ABSTRACT
The pattern of solute movement on two hillslopes developed on glacial moraines in the alpine and subalpine zones of the Colorado Front Range was investigated. Grain size distributions of the <2 mm size fraction provide evidence of the lateral movement of fine grained particles from higher topographic positions to lower topographic positions on hillslopes. Silica, alkalis, and alkali earths also show evidence of removal from higher topographic positions on hillslopes, and transportation to lower topographic positions by throughflow. Soil pH trends down the toposequences reflect the pattern of movement of metal cations on the hillslopes. Accumulation of moisture and associated solutes at the bottom of hillslopes results in enhanced biotite weathering. Secondary clay minerals associated with biotite weathering are smectite where calcium and magnesium are abundant and vermiculite where potassium is removed. Vertical movement of solutes within individual soil profiles is reflected in increases in the relative abundance of silt and clay at depth. Soil pH trends with depth poorly reflect vertical solute movement within the catena soils.
