lateriittikerroksiin

Lateriittikerroksiin, often translated as laterite soil or layers, refers to a soil and rock type that forms in tropical and subtropical regions with high temperatures and heavy rainfall. This process, known as laterization, involves the intense weathering of parent rocks. During laterization, soluble bases and silica are leached away by the abundant rainfall, leaving behind a residual soil rich in iron and aluminum oxides. These oxides give laterite soils their characteristic reddish-brown or brick-red color.

Laterite layers are typically porous and have a low fertility due to the leaching of essential nutrients. However, they can be quite hard and durable when exposed to air and dried, forming a strong crust that has historically been used as a building material in many parts of the tropics. Examples of structures built with laterite can be found in regions like India and parts of Africa. The thickness of laterite layers can vary significantly, from thin surficial deposits to deep profiles extending several meters into the ground. The formation of laterite is a slow geological process, often taking thousands or even millions of years to develop.