Soil Formation and Development on the Carboniferous Limestone of Derbyshire. I. Parent Materials

Abstract

Superficial deposits of loam and chert-gravel on the limestone plateau of Derbyshire are demonstrated to consist of loess mixed with limestone residue. In a few localities, loess overlies older and more intensively weathered deposits which are sometimes derived from Trias. The underlying limestone surface is deeply weathered and it is suggested that the depth of insoluble limestone residue can only be explained on the assumption that it is partly the product of interglacial weathering. The absence of bare limestone surfaces ("limestone pavements") in Derbyshire is a consequence of the area lying outside the limit of the last glaciation.