Development of a Non-Stochastic Process Model for Rock Weathering and Laterite Formation in Tropical Climates.

摘要

The objectives of this project were to: (1) identify those variables that are most important in the weathering of rocks under tropical climatic conditions and (2) to quantify the importance of these variables and identify those that more strongly affect any one particular rock type. The project called for the core sampling of soils developed on limestones,volcanic rocks and crystalline intrusives. At each sample location,observations were made on the thickness,type of bedrock,slope,relief,elevation,soil pH,rainfall (from records),water table position,etc. so that these variables could later be compared with information relating to soil chemistry and mineralogy. The data acquired from both field sampling and through literature search were subjected to both R and Q Mode Factor Analysis to determine the underlying structure of the data matrix and to identify the minimum number of factors necessary to describe the 107soil profiles used in this study.