Diversity and main properties of soils of the Gronfjord area (Svalbard archipelago)

Abstract

Svalbard archipelago is characterized by specific climate conditions, high air temperature and relative air humidity, which are not typical for high latitudes. Such conditions affect soil-forming processes. Classification and morphological structure of the soil cover on the Spitsbergen archipelago are still poorly understood. The aim of current research was to reveal diverse soil taxons in the Gronfjord area and characterize framework of its formation. As the results of this work, the authors provide the description of the investigated soils and their taxonomy in accordance with World Reference Base for Soil Resources (IUSS Working Group 2015) and the new Russian soil classification system. Chemical parameters of the soil, as well and the data on soil horizons properties were measured using vertical electric resistivity sounding method. In total, 15 soil profiles were made and the studied soils were referred to six Soil Reference Groups with domination of Leptosols and Regosols. The profiles were made in different landscapes that allowed to determine the similarities and differences in soil cover of the area. The main factors affected soil formation are cryogenic processes combined with gleyfication and cambic alteration of soil material.