Genesis solonetzic soils in relation to hydrogeology in southern Saskatchewan
Date
1987-04
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
ORCID
Type
Degree Level
Masters
Abstract
Factors governing the evolution of solonetzic soils in
Saskatchewan are largely unknown. Existing literature
indicated that sodium may accumulate in solonetzic soils from
either present groundwater conditions (hydromorphic), past
groundwater conditions (paleohydromorphic), or saline parent
materials (lithogenic).
Part one of the objectives was to investigate and
determine the hydrogeology in relation to the genesis of
solonetzic soils at one site in southern Saskatchewan. An
intensive hydrogeological investigation was conducted near
Assiniboia, Saskatchewan. Groundwater chemistry, groundwater
flow, depth to watertable, and chemistry of geologic strata
were studied.
Six pedological sites were identified; Orthic Brown soils
(site 1 and 4) were found on upper slopes, Alkaline Solonetz
soils (sites 3 and 6) on lower slopes, and Brown Solodized
Solonetz (site 2) and Brown Solonetz soils (site 5) on mid to
lower slopes. Two geologic cross sections were completed and
a nest of piezometers and an observation well was installed at
each site.
The Orthic Brown soil, at site 1, occurred in a
groundwater recharge area while the Alkaline Solonetz soil, at
site 3, occurred in a groundwater discharge area. Brown
Solodized Solonetz (site 2), Orthic Brown (site 4), Brown
Solonetz (site 5), and Alkaline Solonetz (site 6) soils
occurred in areas of seasonal groundwater recharge and
discharge.
Part two of the objectives was to document the
hydrogeology, from existing data, for selected solonetzic
areas south of Township 40. The Hanley, Central Butte,
Radville, Consul, and Kindersley solonetzic areas were chosen
and topographical, pedological, geological and hydrological
data were examined. A "most probable" theory of sodium
accumulation in the solonetzic areas was discussed.
The origin of sodium from discharging saline groundwater
(hydromorphic) probably occurred in the Saskatchewan Rivers
Plain (between the Allan and Hawarden Hills Uplands), along
eastern portions of the Central Butte Plain, along the eastern
edge of the Missouri Coteau (near Radville) and along both
sides of the Souris River in the Souris River Plain (near
Radville).
The origin of sodium from past groundwater discharge
(paleohydromorphic) probably occurred in portions of the
Hawarden and Allan Hills Upland, along the northern edge of
the Missouri Coteau and the Eyebrow Hills Uplands (near
Central Butte) and in portions of the Souris River Plain.
The origin of sodium from saline parent materials
(lithogenic) probably occurred in the Frenchman River Plain,
the Snipe Lake Plain, portions of the Central Butte and the
Souris River Plains and portions of the Neutral Hills Upland.
Note:This thesis contains maps that have been sized to fit the viewing area. Use the zoom in tool to view the maps in detail or to enlarge the text.
Description
Keywords
Citation
Degree
Master of Science (M.Sc.)
Department
Soil Science
Program
Soil Science