Toolik Lake Permanent Vegetation Plots

Walker D.A. and Barry N. 1991. Toolik Lake permanent vegetation plots: site factors, soil physical and chemical properties, plant species cover, photographs, and soil descriptions. Data Report 48, Department of Energy R4D Program, Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO.

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Appendix: Selected Soil Descriptions

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Plot Number:SWT-2
Classification:Pergelic Cryoboroll, sandy, mixed.
Location:South end of Toolik Lake along inlet stream, 68°37' N, 149°36' W.
Physiographic position:Active floodplain.
Topography:Featureless, < 2 percent slope.
Microrelief Height:
Drainage:Moderately well drained, flooded annually.
Vegetation:Moist Salix alaxensis, Aster sibiricus, Calamagrostis canadensis s.l., Potentilla fruticosa, tall shrubland
Parent material:Fine textured alluvium.
Sampled by:D.A. Walker and C. Westberg, August 1, 1989.
Remarks:Shrubs: > 2 m. Profile described to contact with underlying coarse river gravel.
Weather:Cool, cloudy.
 Colors are for the moist soil.
A10-10 cm. Very dark brown (7.5YR 2/2.5) sand; weak medium granular structure; damp; very friable (moist), gritty, non-sticky, non-plastic (wet); highly-organic; pH = 6.3; many very fine and fine roots; est. 2 percent fine gravel less than 0.5 cm diameter; clear, smooth boundary. (Sample T-003).
A210-46 cm. Very dark brown (10YR 2.5/3) sandy loam; weak medium subangular blocky structure; damp to moist; friable (moist), gritty, very slightly sticky, slightly plastic (wet); pH = 6.4; common very fine and few fine roots; est. 5 percent fine gravel less than 2 cm diameter; abrupt, smooth boundary. (Sample T-004).
IIC46+ cm. Coarse river cobbles.
 
Plot Number:SWT-5
Classification:Pergelic Cryochrept, sandy-skeletal, mixed.
Location:South side of Toolik Lake, 68°37' N, 149°36' W.
Physiographic position:Top of glacial outwash terrace.
Topography:High centered polygons 6-8 m diameter, 20-40 cm height.
Microrelief Height:2-5 cm.
Drainage:Well drained terrace bluff.
Vegetation:Dry Arctous alpina, Hierochloe alpina, dwarf-shrub, fruticose-lichen tundra
Parent material:Itkillik II outwash.
Sampled by:D.A. Walker and C. Westberg, August 2, 1989.
Remarks:Deep active layer, but very rocky soil.
Weather:Cold, raining
 Colors are for moist soil.
Oa0-8 cm. Very dark brown (7.5YR 2.2) sapric organic material with est. < 5 percent silt loam; moderate fine granular structure; damp; smooth, slightly sticky, slightly plastic (wet); pH = 4.0; many fine and very fine roots; abrupt, irregular boundary. (Sample T-008).
Bw8-12 cm. Brown (7.5YR 4.5/4) cobbly sandy loam; weak medium subangular blocky structure; damp; friable (moist), gritty, slightly sticky, slightly plastic; pH = 4.1; common fine and many very fine roots; est. 75 percent gravel and cobbles to 10 cm diameter; clear, irregular boundary. (Sample T-009).
Bw212-39 cm. Strong brown (7.5 YR 4.5/6) very gravelly sandy loam; moderate medium subangular blocky structure; damp; slightly gritty, smooth, plastic; pH = 4.6; common fine roots; est. 80 percent gravel and cobbles to 20 cm diameter; wavy, clear boundary. (Sample T-010).
C39-45+ cm. Dark yellowish brown (10YR 3/4) very gravelly loamy sand; single grained; damp, gritty, nonsticky, nonplastic; pH = 4.9; no roots; est. 90 percent gravel to 15 cm diameter. (Sample T-011).
 
Plot Number:SWT-11
Classification:Pergelic Cryohemist, euic.
Location:South side of Toolik Lake, SW of inlet bay - final plot in toposequence, including SWT-7, 8, 9, and 10. 68°37' N, 149°36' W.
Physiographic position:Strangmoor in fen (wet element).
Topography:Colluvial basin. Flat featureless ground.
Microrelief Height:< 5 cm.
Drainage:Very poorly drained with 5 cm of standing water.
Vegetation:Wet Carex chordorrhiza, Carex rotundata, Scorpidium scorpioides, sedge tundra
Parent material:Colluvial deposit on Itkillik II outwash.
Sampled by:D.A. Walker and C. Westberg, August 3, 1989.
Remarks:Frozen at 40 cm.
Weather:Warm, broken high clouds.
 Colors are for wet soil.
Oi0-5 cm. Dark brown (7.5YR 3.5/3) fibric material with est. < 5 percent silt; after rubbing 70 percent recognizable plant fibers mostly roots; saturated; clear, smooth boundary.
Oe5-25 cm. Dark brown (7.5YR 3.5/3) hemic material with est. < 5 percent sandy loam; after rubbing 10-20 percent recognizable plant fibers, mostly of sedge roots and leaves; saturated; pH = 4.6; abrupt, smooth boundary. (Sample T-024).
Oa25-40 cm. Dark brown (7.5YR 3/3) sapric material, est. 5 percent sandy loam; massive; saturated; smooth, nonsticky, nonplastic (wet); pH = 4.5. (Sample T-025).
 
Plot Number:SWT-13
Classification:Pergelic Cryohemist, euic.
Location:South side of Toolik Lake, 20 m NW of SWT-12 in sedge marsh, at the edge of small pond, 68°37' N, 149°36' W.
Physiographic position:Colluvial basin. Margin of a small pond.
Topography:Flat, featureless ground.
Microrelief Height:< 5 cm.
Drainage:Very poorly drained, with patches of standing water.
Vegetation:Wet Eriophorum angustifolium s.l., Carex rotundata, Carex aquatilis s.l., sedge tundra
Parent material:Colluvial deposit.
Sampled by:D.A. Walker and C. Westberg, August 4, 1989.
Remarks:Frozen at 60 cm.
Weather:Warm, clear.
 Colors are for the wet soil.
Oi0-15 cm. Dark brown (7.5YR 3/3) fibric material; after rubbing est. 50 percent fiber content (sedge roots); saturated; 60 percent of material is a fine organic iron-rich precipitate; pH = 4.5; many fine and very fine roots; clear, smooth boundary. (Sample T-029).
Oe15-30 cm. Dark brown (7.5YR 3/5) hemic material; saturated; up to 80 percent fine organic iron-rich precipitate; pH = 4.3; many fine and very fine roots; abrupt, smooth boundary. (Sample T-030).
Oa30-40+ cm. Dark brown (7.5YR 3/5) fine organic material; massive structure; very saturated; soil is almost 100 percent organic iron-rich precipitate; few very fine roots. (Sample T-031).
 
Plot Number:SWT-14
Classification:Pergelic Cryohemist, euic.
Location:South side of Toolik Lake, directly west of inlet bay. 68°37' N, 149°36' W.
Physiographic position:Colluvial basin.
Topography:Strangmoor and aligned hummocks in fen.
Microrelief Height:0-5 cm.
Drainage:Poorly drained.
Vegetation:Moist Tricophorum caespitosum, Tomentypnum nitens, sedge tundra
Parent material:Colluvial deposit.
Sampled by:D.A. Walker and C. Westberg, August 4, 1989.
Remarks:Frozen at 55 cm. Profile described from aligned hummock element.
Weather:clear, warm, windy.
 Colors are for the moist soil.
Oi0-6 cm. Very dark brown (7.5YR 2/2.5) fibric material; after rubbing 50 percent recognizable plant fibers; very wet; composed mainly of coarse Trichophorum caespitosum roots; many fine and very fine roots; pH = 6.8; clear, smooth boundary. (Sample T-032).
Oe6-30 cm. Dark brown (7.5YR 3/3.5) hemic material; after rubbing 10 percent recognizable plant fibers; very wet; composed of fine sedge roots; pH = 5.4; abrupt, smooth boundary. (Sameple T-033).
Oa30-40+ cm. Very dark brown (10YR 3/3) sapric material; after rubbing est. 10-15 percent recognizable plant fibers, mostly roots; saturated; pH = 4.8. (Sample T-034).
 
