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Letter RGeology glossary

Residual Soil

Residual soil is soil that forms in place from the weathering of the underlying rock, without significant transport. These soils are important for understanding weathering processes, soil formation, and landscape development, particularly in regions with stable tectonic conditions.

Eroded soil cliff with exposed tree roots (residual soil)
Fig. 1 Eroded soil cliff with exposed tree roots (residual soil)

Source Retallack, G. J. (2001). “Soils of the Past: An Introduction to Paleopedology.” Wiley-Blackwell.

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