Geography • Physical GeographyHard
In the study of soil micromorphology within the high-altitude hill tracts of the Western Ghats in Kerala, which pedogenic regime is primarily responsible for the genesis of deeply weathered lateritic profiles containing high concentrations of gibbsite and goethite?
A. Ferralitization driven by intense leaching of silica under alternating wet and dry tropical weathering conditions✓ Correct Answer
B. Calcification promoted by high evaporation rates in semi-arid environments with sparse vegetation cover
C. Podzolization occurring exclusively beneath cold coniferous forests with acidic needle litter accumulation
D. Gleization induced by permanent waterlogging and anaerobic reduction of iron compounds in lowland swamps
💡 Solution & Explanation
Ferralitization or lateritization occurs in tropical regions with high rainfall and temperature, where intense leaching removes soluble bases and silica, leaving behind insoluble oxides of iron and aluminium. Calcification is typical of dry grasslands rather than humid tropical mountains. Podzolization is characteristic of cold temperate taiga zones. Gleization forms hydromorphic gleysols in waterlogged valley bottoms rather than freely drained hill slopes. Laterites harden upon exposure to air and serve as traditional building stones in Kerala.
More Geography Physical Geography questions
- With reference to the adiabatic lapse rate in the atmosphere, why does the saturated adiabatic lapse rate…
- Which of the following is a classic example of an intrusive igneous landform that forms a dome-like shape by…
- Which type of volcanic eruption is characterized by highly viscous lava, explosive gas ejections, and the…
- Which coral reef structure develops as a narrow ribbon directly attached to or bordering the shoreline of an…
- Which of the following ocean floor relief features represents a steep-sided, narrow, and deep depression…