Loess

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-2004

Publication Title

Encyclopedia of Soils in the Environment

Abstract

Loess is a terrestrial deposit of eolian (wind-blown) dust composed predominantly of silt-sized particles. Most loess has been altered weakly to strongly by soil-forming processes as it has accumulated and its unique properties create highly fertile agricultural soils that are some of the most productive in the world. Loess covers large land areas, most often downwind of the meltwater streams of large Pleistocene glaciers, although loess is also found downwind of some large and small desert areas. Erosion of loess soils via wind and water can be severe and reduces crop productivity; however, the global redistribution of small amounts of fine dust by wind to areas of highly weathered and leached soils has recently been recognized as adding nutrients that allow these soils to sustain complex ecosystems throughout the world. Buried soil sequences within thick deposits of loess can be used to reconstruct the history of climate and ecological changes during the Pleistocene and Holocene Epochs, covering approximately the last 2.4 Ma of earth history.

Volume

4

First Page

364

Last Page

373

DOI

10.1016/B0-12-348530-4/00009-6

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