107

Site number:

107

Authors:

IBC, GGC

Date recorded:

1964/12/27

Reason Sampled:

Weathering examination

Description:

Approx 4km S of Mt Rich on an extensive undulating landsurface formed by over-riding and retreat of ice from Diamond Glacier; the surface has extensive patterned ground developed on rolling slopes with best development on lower gully slopes; on sloping ground, the polygon troughs have a high scarp face on the down-slope side and a short scarp face on the up- slope side; in many of the polygons, the surface of the soil has a distinct crust; in the patterned ground cracks, there is a greater amount of sandy material; the sample was collected from a crusty patch near the centre of a polygon

Altitude:

800 m

Aspect:

SE

Slope:

5 °

Climate

Soil climate zone:

Coastal mountain

Estimated mean annual temperature:

-24 °C

Frozen ground depth:

0 cm

Frozen type:

Frozen comment:

Geology

Geological setting:

Bouldery till from Granite Harbour Intrusives is widespread on a surface that is partly modified by patterned ground movement

Patterned ground:

Extensive moderately developed patterned ground with active troughs containing sand accumulations

Surface weathering or surface features:

Surface boulders are subangular and weakly stained without cavernous weathering; some scattered salts especially in polygon edges

Soil

Soil parent material:

Bouldery till with a sandy gravel matrix from granodiorite and granite

Previous disturbance:

Nil

Soil weathering stage:

2 (Campbell & Claridge 1975)

Soil moisture status:

Xerous to subxerous; the surface is predominantly snow free; some patches of ice in patterned ground cracks; there are moist patches in the soils in some hollows

Biological activity:

Yellow and black lichens occur commonly