The soil development of Thiaumont platform may not necessarily be what is expected under the Runge model and Catena concept. This is mostly due to soil texture and the relatively short time span the soil has had to develop. For the Catena concept to show heterogeneous soil development, the soil texture must allow the potential energy caused by water traveling through the profile. Soil development is accelerated by a permeable soil texture which was not seen throughout my study area. Since the top soil consisted primarily of clay, there was little water traveling through the soil profile therefore many saturated crater bottoms were seen. Clay rich soil textures impede the leaching of water into the water table. This likely explains the little variation seen in the soils water content and temperature at each recorded position within the crater.
Another major factor in soil development is time. Having been only 100 years since the initial disturbance, it is expected that at least one inch of top soil has been created. However this estimate may likely be less than what is observed as a result of the accumulation of organic litter settling within the crater bottoms.
Although the results were not as I expected, the artillery disturbance of the landscape has undoubtedly caused a different process of evolution. Future studies may in fact provide more empirical evidence supporting my hypothesis. Certain limitations within my data collection process may be overcome by different techniques of analysis.
Further Research
Further research throughout the Verdun battlefield is necessary to conclude that the landscape is developing differently than in the pre-war environment. Perhaps a highly permeable study area will yield the results expected under Runge's energy model and the Catena concept.
Future researchers may find it beneficial to get ONF clearance to dig soil pits and examine the horizonation of the soil profiles. Since the soil profiles were essentially reset to day zero by the pedoturbation caused by explosive munitions, this method could clearly show how much the soils have developed since the initial disturbance. Another helpful piece of information would be knowing the location of the water table. The use of ground penetrating radar may provide valuable information in distinguishing whether or not saturated craters are at or near the water table or if soil texture is causing the retention of water.
The soils seen within the crater bottoms are also likely to be more acidic than at other locations due to the amount of tree litter. Recording the pH of each location may prove beneficial in determining how much this variable is impacting soil development.
Shortcomings
Throughout my research I ran into a number of difficulties. This brings me to the importance of thoroughly constructing a methodology report prior to conducting field research. This process helps with any contingencies that arise so they may be overcome by a deliberate course of action. Unfortunately, not all contingencies may be preemptively recognized and the integrity of the data will perhaps depend upon a quick, formulated decision.
A major shortcoming I ran into during the data collection and processing phase of my research was the difficulty in quantifying my data. I initially had the expectations of using various statistics in my data, however, when I attempted this process I learned that the elevation data from the Nomad GPS unit is too imprecise. In retrospect, my data would have been much more compelling had I taken soil recordings where each point of our micro-elevation data was collected.
Link to website:
http://geographyofthewesternfront.weebly.com/
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