Question

Podsolization and laterization describe processes of soil formation. Classify the following description of soils according to whether they apply to podsolization, laterization or both. -associated with tropical and subtropical climates?

a) Podsolization
b) Laterization
c) Both Podsolization and Laterization
d) Neither Podsolization nor Laterization

Answer 1

Laterization is the soil formation process associated with tropical and subtropical climates, due to high weathering from warm temperatures and plentiful rainfall.

Step-by-step explanation:

The process associated with tropical and subtropical climates is called laterization. Laterization refers to the intensive and prolonged weathering of soils in warm, humid regions, leading to the leaching of silicate minerals and the relative enrichment of iron and aluminium oxides.

It occurs because the warm temperatures and high rainfall in tropical and subtropical areas accelerate chemical weathering and leaching. This contrasts with podsolization, which is a process typical in cooler, moist climates of the northern latitudes and results in soils rich in organic matter and iron, showing a characteristic layering effect with different soil horizons, termed spodosols.