Abstract
To estimate the genetical period of the paleo-red soils based on tephrochronology, some tephra deposits overlying and/or underlying the paleo-red soils in Southern Kyushu were identified through the analysis of chemical composition of ferromagnetic minerals in them. The results obtained are as follows; 1) In Miyazaki Plain, Kakuto tephra (ca.340 ka) deposited between the paleo-red soil layer I and the pareo-red soil layer II in the profile of Higashibaru, and Ata-Torihama tephra (200-250 ka) was intercalated in the gravel bed under the paleo-red soil in profile of Nishi-azehara. 2) In Izumi Plain, Ata-Torihama tephra was intercalated in the gravel bed under the paleo-red soil in the profile of Obaru. 3) In Tanegashima, Kikai-Tozurahara tephra (90-95 ka) and Ata tephra (95-110 ka) covered the paleo-red soil in the profile of Tsubakiyama. These results suggest that the genesis of paleo-red soils began before 340 ka and lasted till 95-110 ka in Soutern Kyushu.
