A high-resolution micromorphological record of the Late Quaternary paleosols from Ganga–Yamuna interfluve: Stratigraphic and paleoclimatic implications

Abstract

This study reports the micromorphological record of a continuous set of samples from paleosol-bearing intervals of two subsurface cores of ∼50 m depth representing typical pedosedimentary sequences of the Ganga–Yamuna interfluve in the western Ganga Plains. Micromorphology (microstructures, rhizocretes, Fe–Mn features, pedogenic carbonate, illuvial clay coatings and relict pedofeatures) was used to characterize pedogenic processes in the 13 paleosols in the IITK core and the 10 paleosols in the Bhognipur core. Formation of these paleosols took place through incipient to moderate weathering on relatively stable surfaces of the Ganga–Yamuna interfluve over the last 100 ka. These paleosols range in character from simple ones having weakly developed pedofeatures to mature paleosols with strongly developed pedofeatures and are similar to modern Entisols, Inceptisols, Alfisols and Vertisols of the Ganga Plains.