Soil development and mineral transformations along a one‐million‐year chronosequence on the Galápagos Islands

Soil development on the Galápagos Islands follows distinct paths depending on climate, with humid zones showing rapid transitions through early stages of pedogenesis. Research along a one-million-year chronosequence reveals that soils aged ≤4,300 years exhibit andic properties dominated by allophane and ferrihydrite, while older soils (≥26,000 years) transition to illitic–vermiculitic phases, eventually developing into Oxisol-like profiles. Dry zones, however, show less development, with Entisols at 26,000 years and Vertisols dominated by smectite at 813,000 years. This study highlights the divergent pedogenic processes in humid versus dry climates, offering insights into soil functioning and ecosystem evolution on this unique archipelago.

Candra, I. N., Gerzabek, M. H., Ottner, F., Wriessnig, K., Tintner, J., Schmidt, G., Rechberger, M. V., Rampazzo, N., & Zehetner, F. (2021). Soil development and mineral transformations along a one‐million‐year chronosequence on the Galápagos Islands. Soil Science Society of America Journal, 85(6), 2077–2099. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1002/saj2.20317