Micromorphology and development of some central Yukon paleosols, Canada

• Published in: Geoderma Vol. 45; no. 2; pp. 145 - 162
• Main Authors: Tarnocai, C., Smith, C.A.S.
• Format: Journal Article Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier B.V 01.11.1989; Elsevier
• Subjects: Earth sciences; Earth, ocean, space; Exact sciences and technology; Soils; Surficial geology; Pedogenesis; Paleoclimatology; Interglacial environment; Sangamonian; Quaternary; Ice sheets; Western Canada; Illinoian; Paleosols; North America; Frost action; Canada; Yukon Territory; Morphology; America; Glacial environment; Holocene; Pleistocene
• ISSN: 0016-7061; 1872-6259
• DOI: 10.1016/0016-7061(89)90047-5

This paper focusses on the Wounded Moose and Diversion Creek paleosols which developed in the central Yukon Territory of northern Canada. Wounded Moose paleosols developed during the pre-Illinoian interglacial period and contain well developed, reddish, void and grain argillans in the Bt horizons. Diversion Creek paleosols developed in the Sangamonian period and also contain void and grain argillans, but these argillans are weakly developed, brownish in colour, and occur only rarely. Both of these paleosols have been exposed to one or more cold periods during which cryogenic processes dominated the soil development. These cryogenic processes produced papules, embedded grain argillans, aggregates, silt cappings and oriented fabrics. The reddish argillans that are found in some Diversion Creek paleosols are thought to have originated from the former Wounded Moose paleosols when the pre-Reid (Illinoian) glacial ice overrode them and incorporated them into the Diversion Creek parent material. The development of the micromorphological features during the various glacial and interglacial periods is given with reference to the climate of the time.