1. Containing soils of arid regions which present at least some subsurface horizon development.

They are characterized by being dry most of the year and with limited leaching.

Aridisols contain subsurface horizons in which clays, calcium carbonate, silica, salts, and/or gypsum have accumulated.

Aridisols are divided into seven suborders: Cryids, Salids, Durids, Gypsids, Argids, Calcids, and Cambids; the definitions of which are presented in this unit.

2. From the U.S. Soil Taxonomy soil-order classification system.
3. Etymology: from Latin aridus, "dry".