noun
- Plural of illuviation; the process by which soil materials (clay, organic matter, minerals) are transported downward and deposited in lower soil layers.
Usage: technical; soil science
Examples
- Illuviations of clay particles create distinct layers in the soil profile.
- The illuviations process is essential to soil formation and development.
- Geologists study illuviations to understand soil horizons and their composition.
- Iron oxide illuviations often give subsoil layers a reddish or brownish color.
- Multiple illuviations events over time build up mineral concentrations in B horizons.