NSF- ARCSS 1998-2002 DATA SUBMISSION
FROM CHIEN-LU PING'S GROUP
Project Title: Winter C-flux in arctic ecosystems under changing climate:       
Effects of soils carbon and active layer dynamics. This research was funded 
through the ATLAS program of the NSF, Arctic systems Science Program 
(NSF-OPP 9732731).

Persons Responsible for Data Collections and Analysis:
Chien-Lu Ping and Gary Michaelson 
Palmer research Center, University of Alaska Fairbanks, 
533 E. Fireweed Ave. Palmer, AK 99645.
Tel: 907-746-9462, 907-746-9484, e-mail: pfclp@uaa.alaska.edu; 
pngjm@uaa.alaska.edu

Vladimir Romanovsky
Geophysical Institute
University of Alaska Fairbanks
408E ELV.
Fairbanks, AK 99775-7320
Tel: 907-474-7459, e-mail: ftver@gi.alaska.edu

Warren Lynn
USDA-NRCS-NSSC
Federal Building, Room 152
100 Centennial Mall N.
Lincoln, NE 685083866
Tel: 402-437-5006 e-mail: wlynn@nssc.nrcs.usda.gov

Soil sampling at the ATLAS sites in Ivotuk and Council.  Investigators included 
C.L. Ping and, G.J. Michaelson (UAF), J.M. Kimble (NRCS national Soil Survey 
Center), L. Everett (Ohio State Univ.) and A. Munule (EPA).

NSF Grant #: NSF-OPP 9732731, 3/98-2/03.

SOIL DESCRIPTION AND CLASSIFICATION

Soil profile description and sampling protocol follow:
Soil Survey Division Staff. 1993. Soil Survey Manual. USDA Handbook No. 18. US 
Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C.
Soil Analysis follow:
Soil Survey Laboratory Staff. 1996. Soil Survey Laboratory Methods Manual. Soil 
Survey Investigation 
Report No. 42 Version 3.0. USDA-NRCS National Soil Survey Center. Lincoln, NE.


SITES AND MORPHOLOGICAL DESCRIPTIONS

101 – Site Name: Barrow Flux Tower 
 (50m east of the Ozone tower of the NOAA Station, BEO.  South of Walter Oechel 
tower and west of D.A. 
Walker plot.) Sampling date: 8/10/98

Project: LAII-ATLAS Winter C-Flux Proj. C.L. Ping,
Location:  Lat. 71o 19' 20" N; Long. 156o 36' 35.1" W.
Landform: Beach terrace, nearly level.
Parent material: loess over marine sediment
Vegetation: wet tundra.
Sampled by: C.L. Ping, G.J. Michaelson, and R.F. Paetzold

Table 1.  Soil morphological properties.
Horizon
Depth cm
Color
Texture
Oi
0-3
7.5YR 2.5/2
peat
Oa
3-7
7.5YR 2.5/1
muck
Bg/Oajj
7-33
10YR4/3,4/4, 2.5Y 5/1
5YR 2.5/1, 2.5/2, 5Y 4/1
sandy loam (Bg)
mucky sandy loam(Oajj)
Ab
33-35
10YR 2/1
mk silt loam
Oajj/2Cg
35-44
5YR 2.5/2, 5Y 3.5/1
muck (Oajj), loam (Cg)
2Cgf1
44-60
5Y 4/1, 4/2
Very gravelly loam(frozen)
2Cgf2/Wfm
60-90
2.5Y 5/1. 5/2	
gravelly loam, 60% ice est.
Classification: Fine-loamy, mixed, superactive, pergelic Typic Aquiturbel  
Comments:  Glacic Aquiturbels may occur where ice wedges present within 1m of   
the soil surface.



102 – Site Name: Barrow BEO Sampling date: 8/19/92

Project: LAII-ATLAS Winter C-Flux Proj. C.L. Ping, 
USDA-NRCS/NSSL Soil ID#: S92AK-185-001, Sampled 8/19/92
Landform: old drained-lake bed, nearly level.
Parent material: lucustrian sediment
Vegetation: tundra.
Sampled by: J.M. Kimble, C.L. Ping, G.J. Michaelson, and K.R. Everett
Table 1.  Soil morphological properties.
Depth
Cm
Horizon
Description
0-7
Oe
Dark reddish brown (5YR3/2) peat, moderate medium platy structure, soft, 
nonsticky and nonplastic, common fine and medium roots throughout, 80% fiber 
unrubbed, 30% rubbed fiber, abrupt smooth boundary
7-17
Bw
Very dark grayish brown (10YR 3/2) silt loam, weak medium platy structure, 
slightly hard, friable, slightly sticky and slightly plastic, many fine and     
medium roots throughout, 7% well rounded shale-noncalcareous gravel, abrupt wavy
boundary
17-30
Oa
60% black (10YR2/1) and 40% dark brown (7.5YR3/2) silt loam, weak medium 
platy structure, slightly hard, very friable, slightly sticky and nonplastic, 
few fine and medium roots throughout, abrupt irregular boundary
30-41
Oaf1
Dark reddish brown (5YR3/2) muck, massive, soft, nonsticky and nonplastic, few 
very fine and fine roots throughout, 40% fiber unrubbed, 0% fiber rubbed, clear 
smooth boundary
41-61
Cf1
Dark reddish brown (5YR3/2) muck, massive, soft, nonsticky and nonplastic, clear 
smooth boundary, many ice rich veins 3-5mm, material red but rapidly turns black 
(10YR2/1) upon exposure to air
61-97
Cf2
Dark grey (5Y4/1), weak prismatic structure, very friable, slightly sticky and  
slightly plastic, clear smooth boundary, has a net ice structure, ice lenses 
2-3mm thick with soil aggregated between lenses, mineral soil welling up
97-100
Oaf2
Dark brown (7.5TR3/2) and very dark grayish brown (10YR3/2) muck, massive, fiw 
very fine and fine roots throughout, 5% well rounded shale-noncalcareous gravel, 
abrupt smooth boundary, many ice lenses <1mm thick with 5mm pockets of Oe 
material, this is in the organic material layer in trough of polygon
100+
Cf3
Dark gray (5Y4/1), weak massive, few very fine and fine roots throughout
Remarks:  Udic moisture regime
Soil Classification: Coarse-loamy, mixed, superactive, pergelic, Ruptic 
Histoturbel




