Weathering and pedogenesis in the Sila Grande Massif (Calabria, South Italy): from field scale to micromorphology

Weathering and soil features in the upland landscapes developed on granitic terrains of the Sila Grande Massif (Calabria, South Italy) have been studied in this work. The attempt to link field scale and micromorphological observations in order to better understand the main weathering processes and their controlling factors is revealed to be very powerful. Six soil profiles in the area around the Cecita Lake, representative of different geomorphological units, were characterised by field work, optical microscopy and SEM-EDS analysis. A strong influence on weathering and pedogenesis by micro-scale features of primary minerals and parent rock fabrics is shown. Key roles are played also by relief, in the development and preservation or stripping of regolith + soil mantles in relation to natural and man-induced phenomena; by time, controlling rates and degree of development of the main weathering features; by climate, in terms of type and intensity of dominant processes.

Abstract Weathering and soil features in the upland landscapes developed on granitic terrains of the Sila Grande Massif (Calabria, South Italy) have been studied in this work. The attempt to link field scale and micromorphological observations in order to better understand the main weathering processes and their controlling factors is revealed to be very powerful. Six soil profiles in the area around the Cecita Lake, representative of different geomorphological units, were characterised by field work, optical microscopy and SEM-EDS analysis. A strong influence on weathering and pedogenesis by micro-scale features of primary minerals and parent rock fabrics is shown. Key roles are played also by relief, in the development and preservation or stripping of regolith + soil mantles in relation to natural and man-induced phenomena; by time, controlling rates and degree of development of the main weathering features; by climate, in terms of type and intensity of dominant processes.