IPA: /ˈpeɪliəˌsoʊl/
KK: /ˈpeɪliəˌsoʊl/
A layer of ancient soil that has been preserved in the ground, often found under rocks or newer soil layers.
Scientists study paleosols to understand the Earth's past environments.
Paleosol is formed from "paleo-" (from Greek "palaios", meaning ancient) and "sol" (from Latin "solum", meaning soil or ground). The term refers to ancient soil layers that have been preserved in the geological record.
Think of 'ancient' ('paleo-') soil ('sol') to remember that 'paleosol' refers to ancient layers of soil.