Plot Number:SWT-26
Classification:Pergelic Cryaquept, fine-loamy, mixed, acid.
Location:Southwest side of Toolik Lake on long hillside near Shaver's greenhouses (SW corner). 68°37' N, 149°37' W at UTM grid stake 7,614,500 N, 393,900 W.
Physiographic position:Midslope of long gentle (5 percent) N-facing slope.
Topography:Hummocky terrain, including turf hummocks; many tussocks.
Microrelief Height:15 cm.
Drainage:Moderately well drained.
Vegetation:Moist Eriophorum vaginatum, Betula nana s.l., Sphagnum sp., tussock-sedge, dwarf-shrub tundra
Parent material:Itkillik I glacial till.
Sampled by:D.A. Walker and C. Westberg, August 6, 1989.
Remarks:Frozen at 46 cm. Considerable evidence of cryoturbation in B horizon.
Weather:Broken clouds, very warm, light wind.
 Colors are for the moist soil.
Oi0-4 cm. Loose mat of alive and dead mosses (Aulacomnium turgidum, Dicranum sp., Hylocomium splendens); smooth, abrupt boundary.
Oe4-7 cm. Very dark brown (7.5YR 2/2) hemic material, est. < 2 percent by volume silt loam; loose (est. pore space 50 percent); weak medium platy structure; smooth, slightly sticky, slightly plastic (wet); smooth, clear boundary.
Oa7-10 cm. Dark brown (10YR 3/3) loamy-sapric material; weak medium platy structure; wet; smooth, slightly sticky, plastic (wet); pH = 4.4; many fine and very fine roots; abrupt, smooth boundary. (Sample T-060).
BW10-40+ cm. Predominantly dark yellowish brown (10YR 3/4) gravelly sandy clay loam with many large brown mottles (10YR 4/6), plus areas of dark greyish brown (10YR 4/2) material; from moderate medium subangular blocky to moderate fine granular structure; firm (moist) gritty, sticky, plastic (wet); pH = 4.5; few fine roots; est. 15 percent by volume fine gravel < 1 cm diameter; thin dark greyish brown (10YR 4/2) band of silty, highly organic material at base of B horizon. (Sample T-061).
 
Plot Number:SWT-27
Classification:Pergelic Cryohemist, euic.
Location:West side of Toolik Lake, in water track, 68°38' N, 149°38' W.
Physiographic position:Midslope of small drainage, gentle (5 percent) N-facing slope.
Topography:Well defined hill slope water track.
Microrelief Height:Hummocks up to 20 cm.
Drainage:Very poorly drained.
Vegetation:Wet Eriophorum angustifolium s.l., Sphagnum sp., Salix planifolia ssp. pulchra, sedge, low-shrub tundra
Parent material:Retransported fine alluvium.
Sampled by:D.A. Walker and C. Westberg, August 6, 1989.
Remarks:Frozen at 60 cm.
Weather:Clear, very warm.
 Colors are for the wet soil.
Oi0-9 cm. Loose mat of sedge leaves and moss (Eriophorum angustifolium and Sphagnum squarrosum); clear and smooth boundary.
Oa9-19 cm. Very dark brown (7.5YR 2/2) sapric material, mainly composed of dead sedge leaves, after rubbing est. 5 percent recognizable plant fibers; saturated; loose, highly porous; abrupt, smooth boundary.
B/O19-40+ cm. Predominantly very dark grayish brown (10YR 3/2) highly organic loam, mixed with pockets of pure sapric organic material; few brown (10YR 4/3) mottles, particularly around dead Sphagnum; weak, medium, subangular blocky structure; saturated; gritty, slightly plastic, slightly sticky (wet); pH = 4.6; few sedge roots. (Sample T-062).
 
Plot Number:SWT-30
Classification:Pergelic Cryofibrist, euic.
Location:South side of Toolik Lake in water at edge of inlet bay. 68°37' N, 149°36' W.
Physiographic position:Lake.
Topography:Flat lake bottom.
Microrelief Height:
Drainage:Very poorly drained, ponded.
Vegetation:Aquatic Arctophila fulva, grass marsh
Parent material:Lacustrine deposit.
Sampled by:D.A. Walker, C. Westberg, August 16, 1989.
Remarks:Frozen at 57 cm.
Weather:Overcast, cool.
 Colors are for the wet soil.
Oi0-40 cm. Very dark grayish brown (10YR 3/2) fibric material, composed of live and dead Scorpidium scorpioides peat and Arctophila fulva roots; saturated; abrupt smooth boundary.
A40+ cm. Very dark grayish brown (10YR 3/2) organic loam; pH = 4.7; saturated. (Sample T-067).
 
Plot Number:SWT-32
Classification:Histic Pergelic Cryaquept, fine, mixed, acid.
Location:West side of Toolik Lake, in tussock tundra adjacent to SWT-35 on frost scar. 68°38' N, 149°38' W.
Physiographic position:Sideslope of 7 percent N-facing slope.
Topography:Hummocky terrain, including turf hummocks.
Microrelief Height:
Drainage:Somewhat poorly drained.
Vegetation:Moist Eriophorum vaginatum, Betula nana s.l., Sphagnum rubellum, tussock-sedge, dwarf-shrub tundra
Parent material:Itkillik I glacial till.
Sampled by:D.A. Walker and C. Westberg, August 13, 1989.
Remarks:Plot is on interscar element of a frost-scar complex. Plot SWT-35 is on the scar element. Estimate 15 percent of surface covered by frost scars. Ground is frozen at 40 cm.
Weather:Cloudy, rainy, cold.
 Colors are for the moist soil.
Oi0-3 cm. Mat of mosses and lichen bases; abrupt wavy boundary.
Oe3-9 cm. Primarily very dark brown (7.5YR 2/2) loose mat of fine roots, dead lichens and sedge leaves; after rubbing est. 20 percent recognizable plant fibers; abrupt wavy boundary.
Oa9-18 cm. Dark brown (10YR 3/3) loamy organic material; inclusions of very dark brown (10YR 2/2) hemic organic material; weak medium subangular blocky, breaking to a moderate fine granular structure; friable (moist), smooth, slightly sticky, slightly plastic (wet); pH = 4.1; many fine and very fine roots; abrupt, wavy boundary. (Sample T-072).
BW18-40+ cm. Brown (10YR 4/3) clay with many medium distinct dark yellowish brown (10YR 4/6) mottles; massive structure; firm (moist), gritty, sticky, plastic (wet); few fine roots. (Sample T-073).
 
