5.12 - Gelisols

Gelisols are soils with permafrost within 2 meters of the surface. These soils generally have limited profile development. Most of the soil forming processes in these soils occur near the surface, sometimes resulting in significant accumulation of organic matter. Large areas of this soil occur in the Northern regions of Russia, Canada, and Alaska. These areas become boggy wetlands in the summer, and support large numbers of migratory birds and grazing mammals. The permafrost of Gelisols tends to become unstable (melt) if disturbed, leading to a waterlogged soil condition that poses problems for engineering uses.

Soil order - Gelisols. *Image courtesy of USDA-NRCS*

Profile example - Gelisol Series. *Image courtesy of USDA-NRCS*

**Gelisol Landscape**

**USDA details**

**More information from the University of Idaho**

Key Characteristics: Gelisols

Soils with frozen subsoils (permafrost)
Limited profile development
Surface accumulations of soil organic matter
Productivity limited by short growing season
Extensive in high latitudes
Extent of world ice-free land area: 9%

U.S. Order Distribution Map for Gelisols. *Image courtesy of USDA-NRCS*

**Further information from the NRCS**

Quiz

Question

The soil forming factor most dominant in the formation of Gelisol soils is:

A. parent material

Incorrect: Gelisols are defined by the presence of permafrost. Which soil forming factor would influence this?

B. climate

Correct: Gelisols most often occur at high latitudes where the warm season is short and the winters cold and long.

C. vegetation

Incorrect: Gelisols are defined by the presence of permafrost. Which soil forming factor would influence this?

D. topography

Incorrect: Gelisols are defined by the presence of permafrost. Which soil forming factor would influence this?

E. time

Incorrect: Gelisols are defined by the presence of permafrost. Which soil forming factor would influence this?

Looks Good! Correct: Gelisols most often occur at high latitudes where the warm season is short and the winters cold and long.

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