The Characteristics of Some Permafrost Soils in the Mackenzie Valley, N.W.T.

Abstract

Describes in detail soil profiles examined in dug pits at three ecologically distinct localities in the vicinity of Reindeer Depot, Inuvik and Norman Wells: tundra, tundra-boreal forest transition, and boreal forest. Samples were air dried, ground, sieved and analyzed. The climate, vegetation, surficial geology and permafrost conditions at each site are indicated. Descriptions are given of eight soil profiles, and the chemical, mechanical and mineralogical characteristics are separately tabulated. Each profile is referred to both the Canadian and the USDA 1960 7th approximation systems of classification.