Ions of Organic Carboxylic Acids (Formic, Acetic, and Oxalic) in the Snow Cover of Permafrost Landscapes of Boreal Eastern Siberia

Abstract

The distribution of ions of organic carboxylic acids (formic, acetic, and oxalic) was investigated in the snowpack of permafrost landscapes of the boreal zone of Eastern Siberia. The contents of formate-, acetate-, and oxalate-ions were determined in permafrost landscapes of different zones of latitudinal and mountain- belt types. The maximum contents of organic carboxylic acid ions were observed in the snow cover of middle-taiga landscapes. The input rate of the ions into the snow cover of middle-taiga and mountain landscapes is controlled by altitudinal zonation and correlates with the total mass of plant organisms, which are the main source of organic carboxylic acids in the atmosphere. The obtained data suggest that organic carboxyl acid ions were supplied mainly by the atmosphere (74–90%), whereas the contribution of soil respiration was minor. The upward migration of organic carboxylic acid ions from the substrate to the snow cover depends on soil and snow temperature. Cooling of the soil surface below–5°C results in a considerable decrease in the migration of organic carboxylic acid ions from soil to snow.