A tentative classification of paleoweathering formations based on geomorphological criteria

doi:10.1016/0169-555X(95)00087-L

Geomorphology

Volume 16, Issue 1, May 1996, Pages 87-102

https://doi.org/10.1016/0169-555X(95)00087-L Get rights and content

Abstract

A geomorphological classification is proposed that emphasizes the usefulness of paleoweathering records in any reconstruction of past landscapes. Four main paleoweathering records are recognized: 1. Paleoweathering formations buried beneath a sedimentary or volcanic cover. Most of them are saprolites, sometimes with preserved overlying soils. Ages range from Archean to late Cenozoic times; 2. Paleoweathering formations trapped in karst: some of them have buried pre-existent karst landforms, others have developed simultaneously with the subjacent karst; 3. Relict paleoweathering formations: although inherited, they belong to the present landscape. Some of them are indurated (duricrusts, silcretes, ferricretes,…); others are not and owe their preservation to a stable morphotectonic environment; 4. Polyphased weathering mantles: weathering has taken place in changing geochemical conditions.

After examples of each type are provided, the paper considers the relations between chemical weathering and landform development. The climatic significance of paleoweathering formations is discussed. Some remote morphogenic systems have no present equivalent. It is doubtful that chemical weathering alone might lead to widespread planation surfaces. Moreover, classical theories based on sea-level and rivers as the main factors of erosion are not really adequate to explain the observed landscapes.

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In this paper, we refer the term “saprolite” to the material derived from in situ weathering, originating from both physical disaggregation and chemical alteration, that retain the primary fabric and structure of the parent rock and is not transported (Becker, 1895, p. 289–291; Pavich, 1986; Stone and Baker, 1994). This type of weathering is typical of crystalline igneous rocks with a silicic composition, such as intrusive granite and effusive rhyolitic to trachytic lavas (Vidal Romaní and Twidale, 1998, 2010); it is favored by moderate topographic reliefs, and is indicative of warm and humid climate conditions (to tropical from temperate), and of relative tectonic and morphogenetic stability (Battiau-Queney, 1996). The paleoweathering unit recognized at Monte Amiata as a saprolite mantle developed indifferently above and at the expense of all silicic lavas of the older volcanic units (BAS) and was locally buried beneath the younger non-altered volcanic cover (MAS), forming a surface of discontinuity between these two recognized synthems.
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The less-efficient truncation of profiles above 1800 m is evidenced by gibbsite predominance and by remnants of alumino–ferruginous laterites, which represent the more-evolved and indurated parts of old lateritic profiles (Modenesi, 1980, 1983). All in all, the weathered mantle in the Campos do Jordão Plateau can be defined as a paleoweathering formation (Battiau-Queney, 1996) produced by climatic conditions different from the present ones. Analysis of saprolite materials indicates the presence of the same general lateritic trend of geochemical and mineralogical evolution during the entire process of mantle formation.
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A tentative classification of paleoweathering formations based on geomorphological criteria

Abstract

Contribution à l'étude géomorphologique du Massif Gallois

The pre-glacial evolution of Wales

Earth Surf. Process. Landforms

Alvéoles dans les grès-quartzites namuriens du Moel Garegog, Nord-est du Pays-de-Galles

Physio-Géo

Buried paleokarstic features in South Wales: examples from Vaynor and Cwar yr Ystrad quarries (near Merthyr Tydfil)

Tertiary inheritance in the present landscape of the British Isles

L'évolution géomorphologique du Piedmont appalachien et de la Plaine côtière, du New Jersey à la Géorgie. Essai de synthèse

Le Relief de la France; Coupes et Croquis

Pédogénèse et karstification dans le Carbonifère de Ballyegan (C°- Kerry, Irlande)

Characteristics and significance of pre-Wisconsinan saprolites in the northern Appalachians

Z. Geomorphol. N.F. Suppl.

Paléosols pré-glaciaires de la carrière de Ballyegan (C°- Kerry, Irlande)

Hommes et Terres du Nord

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Nature

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Ontario Geological Survey, Open File Report, 5751

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J. Geol.

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