Plot Number:SWT-34
Classification:Pergelic Cryosaprist, euic.
Location:Northwest side of Toolik Lake. 68°38' N, 149°38' W.
Physiographic position:Flat lake margin.
Topography:Solifluction features.
Microrelief Height:50 cm.
Drainage:Somewhat poorly drained.
Vegetation:Moist Carex podocarpa, Salix reticulata, Aconitum delphinifolium delphinifolium, sedge, forb tundra
Parent material:Itkillik II glacial outwash.
Sampled by:D.A. Walker and C. Westberg, August 8, 1989.
Remarks:Water at 38 cm.
Weather:Mostly sunny, windy.
 Colors are for moist soil, except where noted.
Oi0-3 cm. Loose mat of mosses, litter and sedge leaves (Tomentypnum nitens, Rhytidum rugosum); smooth, abrupt boundary.
Oe3-15 cm. Very dark brown (7.5YR 2/1.5) loose organic material, est. 2 percent silt; moist to wet; pH = 6.9; many fine, very fine, and few medium roots; smooth, clear boundary. (Sample T-076).
Oa15-63 cm. Very dark brown (7.5YR 2/1.5) sapric organic material with est. < 2 percent sandy loam; weak, medium, platy structure due to compressed organics; wet; pH = 6.2; many fine live roots; water table at 38 cm. (Sample T-077).
 
Plot Number:SWT-35
Classification:Pergelic Cryaquept, fine-loamy, mixed, acid.
Location:South of Toolik Lake, on hill in tussock tundra, along transect across water track, adjacent to Plot SWT-32. 68° 38' N, 149° 38' W.
Physiographic position:Sideslope of 5 percent N-facing slope.
Topography:Frost scar element in tussock tundra. Diameter of frost scar is about 1 m.
Microrelief Height:5 cm.
Drainage:Well drained.
Vegetation:Dry Luzula arctica, Juncus biglumis, barren
Parent material:Itkillik I glacial till.
Sampled by:D.A. Walker and C. Westberg, August 13, 1989.
Remarks:Frost scar element of frost-scar complex. Plot SWT-32 is the inter-scar element. Ground frozen at 75 cm.
Weather:Cold, rainy.
 Colors are for the moist soil.
BW10-6 cm. Dark yellowish brown (10YR 4/6) sandy clay loam; moderate, fine, granular structure; oxidized surface layer; firm (moist), gritty, sticky, plastic (wet); pH = 4.7; est. 2 percent fine gravel < 1 cm diameter; irregular boundary. (Sample T-078).
B26-40+ cm. Predominantly grey (7.5YR 5.5/1) sandy clay loam with many large strong brown (7.5YR 5/8) mottles; moderate medium platy breaking to moderate, fine, granular structure; firm (moist), gritty, sticky, plastic (wet); est. 2 percent fine gravel < 1 cm diameter; few very fine roots to 40 cm.
 
Plot Number:SWT-37
Classification:Pergelic Cryohemist, euic.
Location:Northwest side of Toolik Lake, between S-7 and Toolik Lake, in marsh, surrounding small lake. Base of toposequence SWT-37 to SWT-47. 68°38' N, 149°38' W.
Physiographic position:Colluvial basin (marsh along small lake margin).
Topography:Strangmoor and aligned hummocks. Interhummock element.
Microrelief Height:15 cm.
Drainage:Very poorly drained.
Vegetation:Wet Carex chordorrhiza, Scorpidium scorpioides, Carex aquatilis s.l., sedge tundra
Parent material:Colluvial deposit.
Sampled by:D.A. Walker and C. Westberg, August 8, 1989.
Remarks:Water at surface. Thaw depth is > 1 m.
Weather:Clear, breezy.
 Colors are for the wet soil.
Oi10-2 cm. Dead sedge leaves and marl; abrupt, smooth boundary.
Oi22-32 cm. Dark brown after rubbing (7.5YR 3/2) fibric material with est. < 2 percent fine sand and silt; tight mat of sedge roots; saturated; pH = 5.6; abrupt smooth boundary. (Sample T-083).
Oa32-40+ cm. Very dark gray (7.5YR 3.5/1) gravelly loamy sapric material; saturated; gritty, slightly sticky, slightly plastic (wet); pH = 6.1; est. 20 percent fine gravel to 3 cm diameter. (Sample T-084).
 
Plot Number:SWT-38
Classification:Histic Pergelic Cryaquoll, fine-loamy, mixed.
Location:Northwest side of Toolik Lake. Close to plot SWT-37, on strang. Part of toposequence SWT-37 – SWT-47. 68°38' N, 149°38' W.
Physiographic position:Colluvial basin, on fen margin.
Topography:Aligned hummock in flat fen.
Microrelief Height:10-15 cm.
Drainage:Poorly drained.
Vegetation:Moist Carex aquatilis s.l., Dryas integrifolia, Tomentypnum nitens, sedge, dwarf-shrub tundra
Parent material:Colluvial deposit.
Sampled by:D.A. Walker and C. Westberg, August 8, 1989.
Remarks:Ground frozen at 78 cm.
Weather:Clear, breezy.
 Colors are for the wet soil.
Oi0-3 cm. Loose mat of live mosses, moss bases, dead sedge leaves; pH = 7.0; abrupt smooth boundary. (Sample T-085).
Oa3-8 cm. Very dark brown after rubbing (7.5YR 2/1.5) sapric material with est. < 1 percent by volume silt; after rubbing < 1 percent recognizable plant material; loose structure; moist to wet; smooth, nonsticky, slightly plastic (wet); pH = 7.5; many fine and very fine roots, < 1 percent recognizable plant material after rubbing; abrupt smooth boundary. (Sample T-086).
IIOe18-19 cm. Very dark brown after rubbing (7.5YR 2/3) hemic material with est. < 2 percent by volume loamy sand; after rubbing 50 percent recognizable plant fibers; weak, medium, platy structure, due to compressed organics; wet; many fine and very fine roots; clear smooth boundary. (Sample T-087).
IIOe219-24 cm. Very dark brown (10YR 2/2.5) hemic material with est. 5 percent by volume loam; weak, medium, platy structure due to compressed organics; wet; gritty, slightly sticky, plastic (wet); many very fine roots; abrupt smooth boundary.
Bg24-53 cm. Very dark grey (10YR 3.5/1) organic rich gravelly sandy clay loam; massive structure; wet; gritty, plastic, sticky (wet); pH = 5.7; est. 15 percent fine gravel < 2 cm diameter; clay increases at 50 cm depth; common very fine roots; water table at 27 cm. (Sample T-088).
 
Plot Number:SWT-39
Classification:Pergelic Cryaquoll, fine-loamy, mixed.
Location:Northwest side of Toolik Lake. South-facing slope on toposequence upslope from little lake between S-7 and Toolik. 68°38' N, 149°38' W.
Physiographic position:Lower backslope on long SSE-facing gentle (10 percent) hillslope.
Topography:Numerous non-sorted stripes, soil is described from area between stripes; solifluction lobes to 20-25 cm height; small flarks between lobes.
Microrelief Height:10 cm.
Drainage:Somewhat poorly drained.
Vegetation:Moist Carex bigelowii, Dryas integrifolia, Salix reticulata, Tomentypnum nitens, sedge, dwarf-shrub tundra
Parent material:Retransported Itkillik II glacial till.
Sampled by:D.A. Walker and C. Westberg, August 8, 1989.
Remarks:Soil frozen at 65 cm depth. Water dripping into pit at base of organic layer (15 cm depth).
Weather:Warm, partly cloudy, windy.
 Colors are for the wet soil.
Oi0-4 cm. Loose mat of Hylocomium splendens, Aulacomnium palustre and dead sedge leaves; pH = 6.8; smooth clear boundary. (Sample T-089).
Oa4-15 cm. Very dark brown (7.5YR 2/1.5) sapric material with est. 5 percent by volume fine sandy loam, that increases toward the base of the horizon; wet; pH = 6.7; smooth abrupt boundary. (Sample T-090).
Bh15-51 cm. Very dark grayish brown (10YR 3/2) organic rich loam; est. 15 percent organic material by volume; common medium brown (10YR 4/6) mottles to 2-3 cm diameter, and occasional olive (5Y 5/4) mottles; medium, moderate, subangular blocky structure; wet; slightly gritty, plastic, sticky (wet); pH = 6.1; est. 10 percent fine gravel to 2 cm diameter; smooth clear boundary. (Sample T-091).
IIBg51-65+ cm. Dark gray (10YR 4.5/1) gravelly clay; common medium brown (10YR 4/6) mottles; massive structure; wet; very sticky, very plastic (wet); est. 15 percent fine gravel to 3 cm diameter.
 
