ORIGIN OF THE RED SOILS IN THE BOLKARDAG REGION: PINARKAYA-KAYAONU CASE, (KARAMAN, TURKEY)

References: 12th International Multidisciplinary Scientific GeoConference, www.sgem.org, SGEM2012 Conference Proceedings/ ISSN 1314-2704, June 17-23, 2012, Vol. 4, 149 - 154 pp

ABSTRACT

Red Soils common in the areas with a Mediterranean climate are called as Terra Rossa.
These soils usually overlie hard calcareous bedrock of Taurus Mountain. However, the
genesis of these red soils has long been a matter of controversy. It is thought that rocks
surrounding such as schist and shale along with carbonate rock play an important role.
Red soil formation is common in the Bolkardag region between Pinarkaya-Kayaonu.
Stratigraphic review of the study area from older than younger is Dedekoy, Uctepeler
and Guzeller formation. Terra-Rossa can be easily distinguished between the spaces,
dissolution gaps, cracks and fissures on the Uctepeler formation which consists of
crystallized limestone, cherty limestone and oolitic limestone.
According to Geochemical analyses of Terra Rossa and statistical data, first the
dissolution of carbonate rocks occurred and then maturation of soil followed by
leaching. However, materials leached did not move from its environment. It can be seen
silicate minerals such as clay minerals, muscovite and quartz in the same material which
is mainly derived from the pelitic rocks such as schist and shale. As a result, Terra
Rossa soils can be thought as a mixture of products provided by the carbonate and
pelitic rocks.

Keywords: Red soil, terra rossa, Bolkardagi, Karaman, Turkey