Soil Atlas of the Northern Circumpolar Region

• Main Authors: JONES Arwyn, STOLBOVOY Vladimir, TARNOCAI Charles, BROLL Gabriele, SPAARGAREN Otto, MONTANARELLA Luca, ANISIMOV Oleg, ARNALDS Õlafur, ARNOLDUSEN Arnold, BOCKHEIM James, BREUNING-MADSEN Henrik, BROWN Jerry, DESYATKIN Roman, GORYACHKIN Sergey, JAKOBSEN Bjarne Holm, KONYUSHKOV Dmitry, MAZHITOVA Galina, MCCALLUM Ian, NAUMOV Evgeny, OVERDUIN Paul, NILSSON Sten, SOLBAKKEN Eivind, PING Chien-Lu, RITZ Karl
• Language: English
• Published: Publications Office of the European Union 2010
• Subjects: Canada; International Polar Year
• Online Access: https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC47340; http://eusoils.jrc.ec.europa.eu/library/maps/Circumpolar/index.html; https://doi.org/10.2788/95795

Leading soil scientists from Europe, Russia, Canada and the United States of America have collaborated under the auspice of the International Polar Year 2007-2009 to produce the first ever ATLAS OF NORTHERN CIRCUMPOLAR SOIL. This unique document, using state-of-the-art computer mapping techniques, uses striking maps, informative texts and stunning photographs to answer and explain origin and role of soil in northern latitudes, describes the different soil types that can be found in this cold environment and their relevance to global issues such as climate change. The atlas also discusses the principal threats to soil and the strategies being taken to protect soil resources within the EU and other countries. The ATLAS OF NORTHERN CIRCUMPOLAR SOIL is more than just a collection of maps. Rather, this publication aims present an interpretation of an often neglected natural resource that surrounds and affects us all. Plants and crops are dependent on soil for the supply of water, nutrients and as a medium for growing. Soil stores, filters, buffers and transforms substances that are introduced into the environment. This capability is crucial in producing and protecting water supplies and for regulating greenhouse gases. Soil is a provider of raw materials. Soil is also an incredible habitat and gene pool. Soil is a fundamental component of our landscape and cultural heritage. Critically, soils in northern latitudes are especially interesting as they are governed by very cold temperatures and where the effect of frost action and ground ice are the principal soil forming factors. Soils in the north store huge amounts of frozen organic matter that in the event of global warming could release potentially catastrophic quantities of greenhouse gases in to the atmosphere. The ATLAS OF NORTHERN CIRCUMPOLAR SOIL is an essential reference to a non-renewable resource that is fundamental for life on this planet. The Atlas aims to raise the awareness of policy makers and the general public of the importance of soil in the northern circumpolar region. JRC.H.7 - Climate Risk Management