Plot Number:SWT-40
Classification:Pergelic Cryaquoll, fine-loamy, mixed.
Location:Northwest side of Toolik Lake. Toposequence upslope from small lake between pond S-7 and Toolik Lake.
Physiographic position:Sideslope of 10 percent SSE-facing slope.
Topography:Nonsorted stone stripes with frost scars.
Microrelief Height:15 cm.
Drainage:Moderately well drained.
Vegetation:Dry Vaccinium uliginosum, Salix reticulata, Equisetum arvense, Astragalus umbellatus, Cetraria cucullata, dwarf-shrub, horsetail, fruticose-lichen tundra
Parent material:Itkillik II glacial till.
Sampled by:D.A. Walker and C. Westberg, August 9, 1989.
Remarks:Ground unfrozen to 100 cm.
Weather:Cloudy, windy.
 Colors are for the moist soil.
Oi0-3 cm. Mat of Polytrichum juniperinum, Dicranum spp. and lichens; smooth clear boundary.
Oe3-8 cm. Very dark brown (7.5YR 2/2) organic silt; medium fine granular structure; moist; smooth clear boundary.
Oa8-13 cm. Black (7.5YR 2/1)loamy sand; weak, medium subangular blocky, breaking to a weak medium granular structure; wet; smooth, slightly sticky, slightly plastic (wet); pH = 5.3; abrupt wavy boundary. (Sample T-092).
B113-18 cm. Dark brown (10YR 3/3) sandy clay loam; moderate medium subangular blocky, breaking to moderate medium granular structure; wet; slightly gritty; plastic, sticky (wet); pH = 6.2; est. 10 percent gravel to about 3 cm; indistinct boundary. (Sample T-093).
B218-44+ cm. Brown (10YR 4/3) gravelly clay; massive structure; wet; gritty, sticky, plastic (wet); est. 20 percent gravel.
 
Plot Number:SWT-41
Classification:Pergelic Cryosaprist, euic.
Location:Northwest side of Toolik Lake. South-facing slope on toposequence upslope from little lake between S-7 and Toolik. 68°38' N, 149°36' W.
Physiographic position:Midslope on lower part of nonsorted stripe complex. Backslope of 10 percent SSE-facing hill.
Topography:Interstripe area of nonsorted stone stripe complex. Hummocks to 20 cm height with frost scars (lower part of stonestripe complex).
Microrelief Height:20 cm.
Drainage:Somewhat poorly drained.
Vegetation:Moist Carex bigelowii, Salix reticulata, Tomentypnum nitens, Equisetum arvense, sedge, horsetail, dwarf-shrub tundra
Parent material:Retransported Itkillik II glacial till.
Sampled by:D.A. Walker and C. Westberg, August 9, 1989.
Remarks:Soil frozen at 53 cm. Interstripe areas are elevated above stripes, possibly due to build up of organic material. Stripe adjacent to this site has 10 cm of organic material; whereas, this site has 53 cm. Thaw depth on stripe is > 100 cm; thaw in interstripe areas is ~ 50 cm. Considerable evidence of cryoturbation in Oa/A horizon.
Weather:Cloudy, cool.
 Colors are for the wet soil.
Oi0-3 cm. Mat of Tomentypnum nitens, Ditrichum flexicaule, Ptilidium ciliare; wavy abrupt boundary.
Oa13-7 cm. Very dark brown (7.5YR 2/1.5) sapric material with est. 10 percent by volume loamy fine sand; loose structure; moist to wet; slightly sticky, slightly plastic, smooth (wet); pH = 7.2; wavy clear boundary. (Sample T-094).
Oa27-53+ cm. Very dark brown (7.5YR 2/2) sandy loam, mixed with sapric material; weak, medium, platy structure due to compressed organics; wet; smooth, slightly sticky, slightly plastic (wet); pH = 6.9; areas of more mineral-rich material and pockets of loose organic material, that have been stirred into the horizon; occasional live roots at 50 cm depth; est. 10 percent fine gravel to 2 cm diameter. (Sample T-095).
 
Plot Number:SWT-44
Classification:Pergelic Cryaquoll, loamy-skeletal, mixed.
Location:Northwest side of Toolik Lake. 68°38' N, 149°38' W. Part of south-facing toposequence.
Physiographic position:Shoulder of long gentle (12 percent slope) SSE-facing toposequence.
Topography:Stripe element of sorted stone stripe complex.
Microrelief Height:5 cm.
Drainage:Moderately well drained.
Vegetation:Dry Dryas integrifolia, Cassiope tetragona, Oxytropis maydelliana, Cetraria cucullata, dwarf-shrub, fruticose-­lichen tundra
Parent material:Itkillik II glacial till.
Sampled by:D.A. Walker and C. Westberg, August 9, 1989.
Remarks:Active layer is > 100 cm. Water table at 37 cm. This plot represents the stripe element of a sorted stripe complex.
Weather:Cool, cloudy.
 Colors are for the moist soil, except where noted.
Oi0-2 cm. Mat of mosses, dead Dryas integrifolia and Rhytidium rugosum.
Oa2-17 cm. Very dark brown (7.5YR 2/1.5) sapric material mixed with gravelly sandy loam; weak, medium, subangular blocky, breaking to a fine, weak, granular structure; moist; pH = 5.9; friable (moist), smooth, slightly sticky, slightly plastic (wet); est. 45 percent by volume gravel to 15 cm diameter; common very fine and fine roots; wavy abrupt boundary. (Sample T-104).
Bw17-53 cm. Dark greyish brown (10YR 3.5/2, wet) very gravelly sandy clay loam; few small strong brown (7.5YR 3/6) mottles; moderate, medium, subangular blocky, breaking to a moderate medium granular structure; moist to wet; gritty, sticky, plastic (wet); pH = 6.8; est. 45 percent by volume gravel to 15 cm diameter; few fine roots penetrate to 30 cm; water table at 37 cm. (Sample T-105).
 
