| Summary: | The study of Antarctic ecosystem provides a valuable insight into the nature development on the Earth. Biocenosis formation and colonization of land by organisms are noticeable especially in newly-deglaciated areas. In this research, soil profile development in the coastal zone of James Ross Island was investigated. The main objective was the characterisation of soil horizons. The contents of As, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Ni, P, Se and Zn were measured using ICP-MS technique. Soil parameters like organic carbon content, pH and content ofsub-63 μm fraction were also determined. Based on the results obtained, the mineral-depleted and mineral‑enriched layers in the soil profile were distinguished. With increasing depth, the shallow soil profile consisted mainly of weathered regolith. Apparently, the basic processes which are prerequisite for the development of soil ecosystem in the studied area were confirmed.
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