Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/11681/5827
Title: Ionic concentration gradients in permafrost, Barrow, Alaska
Authors: Brown, Jerry, 1936-
Keywords: Chemistry
Soil chemistry
Geomorphology
Lake sediments
Sediments
Permafrost
Frozen soils
Frozen ground
Soil thaw
Ions
Alaska
Barrow, Alaska
Publisher: Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory (U.S.)
Engineer Research and Development Center (U.S.)
Series/Report no.: Research report (Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory (U.S.)) ; 272.
Description: Research Report
Abstract: The ionic concentration gradients of soils and permafrost sediments were investigated to provide a means of interpreting present and past chemical activity and geomorphological processes in this coastal plain environment. Within short distances at comparably shallow depths and in sediments of similar texture, ionic concentrations commonly vary between less than 1 meq/100 g and 10 meq/100 g oven-dried soil. These differences represent modification of the marine sediment by such processes as lake migration and freshening, local and regional thawing, and leaching followed by refreezing of the grounds. Higher concentrations (>5 meq/100 g) are found close to the surface in areas unaffected by such processes. Lower values (<5 meq/100 g) are encountered in present and ancient lake basins and under several apparent primary land surfaces. Two areas, one a drained lake basin and the other a well developed polygon field, show depression of the ionic concentrations both vertically and laterally. A large, drained basin situated close to sea level contains frozen sediments having very low ionic concentrations; this suggests the prior existence of a fresh-water lake. The seasonally thawed soil contains, on an average, 24 times fewer extractable ions than the underlying permafrost. Data for all samples are presented in the appendix and consist of moisture content, conductivity of solution, and concentrations in solution and soils.
Rights: Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
URI: http://hdl.handle.net/11681/5827
Appears in Collections:Research Report

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