laterization

[ lat-er-uh-zey-shuhn ]

noun

, Geology.

1. the weathering process by which rock is changed to laterite.

laterization

/ lăt′ə-rĭ-zā′shən /

1. The weathering process by which soils and rocks are depleted of soluble substances, such as silica-rich and alkaline components and enriched with insoluble substances, such as hydrated aluminum and iron oxides. Laterization is especially common in tropical regions that have a pronounced dry season and a water table that is close to the surface.

Example Sentences

Complete defoliation could also cause laterization, the destructive process that occurs in some tropical soils when removal of vegetation exposes them to erosion and sunlight.

From Time Magazine Archive