ABSTRACT
The Synthetic Alpine Slope model illustrates the use of soil-geomorphic models in interpreting and mapping the spatial distribution and relative development of soils within one of the alpine geomorphic provinces. From this model, processes presently modifying the landscape can be inferred and the results of these processes described in a quantitative manner. Soil-stratigraphic studies are used to understand the spatial distribution and textural and mineralogical variation of the soil parent material. History of the past vegetation can be obtained from the study of phytoliths and plant micro- and macrofossils associated with organic and buried soils. Changes in effective wind for the upper three Synthetic Alpine Slope (SAS) sites or yearly snow cover for the lower four SAS sites can change soil characteristics and relative soil development of the different subclimax and climax states. Therefore, it is felt that given enough time, the different alpine soils of the SAS will develop to a maximum subclimax stage of development for that site.