103 – Site Name: Barrow Central Marsh

Project: LAII-ATLAS Winter C-Flux Proj. C.L. Ping, 
USDA-NRCS/NSSL Soil ID#: S92AK-185-003, Sampled 8/19/92
Location:  Lat. 71o 18' 45" N; Long. 156o 35' 40" W.
Landform: Drained lake, nearly level.
Parent material: sediment
Vegetation: wet tundra.
Sampled by: C.L. Ping, G.J. Michaelson, and J.M. Kimble
Table 1.  Soil morphological properties.
Depth
Cm
Horizon
Description
0-11
Oi
Dark brown (7.5YR3/4) peat, common very fine roots throughout, and common 
medium throughout, abrupt smooth boundary
11-17
Cg
Grayish brown (2.5Y5/2) silt loam, massive, common very fine roots throughout   
and common medium throughout, 5% well rounded gravel, abrupt smooth boundary
17-20
Oib
Brown (7.5YR4/2) peat, turns black upon exposure to air, common very fine roots 
throughout and common medium throughout, abrupt smooth boundary
20-32
Oag/Cgf
60% dark brown (7.5YR3/4) and 40% dark grayish brown (2.5Y4/2), common fine 
roots throughout, 8% well rounded gravel, clear smooth boundary
32-48
Cf1
Dark grey (5Y4/1) gravely sandy loam, massive, 17% well rounded gravel



Remarks: Aquic moisture regime
Soil Classification: Coarse-loamy, mixed, superactive, pergelic Ruptic Historthel


104 – Site Name: Atqasuk 
(near Skip Walker's vegetation plots southwest of the airstrip) Sampling date: 
8/8/98

Project: LAII-ATLAS Winter C-Flux Proj., C.L. Ping,
Location:  Lat. 70o 27' 55.5" N; Long. 157o 27' 02" W.
Landform:  Outwash plain, nearly level with low tussocks of 15-18 cm across and 
10 cm high.
Parent material: Sandy outwash.
Vegetation: Moist non-acidic tundra: Eriophorum spp., VAVI, LEDE, mosses and    
lichens
Sampled by: C.L. Ping, G.J. Michaelson
Table 1.  Soil morphological properties.
Horizon
Depth cm
Color
Texture
Structure
Roots
Boundary
Oi
0-7
10Y5/3
Peat


as
Oe
7-10
10YR2/1, 
7.5YR2.5/2
Mucky sand
single grain
3vf,f, 1m

OA
10-35
7.5YR3/3, 
10YR2/1
Mucky fine 
sand
1cpl & 
1msbk
3vf,f
ai
Bw 
35-51
10YR4/2, 
2.5Y4/2 
7.5YR3/3
Sand
massive	
2f
as
Cgf1
51-68
2.5Y 4/1
Sand 
(frozen)
massive	
1f dead roots
cs
Cgf2-Cgf4
68-105
2.5Y 4.5/1, 
5/1
Sand
massive	
1f dead roots

Classification:  Sandy, mixed, active, pergelic psammentic Aquorthel
Comments:  The landform is more uniform and so are the soils. The soil horizons 
are nearly level or flat except some OA material sandwiched in the upper Bw 
horizon. Charcoal pockets scattered in Oe horizon. There is 20% rusty color 
(7.5YR) tonguing down. In Cf1 horizon there are vertical cracks with iron 
coatings (10YR3/3, 7.5YR3/3).  The coatings extended into the upper part of Cf2. 
horizon.


105 – Site Name: Atqasuk
 (south of Walter Oechel's tower at the east end of the airstrip)

Project: LAII-ATLAS Winter C-Flux Proj., C.L. Ping,
Sampling Date: 8/8/98
Location:  Lat. 70o 28' 5.5" N; Long. 157o 24' 32" W.
Landform:  Outwash plain, low center polygon, polygon rim next to Atqasuk-2.
Parent material: Sandy outwash
Vegetation: moist tundra, BENA, EMNI, VAVI, LEDE, Carex spp, Salix spp., 
Eriophorum spp.
Soil on eastside of pit:
Sampled by: C.L. ping, G.J. Michaelson, and R.F. Paetzold
Table 1.  Soil morphological properties.
Horizon
Depth cm
Texture
Oi
0-5
Peat
Oe
5-7
Muck
Ajj and C
7-32
Sand
C
32-60
Sand
Cf
60-100
Sand (frozen)
Classification:  Sandy, mixed, superactive, pergelic Typic Psammoturbel
Comments: Surface organic and A&C horizons cryoturbated.


106 – Site Name: Atqasuk  ( northwest of W. Oechels tower E. of the airstrip)

Project: LAII-ATLAS Winter C-Flux, C.L. Ping 
Sampling date: 8/9/98
Location:  Lat. 70o 28' 14.4" N; Long. 157o 24' 27.9" W.
Landform:  Outwash plain, low center polygon.  Polygon rim.
Parent material: Sandy outwash
Vegetation: moist acidic tundra.
Sampled by: C.L. Ping, G.J. Michaelson, and R.F. Paetzold
Table 1.  Soil morphological properties.
Horizon
Depth cm
Color
Texture
Structure
Roots
Boundary
Oe
0-5
7.5YR 3/3
mucky peat

3vf,f;1m
as
AC
5-12
10YR 4/3, 4/2
sand
single grain
3vf,f
aw
AB
12-18
7.5YR 3/2, 
2.5Y 4/2
mucky sand
single grain
3vf,f
as
Bw
18-28
10YR 4/2
sand
single grain
3vf,f
aw
Ajj
28-50
10YR 3/2
sand
single grain
2vf,f
Ai
Objj
40-60
10YR 2/1
mucky sand
single grain
2vf,f
Ai
Cf/Oajj
60-80
2.5Y 4/1, 
10YR 2/1
sand with 
frost-
churned OM



Comments:  Soils in the area east of the airstrip are more complex due to the   
formation of low-centered polygon.  Soils in the flat center of the polygon are 
more uniform like those at the west end.  But soils on the polygon rim are very 
complex due to cryoturbation. 
Soil Classification: Sandy, mixed, superactive, pergelic Typic Umbriturbel

107 – Site Name: Oumalik - moist nonacidic tundra – 
Walker vegetation plot: sampled July 10, 1999.

