Physiography of coastal sediments and development of potential soil acidity

L.J. Pons*, N. Van Breemen, P.M. Driessen

*Corresponding author for this work

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterAcademicpeer-review

    41 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    Potentially acid sedimentary material contains pyrite in excess of acid-neutralizing substances. Formation of such material requires (1) ingredients for pyrite formation (sulfate, sulfate reducers, organic matter, iron, and anaeroby alternating with limited aeration), (2) low contents of acid-neutralizing substances, and (3) removal of dissolved alkalinity formed during sulfate reduction. Intertidal environments with mangroves or reeds are particularly favorable for pyritization of ferric iron. Highest pyrite contents build up where tidal flushing is strong. Rapid rises in relative sea level, as after the last glaciation, caused deposition of extensive, thick and highly pyritic sediments (examples: interior parts of the Chao Phraya, Mekong and Orinoco deltas, parts of Sumatra, old sea clay of Holland). After stabilization of the sea level, some 5,000 years B.P., pyrite contents remained low where high rates of sedimentation and coastal accretion caused a rapid shift of the intertidal zone (Irrawaddy and Mekong deltas, Guyana coast). High pyrite contents in the most recent sediments are associated with low sedimentation rates (e.g., along the Saigon, Niger, and Gambia rivers), or with a high density of tidal creeks. In humid climates very low sedimentation rates result in the formation of pyritic peaty material on top of older pyritic clay (Niger delta, western Netherlands).

    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationAcid Sulfate Weathering
    EditorsJ.A. Kittrick, D.S. Fanning, L.R. Hossner
    PublisherWiley
    Chapter1
    Pages1-18
    Number of pages18
    ISBN (Electronic)9780891189053
    ISBN (Print)9780891187691
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 1982

    Keywords

    • Coastal sediments
    • Pyrite
    • Soil acidity
    • Southeast Asia
    • Sulfate
    • Western Europe

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'Physiography of coastal sediments and development of potential soil acidity'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this