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Pedology of an Arctic Brown Profile near Point Barrow, Alaska¹

ABSTRACT

The Arctic brown profile forms on the medium and coarse textured material of well-drained sites in the Alaskan Arctic Slope. The profile shows an accumulation of organic matter in the A₁ horizon, a weak translocation of Fe, Al, and Mn, and an accumulation of fines in the surface horizon, probably resulting from aeolian activity. Organic matter decreases from 11.48% in the A₁ horizon to less than 1% in the A₂, A₃, and C horizons, and the strongly developed profile colors are thought to be due primarily to this organic matter distribution. C/N ratios of the organic matter vary between 16:1 and 18:1. Base saturation is very low in the surface layer but increases with depth, and free carbonates are present in the lower horizons. Clay composition consists mainly of 2:1 layer silicates with small quantities of kaolinite. No authigenic weathering of primary minerals was detected.

Fragmental data indicate that Arctic brown soil forming processes may operate in other tundra and alpine regions of the world.

¹ Journal series paper of the New Jersey Agr. Exp. Sta., Rutgers University, the State University of New Jersey, department of soils. Presented before Division V, Soil Sci. Soc. Amer. Cincinnati, Ohio, Nov. 15, 1956. These studies were aided by a contract between the O.N.R., Department of the Navy, and the Arctic Institute of North America. Reproduction in whole or in part permitted for any purpose of the United States Government.

² Research Assistant in Soils, and Professor of Soils, respectively.

Received for publication December 6, 1956. Accepted for publication January 25, 1957.