Formation, ecology, and geography of Cryosols of an ice-free oasis in Coastal East Antarctica near Casey Station (Wilkes Land)

Abstract

New soil studies in the cold suggest that in the terrestrial ecosystems of the coastal regions of the antarctic continent, soil formation and chemical weathering occur to a greater extent than previously expected. This paper summarises the pedogenic results of an Australian-funded expedition to Casey Station and presents a soil formation sequence on a small-scale database. The accumulation of soil organic matter and podzolisation are important soil-forming processes up to the antarctic polar desert. This study has revealed a high variability in soil geography and soil properties at both a profile and landscape level. However, previous results indicate a correlation between soil cover and vegetation pattern. Nutrient supply in soil is affected by high contents and availability of nitrogen, phosphate, potassium, and magnesium due to the presence of seabirds.