Plot Number:SWT-45
Classification:Histic Pergelic Cryaquoll, loamy-skeletal, mixed.
Location:Northwest side of Toolik Lake, part of south-facing toposequence. Interstripe plot, matched with SWT-44 - stripe plot. 68°37' N, 149°38' W.
Physiographic position:Shoulder of long gentle (12 percent slope) SSE-facing toposequence on upper part of sorted stripe complex.
Topography:Interstripe element of sorted stone-stripe complex. Hummocks to 10 cm tall.
Microrelief Height:
Drainage:Moderately well drained.
Vegetation:Moist Equisetum arvense, Carex bigelowii, Salix reticulata, Dryas integrifolia, Tomentypnum nitens, horsetail, sedge, dwarf-shrub tundra
Parent material:Itkillik II glacial till.
Sampled by:D.A. Walker and C. Westberg, August 9, 1989.
Remarks:Soil frozen at 80 cm. Water table at 53 cm. Interstripe element of sorted stripe complex. Plot SWT-44 is the stripe element.
Weather:Cool, cloudy.
 Colors are for the moist soil.
Oi0-8 cm. Mat of alive and dead Tomentypnum nitens, sedge leaves, Cassiope tetragona and Dryas integrifolia; pH = 6.2; smooth abrupt boundary. (Sample T-106).
Oa18-22 cm. Black (7.5YR 2/1) sandy loam; weak medium subangular blocky, breaking to a weak fine granular structure; wet; friable (moist), smooth, nonsticky, nonplastic (wet); pH = 6.1; many fine and very fine roots; clear smooth boundary. (Sample T-107).
Oa222-35 cm. Dark brown (7.5YR 3/2) loam; wet; weak medium subangular blocky, breaking to a moderate fine granular structure; wet; friable (moist), smooth, slightly sticky, slightly plastic (wet); pH = 6.4; most roots are above 31 cm; irregular abrupt boundary. (Sample T-108).
A/BDark brown (10YR 4/3) gravelly sandy clay loam with many fine yellowish brown (10YR 5/6) mottles and traces of very dark brown (7.5YR 2/2) organic matter, that appear to have been stirred into horizon from above; massive structure; wet; firm (moist), gritty, sticky, plastic (wet); pH = 6.8; few fine roots to base of B; est. 15 percent of gravel less than 2 cm diameter; indistinct boundary. (Sample T-109).
Bw60-65+ cm. Grayish brown (10YR 4.5/2) gravelly loam; massive structure; wet; firm (moist), gritty, plastic, sticky (wet); pH = 7.5. (Sample T-110).
 
Plot Number:SWT-47
Classification:Pergelic Cryoboroll, loamy-skeletal, mixed.
Location:Northwest side of Toolik Lake. Top of hill above S-5. 68°38' N, 149°38' W.
Physiographic position:Hill crest.
Topography:Featureless ground.
Microrelief Height:10-15 cm.
Drainage:Somewhat excessively drained.
Vegetation:Dry Dryas octopetala, Arnica alpina, Hierochloe alpina, Calamagrostis purpurascens purpurascens, Oxytropis sp., dwarf-shrub, crustose-lichen tundra
Parent material:Itkillik II glacial till.
Sampled by:D.A. Walker and C. Westberg, August 10, 1989.
Remarks:
Weather:Hazy overcast, very windy weather.
 Colors are for the moist soil.
Oi0-1 cm. Dead Dryas sp. leaves and miscellaneous litter.
Oa1-5 cm. Very dark brown (7.5YR 2/2) sandy clay loam; weak fine granular structure; dry; friable (moist), smooth, slightly sticky, slightly plastic (wet); pH = 5.0; many fine and very fine roots; est. 10 percent of fine gravel less than 2 cm diameter; abrupt smooth boundary. (Sample T-113).
A5-23 cm. Dark brown (10YR 3.5/3) gravelly sandy loam; weak medium subangular blocky, breaking to a weak granular structure; damp; friable (moist), gritty, slightly sticky, slightly plastic (wet); pH = 4.9; common very fine and occasionally fine roots; est. 35 percent gravel with cobbles up to 20 cm diameter; clear wavy boundary. (Sample T-114).
IIB23-65 cm. Dark grayish brown (10YR 4/2) gravelly sandy clay loam; moderate medium subangular blocky, breaking to a fine moderate granular structure; damp; friable (moist), gritty, sticky, plastic (wet); pH = 7.3; est. 35 percent gravel with cobbles up to 20 cm diameter. (Sample T-115).
 
Plot Number:SWT-48
Classification:Pergelic Cryoboroll, fine-loamy, mixed.
Location:Northwest side of Toolik Lake, directly above bay with creek from pond S-7 running into it. 68°38' N, 149°38' W.
Physiographic position:Hillcrest
Topography:Disturbed by animal activity (bird and squirrel mounds).
Microrelief Height:30 cm.
Drainage:Well drained.
Vegetation:Moist Poa glauca, Bromus pumpellianus s.l., Ranunculus pedatifidus, grass, forb tundra
Parent material:Itkillik II glacial till.
Sampled by:D.A. Walker and C. Westberg, August 9, 1989.
Remarks:Many ground squirrel tunnels and dens. Shrub height: 50 cm.
Weather:Cloudy, windy weather.
 
Oi0-2 cm. Mat of moss (Thuidium abietinum) and dead grass litter.
Oa2-16 cm. Very dark brown (10YR 2.5/3) in dry condition or very dark brown (7.5YR 2/2.5) when wet sandy loam; weak medium subangular blocky, breaking to a very fine weak granular structure; dry; slightly gritty, slightly plastic, slightly sticky (wet); pH = 6.4; many fine and common fine roots; est. 10 percent fine gravel less than 2 cm diameter; gradual, wavy boundary. (Sample T-116).
B16-45+ cm. Yellowish brown (10YR 5/5, dry) or dark yellowish brown (10YR 3/4, wet) sandy loam; weak medium subangular blocky, breaking to a very fine weak granular structure; dry; gritty, slightly sticky, slightly plastic (wet); pH = 6.6; est. 20 percent of gravel and cobbles; carbonate stage 1 on underside of larger cobbles; areas of crotovinas have brown (10YR 4/3) dry color or dark brown (10YR 3/3) wet color; many very fine roots to 40 cm. (Sample T-117).
 
Plot Number:SWT-49
Classification:Pergelic Cryoboroll, loamy-skeletal, mixed.
Location:Northwest side of Toolik Lake. North slope of hill. Part of toposequence between plot SWT-47 and S8. 68°38' N, 149°38' W.
Physiographic position:Upper backslope of north-facing 50 percent slope.
Topography:Slope angle 30°. Hummocky terrain with some solifluction features.
Microrelief Height:10 cm.
Drainage:Well drained.
Vegetation:Dry Cassiope tetragona, Carex microchaeta, Cladonia arbuscula, dwarf-shrub, fruticose-lichen tundra
Parent material:Itkillik II glacial till.
Sampled by:D.A. Walker and C. Westberg, August 10, 1989.
Remarks:Upper portion of well-drained snowbed with numerous ground squirrel dens. Active layer is > 50 cm.
Weather:Clear.
 Colors are for the damp soil.
Oi0-4 cm. Mat of Dicranum sp., Cladonia arbuscula, C. rangiferina and dead Cassiope tetragona branches.
Oa4-14 cm. Very dark brown (7.5YR 2/2.5) sandy loam; weak medium subangular blocky, breaking to a weak fine granular structure; damp; friable (moist), smooth, slightly sticky, slightly plastic (wet); pH = 4.0; many fine and very fine roots; abrupt wavy boundary. (Sample T-118).
AB 14-30 cm. Dark brown (10YR 3.5/3) very gravelly sandy loam; very weak subangular blocky, breaking to a moderate fine granular structure; damp; friable (moist), gritty, nonplastic, nonsticky (wet); pH = 5.3; common fine roots; est. 60 percent gravel, cobbles and stones to 20-cm diameter; gradual indistinct boundary. (Sample T-119).
C30-50+ cm. Dark grayish brown (10YR 4/2) very gravelly sandy loam; single grain structure; damp; friable (moist); gritty (wet); pH = 7.6; no roots; est. 60 percent gravel. (Sample T-120).
 
