Eurasian Soil Science
ISSN (print): 0032-180X
Founder: Russian Academy of Sciences
Editor-in-Chief: Krasilnikov Pavel Vladimirovich, corresponding member RAS, Doctor Sc., Associate Professor
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No 12 (2025)
SOILS OF THE POLAR REGIONS
Influence of Thermodenudation on the Formation of Synlithogenous Soils and Ecosystem Development in the Permafrost Zone
Abstract
The major part of soil cover in the permafrost zone develops under the influence of cryogenic slope processes. Most significantly soil structure on relatively steep slopes and in permafrost-affected ecosystems, where thermocirques and thermoterraces form, is influenced by processes of thermodenudation and thermoerosion that lead to irreversible background soil profiles and underlying soil-cryogenic complexes frozen layers destruction, and to development of the specific synlithogenous soils – thermodenudationally-accumulated stratozems. Structures, properties, formation processes, and areas occupied by such soils are poorly studied. The mixed organo-mineral substrate, recently processed by soil formation, and now transporting into the thermocirque or thermoterrace floor via slumping and further lateral matter redistribution, here acts as the soil-forming material. The principal scheme of thermodenudationally-accumulated stratozems formation and development was suggested during fieldworks in North-Eastern Yakutia and Central Yamal peninsula. It includes 4 main stages, each of that is characterized by a combination of soil-forming material and vegetation cover properties. Stages could change each other consequently or recur cyclically in case of thermodemulation processes reactivation. The specificity of development, accumulation, and soil-forming material procession, made it possible to suggest the new "thermodemudationally-accumulated" sub-type to be distinguished in stratozems order in the further version of Russian soil classification system. Studied ecosystems in thermocirque's and thermoterrace's present the significant interest for further research as biodiversity hearths, areas of potential permafrost new-formation, paleo-archives, and possible carbon sequesters.
Eurasian Soil Science. 2025;(12):1637–1653
1637–1653
PROTO-SOILS OF THE POLAR REGIONS: A STUDY OF ORGANIC AND MINERAL COMPONENTS WITH THE USE OF RAMAN SPECTROSCOPY
Abstract
Proto-soils with cryptogamic-microbial organogenous horizons occupy a significant part of land and are most noticeable in areas with extreme conditions (Antarctica, High Arctic, highlands and hot deserts), i.e., where the development of vascular plants is suppressed or impossible. The latter determines a specific set of soil formation products, as well as processes of carbon accumulation and transformation. Given the features of the microstructure of proto–soils with microbial horizons, their study requires sensitive non–destructive methods with high spatial resolution. One of them can be Raman spectroscopy (RS), which is successfully used to study interactions between microorganisms and minerals. Here, we explored organic and mineral components of endolithic and hypolithic proto-soils from East Antarctica and Severny Island of the Novaya Zemlya Archipelago. Crystalline polymorphic modifications of calcium carbonate (calcite and aragonite), gypsum, calcium oxalate (whewellite), polyenes (carotenoids), hematite and goethite were identified. A set of bands indicating combinations of Fe oxide-hydroxides and carotenoids, as well as CaCO3 and carotenoids, was often encountered in the Raman spectra, which suggests stable spatially localized associations of these compounds in a volume of about 1 μm3. It is assumed that in situ weathering of Ca–containing silicate minerals played an important role in the formation of CaCO3 on non–carbonate rocks (gneisses). It was demonstrated that complex microhorizons with the possibility of long–term carbon stabilization – removal of C from rapid biogeochemical cycle both in the form of organic and inorganic compounds – are formed in the proto-soils.
Eurasian Soil Science. 2025;(12):1654-1668
1654-1668
Radiocarbon Dating of Polar Soils: Application Features and Genetic Interpretations of Results (Review)
Abstract
The radiocarbon method is actively used in soil science to determine the age of soils, rates of carbon exchange in the soil-atmosphere system, dynamics of organic matter, for geochronological reconstructions in paleopedology. In connection with climate change, intensive thawing of permafrost and, accordingly, the release of deposited carbon, the question of the fate of this carbon in polar ecosystems is acute. The review systematizes modern theoretical, methodological and methodical approaches to the use of the 14C method in soil science and for studying soils and soil-like bodies (soloids) of polar regions. The capabilities of the method for assessing carbon mobilization during permafrost thawing, including the identification of “old” carbon involved in carbon exchange, are shown. Based on 14C data, it was found that the greatest release of “old” soil carbon sources during thawing occurs in soil organic carbon-rich ecosystems that are located in well-drained positions. The article presents the results of dating of Antarctic soils and soloids, which have a modern age and about 500–1000 years old, which is related with active exogenous processes in the oases of Antarctica. The article also presents the results of dating of supraglacial systems on the surface of glaciers in the Arctic and Antarctica, which have a range from modern to n × 10,000 years depending on the carbon source from plant remains to carbon from soils buried under the glacier and fossil coals. The development of the 14C method in terms of reducing the required sample volume and increasing the productivity of scientific equipment will allow it to be effectively used in studying the behavior of carbon over time in soils, palcosols and environmental studies and improving climate change models.
Eurasian Soil Science. 2025;(12):1669–1691
1669–1691
Biological Activity of Soils and Soil-Like Bodies of the Western Part of the Arctic Zone of the Russian Federation
Abstract
A comprehensive study of the biological activity of soils, supra- and periglacial bodies, and their microbiome was conducted to assess the contribution of microorganisms to the ecological functions of soils in the western Arctic zone of the Russian Federation and the Spitsbergen archipelago. The work used gas chromatographic methods, luminescent microscopy, extraction of total soil DNA and its quantitative real-time PCR. The biological activity of soils is high only in the surface organogenic horizons and sharply decreases with depth and proximity to large glaciers. Intensive anthropogenic impact reduces all parameters of biological activity. Judging by the large number of microorganism cells and a significant level of functional nitrogen cycle genes, the Arctic soil microbiome has a high adaptive potential to extreme environmental conditions, which allows them to perform their functions even with anthropogenic intervention.
Eurasian Soil Science. 2025;(12):1692–1706
1692–1706
Stocks of "Blue Carbon" in Soils of Coastal Ecosystems of High-Latitude Seas of the Northern Hemisphere
Abstract
The article presents a review of data from Russian and foreign sources, as well as our own research, concerning carbon stocks in soils of coastal zone ecosystems: marshes and seagrasses of the USA, Canada, Great Britain, continental Europe, Scandinavia and Greenland, as well as Russia. These soils are formed under conditions of amphibious water regime and are mainly classified as Tidalic Fluvisols. The mean values of carbon stock in the 0–10 cm layer of marsh soils were 34.3 ± 21.5 t/ha, and the aquatic soils of marine meadows were 7.8 ± 6.5 t/ha. As a rule, carbon reserves in soils directly depend on the productivity of phytocenosis. A positive dependence of carbon stock on seawater temperature has been established. It is shown that with increasing salinity of water, carbon reserves in the soils of marshes decrease, while in marine meadows they increase. On the shores, carbon reserves are maximal in the soils of the rarely flooded high marsh. In the mineral soils of the marshes, higher carbon reserves are observed in heavy-textured soils than in less clayey soils. High carbon reserves in sandy–sandy loam soils are commonly found in the soils of marine meadows. The results of the study can be used to assess the impact of coastal ecosystems on the content, dynamics and potential for carbon absorption, climate change, and serve as a basis for developing measures for the protection and rational use of natural resources in coastal landscapes.