Project: LAII-ATLAS Winter C-Flux Proj., C.L. Ping,
USDA-NRCS Soils Data Base ID#: S99AK-185-006
Location: Lat. 68° 44' 07" N.; Long. 155° 51' 59.6" W.
Elevation:
Landform: Piedmont toeslope
Microrelief: Frostboils (inactive)
Slope: 3% SW convex 
Drainage: poorly drained
Parent material: Residual sedimentary rocks
Sampled by: CL. Ping, G.J. Michaelson, J.M. Kimble, L. Everett and A. Munule
Table 1.  Soil morphological properties.
Depth
Cm
Horizon
Description
0-5
Oi
Litter layer; abrupt wavy boundary to
5-27
Bw
10YR3/3 (35%), 2.5Y3/2 (30%), 7.5YR4/6 (25%), and 10YR4/4 silty loam; weak, 
medium platy structure; friable when moist, slightly sticky and slightly plastic
when wet; many very fine, fine, and few medium roots; clear smooth boundary to
27-46
Bg/Oajj
2.5Y3/2 (50%), 2.5Y4/2 (30%) silty loam and 10YR2/1 cryoturbated muck; weak 
medium platy structures; very friable when moist, slightly sticky and slightly 
plastic when wet; common very fine and fine roots; abrupt smooth boundary to
46-59
Bgf
5Y2.5/1 (40%). 10YR3/1 (20%) silty loam and 10YR3/2 (15%) and 10YR2/1 (5%) 
muck in streaks; reduced; Fe concentrations in 7.5YR4/4 (20%) around root linings 
and in mucky streaks; weak medium platy structures imbed with seasonally ice 
lenses; friable when moist and slightly sticky and slightly plastic when wet; 
common very fine and fine roots; abrupt smooth boundary to
59-67
Cf
5Y4/2 (60%), 5Y4/2 (25%) silt loam, and 10YR2/1 (15%) muck; reduced; massive, 
frozen; slightly sticky and slightly plastic when wet; ice net (vertical cracks)
2-3 cm apart and ice lenses 1-2 mm thick; few root remains; abrupt smooth 
boundary to 67+
Wfm
Ice wedge
Soil classification: Coarse-silty, mixed, superactive, pergelic Glacic Aquiturbel
Explanation:  The soil keys into the Glacic subgroup because of the presence of 
ice wedge. It keys into the Aquic great group due to the reduced matrix in Bg 
and Cf and the redoximorphic features (mottles) in these two horizons. The 
Turbic suborder is due to the strongly cryoturbated Bg/Oajj horizon.  The extent 
of ice wedges under this land cover type is not known but I suppose that not the 
whole unit is under ice wedges. Thus for areas without ice wedges or ground ice, 
the soils should be classified as Typic Aquiturbels.  


108 – Site Name: Oumalik - acidic tundra 
Walker vegetation plot: sampled July 10, 1999.

Project: LAII-ATLAS Winter C-Flux Proj., C.L. Ping,
USDA-NRCS Soils Data Base ID#: S99AK-185-005
Location: Lat. 68° 43' 58.8" N.; Long. 155° 51' 40" W.
Elevation:
Landform: Piedmont toeslope
Microrelief: Tussocks 
Slope: 3% SW convex 
Drainage: poorly drained
Parent material: Residual sedimentary rocks
Sampled by: CL. Ping, G.J. Michaelson, J.M. Kimble, L. Everett and A. Munule
Table 1.  Soil morphological properties.
Depth
Cm
Horizon
Description
0-8
Oi
10YR4/3 peat; moss and Eriophorum roots; clear irregular boundary to
8-15
Oe/Oa
10YR2/1 mucky peat and 7.5YR2/0 muck; partially decomposed organic matter 
intermixed with muck; many very fine, fine and few medium roots; clear wavy 
boundary to
15-40
Bg
5Y4/2 (60%) and 2.5Y4/3 (25%) silty loam; 7.5YR4/6 and 10YR5/3 around root 
linings; strongly reduced; massive, wet; slightly plastic and slightly sticky;   
common fine roots; lower part of this horizon seasonally frozen and with some 
woody fragments; clear wavy boundary to
40-55
Oeb/Bgjj
10YR3/1 Oa; peaty muck; and 2.5Y4/2 silty loam; cryoturbated and reduced; 
seasonally frozen, missive, slightly plastic and slightly sticky; few fine roots 
and common medium root remains; abrupt smooth boundary to
55-75
Bgf
2.5Y3/2 silty loam amid ice matrix; frost-churned Oe material mostly from 
partially decomposed Eriophorum roots; few fine and many fine root remains in Bg 
and Oe materials, respectively; ice content >60% by volume.
75-100
Wfm/Bgf

Soil classification: Fine-silty, mixed, superactive, pergelic Ruptic-Histic 
Aquiturbel


