Happy Valley Permanent Vegetation Plots

Walker, D.A., Auerbach, N.A., Nettleton, T.K., Gallant, A., Murphy, S.M. 1997. Happy Valley Permanent Vegetation Plots: Site factors, physical and chemical soil properties, plant species cover, photographs, soil descriptions, and ordination. Arctic System Science Flux Study, Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO.

Home // Preliminary vegetation classification // Vegetation communities and sites // Legend for environmental variables // Environmental data // Relevé size, percent cover // Soils data // Relevé species data //
Appendices: Field descriptions of soils // Plot and soil photos // Plot location map

Appendix A. Field descriptions of soils

 
Plot Number:HV-1
Location:Fluvial Terrace
Description by:A. Gallant
Sample Date:7/18/94
Sample Time:15:30
Classification:
Parent Material:Stabilized alluvium, sands and cobbles
Geomorphic Surface:Flat centered polygons
Elevation:900 ft
Slope:
Aspect:Flat
Vegetation:Dry Dryas integrifolia, Arctous rubra, Salix glauca, Lupinus arcticus, dwarf shrub, forb tundra
Horizon:Description:
Oa0-9 cm | Sample S-68
Very dark brown (10 YR 2/2) silt. Weak, medium, subangular blocky breaking to moderate, fine, granular structure; 0% gravel; slightly sticky, slightly plastic consistence (wet); many very fine roots, common fine roots; abrupt, smooth boundary
 
B9-41 cm | Sample S-69
Very dark brown to gray brown (10 YR 3/1.5) sandy loam. Weak, medium, subangular blocky breaking to moderate, very fine, granular structure; 10% gravel; slightly sticky, slightly plastic consistence (wet); common fine roots; cobbles up to 15 cm concentrated at top of layer, also interspersed throughout layer.
 
C41+ cm | no sample
cobble layer. Notes: thaw is greater than 41 cm, but cobble layer prohibits further digging or probing.
 
 
 
Plot Number:HV-2
Location:Second fluvial terrace nearer to road than runway.
Description by:A. Gallant
Sample Date:7/18/94
Sample Time:
Classification:
Parent Material:Alluvial sands, gravels, cobbles
Geomorphic Surface:Irregular microrelief
Elevation:900 ft
Slope:
Aspect:Flat
Vegetation:Dry Dryas integrifolia, Lupinus arcticus, Rhododendron lapponicum, Cetraria cucullata, dwarf-shrub forb tundra
Horizon:Description:
Oa0-6 cm | Sample S-70
Black (10YR 2/1) Silt. Weak, fine, subangular blocky structure; 0% gravel; slightly sticky, slightly plastic consistence (wet); many very fine roots, common fine roots; abrupt, wavy boundary.
 
B6-26 cm | Sample S-71
Very dark gray (10 YR 3/1) sandy loam. Moderate, medium, subangular blocky breaking to weak, fine, subangular blocky structure. <10% gravel; slightly sticky and slightly plastic consistence (wet); common fine roots, common medium roots; few cobbles (to 10 cm in diameter) in layer.
 
C26+ cm | cobble layer.
 
 
 
Plot Number:HV-3
Location:small pond, 100 m east of Dalton Highway, just north of Happy Valley camp
Description by:S. Walker
Sample Date:7/21/94
Sample Time:
Classification:
Parent Material:Pond organic
Geomorphic Surface:Pond
Elevation:900 ft
Slope:
Aspect:Flat
Vegetation:Aquatic Comarum palustre, Sparganium hyperboreum, Calliergon giganteum, forb marsh
Horizon:Description:
Oi0-40 cm | Sample S-72
Black (10 YR 2/2) fibric material consisting of roots of Sparganium hyperboreum.
 
C40+ cm | No sample
Rocky, cobbley horizon, stream channel.
 
