Definition
Young soils in volcanic deposits.

Distribution
Andosols are associated with pyroclastic parent materials and therefore volcanic regions of the world. They occur around the Pacific rim, including North and Central America, the Andean region, Indonesia, Philippines, Japan and New Zealand as well as along the African Rift Vally with scattered occurrence elsewhere. Altogether covering  110 million hectares throughout the world. Associated soils are Cambisols, Luvisols and Vertisols.