Evolution of Soil Mineralogical Composition on Santa Cruz Island : Study of a soil toposequence in Galápagos

Study of the mineralogical evolution gives clue to how soils are formed within the specific conditions in a particular site. Different studies indicate that the major soil forming factors on the Santa Cruz Island are climate and parent material. However, presence of various land forms, depressions and ridges, unique micro climates will not allow ignoring the variation in soil properties along the toposequence. Since very few studies have been conducted in soils on Santa Cruz, much is unknown about the pedology of this island. Confirming the presence of volcanic ash as an important parent material at higher altitude zones and study of soil properties variation along the research toposequence will provide more insights into soil formation on Santa Cruz Island. Additionally, assessment for the fulfillment of requirements for andic properties of the Santa Cruz soils will help in classification the soils of the island correctly. In fact, the andic properties of the soils in Santa Cruz Island have never been confirmed by physico-chemical data. Overall, this research will contribute to the general understanding of the soils of Santa Cruz Island.