Genesis of the terrae rossae of the Sierra Gador (Andalusia, Spain)

Some aspects of the genesis of terrae rossae are still subject to controversy while others related to the genesis of the mineral fraction have been studied very little. We have studied four terrae rossae over limestone (two Chromic-Leptic Luvisols, a Rhodi-Leptic Luvisol and a Chromi-Leptic Cambisol) in Sierra Gador (Almeria, southern Spain), in particular the various formation processes by (i) examination of their morphological, analytical and mineralogical characteristics (including crystallochemical parameters of the mica), (ii) examination of the insoluble residue of the gravel and rock, (iii) scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of sand and silt grains, and (iv) examination of the geochemistry of the soil solution. We have investigated the autochthonous or allochthonous nature of the soil material (fine earth and gravel) in relation to the rocky substrate, concluding that both origins are possible. Our SEM study of the morphology of the quartz grains shows that some are insoluble residue and some are probably wind blown from desert and coastal sources. The micas in the fine earth fractions are inherited from the insoluble residue. Comparison of the crystallochemical parameters of micas in the insoluble residue and the soil clay shows that the clay has more Si-IV and (Fe, Mg)(VI) , and less Al-IV , Al-VI and x (layer charge) than the insoluble residue. It also has fewer polytypes 2M (1) and more 1M and has a smaller crystal size, especially in B horizons. The kaolinite is of varied origins including neoformation and inheritance from underlying rock. Some of the kaolinite and some mica has been blown in from elsewhere, probably from desert and coastal sources. The soils have undergone other typical processes of terrae rossae including dissolution of carbonate, illuviation of clay and iron oxides, and rubifaction.