An algorithm to model mass balances quantitatively

Abstract

FLUX is an ANSI standard FORTRAN-77 numerical model for calculating physical and chemical changes resulting from the alteration of rock under Earth surface conditions. Long-term losses or gains of elements can be approximated from basic analytical data for the concentration of major elements and a stable constituent (e.g. Zr) contained in both soil and the parent material from which the soil was derived. Assumptions necessary to apply pedogenic formulae, techniques for assessing parent material uniformity and the method of choosing a stable constituent are discussed. Application of the numerical code is demonstrated using data for an Aqualf derived from weathering in an albite-muscovite-quartz gneiss system. The FLUX program offers a rapid technique, free of random errors for the assessment of element mobility. © 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.