Title	Classification of paleosols
Publication Type	Journal Article
Year of Publication	1993
Authors	Mack GH, James CW, Monger CH
Journal	Geological Society of America Bulletin
Volume	105
Pagination	129-136
Date Published	1993
Call Number	00639
Keywords	article, articles, geomorphology, paleosols, journal, journals, paleosols, classification, soil, paleosols
Abstract	Despite increased interest in paleosols during the past decade, no satisfactory classification is in current use. Presented here is a largely descriptive classification system that utilizes those pedogenic features that have the highest perservation potential in the rock record. Emphasized in the classification are morphological and mineralogical features that are easily recognizable in the field and through the petrographic microscope. The classification is based on evaluation of the relative prominence in a plaeosol of six pedogenic features or processes: organic matter content, horizonation, redox conditions, in situ mineral alteration, illuviation of unsoluble minerals/compounds, and accumulation of soluable minerals. The most prominent of these six features/processes provides the key to classifying a paleosol into one of nine orders. Four of the order names are borrowed from Soil Taxonomy (Histosol, Spodosol, Oxisol, Vertisol), whereas the other five order names ore presented here for the first time (Calcisol, Gypsisol, Gleysol, Argillisol, Protosol). The orders may be preceded by one or more subordinate modifiers that describe other important features of the paleosol. The classification is relatively easy to apply to the rock record and should enhance communication and aid in the standardization of terminology.