The relationship between hydrodynamic properties and weathering of soils derived from volcanic rocks,Galapagos Islands (Ecuador) |
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| Authors: | M Adelinet J Fortin N d’Ozouville S Violette |
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| Institution: | (1) Ecole Normale Supérieure, Laboratoire de Géologie, UMR 8538, Paris, France;(2) Université Pierre et Marie Curie, UMR 7619, Sisyphe, Paris, France |
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| Abstract: | The aim of this interdisciplinary study is to examine a component of the hydrological cycle in Galapagos by characterizing
soil properties. Nine soil profiles were sampled on two islands. Their physical and hydrodynamic properties were analyzed,
along with their mineralogical composition. Two groups of soils were identified, with major differences between them. The
first group consists of soils located in the highlands (>350 m a.s.l.), characterized by low hydraulic conductivity (<10−5 m s−1) and low porosity (<25%). These soils are thick (several meters) and homogeneous without coarse components. Their clay fraction
is considerable and dominated by gibbsite. The second group includes soils located in the low parts of the islands (<300 m
a.s.l.). These soils are characterized by high hydraulic conductivity (>10−3 m s−1) and high porosity (>35%). The structure of these soils is heterogeneous and includes coarse materials. The physical properties
of the soils are in good agreement with the variations of the rainfall according to the elevation, which appears as the main
factor controlling the soil development. The clayey alteration products constrain soils physical and hydrodynamic properties
by reducing the porosity and consequently the permeability and also by increasing water retention. |
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| Keywords: | Physical soil properties Hydraulic conductivity Mineralogical composition Galapagos Islands |
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