Geochemical characterisation of ophiolitic soils in a temperate climate: a multivariate statistical approach

The geochemical characterization of ophiolitic soils in a temperate climate based on the nature of basic bedrock has been scarcely investigated. In this work we have taken into account major, minor and trace element data and clay, silt, sand and organic matter contents of ophiolitic soils collected from several places in Tuscany (Central Italy) where the chemical nature of the bedrocks is known. Thus, using data belonging to three groups of soils collected on serpentinitic, gabbroic and basaltic bedrocks we have studied the influence of the bedrock on the chemical character of the soils. We have