109 - Site Name: Ivotuk MAT - moist acidic tundra

Project: LAII-ATLAS Winter C-Flux Proj. C.L. Ping, 
USDA-NRCS/NSSL Soil ID#: S99AK-185-001, Sampled 7/8/99
Location: Lat. 68° 29' 14.7" N.; Long. 155° 44' 22.7" W.
Landform: Piedmont toe slope, Elevation: 543.1 m, 
Microrelief: Tussocks with frostboils
Slope: 2.5%, azimuth: 115o
Drainage: poorly drained
Parent material: Residual sedimentary rocks
Sampled by: CL. Ping, G.J. Michaelson, J.M. Kimble, L. Everett and A. Munule
Table 1:  Soil profile morphological properties.
Depth
Cm
Horizon
Description
0-22
Oi
5YR3/3 peat, tussock roots and moss layer; many fine and common medium roots; 
5-35 cm thick; abrupt wavy boundary
0-41
Oe
7.5YR3/2 peaty muck, partially decomposed organic matter; many very fine, fine 
and few medium roots; common very fine, fine and few medium roots;0-25 cm 
thick; abrupt wavy boundary 
41-50
Bwjj
10YR4/4 (50%) matrix, 2.5Y5/2(30%), 2.5Y5/0 (10%) and 7.5YR4/6 in root 
linings; silty clay loam; massive (wet), sticky and plastic; few very fine and   
fine roots; 0-20 cm thick; clear gradual boundary 
50-63
Bgjj
10YR4/1 (60%) matrix, 10YR4/4 (35%), 2.5Y5/1, 5/0 and 7.5YR4/4 Fe depletions 
and concentrations around common fine root channels and linings; clay loam, 7% 
round gravel; massive, wet, slightly plastic and slightly sticky; 5-20 cm thick; 
clear smooth boundary 
63-100
Bg/Oajjf
75% Bg 10YR4/1 and 2.5Y5/1 clay loam, 25% Oa 10YR3/1 muck; massive, upper 
permafrost; slightly plastic and slightly sticky; no roots.



Remarks:  The upper permafrost appears at 63 cm based on soil morphology.
Soil Classification: Fine-loamy, mixed, superactive, pergelic Ruptic Histoturbel

110 - Site Name:  Ivotuk Shrub

Project: LAII-ATLAS Winter C-Flux Proj., C.L. Ping, 
USDA-NRCS/NSSL Soil ID#: S99AK-185-002, Sampled 7/799
Location: Lat. 68° 28' 52" N.; Long. 155° 44' 37.4" W.
Landform: Toe slope, Elevation: 544 m, 
Microrelief: slightly undulating and concave.
Slope: 4.5%, Azimuth: 140o
Drainage: poorly drained
Parent material: Residual sedimentary rocks
Sampled by: CL. Ping, G.J. Michaelson, J.M. Kimble, L. Everett and A. Munule, 
Table 1:  Soil morphological properties.
Depth
cm
Horizon
Profile Description
0-13
Oi
Peat; 5-10 cm thick; abrupt smooth boundary
13-20
Oe
5YR2.5/3 muck peat, occasional cobbles on surface; 2-10 cm thick; abrupt 
wavy boundary
20-30
Oa
7.5YR3/3 muck; 3-6 cm ice lenses amid the organic horizon; 5-15 cm thick; 
abrupt wavy boundary
30-60
Bg
2.5Y4/2 loam; medium to coarse platy structure; plastic and slightly sticky; 
seasonally frozen; 10% angular rock fragment; 20-30 cm thick; abrupt smooth 
boundary
60-85
Wfm/Bgf
Loam; 70% ice; mineral soil reduced; pockets of cryoturbated organic matter; 
25 cm thick; abrupt irregular boundary
85+
Wfm
Ice wedge
Remarks: The undulating but continuous organic layers and the cryoturbated       
horizons key the soil into Histoturbel great group, and the presence of ice wedge
or massive ground ice keys the soil into Glacic subgroup. However, the ice wedges
are not expected to be continuous under the whole plot Soil Classification: 
Fine-loamy, mixed, superactive, pergelic Glacic Histoturbel

111 - Site Name:  Ivotuk MNT - moist nonacidic tundra

Project: LAII-ATLAS Winter C-Flux Proj., C.L. Ping, 
USDA-NRCS/NSSL Soil ID#: S99AK-185-003, Sampled 7/7/99
Location: Lat. 68° 28' 43" N.; Long. 155° 43' 57" W.
Landform: Piedmont, Elevation: 544 m, 
Microrelief: Solifluction lobe.
Slope: 5%, Azimuth: 115o
Drainage: well drained
Parent material: Residual metasedimentary rocks
Sampled by: CL. Ping, G.J. Michaelson, J.M. Kimble, L. Everett and A. Munule 
Table 1:  Soil morphological properties.
Depth
cm
Horizon
Profile Description
0-5
Oi
Peat; many very fine, fine and medium roots; abrupt wavy boundary 
5-40
Oe
5YR2.5/2 peaty muck, partially decomposed organic matter; many very fine, fine 
and medium roots; abrupt smooth boundary to 
40-60
Bw
10YR3/3 gravelly loam (25% fractured sedimentary rock); weak, medium 
angular block structure; slightly plastic and slightly sticky; common very fine, 
fine, and few medium roots; at the top of this horizon there is a thin layer of  
flat rock fragments; abrupt smooth boundary to
60-80
Cf
10YR2/1 very gravelly loam (40% fractured sedimentary rock fragments); 
massive, compact, slightly plastic and slightly sticky; ice lenses 1 mm thick 
about 2 cm apart



Remarks: The soil horizons show evidence of down slope movement due to 
solifluction. The sample was taken from the upper slope of the plot. The lower 
slope of the plot has a different microrelief; it is dominated by frostboils and 
it is common to have fragment of shale or slate frost-churned to the surface.
Soil Classification: Euic, pergelic Terric Hemistel

112 - Site Name:  Ivotuk Moss - moist acidic tundra

Project: LAII-ATLAS Winter C-Flux Proj., C.L. Ping
USDA-NRCS/NSSL Soil ID#: S99AK-185-004. Sampled 7/8/99
Location: Lat. 68° 28' 51" N.; Long. 155° 44' 33.4" W.
Landform: Piedmont, Elevation: 552.8 m, 
Microrelief: Tussocks.
Slope: 1.2%, Azimuth: 312o
Drainage: poorly drained
Parent material: Residual sedimentary rocks
Sampled by: CL. Ping, G.J. Michaelson, J.M. Kimble, L. Everett and A. Munule 
Table 1:  Soil morphological properties.
Depth
cm
Horizon
Profile Description
0-10
Oi
5YR3/2 peat; many very fine, fine and few medium roots; abrupt clear 
boundary 
10-30
Oe
7.5YR2.5/2 peaty muck; many very fine, fine and few medium roots; abrupt 
wavy boundary 
30-50
Bg
10YR3/3 loam; fine reticular structure 3-5 mm thick; seasonal frozen, ice 
lenses 1-2 mm and vertical ice veins 2-3 mm thick; slightly plastic and slightly 
sticky; 10% cryoturbated organic matter; clear wavy boundary 
50-68
Bg/Oabfjj
Bg 2.5Y3/3 gravelly loam; plastic and slightly sticky; 30% cryuturbated 
organic matter; 20% rock fragment with some rounded gravel; muck 10YR2/1 
with segregated ice crystals in organics; 3-6 cm ice lenses amid the organic 
horizon; 5-15 cm thick
68+
Cf
Upper Permafrost



Soil Classification: Fine-loamy, mixed,superactive, pergelic Ruptic  Histoturbel

113 – Site Name: Council - Tundra – sampled July 12, 1999.