 
 
Plot Number:HV-4
Location:Floodplain, 150 m west of runway near Happy Valley camp
Description by:A. Gallant
Sample Date:7/21/94
Sample Time:
Classification:
Parent Material:Stabilized alluvium, sands and gravel
Geomorphic Surface:Gently rolling or irregular microrelief
Elevation:900 ft
Slope:
Aspect:Flat
Vegetation:Moist Alnus viridis, Salix lanata, Equisetum arvense, Climacium dendroides, low-shrub tundra
Horizon:Description:
Oe0-4 cm | Sample S-73
Very dark grayish brown to very dark brown (10YR 2.5/2) hemic material composed of stems and decomposing leaves and very fine roots; abrupt, smooth, boundary.
 
A14-14 cm | Sample S-74
Very dark grayish brown to very dark brown silt loam. Weak, fine, granular structure. 0% gravel; slightly sticky and slightly plastic consistence; many very fine and fine roots, many medium roots, common coarse roots; abrupt, smooth boundary.
 
A214-21 cm | Sample S-75
Very dark brown (10 YR 2/2) loam. Weak, medium, granular structure. 0% gravel; slightly sticky and slightly plastic consistence; common very fine, fine, and medium roots; abrupt, smooth boundary.
 
B21-30 cm | Sample S-76
Very dark grayish brown (10 YR 3/2) sandy loam. Weak, fine, subangular blocky structure. 0% gravel; slightly sticky and slightly plastic consistence; many very fine and fine roots, common medium roots; clear, wavy boundary.
Notes: Indistinct banding of organic materials from flooding events apparent.
 
C30-38+ | Sample S-77
Very dark grayish brown (10YR 3/2) loamy sand. Weak, medium, granular structure. 0% gravel; nonsticky and nonplastic consistence (wet); common very fine and fine roots.
 
permafrost38+ cm |
 
 
 
Plot Number:HV-5
Location:Floodplain on creek, very shrubby, 200 m west of runway, at bottom of hill below road.
Description by:A. Gallant and N. Auerbach
Sample Date:7/21/94
Sample Time:15:30
Classification:
Parent Material:Stabilized alluvial sands and gravels
Geomorphic Surface:irregular microrelief
Elevation:900 ft
Slope:
Aspect:Flat
Vegetation:Moist Alnus viridis, Salix lanata, Vaccinium vitis-idaea, low shrubland (riparian)
Horizon:Description:
Oi0-4 cm | Sample S-78
Very dark grayish brown (10 YR 3/2) fibric material composed of litter (dead leaves) and roots (Alnus viridens, Betula nana); many fine and very fine roots, common medium roots; abrupt, smooth boundary.
 
Oe4-15 cm | Sample S-79
Black (10 YR 2/1) hemic material. 0% gravel, many fine and very roots, common medium roots; abrupt, smooth boundary.
 
permafrost15 cm |
 
A15-20 cm | Sample S-86
Black (10 YR 2/1) silt. Undetermined structure (frozen soil). 0% gravel; nonsticky and nonplastic consistence (wet); common medium and coarse roots, undetermined concentration of very fine and fine roots because of frozen consistence, possibly many very fine roots; abrupt, smooth boundary.
 
B20-28+ cm | Sample S-81
Dark gray (10 YR 4/1) loam. Weak, fine, subangular blocky breaking to moderate, fine, granular structure. 0% gravel; slightly sticky and slightly plastic consistence (wet); undetermined concentration of roots because of frozen consistence; common, fine yellowish red (5 YR 5/8) mottles
 
 
 
Plot Number:HV-6
Location:Fluvial Terrace, 100m west of runway just east across Dalton Highway from HV camp
Description by:A. Gallant and N. Auerbach
Sample Date:7/21/94
Sample Time:14:31
Classification:
Parent Material:Stabilized alluvium (sands and gravel)
Geomorphic Surface:featureless, less than 20 frost scars
Elevation:900 ft
Slope:
Aspect:Flat
Vegetation:Dry Dryas integrifolia, Lupinus arcticus, Tomentypnum nitens, dwarf shrub, forb tundra
Horizon:Description:
surface moss0-0.5 cm | No sample
Abrupt, smooth boundary.
 
