Soils of the Past

As a text on paleosols, this book applies the expertise of soil science to ancient sequences of non-marine rocks. It provides an interdisciplinary bridge between the interests of soil scientists, sedimentary geologists and paleontologists, outlining the methods for the study and interpretation of paleosols, and sketching the long geological history of life and landscapes on Earth. Written principally for the student, this provides basic information on how to recognize, map and name paleosols; soil-forming factors most readily and reliably interpreted from paleosols; and addresses the evolution of soils. The book should serve both as a course text and as a professional reference. It is aimed at students and researchers in sedimentary geology, paleontology and soil science; archaeologists, paleoanthropologists and prehistorians concerned with environmental reconstruction.