This thesis presents the results of a character study of the soils of Upper Weardale, Co; Durham. Part 1 presents relevant material on the soil environment of the area, emphasising the important characteristics of parent materials, relief, climate and ecology. The results of the field and laboratory investigations are summarised in the form of assoil map of the area on a scale of 2(^1)/(_2)" to one mile and in the Appendix, which presents the results of detailed field and laboratory analyses of specific profiles. The bulk of Part 2 is concerned, with discussions on the origin and properties of the different types of soil. Field and analytical characteristics are use' to assess as far as is possible with existing information, the dynamics of past and present pedogenic processes in the soil profiles. Throughout the discussions, problems of classification and interpretation are highlighted, and avenues for future research emphasised
