Soil Genesis (Annotated References)

Pedology Context (Thiaumont)
    Clay Dominated
            Poorly Drained (low permeability)
    Formation
            Formed over shale and colluvial parent material
            Shallow bedrock
                     perched water tables
            
Soil Development Accelerant

Runge's energy model:  S = f(o,w.t)
Soil (S)
Intensity factor (w) (Water available for infiltration)
      Climate
           Duration and intensity of rainfall
      Relief
           Run-on/Runoff
                 Soil Permeability
           Organizing soil profiles (gravitational forces)
Organic Matter Production (o)
       Source of humus in soil (prevents weathering (melanization))
       Offsets w factor
Time (t)

Applicable to unconsolidated topsoil i.e. loess or till. Less applicable to coniferous forest

The Verdun landscape has a wide range of relief as a result of explosive munitions. This model will be helpful in explaining soil development within the cratered landscape.  Vegetative litter found at the bottom of the craters adds to the organic matter found within the soil (humus).  However, the dominant soil seen at Thiaumont Platform was clay rich, slowing the effectiveness of Runge's model. To be an effective accelerant of soil development, the environment must meet certain criteria. (1) The preexisting soils need to be permeable for a higher rate of water infiltration leading to horizonation (Schaetzl, Anderson, 2005)

Catena Concept
Soil transect running from the base to the top of a hill.
Provides informationon hillslope hydrology and shape, and stratigraphy.
Anthrosols (modified soils due to human activity)