Project: LAII-ATLAS Winter C-Flux Proj., C.L. Ping,
USDA-NRCS Soils Data Base ID#:  S99AK-180-003
Location: Lat. 64° 50' 32.6" N.; Long. 163° 41' 39.2" W.
Elevation:
Landform: Flood plain
Microrelief: hummocky with thermokarst
Slope: 0-1%
Drainage: Poor to very poor
Parent material: alluvium
Sampled and described by: CL. Ping, X.Y. Dai, G.J. Michaelson, J.M. Kimble, L. 
Everett and A. Munule
Table 1.  Soil morphological properties.
Depth
cm
Horizon
Description
0-22
Oi
7.5YR3/3 peat; undecomposed moss and litters; many very fine, fine and medium 
roots; abrupt wavy boundary to
22-30
Oe1
2.5YR3/2 peaty muck; partially decomposed organic matter; many very fine, fine 
and common medium roots; abrupt wavy boundary to
30-52
Oe2
2.5YR3/2 muck; highly decomposed sedge residue; weak thin platy 
structure; few fine roots; abrupt smooth boundary to
52-68
Bgf
2.5Y3/2 silt loam; weak, thin lenticular structure; frozen, ice lenses 1-
2 mm thick; sticky and plastic when wet; reduced; common fine root 
remains, few live Eriophorum roots; abrupt smooth boundary to
68-84
Oabf
5YR3/2 buried muck layer from decomposed Sphagnum; frozen with fine 
segregated ice crystals; abrupt smooth boundary to
84-100
Cf/Wfm
2.5Y3/2 silt loam; ice-rich (ataxitic horizon), >65% ice by volume; 
sticky and plastic when wet; 5% cryoturbated organic matter.
Soil classification: Dysic subgelic Fluvaquentic Hemistel
Explanation:  This is a frozen organic soil. The soil is in the dysic family 
because it has an acidic reaction (moist acidic tundra).  The mixed texture of 
hemic between 0-52 cm keys it into the Hemistel great group.  The layer of silt 
loam at 52-68 cm suggests its fluvial origin.  


114 – Site Name: Council - Open Shrub Site "Blueberry 
Hill" 

Project: LAII-ATLAS Winter C-Flux Proj., C.L. Ping, sampled July 13, 1999.
USDA-NRCS Soils Data Base ID#:  S99AK-180-004
Location: Lat. 64° 53' 29" N.; Long. 163° 38' 57.6" W.
Elevation:
Landform: Hills, shoulder slope
Microrelief: hummocky with frostboils
Slope: 20% SE facing
Drainage: Imperfect
Parent material: Colluvium
Sampled and described by: CL. Ping, X.Y. Dai and G.J. Michaelson
Table 1.  Soil morphological properties.
Depth
cm
Horizon
Description
0-25
Oi
10YR3/3 peat; undecomposed moss and litter; many very fine, fine and 
common medium roots; abrupt smooth boundary to ( 6-27 cm thick, with 
thicker part under Sphagnum moss and thinner part under sedge)
25-29
Oe
5YR2.5/1 muck; highly decomposed organic matter; weak, fine granular 
structure; very fraible when moist, nonsticky and nonplastic when wet; 
many very fine, fine and common medium roots; abrupt wavy boundary to
(3-7 cm thick)
29-33
A
2.5Y2.5/1 very gravely silty loam; weak, fine subangular structure; friable 
when moist, slightly stick and slightly plastic when wet; 65% channers and 
flat slate fragment; many very fine ,fine and few medium roots; abrupt 
irregular boundary to (0-4 cm thick)
33-50
Bg
5Y3/1 very gravely loam; saturated, slightly sticky and slightly plastic 
when wet; 15% Fe concentration 10YR4/4 around root channels; common
fine and medium roots; 60% channers and flagstones; clear smooth 
boundary to (5-15 cm thick)
50-70
BCg
5Y3/1 very gravely loam; moderate medium subangular blocky structure; 
weak medium lenticular structure in pockets; friable when moist and 
slightly sticky and slightly plastic when wet; common fine roots; 65% 
channers and flagstones; abrupt irregular boundary to (5-20 cm 
thick)
70-76
2Bwb
7.5YR3/4 fine sandy loam; buried horizon; moderate medium subangular 
and moderate medium platy structure; very friable when moist, nonsticky 
and nonplastic when wet; few fine and medium roots; common fine root 
channels; abrupt irregular boundary to (0-9 cm thick)
76-100
Bgb
5Y3/1 very gravely loam; buried horizon; moderate medium to coarse platy 
structure breaking into moderate medium subangular structure; friable 
when moist, slightly sticky and slightly plastic when wet; few fine medium 
roots, common root channels; >60% channers and flagstones, mostly slate.
Soil classification: Loamy-skeletal, mixed, superactive, frigid Histic Cryaquept
Explanation: The soil has a loamy family. It has a mixed mineralogy. It keys 
into the Inceptisol order and Aquic suborder because of the reduced matrix and 
redoximorphic features in the Bg horizon caused by episaturation.  The soil keys 
into Cryaquept great group. This soil is polygenic because it shows evidence of 
frostboils and solifluction; the current surface is the result of frostboil and 
the buried horizons are due to solifluction.