Oa10.5-2 cm | Sample S-82
Black (10YR 2/2). Less than 10% gravel; abrupt, smooth boundary. Many fine and very fine roots and cobbles to 14 cm in diameter.
 
A2-4 cm | Sample S-83
(10YR 2.5/1). 75% gravel, nonsticky and slightly plastic consistence (wet). Silty loam texture with abrupt, smooth boundary. Many fine and very fine roots and cobbles to 14 cm in diameter.
 
Oa24-6 cm | Sample S-84
Black (10 YR 2/1). 75% gravel, nonsticky, non plastic consistence (wet). Abrupt, smooth boundary. Many fine and very fine roots and cobbles to 14 cm in diameter.
 
B26-30+ cm | Sample S-85
Very dark gray (10YR 3/1). Weak, medium, granular structure with 75% gravel. Nonsticky, nonplastic consistence (wet); sandy loam texture with abrupt, smooth boundary. Common fine and very fine roots with cobbles to 21 cm in diameter.
 
30+ cm
very stony, didn't dig past this point, didn't reach permafrost
 
 
 
Plot Number:HV-7
Location:Happy Valley, river bar
Description by:A. Gallant
Sample Date:7/18/94
Sample Time:9:30
Classification:
Parent Material:Alluvial gravels and sand
Geomorphic Surface:Stony surface
Elevation:950 ft
Slope:
Aspect:Flat
Vegetation:Dry Epilobium latifolium, Hedysarum alpinum, Salix alaxensis, forb, barren tundra
Horizon:Description:
Cdepth not measurable | Sample S-86
Very dark gray-brown (2.5 YR 3/2). Gravel bar with cobbles up to 50 cm in diameter. Single grain structure; nonsticky, nonplastic consistence (wet). Sandy texture. Soil not described.
 
 
 
Plot Number:HV-8
Location:Happy Valley, river bar
Description by:A. Gallant
Sample Date:7/18/94
Sample Time:10:00
Classification:
Parent Material:Alluvial gravels and sand
Geomorphic Surface:Stony surface
Elevation:900 ft
Slope:
Aspect:Flat
Vegetation:Dry Castilleja caudata, Hedysarum alpinum, forb, barren tundra
Horizon:Description:
Cdepth not measurable | Sample S-87
Black (2.5 YR 2/2). Gravel bar with cobbles up to 50 cm in diameter. Single grain structure; nonsticky, nonplastic consistence (wet). Sandy texture. Soil not described.
 
 
 
Plot Number:HV-9
Location:Edge of pond by gravel pit
Description by:A. Gallant
Sample Date:7/18/94
Sample Time:10:45
Classification:
Parent Material:Lacustrine organic deposits
Geomorphic Surface:Featureless
Elevation:950 ft
Slope:
Aspect:Flat
Vegetation:Wet Carex saxatilis, Carex aquatilis, graminoid meadow
Horizon:Description:
Oe0-14 cm | Sample S-88
Black (10 YR 2/1). Weak, medium, platy structure with 0% gravel. Nonsticky, nonplastic consistence (wet) with silky organic sand texture; abrupt, smooth boundary. 10% silt, 20% plant fibers after rubbing (sedge, roots, leaves)
 
A114-25 cm | Sample S-89
Very dark gray (10 YR 3/1). Massive structure with 0% gravel. Slightly sticky, nonplastic consistence (wet). Loamy sand texture with clear, smooth boundary. Many very fine roots.
 
A225-47 cm | Sample S-90
Black (5 YR 2.5/1). Weak, fine subangular blocky structure with 0% gravel. Slightly sticky, slightly plastic consistence (wet). Silty loam texture with many very fine roots. Permafrost boundary at 47 cm depth.
 
