Saprolite
Saprolite (from
Greek σαπρος =putrid, + lite) is the name for a chemically
weathered rock. It is mostly soft or friable and commonly retains the structure of the parent rock since it is not transported, but
autochthonously formed in place. Besides resistant relic minerals of the parent rock, saprolites contain predominantly
quartz and a high percentage of
kaolinite with other
clay minerals which are formed by chemical decomposition of primary minerals, mainly
feldspars. More intense weathering conditions, exceeding the saprolite stage, give rise to a continuous transition to
laterite soils.
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saprolite
Noun
1. a deposit of clay and disintegrating rock that is found in its original place
(hypernym) earth, ground
Saprolite
A soft, clay-rich, thoroughly decomposed rock formed in place by chemical weathering of igneous or metamorphic rock. Forms in humid, tropical, or subtropical climates.
saprolite
Synonyms and related words:
aa, abyssal rock, basalt, bedrock, block lava, brash, breccia, conglomerate, crag, druid stone, festooned pahoehoe, gneiss, granite, igneous rock, lava, limestone, living rock, magma, mantlerock, metamorphic rock, monolith, pahoehoe, pillow lava, porphyry, pudding stone, regolith, rock, ropy lava, rubble, rubblestone, sandstone, sarsen, schist, scoria, scree, sedimentary rock, shelly pahoehoe, stone, talus, tufa, tuff
Source: Moby Thesaurus, which is part of the
Moby Project created by Grady Ward. In 1996 Grady Ward placed this thesaurus in the public domain.
saprolite
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