Laterite is a type of soil that is formed through the weathering of rocks over a long period of time. It is rich in iron, silicon, and aluminum oxides and is commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Laterite is known for its distinctive reddish-brown color, which is due to the high concentration of iron oxide in the soil. This soil is highly durable and has a high water absorption capacity, making it ideal for use in construction and landscaping. It is also a popular choice for agriculture, as it is highly suitable for growing tropical crops. One interesting aspect of laterite is its use in traditional building methods. In many parts of the world, laterite is used to construct earth-built structures such as houses, roads, and walls. This is due to its strength and durability, as well as its ability to be easily carved and molded into various shapes. Laterite is also a cost-effective building material, as it is readily available in many regions and can be worked with relatively easily. Another important aspect of laterite is its role in soil reclamation and riparian zone stabilization. Due to its high water absorption capacity, laterite is often used to stabilize riverbanks and other areas prone to erosion. It is also used in soil reclamation projects to improve soil quality and promote plant growth. Overall, laterite is a versatile and important soil type that has a wide range of uses in construction, agriculture, and environmental restoration. Its unique properties make it a valuable resource in many parts of the world, and its distinctive reddish-brown color is a familiar sight in many tropical and subtropical regions.
soil, construction, agriculture, landscaping, erosion control
Laterite is a noun, which is defined as a spongy, clay-like soil or rock containing high proportions of iron oxide. It is often reddish in color, and is highly suitable for growing tropical crops. Synonyms for Laterite include red earth, brick earth, and mineral soil. Antonyms for Laterite would be neutral soil, no soil, and white soil. Cognates for Laterite include Latèrite , Latéritique, Latirit, and Latérite. Variants of Laterite include Laterit, Lateritis, and Laternit.
Etymology, Morphology, Iron Oxide, Lateritic, Subsoil, Word Origin.
Laterite is a soil and rock type that is commonly found in tropical to subtropical regions of the world. Its unique characteristics are attributed to the specific chemical and mineralogical composition, formed as a result of prolonged weathering and leaching of basalt rocks. The term ‘laterite’ was first introduced in the mid-19th century by an Irish agriculturist and geologist, Robert Twopeny, and is derived from the Latin word ‘later’, which means ‘brick-like’. Over time, the term has evolved to encompass broader meanings, being understood to refer to the development of any deep, heavily leached soils and rubble. It also encompasses the development of rust-coloured soils and rocks, which is why laterite is also sometimes known as ‘red laterite’. Morphologically, laterite can typically be identified by its formation of deep, red-brown or rusty-coloured soils and rocks. Furthermore, it is sometimes synonymous with laterization, which refers to the chemical weathering of basalt rocks and other minerals. Pragmatically, laterite has numerous uses, most notably in construction, soil reclamation and riparian zone stabilisation.
Etymology, Morphology, Pragmatics, Historical Evolution, Linguistic Evolution
Laterite is a type of soil typically found in tropical regions and is rich in iron oxides and aluminum. It is formed through a process of deposition and weathering which occurs over long periods of time. Some of the equivalent words used for ‘Laterite’ in other languages are Laterit (German), Lateriti (Italian), Laterit (French), Lateritas (Portuguese), Làterites (Catalan), Lateriet (Dutch), Laterit (Swedish), Lüterit (Turkish), Laterité (Spanish), Laterit (Czech), Lattariet (Norwegian).
Làterites, Laterit, Lateriti, Lateriet, Lateritas, Laterité, Laterit, Lüterit, Lattariet, Laterit, Czech
Laterite is an iron and aluminum-rich sedimentary soil typically found in tropical regions, often referred to as a “red soil” due to its characteristic rusty reddish-brown color. Its formation is attributed to the intense leaching of soluble minerals and to the simultaneous enrichment of iron and aluminum oxides in regions with tropical climates. It is often used as a building material for its moisture-resistant properties and for its ability to be carved and molded into a wide range of shapes. Its popularity as a building material is due to its strength and resistance to weathering when exposed to the elements, as well as its relatively low cost. Laterite has also seen increasing usage in landscaping, where its color and texture create interesting visual effects.
Laterite, soil, tropical climate, iron, aluminum, weathering, building material, landscape, red soil, leaching, moisture-resistant, strength, cost, moldable, sculptable.
CITATION : "Ji-Soo Park. 'Laterite.' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/?E=194573 (Accessed on June 30, 2025)"
Laterite is a type of sedimentary soil that is formed by the weathering of rocks over long periods of time. It is composed of iron, silicon, and aluminum oxides, and is often used in the construction of earth-built structures, such as roads and houses. As a material, laterite is highly durable and has a high water absorption capacity, making it ideal for use in areas that experience high rainfall. It is also an economical choice to construct with, as it is readily available and can be worked with relatively easily.
Laterite, sedimentary soil, weathering, building material, construction, earth-built structures, roads, houses, durability, water absorption, economical.
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