Lee Daniels provides an overview of the geology and geomorphology of the Fall Zone and Upper Coastal Plain of western Virginia.

Soil formed in dredge materials from the James River—another example of an anthropogenic soil.

John Galbraith (right) points out evidence from a dredge soil pedon that can be used to identify human transported materials (HTM).

Sulfidic materials, when exposed through construction or other excavation, generate acid sulfate soils. Concentrations of jarosite may form in these soils.

Soil is excavated and transported to a large processing plant where the mineral sands are separated from other soil materials

Brian Needleman examines a soil profile at an undisturbed site using an unconventional implement.

Acid sulfate soils in this housing development make establishing and maintaining lawns and gardens difficult. It also accelerates the weathering of concrete (sidewalks, foundations).

Reconstructed soils show great variability in texture, bulk density, pH, and other soil properties

Reconstructed soils may have perched water tables and root limiting layers which inhibit reclamation of these soils for agronomic use.

After processing to remove the mineral sands, the slurry is pumped to settling ponds and allowed to dewater.