115 – Site Name: Council Shrub 

Project: LAII-ATLAS Winter C-Flux Proj., C.L. Ping,  sampled July 13, 1999.
USDA-NRCS Soils Data Base ID#:  S99AK-180-005
Location: Lat. 64° 56' 09" N.; Long. 163° 44' 14.6" W.
Elevation:
Landform: Hills, backslope, convex
Microrelief: plane
Slope: 
Drainage: well-drained
Parent material: Residuum
Sampled and described by: CL. Ping, X.Y. Dai and G.J. Michaelson
Table 1.  Soil morphological properties.
Depth
cm
Horizon
Description
0-5
Oi
7.5YR3/3; peat;  slightly decomposed litter; many very fine, fine, common 
medium and few coarse roots; abrupt smooth boundary to
5-11
Oa
10YR2/1 muck; highly decomposed organic matter; weak fine granular 
structure; friable when moist, nonsticky and nonplastic when wet; many 
very fine, fine and common medium roots; abrupt smooth boundary to
11-30
Bw
2.5Y4/2 loam; 20% mottles 10YR3/6 in masses; moderate thin lenticular 
structure; fraible when mois, slightly sticky and slightly plastic when wet; 
common very fine, fine and few medium roots; 8% channers; clear wavy 
boundary to
30-50
BC
5Y3/2 loam; moderate thin platy structure breaking into moderate fine 
structure; friable when moist, slightly sticky and slightly plastic when wet; 
few fine roots; 10% cobbles; clear smooth boundary to

50+
2CR
2.5Y4/2 very channery sandy loam; soil filled in channer cracks; slightly 
sticky and slightly plastic when wet; 65% channers and most rock 
fragments has silt caps; few ice crystals in rock cracks due to seasonal frost.



Soil classification: Coarse-silty, mixed, superactive, frigid Lithic 
Eutrocryept




116 – Site Name: Council - Open Woodland Site 

Project: LAII-ATLAS Winter C-Flux Proj., C.L. Ping, sampled July 12, 1999.
USDA-NRCS Soils Data Base ID#:  S99AK-180-001
Location: Lat. 64° 53' 59" N.; Long. 163° 40' 01" W.
Elevation:
Landform: Back slope of rolling hills
Microrelief: slightly convex and undulating
Slope: 8% east-facing 
Drainage: well drained
Parent material: Residual, mica-rich schist
Sampled by: CL. Ping, X.Y. Dai, G.J. Michaelson, J.M. Kimble, L. Everett and A. 
Munule
Table 1.  Soil morphological properties.
Depth
cm
Horizon
Description
0-2
Oi
7.5YR4/3 peat; least decomposed litter layer; 1-2 cm thick; abrupt smooth boundary 
to cm thick
2-8
Oa
2.5YR2.5/1 muck; highly decomposed organic matter; common very fine,
fine and medium roots; 8-14 cm thick; abrupt smooth boundary to
8-19
Bw
5YR3/2 fine sandy loam; weak medium subangular blocky structure; friable 
when moist, nonsticky and nonplastic when wet; common very fine, fine 
and few medium roots; some fine pebbles at contact with the horizon 
below; abrupt wavy boundary to
19-37
BC1
2.5Y4/2 loam; 30% mottles 10YR4/6 in masses and root channels; weak 
medium platy structure; fraible when moist, slightly sticky and slightly 
plastic when wet; few very fine and fine roots; clear smooth boundary to
37-60
BC2
2.5Y4/3 loam; weak fine lenticular structure with 20% fine ice lenses 
(seasonally frozen); firm when frozen, slightly sticky and slightly plastic when 
wet; few fine roots; 5% gravel; clear smooth boundary to
60-80
BC3
2.5Y 4/3 loam with 10% muck of 5YR3/2 and 7.5YR3/3; moderate 
medium lenticular structures with ice lenses 1-3 mm thick; firm when 
frozen, slightly sticky and slightly plastic when wet; abrupt smooth 
boundary to
80+
CR
Fractured bedrock (mica schist) with cracks filled with seasonally
frozen loamy soils.
Soil classification: Coarse-loamy, mixed, superactive, frigid, Typic Dystocryept 
Remarks:  The BC3 horizon has well developed cryogenic fabrics, i.e, lenticular 
structure. This suggest a past permafrost environment. 


117 – Site Name: Council Forest Site  

Project: LAII-ATLAS Winter C-Flux Proj., C.L. Ping, sampled July 12, 1999.
USDA-NRCS Soils Data Base ID#:  S99AK-180-002
Location: (50 ft SW of Tower) Lat. 64° 54' 27" N.; Long. 163° 40' 24.5" W.
Elevation:
Landform: Back slope of rolling hills
Microrelief: slightly convex and undulating
Slope: 5% east-facing 
Drainage: well drained
Parent material: Residual, mica-rich schist
Sampled and described by: CL. Ping, X.Y. Dai, G.J. Michaelson, J.M. Kimble, L. Everett 
and A. Munule
Table 1.  Soil morphological properties.
Depth
cm
Horizon
Description
0-11
Oi
7.5YR4/3 peat; undecomposed litter layer; many very fine, fine medium 
and few coarse roots; abrupt smooth boundary to 
11-13
Oe
5YR2.5/2 mucky peat; partially decomposed organic matter; many very 
fine, fine and few medium and coarse roots; abrupt smooth boundary to
13-31
Oa
5YR2.5/1 muck; highly decomposed organic matter; common very fine, 
fine and few medium roots; abrupt smooth boundary to
31-57
Bw
7.5YR3/3 very fine sandy loam; weak thin platy structure; friable when 
moist, nonsticky and nonplastic when wet; common very fine and fine 
roots; 10% of the horizon intrudes into the underlying horizon along crack 
lines in wedge shape and this portion has strong lenticular structure;  
abrupt wavy boundary to
57-90
2C
2.5Y5/3 sandy loam; moderate medium lanticular structure; friable when 
moist, slightly sticky and slightly plastic when wet; few fine root remains; 
10% gravel; clear smooth boundary to
90-110
2CR
2.5Y5/3 very gravelly sandy loam in cracks of fractured bed rock from 
angular and channery mica schist.
Soil classification: Coarse-loamy, mixed, superactive, frigid Andic Dystrocryept
Explanation: See Council Plot 1.
Remarks: This soil shows evidence of past permafrost as indicated by the 
well-developed cryogenic fabrics in 2C horizon.


