Abstract

As part of the Critical Zone Exploration Network, the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez and Penn State University are in collaboration to collect and exchange data to be related to the Critical Zone studies.  Textural analysis of two hand dug profiles along with field description has shown that soils above shales in Lares, Puerto Rico are Ultisols with udic moisture regime and excessive development that has an iso-hyperthermic temperature regime. Dominant soils for both, eastern U.S. and west PR are Ultisols. This investigation shows that shale weathering progresses similarly in different climates since soils above shales in Puerto Rico (tropical climate) and soils above shales on Eastern US (template climate) behave similarly in terms of geochemistry. In both places, eastern US and western PR soils have a very low percentage of soluble cations like CaO and K2O and shows accumulation of sesquioxides.

Citation

Vázquez-Albelo, L. (2011): Critical Zone Studies of Shale Weathering in Lares, Puerto Rico. Bachelor of Science, University of Puerto Rico - Mayaguez.

This Paper/Book acknowledges NSF CZO grant support.