Quantitative Evaluation of Pedodiversity in the Russian Arctic and Subarctic (by Cartographic Data)

Abstract

A quantitative assessment of the diversity of the soil cover components of the Arctic and Subarctic as shown on the Soil Map of Russian Federation, scale 1: 2.5 M was performed. Soil units of this map were combined with the mapping units on the map of soil-ecological zoning of the same scale, namely, soil districts (on the plains and in the mountains). For each soil district (total 60), average, minimum and maximum sizes of soil polygons, richness indices (total number of polygons and number of taxonomic units) were calculated, as well as species richness (Margalef, Menhinick), domination indices (Berger-Parker, MkIntosh, Simpson), complexity of the soil cover (divisibility index, complexity coefficient), diversity indices (Shannon, normalized Shannon index, Gini-Simpson), lateral differentiation, and a total score was derived by accounting the values of all calculated indices. The following quantitative characteristics of the soil cover were used to calculate the indices: the number of soil polygons, soil taxonomic groups, the length of boundaries, the area of polygons (including the average and maximum values) and their ratio. The soil diversity increases from the Arctic soil zone to the Subarctic arctic-tundra subzone and is accompanied by an increase in the areas of soil polygons. Pechorsko-Karskiy, Mezensko-Cheshskiy and Nizhneeniseyskiy plain soil districts, Koryakskiy, Anadyirskiy and Pekulneysko-Iskatenskiy mountain soil districts are characterized by maximum soil diversity, while the South-Novaya Zemlya mountain and plain soil districts – by the lowest one.