Magnetic parameters of forest top soils in Krkonose Mountains, Czech Republic

Magnetic properties of vertical profiles, of forest soils (podzols, cambisols, peat bogs) in Krkonose (Giant Mountains) National Park are reported. Values of low-field magnetic susceptibility were obtained by detailed in-situ measurements using a field probe. Thermomagnetic analysis, acquisition of remanent magnetization, alternating field demagnetization of saturation remanence, and further magnetic characteristics, such as frequency-dependent magnetic susceptibility and coercive parameters for individual soil subhorizons were acquired in laboratory, The uppermost layer, which is dominated by magnetically, soft magnetite, most probably of anthropogenic origin, can be reliably identified in the soil profiles over the whole region in concern. Subsoil horizons are characterised by significantly different magnetic properties. Our results suggest that magnetic mapping can be beneficially used also in areas with comparatively low pollution impact. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.