Cryogenic Micropatterns of the Soil Cover in the Typical Tundra Subzone of European Russia

Abstract The diversity of cryogenic soil cover patterns in the typical tundra subzone of European Russia is considered. Field studies have been conducted within the vast region from Kolguyev Island in the west to the Yugorskiy Peninsula in the east. The research is aimed at a comprehensive characterization of soil cover patterns using field and remote sensing data, as well as at refining their classification within the framework of the soil cover pattern theory. Special attention is paid to the morphology, position in the landscape, composition of components, intercomponent contrast, and genesis. Nine cryogenic micropatterns have been identified in the study area. They can be grouped into three categories: (1) previously known in European tundra frost-heave hummocky and crack-polygonal micropatterns; (2) previously described in other areas but found for the first time in European typical tundra sporadic frost-heave circular, large polygonal, and striped micropatterns; and (3) newly defined crack-convective, microlow, ring-like, and gentle hillocky micropatterns. The spatial distribution of these micropatterns across the tundra subzone is uneven. These findings contribute to our understanding of the polar soil cover patterns by demonstrating that not all cryogenic micropatterns are contrasting soil complexes despite a pronounced microrelief. Some of the soil covers represent low-contrast patchiness or regular-cyclic elementary soil areas. These results have practical applications for digital soil mapping methodologies and for assessing arctic soil cover responses to climate change.