Gelisols Classification

Gelisols are a soil order classified by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Soil Taxonomy system. These soils are characterized by the presence of permafrost, which is a layer of soil or rock that remains frozen for at least two consecutive years. Gelisols are found in cold regions, such as the Arctic and Antarctic, as well as in high mountainous areas.

Suborders of Gelisols

There are three suborders of Gelisols, each with distinct characteristics:

Orthel: These Gelisols have a thin active layer above the permafrost, typically less than 50 centimeters thick. The active layer experiences seasonal freezing and thawing, leading to the formation of patterned ground features, such as polygons or stripes.

Cryorthel: Cryorthel Gelisols have a thicker active layer, usually between 50 and 100 centimeters. The permafrost layer is also deeper, extending below the active layer. These soils often exhibit cryoturbation, which is the mixing of soil materials due to freeze-thaw processes.

Udorthel: Udorthel Gelisols have an active layer that is thicker than 100 centimeters. The permafrost layer is even deeper, reaching below the active layer. These soils may have well-developed cryoturbation features and are commonly found in high mountainous regions.

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Diagnostic Horizons and Features

Gelisols have specific diagnostic horizons and features that help in their classification:

• Permafrost: The presence of permafrost within the soil profile is a key characteristic of Gelisols. Permafrost restricts water movement and affects soil development.
• Cryoturbation: Cryoturbation refers to the mixing of soil materials caused by freeze-thaw processes. It leads to the formation of distinct soil layers and patterns, such as ice wedges, frost boils, or stone stripes.
• Cryosols: Cryosols are a specific type of Gelisols that have a high organic carbon content in the upper soil layers. These soils often occur in wetland areas and play a crucial role in carbon storage.

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Gelisols are important in the context of agriculture as they pose unique challenges for crop production due to their frozen nature. However, they also have potential for agricultural use in regions where permafrost is discontinuous or shallow, as well as for grazing and forage production.

Keywords: gelisols, permafrost, active, features, cryoturbation, regions, centimeters, classification, agriculture