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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Origin of mounds in the Pantanal wetlands: An integrated approach between geomorphology, pedogenesis, ecology and soil micromorphology

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Author(s):
de Oliveira Junior, Jairo Calderari ; Beirigo, Raphael Moreira ; Chiapini, Mariane ; do Nascimento, Alexandre Ferreira ; Couto, Eduardo Guimaraes ; Vidal-Torrado, Pablo
Total Authors: 6
Document type: Journal article
Source: PLoS One; v. 12, n. 7 JUL 12 2017.
Web of Science Citations: 3
Abstract

zVegetated mounds are an important geomorphological feature of the Pantanal, where the influence of floods dictates not only hydropedological processes, but also the distribution and ecology of the flora and fauna. This work aimed to identify factors and processes that influence the formation and spatial distribution of the mounds, which are commonly associated with termite activity. In order to characterize pedological processes, macro and micro morphological descriptions, satellite image interpretation, dating of the sandy sedimentary material using OSL and carbon dating using 14 C AMS were carried out. This dating of the materials indicates that the sediments in which the soils were formed were deposited during the Pleistocene, while the carbonates are from the Holocene. The basin- like format of the laminar structures suggests that part of the more clayey material was deposited in lacustrine environments. The more humid climate in the Holocene intensified argilluviation, which at an advanced stage, led to a more pronounced textural gradient, reducing drainage and leading to ferrolysis and thickening of the E horizon. Besides pedogenic processes, more erosive flooding during the Holocene began reducing and rounding the landscape's more elevated structures (paleolevees). In the final stage, these structures were occupied by termites to shelter from flooding. Thereafter, the bio-cementation action of the termite nests has increased the resistance of the vegetated mounds to processes of erosion. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 11/11905-9 - Spatial characterization and genesis of sodic soil in the region of Barão do Melgaço, Pantanal Mato-Grossense
Grantee:Jairo Calderari de Oliveira Junior
Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
FAPESP's process: 09/54372-0 - Soils of northern Pantanal: distribution, characterization, genesis, and current functioning
Grantee:Pablo Vidal Torrado
Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants