L. Beyer et M. Bolter, Formation, ecology, and geography of Cryosols of an ice-free oasis in Coastal East Antarctica near Casey Station (Wilkes Land), AUST J SOIL, 37(1), 1999, pp. 209-244
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 Case
y Station and presents a soil formation sequence on a small-scale database.
The accumulation of soil organic matter and podzolisation are important so
il-forming processes up to the antarctic polar desert. This study has revea
led a high variability in soil geography and soil properties at both a prof
ile and landscape level. However, previous results indicate a correlation b
etween soil cover and vegetation pattern. Nutrient supply in soil is affect
ed by high contents and availability of nitrogen, phosphate, potassium, and
magnesium due to the presence of seabirds.