Abstract
Investigation of organic carbon and nitrogen stock was conducted at depths greater than one meter in the ice complex in central part of Yakutia (Russia). Around 53% of the total organic carbon stock in the upper part of the ice complex is held in the active layer. The protective layer holds 31% and the permafrost layer holds 16%. The distribution of nitrogen over the elementary layers of the ice complex mirrors the percentages for organic carbon stocks given above. The total stock of biogenic elements in the ice complex investigated (0–250 cm) consists of 38.7 ± 0.2 kg/m2 of organic carbon and 2.13 ± 0.01 kg/m2 of nitrogen. The prevalent amount is carbon detritus, 40% of the total carbon content in the active layer. The share of labile carbon accounts 18%, that is 2 times less than carbon detritus. In the next two layers, the content of the components decreases and varies from 2% to 12%. The low labile organic matter content in the protective and permafrost layers indicates the development of the ice complex proceeded under conditions with poorly formed organic material.
Highlights
According to one investigation based on geocryological interpretation of the Baikal climate chronicle, permafrost arose about 3.1 million years ago [1], and according to another, 2 million years ago, together with the cooling of the climate on the Earth [2]
E purpose of our work is to evaluate the biogenic elements and labile organic matter in the active, protective, and permafrost layers of the ice complex that is in the stage of destabilization of the established soil system at its present stage of development. e indicators discussed can be used as indicators of possible changes in the reserves of organic matter in the boreal region as a result of the temperature rise in permafrost, which in turn will lead to increased cryogenic processes, as well as mineralization and physical losses of organic matter
In geological and geomorphological terms, the research area belongs to inter-rivers Lena and Amga and part of the Central Yakutia lowland lying in the province of the Central Siberian Upland [28], and from the landscape point of view, it is located on Lena-Amginsky alas province of the physical-geographical country of Central Siberia [29]. e region is characterized by a wide development of thermokarst forms of relief [28]. e research area is a typical landscape of Central Yakutia, containing huge ice wedges and extensive alas. e surface tilts slightly to the northwest and at the level of 200–220 m a.s.l
Summary
According to one investigation based on geocryological interpretation of the Baikal climate chronicle, permafrost arose about 3.1 million years ago [1], and according to another, 2 million years ago, together with the cooling of the climate on the Earth [2]. In the era of transformation of the climate system, the transitional stage of the cycle change are cooling and warming. In modern conditions, when the natural environment in the circumpolar region of permafrost is changing, there is an issue of what critical causes influence on degradation processes of permafrost. Due to the climate warming and permafrost destruction, they will lead to the release into the atmosphere of greenhouse gases, such as CO2, CH4, and N2O [3,4,5]. It should be expected that natural processes proceed slowly in geological time; their speed is incommensurable with the speed of processes caused by anthropogenic (technogenic) factors. E observed changes in anthropogenic features are increasingly developing and have a predominant effect on the evolution of permafrost sequences at the regional and planetary scale. It should be noted that 25% of global land area and 65% of the territory of Russia is occupied by permafrost [2]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