 
 
Plot Number:HV-10
Location:Fluvial terrace near old campsite
Description by:A. Gallant
Sample Date:7/18/94
Sample Time:12:00
Classification:
Parent Material:Stabilized Alluvium
Geomorphic Surface:Featureless
Elevation:950 ft
Slope:
Aspect:Flat
Vegetation:Dry Dryas integrifolia, Arctous rubra, Rhododendron lapponicum, Lupinus arcticus, dwarf shrub, forb tundra
Horizon:Description:
Oi0-2 cm | No sample
Abrupt, smooth boundary; dead leaves, loose stems. Layer too thin to sample
 
Oa2-8 cm | Sample S-91
Very dark brown (7.5 YR 2/2). Abrupt, wavy boundary; sapric organic with less than 2% fibers after rubbing.
 
B18-18 cm | Sample S-92
Mixed horizon with mottles and organic inclusions. Dark yellow-brown mottles (10 YR 4/6) from 0.5-1 cm, very dark gray-brown (10 YR 3/1.5) dominant matrix, black organic inclusions common 1-2 cm (10 YR 2/1). Weak, fine, subangular blocky structure with 0% gravel. Slightly sticky, slightly plastic consistence (wet); loam texture. Abrupt, smooth boundary; many fine roots.
 
B218-30 cm | Sample S-93
Very dark gray-brown (10 YR 3/2). Moderate, medium, subangular blocky structure breaking into moderate medium granular structure. Slightly sticky, slightly plastic consistence (wet). Loam texture with abrupt, smooth boundary; few very fine roots.
 
B330-47 cm | Sample S-94
Very dark gray (10 YR 3/1). Weak, medium subangular blocky structure. Nonsticky, nonplastic consistence (wet); sand texture.
 
Cobble layer47+ cm | No sample
 
 
 
Plot Number:HV-11
Location:Floodplain, dry scrub area
Description by:A. Gallant
Sample Date:7/18/94
Sample Time:14:00
Classification:
Parent Material:Stabilized Alluvium (sands and gravels)
Geomorphic Surface:Gently rolling or irregular microrelief
Elevation:950 ft
Slope:
Aspect:Flat
Vegetation:Dry Salix alaxensis, Shepherdia canadensis, Arctous rubra, tall shrubland (riparian)
Horizon:Description:
O0-2 cm | No sample
Very dark brown (10 YR 2/2). 0% gravel with abrupt, smooth boundary. Live moss, plant litter, many very fine roots, many fine roots, many medium roots.
 
A2-6 cm | Sample S-95
Very dark gray (10 YR 3/1). Moderate, fine, granular structure with 0% gravel. Slightly sticky, slightly plastic consistence (wet). Sandy loam texture with abrupt, smooth boundary. Common fine roots, many very fine roots, common medium roots.
 
C16-9 cm | No sample
Black (5 YR 2.5/1.5). Single grain structure. Nonsticky, nonplastic consistence (wet). Sandy texture with abrupt, wavy boundary. Many very fine roots, common fine roots, common medium roots. Layer too thin to sample.
 
C29-73 cm | Sample S-96
Very dark gray-brown ( 2.5 YR 3/2). Weak, medium, subangular blocky structure breaks into moderate, fine granular. Slightly sticky, slightly plastic consistence (wet). Sandy loam texture with many very fine rocks, many fine roots, common medium roots, common coarse roots.
 
Permafrost73 cm | No sample
 
 
 
Plot Number:HV-12
Location:Water track on shoulder of bluff over looking Sag. river; 2 km south of HV camp
Description by:A. Gallant
Sample Date:7/19/94
Sample Time:
Classification:
Parent Material:Undifferentiated hillslope colluvium
Geomorphic Surface:Well-developed hillslope water track
Elevation:1050 ft
Slope:15°
Aspect:E
Vegetation:Wet Salix planifolia, Petasites frigidus, Equisetum arvense, low-shrub tundra
Horizon:Description:
Oe0-21 cm | Sample S-97
Black (10 YR 2/1). Massive structure with 0% gravel. Loam texture with abrupt, smooth boundary. Composed of sedge, sedge roots, willow roots with many very fine, fine, medium and coarse roots. Red mottles - few and large in Oe layer (7.5 YR 3/3)
 
O/B21-40+ cm | Sample S-98
 
O
Black ( 10 YR 2/1). Massive structure with 0% gravel. Slightly sticky, slightly plastic consistence (wet). Loam texture.
 
