Relationships between spectral features, iron oxides and colours of surface soils in northern Jordan

Sahwan, Wahib; Lucke, Bernhard; Sprafke, Tobias; Vanselow, Kim A.; Bäumler, Rupert (2020). Relationships between spectral features, iron oxides and colours of surface soils in northern Jordan. European journal of soil science, 72(1), pp. 80-97. Wiley 10.1111/ejss.12986

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Ground data on spectral characteristics of Jordan's soils remain sparse, which makes the interpretation of remote sensing datasets challenging. These are, however, very useful for predicting soil properties and agricultural suitability. Previous studies have shown that soil colours correlate well with degrees of weathering intensity, as indicated by magnetic parameters and dithionite‐extractable iron (Fed) contents along a climosequence in northern Jordan. This study enlarges the database by the results of 160 bulk samples that were collected systematically from the soil surface at 40 locations. In addition to soil colour and contents of Fed, we explore mean soil reflectance spectra (MSRS) measured by analytical spectral devices (ASD) and analyse the morphological conditions of the spectra referring to the effects of iron oxides on spectral behaviours. Results show a high correlation of spectral behaviours and colour variations with Fe oxides, and no correlation with soil organic carbon Corg. The influence of the Fe oxide contents is clearly apparent in the visible range (VIS). The presence of CaCO3 increases the reflectance in all spectral ranges. Six soil groups (Gr. I ‐ Gr. VI) were discerned qualitatively and quantitatively in the study area, which largely mirror the intensity of red colour expressed by redness indices.

Item Type:

Journal Article (Original Article)

Division/Institute:

08 Faculty of Science > Institute of Geography > Physical Geography > Unit Paleo-Geoecology
08 Faculty of Science > Institute of Geography
08 Faculty of Science > Institute of Geography > Physical Geography

UniBE Contributor:

Sprafke, Tobias

Subjects:

500 Science > 550 Earth sciences & geology
900 History > 910 Geography & travel

ISSN:

1351-0754

Publisher:

Wiley

Language:

English

Submitter:

Tobias Norbert Sprafke

Date Deposited:

14 Aug 2020 16:59

Last Modified:

05 Dec 2022 15:40

Publisher DOI:

10.1111/ejss.12986

BORIS DOI:

10.7892/boris.145840

URI:

https://boris.unibe.ch/id/eprint/145840

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