated that these soils developed have similar pedochemical activity. The dominant duration identified with mass-balance analysis include desilication and loss of bases. This analysis of calculations indicate that in extensive mineral weathering resulted in significant leaching losses of silicon, major base cations and aluminium. A very simple relationship between the site properties and elements losses could be found. This study imply that the rate of elemental massbalance changes is determined by factors influencing its leaching. The results show that the site conditions of soil development have a much greater influence on elemental leaching and weathering than parent material in the soils studied.