B horizon
–noun Geology. | the subsoil in a soil profile. |
Origin: 1935–40
B horizon
n. In ABC soil, the second and middle zone, characterized by an accumulation of soluble or suspended organic material, clay, iron, or aluminum. Also called zone of accumulation, zone of illuviation. |
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Science Dictionary
B horizon
In ABC soil, the second and middle zone, characterized by an accumulation of soluble or suspended organic material, clay, iron, or aluminum. These materials originate in the A horizon and are transported to the B horizon through the process of eluviation. B horizons often have a blocky structure and are reddish in color due to the presence of oxidized metals. Also called zone of accumulation, zone of illuviation.
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The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2002. Published by Houghton Mifflin. All rights reserved.
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