necessarily be preserved in paleosols due to ability of the poorly crystalline silica to dissolve. Another indicator of plant community composition in paleosols is the carbon isotopic signature. The ratio of different carbon isotopes in organic matter in paleosols reflects the proportions of plants using C‑3 photosynthesis, which grow in cooler and wetter climates, versus plants using C‑4 photosynthesis, which are better adapted to hotter and drier conditions. Other methods for detecting past plant life in paleosols are based on identifying the remains of leaf waxes, which are slow to break down in soils over time. Paleoseismology As records of previous Earth surfaces that can be stacked on one another, paleosol sequences are also useful in the field of paleoseismology. See also Paleopedology Paleopedological record Pedogenesis Pedology (soil study) References External links Pedology Historical geology Types of soil