Constraining the effect of climate and rock porosity on weathering extent in the volcanic island of Santa Cruz (Galapagos, Ecuador)

Abstract:

Tropical volcanic islands are global hotspots of chemical weathering. Understanding weathering processes in volcanic soils is important to constrain ecosystem processes and to manage and restore landscapes. Few quantitative data exist on geomorphic processes in pristine volcanic ecosystems, as most volcanic ecosystems are prone to intensive land use and management. We work in the Galapagos Islands, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and an emblem of a pristine ecosystem. Our 10 monitoring sites on the island of Santa Cruz cover a~ 10 km long NW-SE stretch with a 10 fold increase in precipitation rates. At five elevation sites along the transect, we monitor two sites: one that is developed on a basaltic lava flow and another one that is developed on a basaltic scoria cone. By controlling for the age and composition of the basaltic parent material, we focused on the unique natural soil-landscapes that …

Año de publicación:

2021

Keywords:

Fuente:

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