Geochemistry of Red Soils in the Kas District of Antalya (Türkiye) Using Multivariate Statistical Approaches and GIS

Abstract

Red soil is formed by weathering due to the effect of bedrock and various fluids in subtropical and tropical climate zones. The major and trace element geochemistry of red soil are important for understanding its environmental conditions and interpreting its genesis. This study aims to determine how red soil is formed in the study area, where magmatic rocks are located, and to determine their relationship with magmatic fluids. In this context, geochemical analyses were conducted, and index values, spatial distributions, and multivariate statistics of the samples were calculated. Methods: A total of 49 red soil samples collected from the Sutlegen Village in the Kas district of Antalya were subjected to geochemical analysis. The following major elements were found in the red soil samples: Al2O3, SiO2, Fe2O3, TiO2, CaO, MgO, K2O, P2O5, and SO3. The Al2O3–SiO2–Fe2O3 triangular diagram revealed that the samples underwent moderate laterization. Multivariate statistical analyses indicated that major element oxides of Al2O3, Fe2O3, and SiO2 behaved differently from other components and revealed that red soil formations were associated with magmatic fluids. The region is a potential area for economic bauxite resources. Detailed investigations should be conducted on mineral exploration for bauxite ore.