Question

Explain four characteristics of the laterite soil.name two regions where it is found in india.

Answer 1

Laterite is a soil and rock type rich in iron and aluminium, and is commonly considered to have formed in hot and wet tropical areas. Nearly all laterites are of rusty-red coloration, because of high iron oxide content. They develop by intensive and long-lasting weathering of the underlying parent rock. Tropical weathering (laterization) is a prolonged process of chemical weathering which produces a wide variety in the thickness, grade, chemistry and ore mineralogy of the resulting soils. The majority of the land area containing laterites is between the tropics of Cancer and Capricorn.

Answer 2

Brazil, W. Indies, tropical Africa, South India, forested warm temperate and tropical regions. These regions have alternate wet and dry period, and hot humid conditions.

Characteristics

1. Extreme form of red tropical soil type.

2. Leached of alkalis and silica.

3. Accumulation of sesquioxides in top layer.

4. Crust formation near the surface, nodular concretions, induration