Recent, relic and buried soils in the forefield of Werenskiold Glacier, SW Spitsbergen

• Main Authors: Cezary Kabala, Justyna Zapart
• Other Authors: The Pennsylvania State University CiteSeerX Archives
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Subjects: Arctic; Nottinghambukta; Svalbard; glacier; Spitsbergen
• Online Access: http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/summary?doi=10.1.1.603.1396; http://www.polar.pan.pl/ppr30/PPR30-161.pdf

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.