Eurasian Soil Science. 2025;(12):1707–1733
1707–1733
Spatial And Geochemical Characteristics of the Soils of the Barents Sea Sector of the Arctic Zone of the Russian Federation
Abstract
The primary spatial and geochemical characteristics of poorly studied soils of the Barents Sea coast is an important element in the development of the theoretical basis of soil science (including the development of a system of taxonomic units and criteria for their allocation), as well as a necessary condition for rational environmental management. Morphological and primary physico-chemical characteristics are given, and the genesis of soils developing at different distances from the coastline (watts, sand and pebble spit, marches of different levels, ecotone (marginal) zone, watershed) is described. The most important patterns of spatial distribution of organic carbon and nitrogen reserves in the soils of the territory have been identified. In saline marching soils formed under conditions of periodic flooding by tidal and surging seawater, carbon reserves up to a depth of 1 m amount to 300–700, in watershed tundra soils exposed to marine aerosol precipitation, up to 1300 t/ha. Nitrogen reserves of coastal soils range from 14–50 t/ha. Proposals on the systematic position of the coastal soil group have been introduced into the current classification of Russian soils. It seems necessary to identify at the typical level: saline marching soils formed under conditions of periodic flooding by tidal and surging seawater, martinnate soils affected by the sea only through precipitation of marine aerosols and/or recharge by groundwater, with the specifics of fresh marine sediments, soils of river deltas and estuaries in the river–sea contact zone, the formation of which is additionally influenced by riverbed processes.
Eurasian Soil Science. 2025;(12):1734-1751
1734-1751
Cryogenic Micropatterns of Soil Cover within the Typical Tundra Subzone of European Russia
Abstract
The diversity of cryogenic soil cover patterns in the typical tundra subzone of European Russia is considered. Field studies have been conducted within the vast region from Kolguyev Island in the west to the Yugorskiy Peninsula in the east. The research is aimed at a comprehensive characterization of soil cover patterns using field and remote sensing data, as well as at refining their classification within the framework of the soil cover pattern theory. Special attention is paid to the morphology, position in the landscape, composition of components, intercomponent contrast, and genesis. Nine cryogenic micropatterns have been identified in the study area. They can be grouped into three categories: (1) previously known in European tundra frost heave-hummocky and crack-polygonal micropatterns; (2) previously described in other areas but found for the first time in European typical tundra sporadic frost heave-circular, large polygonal, and striped micropatterns; and (3) newly defined crack-convective, microlow, ring-like, and gentle hillocky micropatterns. The spatial distribution of these micropatterns across the tundra subzone is uneven. These findings contribute to our understanding of the polar soil cover patterns by demonstrating that not all cryogenic micropatterns are contrasting soil complexes despite a pronounced microriclet. Some of the soil covers represent low-contrast patchiness or regular-cyclic elementary soil areas. These results have practical applications for digital soil mapping methodologies and for assessing arctic soil cover responses to climate change.
Eurasian Soil Science. 2025;(12):1752–1768
1752–1768
Arctic and Tundra Micro-Associations on the Soil Map of Russia at a Scale of 1 : 2.5 million in the New Russian Soil Classification System
Abstract
In the legend section "Complex soil cover" of the Soil Map of the RSFSR at a scale of 1:2.5 million (1988), compiled by the Dokuchaev Soil Science Institute, there are 29 units representing soil micro-associations — soil complexes. Their components are conventionally zonal arctic and tundra soils of the main surface, nanopolygons and hummocks, and soils of bare spots, soils of cracks and depressions. The map updating comprises the transfer of soil names into the terminology of the classification of soils of Russia in the map database, respectively, in the contours for each soil. In the case of soil micro-associations, it was performed for each of their components. Soils of spots — a unit of the map legend, are part of many complexes and are identified as small areas (decimeters — first meters) not covered with vegetation. In the updated DB they are divided by origin and properties into cryoabrazems formed as a result of wind and snow corrosion and/or surface loss of fine earth, and cryoturbozems — the results of heaving and consequent effusion of mineral material onto the surface. Soils of cracks are differentiated by the organic material filling them. The names of conventionally zonal soils have been changed in accordance with the general principles of soil classification of Russia: priority of diagnostic horizons and properties when identifying soil types and subtype, respectively.