Plot Number:SWT-51
Classification:Pergelic Cryaquoll, loamy-skeletal, mixed.
Location:Northwest side of Toolik Lake. North slope of hill, directly above and to the north of lake S-5. Part of toposequence SWT-47 to 58. 68°38' N, 149°38' W.
Physiographic position:Lower backslope of N-facing 20 percent slope.
Topography:Solifluction features.
Microrelief Height:To 30 cm.
Drainage:Somewhat poorly drained.
Vegetation:Moist Salix rotundifolia, Hylocomium splendens, dwarf­-shrub, moss tundra
Parent material:Itkillik II glacial till.
Sampled by:D.A. Walker and C. Westberg, August 10, 1989.
Remarks:Lower part of snowbed. Ground frozen at 53 cm. Water is seeping out of wall of soil pit at 18 cm depth (base of Oa).
Weather:Partly cloudy, warm, windy.
 Colors are for the wet soil.
Oi0-4 cm. Mat of live and dead Hylocomium splendens and Salix rotundifolia litter; smooth abrupt boundary.
Oe4-9 cm. Black (7.5YR 2/1) hemic material; loose structure; wet; pH = 6.4; very many very fine and common fine roots; smooth clear boundary. (Sample T-124).
Oa9-24 cm. Very dark brown (10YR 2/2) silt loam; weak medium subangular blocky, breaking to a weak fine granular structure; at the base of horizon there is a band of dark yellowish brown (10YR 4/5) mottles; wet; smooth, slightly sticky, slightly plastic (wet); pH = 6.7; roots penetrate to about 18 cm; abrupt wavy boundary. (Sample T-125).
IIBw24-45 cm. Brown (10YR 4/3) very gravelly sandy clay loam; moderate medium subangular blocky structure; wet; gritty, sticky, plastic (wet); pH = 7.3; est. 40 percent gravel to 3-4 cm diameter; clear irregular boundary. (Sample T-126).
IIC45-53+ cm. Brown (10YR 4/3) to dark grayish brown (10YR 4/2) very gravelly sandy loam; single grain structure; very wet; gritty, nonsticky, nonplastic (wet); pH = 7.9; est. 50 percent gravel to 3 cm diameter. (Sample T-127).
 
Plot Number:SWT-53
Classification:Histic Pergelic Cryaquoll, fine-loamy, mixed.
Location:Northwest side of Toolik Lake, out of sight of the lake, at base of the north-facing toposequence between SWT-47 and SWT-58. 68°38' N, 149°38' W.
Physiographic position:Toeslope of 8 percent N-facing slope.
Topography:Hummocky area with solifluction features.
Microrelief Height:20 cm.
Drainage:Somewhat poorly drained.
Vegetation:Moist Carex bigelowii, Dryas integrifolia, Hylocomium splendens, Salix planifolia ssp. pulchra, sedge, dwarf-shrub tundra
Parent material:Itkillik II glacial till.
Sampled by:D.A. Walker and C. Westberg, August 10, 1989.
Remarks:Ground frozen at 40 cm. Pit saturated at 21 cm. Slight evidence of grazing. Moderate animal disturbance, mostly voles (tracks, holes, etc.).
Weather:Overcast, light wind.
 Colors are for the wet soil.
Oi0-7 cm. Loose mat of Hylocomium splendens, Dicranum scoparium, Cassiope tetragona and litter; inorganic part of soil - sandy loam; pH = 5.8. (Sample T-132).
Oe7-12 cm. Loose mat of hemic organic material; weak medium platy structure (due to compressed organics); 30 percent recognizable plant fiber after rubbing; pH = 6.1; clear, smooth boundary. (Sample T-133).
Oa12-17 cm. Very dark brown (7.5YR 2/1.5) silty organic material, with strong brown (7.5YR 4/6) mottles at base of horizon; weak moderate platy, breaking to a weak fine granular structure; wet; smooth, slightly plastic, slightly sticky (wet); pH = 6.0; abrupt wavy boundary. (Samples T-134, T-135).
A17-40+ cm. Very dark brown (10YR 2/3) gravelly sandy loam; moderate medium subangular blocky structure; very wet; gritty, plastic, sticky (wet); pH = 5.3; est. 15 percent gravel to 3 cm diameter. (Sample T-136).
 
Plot Number:SWT-54
Classification:Histic Pergelic Cryaquoll, fine-loamy, mixed.
Location:Northwest side of Toolik Lake, at base of steep north slope toposequence, between SWT-47 and SWT-58. 68°38' N, 149°38' W.
Physiographic position:Lower footslope of 6 percent SSW-facing slope.
Topography:Hummocky terrain, including turf hummocks and some solifluction features.
Microrelief Height:30 cm.
Drainage:Somewhat poorly drained.
Vegetation:Moist Eriophorum vaginatum, Salix planifolia ssp. pulchra, Hylocomium splendens, Sphagnum rubellum, tussock-sedge, dwarf-shrub tundra
Parent material:Itkillik II glacial till.
Sampled by:D.A. Walker and C. Westberg, August 10, 1989.
Remarks:Ground frozen at 44 cm. Soil saturated below 11 cm. Minor animal disturbance.
Weather:Raining.
 Colors are for the wet soil.
Oi0-8 cm. Loose moss, moss bases, tussock bases and roots; pH = 4.3; wavy clear boundary. (Sample T-137).
Oe8-15 cm. Black (7.5YR 2/1) loose hemic material; est. 20 percent recognizable plant fibers after rubbing (beneath tussocks); weak moderate platy structure; pH = 6.2; coarse roots of Eriophorum vaginatum make up to 75 percent of horizon's volume; clear smooth boundary. (Sample T-138).
Oa15-21 cm. Very dark brown (7.5YR 2/3) sandy loam; dark yellowish brown (10YR 4/6) medium mottles form discontinuous band at base of Oa; weak moderate platy structure; wet; pH = 5.4; est. 20 percent recognizable plant fibers after rubbing (sedge leaves and roots); abrupt smooth boundary. (Sample T-139).
B21-39 cm. Dark brown (10YR 3.5/3) gravelly sandy clay loam; massive structure; very wet; gritty, sticky, plastic (wet); pH = 5.6; est. 15 percent fine gravel up to 2 cm diameter; gradual wavy boundary. (Sample T-140).
Cg39-44+ cm. Dark gray (10YR 4/1) gravelly sandy clay loam; massive structure; very wet; gritty, very sticky, very plastic (wet); pH = 5.0; est. 15 percent fine gravel less than 2 cm diameter. (Sample T-141).
 
Plot Number:SWT-56
Classification:Pergelic Cryosaprist, euic.
Location:Northwest side of Toolik Lake. Floodplain at the bottom of north-facing toposequence. 68°38' N, 149°38' W.
Physiographic position:Middle part of stabilized floodplain.
Topography:Flat centered polygon. Trough-center elevation: 90 cm.
Microrelief Height:10 cm hummocks.
Drainage:Poorly drained.
Vegetation:Moist Carex bigelowii, Eriophorum triste, Dryas integrifolia, Cetraria cucullata, sedge, dwarf-shrub tundra
Parent material:Alluvial deposit.
Sampled by:D.A. Walker and C. Westberg, August 11, 1989.
Remarks:Ground frozen at 38 cm. Soil saturated below 14 cm. Minor animal disturbance (signs of caribou, vole, and ptarmigan activity).
Weather:Cloudy.
 Colors are for the wet soil.
Oi0-3 cm. Mat of Racomitrium lanuginosum, Dryas integrifolia, dead sedge leaves, moss bases, etc.; smooth abrupt boundary.
Oe3-8 cm. Black (7.5YR 2/1) loose organics; est. 10 percent recognizable plant fibers after rubbing; weak medium platy structure; wet; smooth clear boundary.
Oa8-21 cm. Very dark brown (7.5YR 2/2) hemic material; est. 15 percent recognizable plant fibers after rubbing, tightly bound with roots; weak medium platy structure; wet; pH = 5.4; abrupt wavy boundary. (Sample T-143).
B/O21-34 cm. Very dark grayish brown (10YR 3/2) loam; moderate medium subangular blocky structure; very wet; smooth, slightly sticky, slightly plastic (wet); pH = 6.1; est. 5 percent recognizable plant fibers after rubbing. (Sample T-144).
 
