Soils and Sediments of the Lacustrine-Alas Depressions in Tundra Zone of the Kolyma Lowland

Abstract—Pedogenesis on the terraces of lacustrine–alas depressions in the tundra zone of the Kolyma Lowland takes place on sediments that are different in genesis but have significantly similar composition and properties. Soil morphology and soil cover patterns on terraces and slopes of depressions reflect the main trends of the Holocene pedogenesis and the rearrangement of the environment. On the terraces of the upper and middle levels, as well as on the interfluves, the major pedogenic trend is cryozem formation. On the lower terraces and in the bottoms of lacustrine–alas depressions, gleyzation and peat formation are considered to be stable and progressing processes. Soil formation is affected by close permafrost table (<1 m); therefore, all soils are qualified for Cryosols.