duricrust Deposit of the weathering zone, especially in subtropical environments, which may ultimately develop into a hardened mass. A range of types occurs, each distinguished by a dominant mineral: ferricrete and alcrete are dominated by sesquioxides of iron and aluminium respectively; silcrete by silica; and calcrete (caliche) by calcium carbonate.

duricrust A weathered soil deposit, found especially in subtropical environments, which may ultimately develop into a hardened mass. A range of types occurs, each distinguished by a dominant mineral. Ferricrete and alcrete are dominated by sesquioxides of iron and aluminium respectively, silcrete by silica, and caliche (calcrete) by calcium carbonate. See also duripan.

duricrust A weathered soil deposit, found especially in subtropical environments, which may ultimately develop into a hardened mass. A range of types occurs, each distinguished by a dominant mineral. Ferricrete and alcrete are dominated by sesquioxides of iron and aluminium respectively, silcrete by silica, and caliche (calcrete) by calcium carbonate. See also DURIPAN.