Plot Number:SWT-57
Classification:Pergelic Cryohemist, euic.
Location:Northwest side of Toolik Lake, in wetland at bottom of the north-facing toposequence. Stake is in the water. 68°38' N, 149°38' W.
Physiographic position:Small colluvial basin.
Topography:Strangmoor and aligned hummocks in fen. Plot is in the inter-hummock element of the fen.
Microrelief Height:15 cm.
Drainage:Very poorly drained.
Vegetation:Wet Carex chordorrhiza, Carex rotundata, Carex aquatilis s.l., Scorpidium scorpioides, sedge tundra
Parent material:Colluvial deposit.
Sampled by:D.A. Walker and C. Westberg, August 11, 1989.
Remarks:Ground frozen at 56 cm. Water table at 10 cm. Very complex microtopography in wetland. Inter-hummock element of strangmoor complex. Paired with plot SWT-58.
Weather:Mostly cloudy.
 Colors are for the saturated soil.
OiBlack (7.5YR 1.7/1) mat of sedge bases and root fibers; abrupt smooth boundary.
Oe2-36 cm. Very dark brown (7.5YR 2/3) very tight mat of peat, composed of very fine roots; est. 25 percent recognizable plant fibers after rubbing; pH = 5.6; saturated; abrupt smooth boundary. (Sample T-145).
Cg36+ cm. Dark gray (10YR 4/1) clay; saturated; smooth, sticky, plastic (wet); pH = 5.2. (Sample T-146).
 
Plot Number:SWT-58
Classification:Pergelic Cryohemist, euic.
Location:Northwest side of Toolik Lake. Wetland at the end of toposequence, that begins on hill to the north of S-5, associated with SWT-57. 68°38' N, 149°38' W.
Physiographic position:Small colluvial basin.
Topography:Strangmoor and aligned hummocks in fen.
Microrelief Height:
Drainage:Poorly drained.
Vegetation:Moist Carex aquatilis s.l., Carex rariflora, Salix fuscescens , sedge, dwarf-shrub tundra
Parent material:Colluvial deposit.
Sampled by:D.A. Walker and C. Westberg, August 11, 1989.
Remarks:Hummock element of strangmoor complex. Paired with plot SWT-57. Ground frozen at 70 cm. Water table at 10 cm.
Weather:Mostly cloudy, light rain.
 Colors are for the wet soil, unless otherwise indicated.
Oi0-3 cm. Loose mat of mosses and lichens – mainly Cetraria cucullata, Aulacomnium turgidum, Rhytidium rugosum, Dicranum sp.; abrupt smooth boundary.
Oa3-8 cm. Black (5YR 2/1) sapric organic material (moist color); weak fine granular structure; moist; smooth (wet); pH = 6.6; smooth abrupt boundary. (Sample T-147).
Oe18-24 cm. Very dark brown (7.5YR 2/2.5) hemic material, tightly bound by very fine roots; est. 30 percent recognizable plant fibers after rubbing; wet; pH = 6.6; clear irregular boundary. (Sample T-148).
Oe224-37 cm. Very dark grayish brown (10YR 3/2) loose hemic material, composed of mostly sedge leaves; very wet; pH = 6.0; clear irregular boundary.
Cg37-45+ cm. Gray (N 4/0) clay; massive structure; saturated; smooth, very sticky, very plastic (wet); pH = 5.2. (Sample T-149).
 
Plot Number:SWT-61
Classification:Pergelic Cryoboroll, fine-loamy, mixed.
Location:North side of Toolik Lake, near Limno Bay, in willow patch. 68°38' N, 149°36' W.
Physiographic position:Midslope, 40 percent south-facing slope.
Topography:Featureless ground.
Microrelief Height:25 cm.
Drainage:Somewhat poorly drained.
Vegetation:Moist Salix glauca, Betula nana s.l., Festuca altaica, low-shrub tundra
Parent material:Itkillik II glacial till.
Sampled by:D.A. Walker and C. Westberg, August 14, 1989.
Remarks:1-m shrubs. Rocky terrain, probably deep active layer.
Weather:Raining.
 Colors are for the moist soil.
Oi0-2 cm. Layer of moss Rhytidium rugosum and litter; smooth abrupt boundary.
Oa2-8 cm. Very dark brown (7.5YR 2/3) organic silty loam; weak fine granular structure; smooth, nonsticky, nonplastic (wet); wavy clear boundary.
Oa28-16 cm. Very dark brown (7.5YR 2/2) sandy loam; weak medium subangular blocky, breaking to a weak fine granular structure; smooth, slightly sticky, slightly plastic (wet); pH = 6.4; many fine roots; abrupt smooth boundary. (Sample T-152).
A216-40+ cm. Dark brown (10YR 3/3) gravelly sandy loam; weak medium subangular blocky, breaking to a weak fine granular structure; gritty, slightly sticky, slightly plastic (wet); pH = 7.1; est. 20 percent fine gravel less than 2 cm diameter. (Sample T-153).
 
Plot Number:SWT-65
Classification:Pergelic Cryumbrept, loamy-skeletal, mixed.
Location:North side of Toolik Lake. To the west of outlet stream, above floodplain. 68°38' N, 149°36' W.
Physiographic position:Glaciofluvial outwash.
Topography:Featureless ground.
Microrelief Height:5 cm.
Drainage:Well drained.
Vegetation:Dry Vaccinium vitis-idaea, Hierochloe alpina, Cladonia arbuscula, dwarf-shrub, fruticose-lichen tundra
Parent material:Itkillik II glaciofluvial outwash.
Sampled by:D.A. Walker and C. Westberg, August 12, 1989.
Remarks:Deep active layer in rocky soils.
Weather:Mostly clear, very windy.
 Colors are for the damp soil.
Oi0-1 cm. Mat of lichens and mosses, mostly Polytrichum juniperinum and Cladonia spp.
Oa1-4 cm. Very dark brown (7.5YR 2/2) organic clay loam; weak fine granular structure; damp; pH = 3.7; abrupt smooth boundary. (Sample T-158).
A4-7 cm. Thin discontinuous layer of brown (7.5YR 5.5/3) clay loam; weak medium subangular blocky, breaking to a weak fine granular structure; damp; smooth, sticky, plastic (wet); pH = 3.7; abrupt smooth boundary.
Bw17-18 cm. Mixed dark brown (7.5YR 3/4) with strong brown (7.4YR 4/7) and very dark brown (7.5YR 2/3) very gravelly clay loam; weak medium subangular blocky, breaking to a weak fine granular structure; damp; friable (moist), gritty, slightly sticky, slightly plastic (wet); pH = 4.3; common very fine roots to 25 cm depth with silt caps to 4 mm; est. 70 percent gravel and small cobbles; gradual wavy boundary. (Sample T-159).
Bw218-35+ cm. Dark brown (10YR 3/3) very gravelly sandy loam; very weak moderate subangular blocky structure; damp; friable (moist), gritty, nonplastic, nonsticky (wet); pH = 4.8; dark manganese stains on bottom of rocks. (Sample T-160).
 