B
Very dark gray-brown (10 YR 3/2). Massive structure with 0% gravel. Slightly sticky, slightly plastic consistence (wet). Silty loam texture.
 
Permafrost40 cm | No sample
 
 
 
Plot Number:HV-13
Location:Bluff overlooking Sag. river; 1/3 mile north of access road
Description by:A. Gallant
Sample Date:7/19/94
Sample Time:
Classification:
Parent Material:Colluvium and glacial till
Geomorphic Surface:Gelifluction lobes
Elevation:1000 ft
Slope:30°
Aspect:E
Vegetation:Moist Salix glauca, Salix lanata, Arctous rubra, Lupinus arcticus, Hylocomium splendens, forb, low-shrub tundra
Horizon:Description:
Oi0-2 cm | No sample
 
Oe2-8 cm | Sample S-100
Black (10 YR 2/1)
 
Oa/B8-22 cm | Samples S-99, S-101, S-102
 
Oa
Black (10 YR 2/1). Weak, fine, subangular blocky structure with 50% gravel. Nonsticky, nonplastic consistence (wet). Silty texture with clear, wavy boundaries. Many fine roots, common very fine roots, few medium roots.
 
B
Very dark gray-brown (10 YR 3/2). Weak, fine, subangular blocky structure with 50% gravel. Slightly sticky, slightly plastic consistence (wet). Silty loam texture with clear, wavy boundaries. Many fine roots, common very fine roots, few medium roots.
 
B22-40+ cm | No sample
Very dark gray-brown (10 YR 3/2). Weak, fine, subangular blocky structure that breaks to weak, very fine, granular structure. 75% gravel; slightly sticky, slightly plastic consistence (wet). Silty loam texture
 
 
 
Plot Number:HV-14
Location:Floodplain of Sag. river, .3 miles north of access road
Description by:A. Gallant
Sample Date:7/19/94
Sample Time:
Classification:
Parent Material:Active alluvial sands and gravels
Geomorphic Surface:stony surface
Elevation:950 ft
Slope:
Aspect:Flat
Vegetation:Dry Salix alaxensis, Castilleja caudata, Hedysarum alpinum, low-shrub, forb tundra
Horizon:Description:
CSample S-103
Very dark gray-brown (2.5 YR 3/2). Sample is surface sand. Surface is composed of sands, gravels, and cobbles up to 40 cm in diameter.
 
 
 
Plot Number:HV-15
Location:Bluff overlooking Sag. river north of access road, 2 km south of the Happy Valley camp
Description by:A. Gallant
Sample Date:7/19/94
Sample Time:
Classification:
Parent Material:Glacial till, undifferentiated. hillslope colluvium
Geomorphic Surface:Gelifluction lobes
Elevation:1000 ft
Slope:30°
Aspect:E
Vegetation:Moist Salix lanata, Salix glauca, Arctous rubra, Abietinella abietina, low-shrub tundra
Horizon:Description:
Oi0-2 cm | Sample S-104
Dark brown (7.5 YR 3/2). Abrupt, smooth boundary. Composed of moss (e.g. Abietinella abietina), many very fine and fine roots.
 
Oe2-10 cm | Sample S-105
Dark red-brown (5 YR 2.5/1.5). Abrupt, smooth boundary. Composed of moss (e.g. Abietinella abietina), many very fine and fine roots.
 
Oa/B10-37 cm | Sample S-106
 
Oa
Black (10 YR 2/1). Weak, fine, subangular blocky structure with 25% gravel. Nonsticky, nonplastic consistence (wet). Silty texture.
 
B
Very dark gray-brown (10 YR 3/2). Weak, fine, subangular blocky structure with 25% gravel. Slightly sticky, plastic consistence (wet). Clay loam texture.
 
