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Geological Society, London, Special Publications; 2000; v. 171; p. 317-338;
DOI: 10.1144/GSL.SP.2000.171.01.23
© 2000 Geological Society of London

Volcanic soils: their nature and significance for archaeology

Peter James1, David Chester1 & Angus Duncan2

1 Department of Geography, University of Liverpool, P.O. Box 147, Liverpool L69 3BX, UK
2 Centre for Volcanic Studies, University of Luton, Luton LU1 3JU, UK

Whereas previous reviews of volcanic soils are biased in favour of those in tephra, the present paper examines the nature of weathering and pedogenesis in both tephra and lava. The classification of volcanic soils is discussed and examples are described of the response of pedogenesis to variations in climate, drainage, topography, vegetation and type and age of parent material. Archaeological implications considered include the distinctive properties of soils in tephra and the problems these may pose for laboratory analysis, evidence from buried soils, the ages of soils and their rates of development, and the fertility and erosion of volcanic soils.





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