Hydrologic and Morphologic Implications of Anisotropy and Infiltration in Soil Profile Development

Abstract

Abstract The concept of anisotropy as a possible factor of soil formation is introduced and the hydrologic and morphologic implications of water infiltration are demonstrated. It is concluded that the magnitude and direction of downhill flux of infiltrating water will depend on the degree of anisotropy as well as on the land slope and its changes. This conclusion may explain in part the greater differentiation of horizons on flat lands than on sloping lands, and the gradual thinning out of the B horizon uphill as the slope increases.