Eurasian Soil Science. 2025;(12):1769-1782
1769-1782
Probabilistic Regularities of Soil Cover Patterns in Landscapes with Polygonal Wedge Ice Development
Abstract
The widespread distribution of polygonal wedge ice within the cryolithozone necessitates an examination of its formation patterns, development, and morphological features. This paper deals with the identification of probabilistic regularities in soil cover patterns within landscapes with polygonal wedge ice. The study was conducted at 10 key sites in different physiographical environments within the Russian Arctic, Spitsbergen Island, and Banks Island. From high-resolution satellite imagery, the main parameters of the polygonal networks were obtained, such as the area of the polygons, the area of the lakes within them, and the location of the polygon centers. The results of the study allowed us to conclude that the probability of distribution of polygon areas in regions with random polygonal wedge ice networks obeys a lognormal law in different physiographical environments; the distribution parameters vary depending on the specific conditions of each site. The lognormal distribution of polygon areas can be explained by the random process of sequential division of polygons by frost cracking fissures in random, independent ratios. Analysis of the number distribution of polygon centers showed statistically significant deviations from the Poisson distribution on randomly selected sites, indicating that even in landscapes with random networks of polygonal wedge ice, the location of polygons cannot be considered random.
Eurasian Soil Science. 2025;(12):1783-1795
1783-1795
Soils of Karst Sinkholes of the Polar Urals: Morphology, Genesis, Classification
Abstract
A study of a series of slope conjugations of karst sinkhole soils in the Subarctic zone of the eastern macroslope of the Polar Urals (67°13' N) and their comparison with the background soil was conducted. Based on macro- and micromorphological diagnostics, analysis of chemical properties and the nature of the vegetation cover, the genesis and classification position of poorly studied soils of the altitudinal belt of mountain tundra (230 m above sea level) were clarified for the first time. The parent rocks are represented by loose boulder-free coarse-silty heavy loams overlying karst rocks (marbled limestones). In the inter-funnel surface and on the slopes of the funnels, illuvial-iron svetlozems (Skeletic Albie Podzol (Neocambic) are formed, which are replaced by soddy-cryometamorphic soils (Calcaric Skeletic Cambisol (Loamic) in the bottom of the funnels. The main differences in the surface horizons are associated with the composition of organic matter – different ratios of weakly decomposed, carbonized tissues and small, highly decomposed plant residues with traces of their biogenic processing and cryometamorphic fragmentation. For the middle and lower parts of the profile of all the soils under consideration, a common macro- and micromorphological feature is the presence of a specific structural organization in the form of fine-plated, lenticular-layered and angular-granular, angular-rounded and rounded microaggregates. It is shown that under conditions of long-term seasonal freezing, along with the aggregation of finely dispersed mass and fragmentation of plant residues, the destruction of iron-containing minerals occurs with the release of amorphous iron compounds with the formation of nodules and ferruginous plant residues.
Eurasian Soil Science. 2025;(12):1796-1815
1796-1815
Morphological Structure and Physicochemical Parameters of the Medvezhye Islands Archipelago Soils (North-Eastern Yakutia)
Abstract
The soils of the Arctic islands of Krestovsky and Chetyrekhistolbowoy (the federal reserve of the Medvezhyi Islands) on the East Siberian Sea and their morphological and physical-chemical properties were studied. The characteristics of the soils of the coastal strip in the zone of influence of the sea, river valleys, arctic tundra and areas of outcrops of dense rocks are given. The highest areas and their slopes are characterized by the development of soils on the eluvium of granite rocks with a brownish profile: humus petrozems (Skeletic Leptosol) and cryogenic cryozems (Oxyaquic Cryosol). This is a group of acidic soils with a low degree of saturation. In the concave depressions between the hills, the soil-forming rock is represented by a less acidic fine-grained layer. Here, under the influence of cryogenic processes (frost cracking, heaving, thermokarst, etc.), more hydromorphic glycic cryozems (Reductaquic Cryosol) are develop. These soils are characterized by a nearly neutral reaction of the environment and high saturation with bases, as are the soils formed on the deposits of the ice complex on the continental region. Alluvial humus glycosis (Reductaquic Cryosol) are developed in the valleys of small streams in conditions of high humidity. In areas of low seacoast, composed of sand, with a continuous vegetation cover, causing a relatively intensive accumulation of organic matter, acidic marsh humus soils (Protic Fluvisol) are described. Data on the content of gross forms of Pb, Zn, Cu, Ni, Cd and Co were obtained. It was found that the most significant positive correlation of heavy metal concentrations is associated with the proportion of the clay fraction (<0.001 mm). An assessment of the specific activity of natural (40K, 238U, 232Th) radionuclides in the soils of the islands was carried out taking into account the soil-geochemical features of the territory. An assessment of the background radionuclides specific activity in soils did not reveal anomalous zones with increased values.
