Classification of man made strata for assessment of geopollution

Abstract

Patterns and rates of deposition, migration and retention of pollutants in man-made strata depend on the depositional history and physical and chemical characteristics of the constituent materials. A sound understanding of the spatial and chronological relationships of materials is required for effective evaluation of solid, liquid and gaseous geo-pollution and design and understanding and interpretation of investigations of potentially contaminated land. Description of materials and boundaries requires clear terminology. A proposed terminology has been developed based on experience from a variety of sites in Japan including the experimental infilling of an old quarry. The terminology is commended for further discussion.