Soil periodicity in a formerly glaciated drainage basin, Ryton Valley, Craigieburn Range, Canterbury, New Zealand : A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Agricultural Science in the University of Canterbury

Abstract

This study considers spatial and temporal variation of soils within a tributary drainage basin of the Ryton River. The soil and geomorphological features of this basin typify the actively eroding dry eastern high country of the Central South Island. Aims of the project: The study considers the influences of three processes on variation within a soil landscape of a formerly glaciated eastern high country drainage basin. The processes are: (1) Glaciation: A model of glacial recession places temporal control on the soil landscape. (2) Erosion/ Deposition: Cycles of erosion and deposition give further temporal and spatial dimensions to the soil landscape. (3) Soil catenery relationships: Soil catenery influences impart spatial variation to the sloping soil landscape.