Influence of relative surface age on hydraulic properties and infiltration on soils associated with desert pavements
Meadows DG, Young MH, McDonald EV. 2008. Influence of relative surface age on hydraulic properties and infiltration on soils associated with desert pavements. Catena. 72(1):169-178
Av horizons found in desert pavement environments are known to evolve pedogenically over geologic time. This study was conducted to determine whether increased pedogenic development of the Av (vesicular) horizon over relative time impacts the hydraulic properties of individual soil peds and the mechanism of infiltration as inferred by dye patters. The results suggest that infiltration through Av horizons evolves from a matrix-dominated process on the younger soils to a preferential flow-dominated process on older surfaces.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Meadows, Darren; Young, Michael; McDonald, Eric
- Units
- MOJA
- Keywords
- desert pavement, Hydrology, Mojave Desert, Mojave National Preserve, Pedogenic development, Preferential flow, Providence Mountains, Soil horizons, Soil peds, Soils