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Genesis and Mineralogical Characteristics

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The Soils of Iceland

Part of the book series: World Soils Book Series ((WSBS))

Abstract

Soils of Iceland form in volcanic materials deposited by aeolian processes and as tephra deposited during volcanic eruptions. The surface is steadily rising, but the tephra materials weather readily to form clay minerals characteristic of volcanic areas: allophane of low Al/Si ratio, ferrihydrite and imogolite . High ferrihydrite contents result from high Fe in the parent materials. Each depth increment subsequently becomes buried under new aeolian and tephra materials, resulting in relatively little weathered horizons, but dependent on the rate of aeolian and tephra deposition. Poorly weathered materials with weathering fringes are dominant in the micromorphic fabric together with organic materials. Yet, the soils show strong andic soil character with high pH (NaF) and phosphorus retention . pH is moderately acid, depending on amount and weathering of aeolian/tephra materials. The soils accumulate organic matter, but the content per each depth increment is inversely related to amount of aeolian materials and depends on land use history (grazing , etc.) and drainage . Wetland soils are both andic and gleyic in nature, classified as Andosols near aeolian sources and volcanic systems , but further away, the organic content rises to Histic Andosols (>12 % C) with Histosols (>20 % C) in areas of low aeolian deposition. The allophane binds organic matter (higher pH), as does the formation of metal–humus complexes (low pH, high organic contents). Weathering of the poorly crystalline basaltic materials is very rapid, resulting in precipitation of Al, Si, and Fe, with rates that are among the highest on Earth. Restoration of desert Vitrisols results in rapid organic accumulation (up to 0.07 kg C m−2 year−1).

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Regarding punctuation and Icelandic characters in citations: See section on punctuation in the Preface

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Environmental Sciences, Agricultural University of Iceland, Borgarnes, Iceland

    Olafur Arnalds

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  1. Olafur Arnalds
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Arnalds, O. (2015). Genesis and Mineralogical Characteristics. In: The Soils of Iceland. World Soils Book Series. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-017-9621-7_9

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