The use of duricrusts and topographic relationships in geomorphological correlation: conclusions based in Australian experience

Though there are many possible pitfalls, duricrusted surfaces provide morphostratigraphic markers which are useful in preliminary extrapolation and correlation at the local and regional scales, especially if other factors, such as landscape evolution and topographic relationships, are also considered. Particular reference is made to ferruginous and siliceous cappings. Close stratigraphic dating of the duricrusts allows regional differentiation, but correlations are preferably intra- rather than inter-regional, and are at best general, and involve age-ranges rather than narrow time-frames. Problems broached include type of landscape development, the relation of surface and duricrusts, and the temporal equivalence of duricrust facies, i.e., duricrusts of similar chemical tendencies but contrasted morphology. The roles of duricrusts in relief inversion, surface preservation and climatic interpretation are also mentioned.