118 – Site Name: Council - Barren Nonacidic

Project: LAII-ATLAS Winter C-Flux Proj., C.L. Ping,
Location: N64o 43.556' W 163o 56.688'
Elevation: 1200m
Landform: mountian saddle pass
Microrelief: slightly convex to flat
Slope: 5%
Drainage: well drained
Parent material: Residual, limestone
Sampled and described by: G.J. Michaelson 7/30/00
Table 1.  Soil morphological properties. 
Horizon
Depth cm
boundary
Color
Vol. % Fragments >2mm
Roots
A
0-3
Broken
5Y2.5/1
70  channers
2mf
AC
3-12
cs
5Y3/1
70  channers
2f
Cr
12-24
ai
5Y3/1
90  channers
1f
Soil classification: Fragmental, mixed, superactive, subgelic, Typic Cryorthent
Comments: surface rock or pavement acid weathered and darker colored on the upper 
exposed surfaces with carbonate deposits on the under side of rocks (to 1 cm 
thick).  Pockets of fine materials are found under some cobble size flat stones. 



119 - Site Name: Council - Barren Acidic 

Project: LAII-ATLAS Winter C-Flux Proj., C.L. Ping,
Location: N 64o 43.560' , W 163o 56.311'
Elevation: 1200m
Landform: mountain saddle pass
Microrelief: slightly convex to flat
Slope: 5%
Drainage: well drained
Parent material: Residual, micaecous schist
Sampled and described by: G.J. Michaelson 7/30/00
Table 1.  Soil morphological properties. 
Horizon
Depth cm
Boundary
Color
Vol.  %Fragments >2mm
Roots
Oi
0-3
cw
2.5YR2.5/1

mcf
A
3-5
aw
5YR2.5/1
50 flat angular cobbles
mf
Bw
5-30
cs
10YR3/2
70 flat angular cobbles
mf
Oab
30-38
cs
10YR2/2
<10 flat angular cobbles
ff
Cr
38-60+

2.5Y7/6
ox. Stones: 
10YR6/8
50 flat angular cobbles
None
Soil Classification: Loamy-skeletal, mixed, superactive, subgelic Typic Dystocryept
Comments:  30 cm diameter sorted circles over surface with relief of 5-10 cm, 
oxidation on upper surfaces of stones, Cr is residual decomposed schist bedrock.


120 – Site Name: Quartz Creek Tussock Tundra

Project: LAII-ATLAS Winter C-Flux Proj., C.L. Ping,
Location: - N65o 27.126', W 164o 37.709', Walker Tussock Tundra Grid at Mauze Creek 
(gridpoint A2,)
Elevation: 
Landform: shoulder slope
Microrelief: convex-convex
Slope: 10%
Drainage: somewhat poorly drained
Parent material: loess, and colluvial and residual, micaecous schist/quartz
Sampled and described by: G.J. Michaelson 7/30/00
Table 1.  Soil morphological properties. 
Horizon
Depth 
cm
Color
Boundary
>2mm
%
Structure
Consist.
Roots
Oi
0-4
10YR2.5/1
cw



3vff
Oe
4-10
10YR2.5/2
aw



3vff
Bw/Ajj
10-25
2.5YR4/1
5YR3/1
ci
<1%
gr
osop
2f
Bw/Oajj
25+
5Y4/1
7.5YR3/2
5Y2.5/4

<1%
pl
osop
1f
Soil Classification: Coarse-loamy, mixed, superactive, pergelic, Ruptic-Histic 
Aquiturbel
Comments:  Seasonal frost at 24 cm, fine and medium roots proliferate at the contact 
of Oe and Bw horizons to form a mat. Vegetation: Eriophorum tussocks some low shrubs








121 - Site Name: Quartz Creek Lichen Stripe 

Project: LAII-ATLAS Winter C-Flux Proj., C.L. Ping,
Location: - Lichen stripe Walker Grid at Mauze Creek (gridpoint B4,)
Elevation: 
Landform: hill slope, south-facing, lichen stripe or sorted circle centers
Microrelief: convex-convex
Slope: 8%
Drainage: somewhat poorly drained
Parent material: colluvial micaecous schist/quartz
Sampled and described by: G.J. Michaelson 7/30/00
Table 1.  Soil morphological properties. 
Horizon
Depth 
cm
Color
Boundary
Redox
features
>2mm
%
Structure
Consist.
Roots
Oe/A
0-3
10YR2/2
cs




3vff
AB
3-8
10YR4/3
2.5Y5/2
cw

3
gr

2f
Bw
8-20
7.5YR5/8
ci

<1
gr

2f
Bg
20+
2.5YR4/4
5Y4/2,

2.5Y5/4
5
gr
sssp
2f
Soil Classification: Coarse- loamy, mixed, active, pergelic Typic Aquiturbel
Comments:  gravel concentration at mineral surface


122 – Site Name: Quartz Creek Inter-Stripe 
shrubs, (inter-lichen area), Walker Grid at Mauze Creek (gridpoint B4,)

Project: LAII-ATLAS Winter C-Flux Proj., C.L. Ping,
Elevation: 
Landform: hill slope, south-facing, between lichen stripe or sorted circle perimeters
Microrelief: convex-convex
Slope: 8%
Drainage: moderately well drained
Parent material: colluvial micaecous schist/quartz
Sampled and described by: G.J. Michaelson 7/30/00
Table 1.  Soil morphological properties. 
Horizon
Depth 
cm
Color
Boundary
Redox
features
>2mm
%
Structure
Consist.
Roots
Oi/Oe
0-8
10YR2/2
cs




3vvf
Bw1
8-20
10YR4/3
cs
Few
20 ang.
Granular

3f
Bw2
20-50+
10YR3/3

few
40 ang.
Granular

2f









Soil Classification: Loamy-skeletal, mixed, superactive, pergelic, Aquic 
Haploturbel
Comments: more cobbles at surface compared with circle/stripe centers, shrubs 
and mosses dominate vegetation.  Angular stones throughout profile.





