gley

(glei) A waterlogged (hydromorphic) intrazonal *soil lacking in oxygen. In such conditions there is little decomposition of organic matter by bacteria, resulting in the accumulation of mor or raw humus. Beneath it is a gley horizon of blue-grey clay including ferrous compounds. Localized areas of oxidized rust-coloured ferric compounds may occur giving the soil a mottled appearance. Gleyzation may be seen in bog, meadow, and tundra soils.