The micromorphology of quaternary river terrace deposits in the Kennet Valley,Berkshire, England

Three groups of micromorphological features are recognized in the river terrace deposits of the Kennet Valley. These are orthic pedological features, orthic pedological features disrupted by cryoturbation, and transport-inherited features. Fluvial and solifluction processes account for the presence of the transport-inherited features. Used in conjunction with sedimentological and geomorphological investigations the distribution, composition, size, shape, and relative proportions of micromorphological features are helpful in separating pedogenically-altered materials from undisturbed sediments, and in recognizing the occurrence of more than one phase of soil development.