A revised guide to the study and of soil and regolith thin sections

A specialized system of terms and concepts must be used to accurately and effectively distinguish and name the microscopic features of soils and regoliths. With a comprehensive, consistent terminology at their disposal, researchers may compare, store and discuss new data easily and with less risk of error. The second edition of Guidelines for Analysis and Description of Soil and Regolith Thin Sections has been assembled to address this need, offering a practical system of analysis and description to those working with soil and regolith materials.

This essential resource includes:

• An introduction to micromorphology and its practice
• Guidelines for the study of thin sections
• Sections covering the various microscopic features of soils and regoliths
• Illustrative graphics and colour micrographs
• Suggested description schemes and data presentation tips

By providing an economical, navigable system for the study and documentation of soils and regoliths, Guidelines for Analysis and Description of Soil and Regolith Thin Sections, second edition, offers invaluable guidance for soil scientists, geologists, ecologists, archaeologists and all those concerned with micromorphology.

George Stoops, a world expert on thin section analysis, presents the most up-to-date system of analysis and description of soil and regolith materials as seen in thin sections. Scientists and students from archaeology to pedology will appreciate the introduction of micromorphology, the thorough treatment of all features that may be encountered, and especially the convenient system to key out those features. Bulleted lists and set-off definitions make this book work well in class and as a lab reference.