Topographical influence on pedogenesis – Insights from Rock Magnetism

Topography being a pedogenic factor influences the physico-chemical and biological properties of soil profiles. Besides, magnetic characteristics profiles may also be varied, as iron minerals in soils are strongly redox sensitive. However, hardly any study has been reported from topographic implication on to date. Hence, present aims delineate influence topography in-situ developed hill by studying their rock properties. Two each, formed at different altitudes two hills named Doddabathi Siddeshwara (14.58° N; 75.66° E) with peak ~650 m above mean sea level (AMSL) Elimale (12.5° 75.5° ~200 AMSL were chosen for investigation. Rock measurements carried out samples; Magnetism is geophysical technique applied environmental samples such rocks, soils, dust sediments determining intrinsic namely, susceptibility, anhysteretic remanent magnetization isothermal magnetisation. These result concentration, mineralogy grain-size that unique every condition. determination leads corresponding set-up which formed. Particle size organic matter content estimated support interpretation. Based investigation it was concluded indeed influenced hills, irrespective rainfall content. Both depletion mineral concentration coarsening grains towards profile-top observed all profiles; this indicates effect erosion. The decrease hill-top determined dominantly due removal finer minerals. Whereas lowered hill-bottom attributed mixing bulk materials eroded higher elevations. Meanwhile, greater difference than combined slope-angle lateral-distance between respective -bottom Thus, exploring applicability magnetism address spatial-spread topography, confirms suitability used proxy same.