Magnetic parameters of forest top soils in Krkonose Mountains, Czech Republic

Magnetic properties of vertical profiles, of forest soils (podzols, cambiso ls, peat bogs) in Krkonose (Giant Mountains) National Park are reported. Va lues of low-field magnetic susceptibility were obtained by detailed in-situ measurements using a field probe. Thermomagnetic analysis, acquisition of remanent magnetization, alternating field demagnetization of saturation rem anence, and further magnetic characteristics, such as frequency-dependent m agnetic susceptibility and coercive parameters for individual soil subhoriz ons were acquired in laboratory, The uppermost layer, which is dominated by magnetically, soft magnetite, most probably of anthropogenic origin, can b e reliably identified in the soil profiles over the whole region in concern . Subsoil horizons are characterised by significantly different magnetic pr operties. Our results suggest that magnetic mapping can be beneficially use d also in areas with comparatively low pollution impact. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.