Vertisols with Gilgai Microtopography: Classification and Parameters of Microtopography and Morphological Types of Soils (a Review)

Abstract

Data on clayey swelling soils with gilgai microtopography are systematized. Classifications of gilgai microtopography representing regularly alternating microhighs and microlows are discussed, and its geometric parameters under different landscape conditions are considered. Gilgai microtopography is developed within flat or slightly inclined elements of the mesorelief composed of swelling clays of different geneses. These materials are characterized by the high swelling–shrinking capacity upon wetting–drying cycles owing to the predominance of clay minerals of smectitic group. These processes are especially pronounced under conditions of the impeded surface drainage and contrasting of the wet seasons with strong soil moistening by atmospheric precipitation or surface water and the seasons with deep soil drying under the impact of physical evaporation and transpiration. The areas with gilgai microtopography have complex soil cover patterns composed of Vertisols and vertic soils. Their formation is related to lateral movements of solid material in the soil profiles and along the curved soil surface. The morphological types of soil complexes in such area are systematized.