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Abstract

The studied calcretes developed in two different levels (horizons) in the soil profile from Floreşti (Cluj County). The deposits outcropping in the area are represented by Bartonian-Priabonian sedimentary rocks (Ciuleni Member, Viştea Limestone) and the Quaternary horizon (terrace of Someşul Mic River, consisting of pebbles of different origin), which represent the parent rock of the soil. A detailed petrographical and mineralogical description of the calcretes is given below, based on macroscopic, microscopic and X-ray diffraction analysis. It led to the conclusion that the calcretes from the studied profile have a pedogenic origin. The calcretes consist of distinctive subhorizons within the host horizon of the soil. According to their microstructure, the studied calcretes belong to the alpha-type and may be considered as “nodular calcretes” or “glaebular calcretes”. The source of carbonate was variable: from the parent material of the soil including fragments of carbonate rocks, bioclasts, vegetal rests, eolian dust.

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