B37+ cm | Sample S-107
Dark brown (10 YR 3/3). Weak, fine, subangular blocky structure. 25% gravel; slightly sticky, plastic consistence (wet). Clay loam texture; deeper soil description prevented by rocks.
 
 
 
Plot Number:HV-16
Location:Rocky floodplain of Sag. river, north of access road, 2 km south of Happy Valley camp
Description by:A. Gallant
Sample Date:7/19/94
Sample Time:
Classification:
Parent Material:Active alluvial sands and gravels
Geomorphic Surface:stony surface
Elevation:1000 ft
Slope:
Aspect:Flat
Vegetation:Dry Castilleja caudata, Hedysarum alpinum, Salix alaxensis, forb tundra
Horizon:Description:
CSample S-108
Very dark gray-brown (2.5 YR 3/2). Surface to unknown depth is sands, gravels and cobbles up to 30 cm in diameter. Sample taken of surface sands.
 
 
 
Plot Number:HV-17
Location:Snowbed in bluff overlooking Sag. River, south of access road
Description by:A. Gallant
Sample Date:7/19/94
Sample Time:
Classification:
Parent Material:Undifferentiated hillslope alluvium and glacial till
Geomorphic Surface:Gelifluction features
Elevation:950 ft
Slope:30°
Aspect:E
Vegetation:Moist Dryas integrifolia, Cassiope tetragona, Lupinus arcticus, dwarf shrub, forb tundra (snowbed)
Horizon:Description:
Oi0-2 cm | No sample
Layer too thin to sample. Composed of moss Tomentypnum nitens.
 
Oe2-4 cm | No sample
Very dark brown (7.5 YR 2/2). Nonsticky, nonplastic consistence (wet); abrupt, wavy boundary. Layer too thin to sample.
 
Oa4-9 cm | Sample S-109
Black (10 YR 2/1). Moderate, fine, subangular blocky structure that breaks to moderate, fine, granular structure. Silty texture with clear, wavy boundary. Many very fine to fine roots.
 
A/B9-35 cm | Sample S-110
A and B horizons are mixing in this layer probably due to downslope movement. Rocks showing buildup of carbonates on undersides.
 
A
Very dark brown (10 YR 2/2). Weak, fine, subangular blocky structure that breaks to moderate, fine granular structure. 25% gravel. Slightly sticky, slightly plastic consistence (wet); sandy loam texture. Many fine to very fine roots.
 
B
Brown (10 YR 4.5/3). Weak, very fine, subangular blocky structure that breaks to moderate, fine, granular structure. 25% gravel. Sticky, plastic consistence (wet); clay loam texture.
 
C35+ cm | Sample S-111
Very dark gray-brown to brown (10 YR 2.5/2). Weak, medium, granular structure with greater than 75% gravel. Slightly sticky, slightly plastic consistence (wet); clay loam texture. Depth undetermined because there were too many rocks to dig further.
 
 
 
Plot Number:HV-18
Location:Floodplain south of access road
Description by:A. Gallant
Sample Date:7/19/94
Sample Time:
Classification:
Parent Material:Stabilized alluvium sand
Geomorphic Surface:Irregular microrelief
Elevation:950 ft
Slope:
Aspect:Flat
Vegetation:Moist Salix alaxensis, Salix lanata, Equisetum arvense, Hedysarum alpinum, low-shrub tundra
Horizon:Description:
Oi0-1 cm | No sample
Layer too thin to sample, composed of moss (Campylium stellatum)
 
Oe1-5 cm | No sample
Very dark gray-brown to brown (10 YR 2.5/2). Abrupt, smooth boundary; primarily moss. Layer too thin to sample. Deposition of 1 cm thick layer of silt at the top of this layer (from flood) (10 YR 3/1).
 
Bw5-68 cm | Sample S-112
(10 YR 3/1). Massive structure with 0% gravel. Slightly sticky, slightly plastic consistence (wet); sandy loam texture with many very fine to fine roots.
 
