Pedogenic heterogeneity
Definition
The variation in soil properties (colour, texture, mineralogy, chemistry) over short distances, arising from differences in parent rock, drainage, vegetation, land use, and time since formation. This heterogeneity is the forensic geologist's friend: it means that soil from different locations is often distinguishable.
Related terms
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- Cross-section sample
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- Persistence
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- Transfer efficiency
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Explained in
- Soil and Sediment as Trace EvidenceThe variation in soil properties (colour, texture, mineralogy, chemistry) over short distances, arising from differences in parent rock, drainage, vegetation,...