This comprehensive reference on the fundamentals of regolith geoscience describes how regolith is developed from parental rocks and emphasises the importance of chemical, physical, water and biological processes in regolith formation. It provides details for mapping regolith landforms, as well as objective information on applications in mineral exploration and natural resource management. Regolith Science also provides a concise history of weathering through time in Australia. It includes previously unpublished information on elemental abundances in regolith materials along with detailed information on soil degradation processes such as acid sulfate soils. Written by experts in the field, Regolith Science summarises research carried out over a 13-year period within the Cooperative Research Centre for Landscape Environments and Mineral Exploration. This book will be a valuable resource for scientists and graduate/postgraduate students in geology, geography and soil science, professionals in the exploration industry and natural resources management. This paperback edition is a reprint of the original hardback published in October 2008.

A revised guide to the study and of soil and regolith thin sections A specialized system of terms and concepts must be used to accurately and effectively distinguish and name the microscopic features of soils and regoliths. With a comprehensive, consistent terminology at their disposal, researchers may compare, store and discuss new data easily and with less risk of error. The second edition of Guidelines for Analysis and Description of Soil and Regolith Thin Sections has been assembled to address this need, offering a practical system of analysis and description to those working with soil and regolith materials. This essential resource includes: An introduction to micromorphology and its practice Guidelines for the study of thin sections Sections covering the various microscopic features of soils and regoliths Illustrative graphics and colour micrographs Suggested description schemes and data presentation tips By providing an economical, navigable system for the study and documentation of soils and regoliths, Guidelines for Analysis and Description of Soil and Regolith Thin Sections, second edition, offers invaluable guidance for soil scientists, geologists, ecologists, archaeologists and all those concerned with micromorphology.

The only work to date to collect data gathered during the American and Soviet missions in an accessible and complete reference of current scientific and technical information about the Moon.

Providing fundamental discussion of regolith properties andchemistry, this book considers many landscape situations andfeatures, whilst linking process to position, geochemistry andtime. Presenting information from an Australian perspective itprovides new insights into the subject, which are developed awayfrom the yoke of traditional Northern Hemisphere ideas andconcepts. * Presents a new approach to the problems of understanding regolithgeology and landscapes * Presents the general aspects and principles of regolith * Chapters present views on landscapes and their evolution, thenature of minerals, the behaviour of water at a landscape level andthe exploration of water behaviour at various scales in regolithmaterials * Investigates methods of conveying information about regolith viamaps and in GIS packages

Interpretation of Micromorphological Features of Soils and Regoliths, Second Edition, provides researchers and students with a tool for interpreting features observed in soil thin sections and through submicroscopic studies. After an introduction and general overview, micromorphological aspects of regoliths (e.g., saprolites, transported materials) are highlighted, followed by a systematic and coherent discussion of the micromorphological expression of various pedogenic processes. The book is written by an international team of experts in the field, using a uniform set of concepts and terminology, making it a valuable interdisciplinary reference work. The following topics are treated: freeze-thaw features, redoximorphic features, calcareous and gypsiferous formations, textural features, spodic and oxic horizons, volcanic materials, organic matter, surface horizons, laterites, surface crusts, salt minerals, biogenic and pedogenic siliceous materials, other authigenic silicates, phosphates, sulphidic and sulphuric materials, and features related to faunal activity. The last chapters address anthropogenic features,archaeological materials and palaeosoils. - Updates the first exhaustive publication on interpretation of micromorphological features, with some new chapters and with a larger number of additional references - Covers related topics, making micromorphology more attractive and accessible for geomorphologists, archaeologists and quaternary geologists Includes thematic treatment of a range of soil micromorphology fields and broadens its applications - Features input from a multi-disciplinary team, ensuring thorough coverage of topics related to soil science, archaeology and geomorphology

The soils are fundamental to our existence, delivering water and nutrients to plants, that feed us. But they are in many ways in danger and their conservation is therefore a most important focus for science, governments and society as a whole. A team of world recognised researchers have prepared this first English edition based on the 16th European edition. • The precursors and the processes of soil development • The physical, biological and chemical properties of soils • Nutrients and Pollutants • The various soil classifications with the main focus on the World Reference Base for Soil Resources (WRB) • The most important soils and soil landscapes of the world • Soil Evaluation Techniques • Basic Principles of Soil Conservation Whoever works with soils needs this book.

Regolith is the layer of broken and unconsolidated rock and soil material that forms the surface of the land and covers the bedrock nearly everywhere. An understanding of its properties and structure is very important in topics such as groundwater supply, soil conservation and exploration efforts for economic materials. Regolith, Soils and Landforms is a manual for students, professionals and researchers concerned with the practical examination and analysis of earth surface materials in the field. The text describes many economic aspects of regolith studies, such as the formation of mineral deposits, the importance of weathering zones and how the chemistry of regolith affects human health. Presenting a new view of the geological history of the earth, it places emphasis on the formation and destruction of regolith materials and provides a challenge for established concepts in landscape evolution. It will be an essential text to a wide range of readership including students of Geology, Geomorphology, Geography, Agriculture and Engineering as well as professionals dealing with regolith in their own work.