The influence of slope aspect on soil weathering processes in the Springerville volcanic field, Arizona

A comparison was made between soils on north- and south-facing slopes of six cinder cones in the Springerville volcanic field (SVF), Arizona, in order to determine the influence of slope aspect on soil weathering processes. Twenty-four soil pedons were sampled on different aspects of six cinder cones. To control for the influence of slope on pedogenesis, all sample sites possessed slopes of 17±2°. Soil weathering processes were characterized by solum depth, texture, and Ca:Zr chemical weathering indices. Quartz and mica were used to identify eolian additions to the volcanic soils. Accelerated rates of weathering and soil development were found to occur in soils on south-facing slopes while no trend with aspect was found for eolian additions. Accelerated rates of weathering and soil development may influence cinder cone degradation and cone morphology.