Rational descriptive classification of duricrusts

Abstract

The term duricrust appears to be extending itself to include calcareous, gypseous, and saline crusts, in addition to crusts composed dominantly of silica and/or of sesquioxides of iron and aluminium, with or without significant contents of dioxides of manganese or titanium. This latter group can be distinguished as duricrusts proper. Its nomenclature is highly confused, and its classification, in writings in the English language, defective. The relevant problems can be resolved, at least in considerable part, by the introduction, adaptation, and extension of modern terms current in tropical pedology, to give a descriptive classification free of genetic implications. When content of SiO₂, Al₂O₃, and Fe₂O₃ is used as a primary basis for the classification of duricrusts proper, plots on a ternary diagram justify the recognition of seven named types in the fersiallitic range.