Bodenkern

Bodenkern is a term used in geology and soil science to refer to the undisturbed or parent material beneath the soil horizon. It represents the original geological material from which the soil developed through the processes of weathering and soil formation. This layer is typically unweathered or only slightly weathered rock or sediment.

The characteristics of the Bodenkern, such as its mineral composition, texture, and structure, significantly influence the properties of the overlying soil. For instance, a Bodenkern composed of granite will lead to soils with different mineralogy and drainage characteristics than one composed of sandstone. Understanding the Bodenkern is crucial for interpreting soil profiles, assessing land suitability for agriculture or construction, and studying geological history.

In some contexts, the term "bedrock" is used interchangeably with Bodenkern, especially when the underlying material is solid, unfragmented rock. However, Bodenkern can also include unconsolidated parent materials like glacial till or alluvium, as long as they represent the original material before significant soil development occurred. The depth to the Bodenkern varies widely depending on the landscape and geological history.