Gelisols

Characteristics Commonly have dark organic

surface layer and mineral layer underlain by permafrost.

A lot of times they have slow decomposition resulting in a peat layer on the surface.

They have a high level of organic Carbon.

Typical horizon sequence would be, A, Bw, Cf (frozen soil)

Typical Environment

Commonly found in tundra regions of Alaska.

Not found in MN.

Also found in cold climates that contain permafrost within 2 meters of surface.

Found in High latitude polar regions and high mountain elevations as well.

Diagnostic horizons

A typical diagnostic feature of Gelisols is permafrost. (permafrost soil is soil at or below the freezing point of water (0 °C or 32 °F) for two or more years).

Ice-Free land surface coverage

9.1 % of Earth’s ice-free soil is gelisols.

8.7 % of U.S. ice-free soil is gelisols.

World Map of Gelisols

U.S. Map of Gelisols