Eurasian Soil Science. 2025;(12):1816-1830
1816-1830
The Role of Cryogenic and Cryopedogenic Processes of the Past in the Formation of Al–Fe–Humus Soils in the Nadym–Pur Interfluve, Northern Western Siberia
Abstract
The Al-Fe-humus soils in the Nadym–Pur interfluve (Novy Urengoy) are considered: Albic Podzols and Entic Podzols. The soils are formed on the sedimentation matrix of Karginsky alluvium, prepared in the Sartan time by low-temperature cryogenesis. The studied profiles are classified as podzoles of illuvial-ferruginous deep podzolic lingual cryoturbated sandy and illuvial-ferruginous podbours. Cryoturbation of Albic Podzols is associated with ongoing processes in the seasonally frozen layer, and a feature of their development is the formation on well-drained sandy terraces with polygonal-block surface relief created in the period preceding podzol formation – during the emergence and removal of Sartan polygonal-wedge ice. Currently, this relief is represented by gentle polygons with sides of 8–12 m, separated by depressions along the axes of pseudomorphoses along the former polygonal-vein ice. The height difference between such areas reaches 1 m, snow accumulates in the depressions, the substrate in them becomes more moistened and washed, and the Albic Podzols form elongated tongues, the most elongated within the illuvial horizon. The combined average thickness of the eluvial and illuvial horizons is about 50 cm, but languages are embedded in pseudomorphoses at a depth of 2–3 times more. It is assumed that this is not a factor of cryogenic transformation of podzols, but rather their inheritance of previously formed cryogenic structures. Lying on Sartan paleocryogenic relics and related cryohydromorphic paleosols, Albic Podzols began to form 7–8 thousand years ago. The Al-Fe-humus soils partially erase the evolutionary history of previous pedogenesis, the relics of which can be embedded in them. Such incorporation endows modern soils with features that can be taken as an indicator of a different type of soil formation.
Eurasian Soil Science. 2025;(12):1831-1846
1831-1846
Potentially Toxic Elements in Soils of Cities in the Oil and Gas Region of Northern Western Siberia (Novy Urengoy, Nadym, Noyabrsk)
Abstract
The chemical composition and properties of surface soil horizons (0–10 cm) and PM10 fractions in three cities in northern Western Siberia (Novy Urengoy, Nadym, and Noyabrsk) were studied. The content of Al, Fe, Sc, V, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Sr, Mo, Sn, Sb, Cs, Ba, W, Pb, Bi, and U were determined by atomic emission spectrometry and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. It was shown that the average content of potentially toxic elements in urban soils is lower than the average values for the upper part of the Earth’s crust. The contents of Pb, Zn, Sb, and Sn in PM10 particles are 4–16 times higher than the bulk values in soils. In Novy Urengoy, PM10 particles are enriched with Sb and Zn, in Nadym – Sb, Zn, Pb, Ni, Cu, V, and in Noyabrsk – Sb, Zn, Ni, Pb, Cu. Based on the EF values of elements in PM10 particles, broader associations of pollutants are identified. W, As, Sn, Bi, Mo, and Cu appear in the pollution profile. In all cities, Sb and Zn have the highest EF values. The most contrasting Sb anomalies are characteristic of road intersections and transport infrastructure facilities. According to the total enrichment factor, urban soils have an average level of pollution, while PM10 particles have a high level, with Ni, Zn, W, and Cu contributing the most. The PCA method identified the main sources of elements. The formation of the Ni–Co–Cr–W association is linked to the lithogenic component, while the Ba–Pb–Cs association is related to the organic matter. All cities are characterized by the accumulation of Zn, Sb, Cu, Pb, and Mo, an association that indicates the major role of motor vehicles in the contamination of urban soils.
