alikerrosta

Alikerrosta is a Finnish technical term referring to an underlying or sublayer within a stratified sequence. The word combines ali- meaning under with kerros meaning layer, and it appears in inflected forms such as alikerrosta (partitive) or alikerroksen (genitive). The term is predominantly used in scientific and construction contexts rather than in everyday language.

In geology and pedology, alikerrosta denotes the subsoil layer beneath the topsoil. This sublayer often corresponds to deeper mineral horizons and typically exhibits different composition, structure, and biological activity than the surface layer. In soil classification, the alikerrosta may align with horizons such as the B-horizon or C-horizon, depending on the system, and it provides information about processes like illuviation, weathering, and soil formation history.

In stratigraphy and archaeology, alikerrosta refers to any underlying sedimentary layer within a sequence. These layers help interpret deposition environments, chronological relationships, and past human activity. Analysis of alikerrosta can reveal changes in climate, sourcing of materials, or cultural phases that are not evident from the upper layers alone.

In construction and architecture, alikerrosta can describe underlayers beneath finishing floors, coverings, or insulation. Such underlayers influence structural integrity, moisture management, and acoustic or thermal performance.

See also: alikerros, kerros, maaperä, stratigraphy, soil science.