Inceptisol, n. Soil Sci.
(ɪnˈsɛptɪsɒl)
Also inceptisol.
[f. L. incept-um beginning (see incept v.) + -i- + -sol.]
A soil of a widespread type in which the formation of distinct horizons is at an early stage, and which shows little evidence of severe weathering.
| 1960 Soil Classification: 7th Approximation (U.S. Dept. Agric.) x. 136/1 The Inceptisols are soils with one or more of the diagnostic horizons that are thought to form rather quickly and that do not represent significant illuviation or eluviation or extreme weathering. Ibid., The Inceptisols are normally found in humid climates but range from the Arctic to the Tropics. 1972 J. G. Cruikshank Soil Geogr. iv. 114 The freely draining soils of both tundra grassland and Polar Desert are known as Inceptisols. 1989 Encycl. Brit. VI. 278/3 Ranked third, in terms of land area, among the 10 worldwide soil orders, inceptisols are found in every climatic zone but are especially prevalent in the Arctic tundras of North America, Europe, and Asia. |