Eurasian Soil Science. 2025;(12):1847-1862
1847-1862
Microstructure and Mineral Composition of Long-Cultivated Permafrost Affected Soils from the Yamal Experimental Agrostation (Salekhard, Yamal-Nenets Autonomous Okrug)
Abstract
The results of investigations into the microstructure and mineralogical composition of long-term arable permafrost-affected soils from the Yamal Experimental Agrostation are presented to elucidate the peculiarities of their formation under synthetic agropedogenesis. The methodology encompassed micromorphological analysis of thin sections, X-ray diffraction analysis, and semi-quantitative assessment of mineral phases. The arable horizon (0–30 cm) exhibits a high degree of aggregation and porphyric microstructure within the gefuric-chitonic structure of soil matrix. Aggregation processes are attributed to prolonged accumulation of allochthonous organic matter coupled with clay formation in the arable horizon. The latter is explained by intense physical weathering of the parent material, accompanied by additional degradational transformations under low pH conditions. The dominant mineral phases in the clay fraction of the arable horizon consist of smectite (44–45%) and chlorite-kaolinite (41–42%). This mineralogical ratio arises from concurrent smectitization and chloritization processes affecting micas inherited from the parent material.
Eurasian Soil Science. 2025;(12):1863-1877
1863-1877
Postpyrogenic Changes in the Properties of Organic Matter in Cryosols of Western Siberia forest-tundra
Abstract
Organic matter of cryogenic soils of the Western Siberia forest-tundra is concentrated mainly in the upper soil horizons. Fires are a powerful factor in the transformation of the soil and plant cover in northern ecosystems, often leading to an increase in the heat flow deep into the soil and can cause accelerated mineralization of plant residues of organic horizons. The aim of the study was to assess the adsorption capacity of mineral horizons of a Reductaquic Turbic Cryosols thixotropic 28 years after the wildfire and to identify parameters that influence this capacity of the soil. Measurements of the soil organic carbon and total nitrogen contents were carried out using the ECS 4024 and METEK-700 express analyzers; soil texture was measured using the laser diffraction method on the Malvern Mastersizer 3000 analyzer; and the relationships between film water potentials and contents was measured using the WP4-T dewpoint potentiometer. The studied soils did not differ in texture, which allowed us to link changes in the adsorption capacity of the soil with the changes occurring in their organic matter. The results of the studies have shown that 28 years after the wildfire, the studied soil differed significantly from its natural analogue in the total organic carbon content. The average total organic carbon content in the 0–5 cm layer of natural soil was 1.11%, and in the 5–30 cm layer – 1.07%. In the soil of the wildfire territory, the content of total organic carbon in both layers was significantly (p < 0.05) lower and amounted, on average, to 0.73 and 0.71%, respectively. The highest mineral soil layer, which is in direct contact with the overlying organogenic horizon, is characterized by a statistically significant (p < 0.05) decrease in the content of particulate organic matter and a statistically significant increase in the adsorption capacity of soils in the range of the film moisture. In terms of its adsorption properties, the upper mineral layer (0–5 cm) of the wildfire territory soil is closer to the underlying (5–30 cm) mineral layer and is significantly (p < 0.05) different from the similar layer (0–5 cm) of the natural soil.
Eurasian Soil Science. 2025;(12):1878-1890
1878-1890