The palaeoclimatic significance of paleosols in Southern Fezzan (Libyan Sahara): morphological and micromorphological aspects

Two chronosequences of deep red soils, located in Southern Fezzan, are described micromorphologically. The oldest member is probably Late Tertiary in age and has lateritoid characteristics. The intermediate member, of Middle Pleistocene age, displays moderate rubification and much illuvial clay. The most recent member, of Early Holocene age, has weak rubification and very little illuvial clay. The chronosequences of paleosols can be explained by pedogenesis in a humid pedoclimate on stable surfaces during the Quaternary.