123 – Site Name: Quartz Creek Shrub 
Tall Shrub Site (grid point J6,) Location: N 65o 27.241', W 164o 37.912', 
Walker Shrub Grid at Mauze Creek (gridpoint J6,)

Project: LAII-ATLAS Winter C-Flux Proj., C.L. Ping,
Elevation: 
Landform: slope drainage way
Microrelief: Alluvial fan
Slope: 20%
Drainage: well drained
Parent material: fluvial-colluvial micaecous schist/quartz and slope wash sediment
Sampled and described by: G.J. Michaelson 7/30/00
Table 1.  Soil morphological properties. 
Horizon
Depth 
cm
Color
Boundary
Redox
features
>2mm
%
Structure
Consist.
Roots
Oe
0-3
10YR2/2
as




3f
A
3-12
10YR4/3
ai


Gr
Smeary
2f
Bg1
12-20
2.5Y4/2
cs


Gr

2f
Bg2
20-30
2.5Y4/2
cs
10YR5/1 
30%
10YR3/6 
30%
10 ang.
Gr

2f
Bg3
30-80
2.5YR5/3
cs

4 ang.


1f
C1
80-85
2.5YR4/2
cs

10 ang.


1f
C2
85-100+







Soil Classification: Loamy-skeletal, mixed, superactive, frigid, Typic Cryaquept
Comments:  water seeping on top of C1. The C2 is compacted and dry.  Salix shrubs 
1-1.5 m tall forming large areas (5 m diameter) of closed canopy shrubs openings 
of 1 m scattered.  The A horizon is smeary and appears to be high in volcanic ash 
derived material.  

124 – Site Name: Quartz Creek Shrub-Tussock Tundra 
Interface
Mauze Creek  solifluction zone 

Project: LAII-ATLAS Winter C-Flux Proj., C.L. Ping,
Location: N 65o 27.253', W 164o 37.811', Walker Shrub Grid at Mauze Creek
Elevation: 
Landform: hillslope 
Microrelief: solifluction lobe 50 m diameter
Slope: 10%
Drainage: somewhat poorly drained
Parent material: loess and micaecous schist/quartz
Sampled and described by: G.J. Michaelson 7/31/00
Table 1.  Soil morphological properties. 
Horizon
Depth 
cm
Color
Boundary
Redox
features
>2mm
%
Structure
Consist.
Roots
Oi
0-15
10YR3/4





3fvf
Oa
15-18
10YR3/1





3fvf
A
18-25
2.5Y4/1

7.5YR4/4


smeary
3f
Bg
25+
2.5Y6/1
10YR3/2



pl

1f
Soil Classification: Fine-loamy, mixed, superactive, subgelic Typic Histoturbel
Comments:  open shrub (1-10 m apart) to tussock tundra transition zone above shrub 
drainage ways. 
Seasonal frost at 30 cm.  Charcoal found in pockets in OA horizon at contact of 
organic and mineral.   


125 – Site Name: Quartz Creek Solifluction Lobe - 
Meadow

Project: LAII-ATLAS Winter C-Flux Proj., C.L. Ping,
Location: above Walker Shrub Grid at Mauze Creek
Elevation: 
Landform: hillslope 
Microrelief: very large solifluction lobe 50 m diameter above incised shrub drainage 
way
Slope: 10%
Drainage: poorly drained
Parent material: loess and micaecous schist/quartz
Sampled and described by: G.J. Michaelson 8/1/00
Table 1.  Soil morphological properties. 
Horizon
Depth 
cm
Color
Boundary
Redox
features
>2mm
%
Structure
Consist.
Roots
Oi/Oe
0-8
10YR3/3






O/A
8-11
10YR3/1






Bg
11-25+
5Y5/2
2.5Y5/3

10YR4/4













Comments:  carex moss meadow
Soil Classification: Fine-loamy, mixed, superactive, pergelic Typic Aquiturbel

126 – Site Name: Quartz Creek Solifluction Lobe -
Buttrus End

Project: LAII-ATLAS Winter C-Flux Proj., C.L. Ping,
Location: above Walker Shrub Grid at Mauze Creek
Elevation: 
Landform: hillslope lower buttrus end of large solifluction lobe
Microrelief: very large solifluction lobe 50 m diameter buttrus end above incised 
shrub drainage way
Slope: 30%
Drainage: poorly drained
Parent material: loess
Sampled and described by: G.J. Michaelson 8/1/00
Table 1.  Soil morphological properties. 
Horizon
Depth 
cm
Color
Boundary
Redox
features
>2mm
%
Structure
Consist.
Roots
Oi/Oe
0-8
10YR3/3






B/A
8-25
10YR4/3






Bg
25-40+
2.5Y4/2















Comments:  water seeping on top of BC.  Vegetation tall shrubs and grasses
Soil Classification: Coarse-loamy, mixed, superactive, pergelic Typic Aquiturbel

127 – Site Name: Kougarok Hinzman Tower Site - 
Tussock Tundra 

Project: LAII-ATLAS Winter C-Flux Proj., C.L. Ping,
Location: - Broad alluvial fan above Kougarok River
Elevation: 
Landform: - Broad alluvial fan above Kougarok River 
Microrelief: frostboils – Eriophorum tussocks
Slope: 5%
Drainage: somewhat poorly drained
Parent material: alluvial
Sampled and described by: G.J. Michaelson 8/1/00
Table 1.  Soil morphological properties.
Horizon
Depth cm
Color
Roots
Oi
0-4
7.5YR2.5/2
Mfc
Oe
4-14
5YR2.57.5YR2.5/2 
charcoal
Mf
Bg
14+
5Y5/1, 10YR4/6, 
10YR5/6 (1:1:1)
Ff

Soil Classification:  Fine-silty, mixed, superactive, subgelic, Ruptic-Histic 
Aquiturbel
Comments:  frost at 25 cm, large up to 1 cm ice veins in Bg/Ajj containing bright 
mottles 2-5 cm diameter.  Charred tussock layer between Oi and Oe.