Plot Number:SWT-68
Classification:Lithic Pergelic Cryosaprist, euic.
Location:North side of Toolik Lake, east of outlet stream, west of runway in Salix community along river. 68°38' N, 149°36' W.
Physiographic position:Stabilized floodplain.
Topography:Irregular relief associated with stream drainage.
Microrelief Height:30 - 60 cm.
Drainage:Somewhat poorly drained.
Vegetation:Moist Salix planifolia ssp. pulchra, Salix lanata richardsonii, Calamagrostis canadensis s.l., Potentilla fruticosa, Rubus arcticus acaulis, low shrubland
Parent material:Alluvial deposit.
Sampled by:D.A. Walker and C. Westberg, August 12, 1989.
Remarks:Shrub height: 1.5 - 2.0 m. Rock cover > 5 percent. Soil lies directly on large cobbles of river bed at 27 cm depth.
Weather:Cloudy.
 Colors are for the wet soil.
Oi0-4 cm. Mat of Calamagrostis canadensis with mosses; abrupt smooth boundary.
Oe4-10 cm. Very dark brown (7.5YR 2/2) loose mat, composed of grass roots, leaves, hemic material; est. 50 percent recognizable plant fibers after rubbing; many fine rhizomes and very fine roots; abrupt smooth boundary.
Oa110-18 cm. Very dark brown (7.5YR 2/2) organic loam; est. less than 2 percent recognizable plant fibers after rubbing; weak medium subangular blocky, breaking to a weak fine granular structure, tightly bound with fine grass roots; wet; smooth, slightly sticky, slightly plastic (wet); pH = 6.9. (Sample T-164).
Oa218-27 cm. Very dark grayish brown (10YR 3/2) loam, with many medium yellowish brown (10YR 5/6) and yellowish red (5YR 4/8) mottles; weak subangular blocky structure, bound by many fine roots; wet; smooth, sticky, plastic (wet); pH = 4.8; roots extend all the way to the bottom of the horizon. (Sample T-165).
 
Plot Number:SWT-70
Classification:Pergelic Cryochrept, sandy-skeletal, mixed.
Location:North side of Toolik Lake, east of outlet stream, west of runway. 68°38' N, 149°36' W.
Physiographic position:Glaciofluvial outwash.
Topography:Featureless ground.
Microrelief Height:10 cm.
Drainage:Moderately well drained.
Vegetation:Dry Betula nana s.l., Hierochloe alpina, Cladonia arbuscula, low-shrub, fruticose-lichen tundra
Parent material:Itkillik II glaciofluvial outwash.
Sampled by:D.A. Walker and C. Westberg, August 12, 1989.
Remarks:Deep active layer in rocky soils. Shrub height 25 - 30 cm.
Weather:Partly cloudy, light wind.
 Colors are for the damp soil.
Oi0-2 cm. Birch leaves and moss bases (mostly Dicranum spp. and Aulacomnium turgidum); wavy abrupt boundary.
Oa12-7 cm. Very dark brown (7.5YR 2/3) highly organic loam; loose structure; dry; wavy abrupt boundary.
Oa27-11 cm. Dark brown (7.5YR 4/3) gravelly sandy loam; weak medium subangular blocky, breaking to a weak fine granular structure; damp; friable (moist), smooth, sticky, plastic (wet); pH = 3.8; est. 20 percent fine gravel; (Sample T-167).
Bw11-21 cm. Strong brown (7.5YR 4/5) very gravelly sandy clay loam; loose single grain structure; damp; gritty (wet); pH = 4.3; est. 75 percent gravel; roots penetrate to 20 cm; wavy abrupt boundary. (Sample T-168).
C21-30+ cm. Very dark gray (10YR 3.5/1.5) very gravelly loamy sand; loose single grain structure; damp; gritty (wet); pH = 5.1; est. 80 percent gravel. (Sample T-169).
 
Plot Number:SWT-75
Classification:Histic Pergelic Cryaquept, coarse-loamy, mixed, nonacid.
Location:Southwest side of Toolik Lake. Water track transect. 68°37' N, 149°38' W.
Physiographic position:Water track margin on side slope, Itkillik glaciated surface.
Topography:Featureless. Slope angle 2° N.
Microrelief Height:10 - 15 cm.
Drainage:Poorly drained.
Vegetation:Moist Betula nana s.l., Rubus chamaemorus, Hylocomium splendens, low-shrub tundra
Parent material:Colluvial deposit over till.
Sampled by:D.A. Walker and C. Westberg, August 21, 1989.
Remarks:Water table at 20 cm. Permafrost at 31 cm.
Weather:Clear, warm.
 Colors are for the wet soil.
Oi0-5 cm. Loose fibric mosses Hylocomium splendens, Sphagnum sp. and Aulacomnium turgidum; pH = 4.2; abrupt smooth boundary. (Sample T-177).
Oe5-10 cm. Very dark brown (7.5YR 2.5/2) loose mat of hemic material, mostly mosses; wet; pH = 5.2; many fine and very fine roots; abrupt smooth boundary. (Sample T-178).
Oa110-13 cm. Very dark brown (7.5YR 2/1.5) silty organic; weak fine granular structure; wet; smooth, mostly sticky, mostly plastic (wet); smooth abrupt boundary.
Oa213-18 cm. Dark reddish brown (5YR 3/4) silty organic; loose structure; wet; smooth, mostly sticky, mostly plastic (wet); pH = 4.5; smooth abrupt boundary. (Sample T-179).
Bhs18-31+ cm. Dark brown (10YR 3.5/3) loam; weak medium subangular blocky, breaking to weak fine granular structure; wet; smooth; slightly sticky, slightly plastic (wet); pH = 4.3. (Sample T-180).
 
Plot Number:SWT-79
Classification:Histic Pergelic Cryaquept, coarse-loamy, mixed, nonacid.
Location:Southwest side of Toolik Lake. Toolik water track study. 68°37' N, 149°38' W.
Physiographic position:Middle part of long N-facing slope on 5 percent NNE-facing back slope of water track.
Topography:Well developed water track.
Microrelief Height:5 - 10 cm.
Drainage:Poorly drained.
Vegetation:Moist Salix planifolia ssp. pulchra, Rubus chamaemorus, Sphagnum rubellum, Sphagnum sp., low shrubland
Parent material:Alluvial deposit over till.
Sampled by:D.A. Walker and C. Westberg, August 22, 1989.
Remarks:Shrubs to 47 cm. Water table at 10 cm. Permafrost at 43 cm.
Weather:Clear, breezy.
 Colors are for the wet soil.
Oi0-4 cm. Sphagnum mat; loose structure; pH = 4.5; smooth abrupt boundary. (Sample T-189).
Oe4-7 cm. Very dark brown (7.5YR 2/2) mostly hemic sedge roots and unrecognizable plant fiber; loose platy structure; wet; pH = 5.8; est. 30 percent plant fiber recognizable after rubbing; smooth abrupt boundary. (Sample T-190).
Oe27-12 cm. Dark reddish brown (5YR 3/5) hemic material, mostly Sphagnum; loose structure; wet; pH = 4.5; est. 50 percent plant fiber recognizable after rubbing; smooth abrupt boundary. (Sample T-191).
Oa12-20 cm. Dark brown (7.5YR 3.5/3) loam; weak medium platy, breaking to weak fine granular structure; wet; smooth, slightly sticky, slightly plastic (wet); pH = 4.2; wavy abrupt boundary. (Sample T-192).
IICox20-32 cm. Brown (10YR 4.5/3) sandy clay loam, with many medium distinct strong brown (7.5YR 4/6) mottles; fine platy structure; wet; gritty, sticky, plastic (wet); pH = 4.5; est. up to 5 percent gravel to 1 cm diameter. (Sample T-193).
 
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