Lateral and radial differentiation of cryogenic soils geochemical composition in the Khanovei scientific and educational field site, Bolshezemel'skaya tundra

Abstract

The subject of the study was the soil and geochemical features of southern tundra cryogenic landscapes on the Khanovei educational and scientific field site located nearby the eponymous settlement in the Vorkuta district, Komi Republic. Morphology of soil profiles were described according to the modern Russian soil classification system. Chemical analytical sample treatment was done to evaluate such physical and chemical parameters of soil horizons as the pH rate, water-soluble salts content, organic carbon content, soil texture, iron fractional composition. The main point among soil and geochemical features of the Khanovei field site was gross chemical composition of cryogenic soils. Gross concentrations of chemicals were measured with the X-ray fluorescence method by portable X-ray Fluorescence Analyzer and then geochemical ratios of radial (profile) and lateral (catenar) differentiation of chemical elements – R and L. Largest R ratio meanings in soil profiles were in gleyic horizons including above-permafrost. Peat horizons without traces of soil mineral fraction were depleted with the most of elements (R = 0,1–0,3) and mineral horizons of soils were differed by increased RFe, RMn etc. The lower part of the catena with soils of mostly sandy texture was depleted by the main part of elements (Ti, Zn, Zr etc.) and predominantly loamy-textured soils in the upper part accumulate these elements and form increased L ratio meanings.