Regolith Geochemistry and Mineralogy Derived from Itabirite

The development of soils in tropical rain forest settings is driven by a plethora of factors including the nature of the bed rock. Soil development also involves the formation of new minerals, leaching and transportation of mobile elements while less mobile elements concentrate in place. This book explores the mineralogy and geochemistry of soils derived from magnetite and hematite rich rocks in the rain forest of southeastern Cameroon. Specifically, three surficial regimes - relict, erosional, depositional are investigated. The results are presented as georeferenced maps, mass balance calculations and X-ray patterns are succinctly explained and displayed. Modeled paths of primary mineral weathering are also included. Although the text is case specific, this book finds wider applications to other areas of the world where such iron-rich rocks abound and climatic conditions are similar such as South America and most of Asia. The text is written in clear and simple English to appeal to the non-specialist reader. It is a useful book for soil scientists, exploration geologist and environmentalist.