Recent, relic and buried soils in the forefield of Werenskiold Glacier, SW Spitsbergen
Abstract: Soils, having a well−developed sequence of A and Bw horizons, are widespread on the uplifted marine terrace 8–12 m a.s.l. in the proximity of Nottinghambukta Bay. The present−day origin of these soils is however questionable, while similarly developed soils, but buried under the cover of t...
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| Format: | Text |
| Language: | English |
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| Online Access: | http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/summary?doi=10.1.1.603.1396 http://www.polar.pan.pl/ppr30/PPR30-161.pdf |
| Summary: | Abstract: Soils, having a well−developed sequence of A and Bw horizons, are widespread on the uplifted marine terrace 8–12 m a.s.l. in the proximity of Nottinghambukta Bay. The present−day origin of these soils is however questionable, while similarly developed soils, but buried under the cover of the youngest till were found on a forefield of the Werenskiold Glacier. To quantify an intensity of the soil−forming process under present climate condi− tions of SW Spitsbergen, the chronosequence of soils developed from the Recent, up to 70 year−old moraines, was studied on the forefield of Werenskiold Glacier. Significant dis− solution of CaCO3, decrease of pH, leaching of calcium and magnesium, increase of amor− phous iron content, as well as an accumulation of organic matter and initial formation of ag− gregate soil structure were observed within the surface layer of recent till. The 70 year−long period of pedogenesis was, however, too short for a distinct morphological differentiation of the subsurface B horizon. It is concluded, that deep and structural Bw horizons of some surface and buried soils are relicts of a much longer period of relatively warm climate be− fore the last transgression of glaciers. Key words: Arctic, Svalbard, soil development, marine terrace, glacier forefield. |
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