Permafrost68 cm | No sample
 
 
 
Plot Number:HV-19
Location:East-facing river bluff of Sag. River; about 2 km south of Happy Valley Camp
Description by:A. Gallant
Sample Date:7/19/94
Sample Time:
Classification:
Parent Material:Colluvium with glacial till
Geomorphic Surface:Gelifluction lobes
Elevation:950 ft
Slope:30°
Aspect:E
Vegetation:Dry Salix glauca, Arctous rubra, Festuca altaica, Hedysarum alpinum, Abietinella abietina, shrubland
Horizon:Description:
Oi0-6 cm | No sample
Clear, wavy boundary. Layer composed of dead leaves, woody stems, and dead mosses.
 
Oa/A6-44 cm | Sample S-113
Because of downslope movement of materials, this layer is a mix of soils from two horizons. Many very fine, fine, medium and coarse roots.
 
O
Dark red-brown (5 YR 2.5/2). Abrupt, wavy boundary. Too much organic material to classify structure and consistence.
 
A
Very dark gray (10 YR 3/1). Weak, very fine, subangular blocky structure breaks to weak, very fine, granular structure; 25% gravel. Nonsticky, nonplastic consistence (wet) with loamy sand texture
 
C44-76+ cm | Sample S-114
Very dark gray-brown (10 YR 3/2). Weak, very fine, subangular blocky structure breaks to weak, very fine, granular structure; 75% gravel. Slightly sticky, slightly plastic consistence (wet) with sandy clay texture. Many very fine and fine roots. Rocks prevent any deeper soil description.
 
 
 
Plot Number:HV-20
Location:Hillcrest of toposequence; about 1 km north of Happy Valley Camp
Description by:A. Gallant
Sample Date:7/20/94
Sample Time:
Classification:
Parent Material:
Geomorphic Surface:Featureless
Elevation:1000 ft
Slope:
Aspect:N
Vegetation:Moist Sphagnum sp., Hylocomium splendens, Eriophorum vaginatum, Betula nana, tussock-graminoid, dwarf-shrub tundra
Horizon:Description:
Oi0-6 cm | Sample S-115
Yellow brown (10 YR 5/8). Abrupt, smooth boundary. Loose mat of mosses including Aulacomnium turgidum. Very fine sedge roots.
 
Oe6-14 cm | Sample S-116
Dark brown (7.5 YR 3/4). Abrupt, smooth boundary. Composed of compressed mat of and sedge roots.
 
Oa14-26 cm | Sample S-117
(10 YR 2/2). Abrupt, smooth boundary. Composed of decomposed mosses and sedge roots.
 
Permafrost26 cm |
 
Bs26-28 cm | Sample S-118
Very dark brown (10 YR 3/4). Massive structure with 0% gravel. Sticky, plastic consistence (wet). Silty clay loam texture with abrupt, smooth boundary. Has humic layer at top. Difficult to get pure sample without contamination from Bw layer.
 
Bw28+ cm | Sample S-119
Dark gray-brown (2.5 YR 4/2). Massive structure with 0% gravel. Sticky, plastic consistence (wet). Silty clay loam texture. Hard to get sample without contamination from Bs layer.
 
 
 
Plot Number:HV-21
Location:Shoulder of toposequence; about 1 km north of Happy Valley Camp
Description by:A. Gallant
Sample Date:7/20/94
Sample Time:11:15
Classification:
Parent Material:hillslope colluvium
Geomorphic Surface:featureless
Elevation:1000 ft
Slope:
Aspect:N
Vegetation:Moist Hylocomium splendens, Carex bigelowii, Eriophorum vaginatum, Salix planifolia, tussock-graminoid, dwarf-shrub tundra
Horizon:Description:
Oi0-4 cm | Sample S-120
(10 YR 5/4). Abrupt, smooth boundary. Composed of a loose mat of Sphagnum and sedge roots.
 
Oe4-12 cm | Sample S-123
Dark brown (7.5 YR 3/2). Abrupt, smooth boundary. Composed of decomposing Sphagnum and sedge roots.
 
Oa12-20 cm | Sample S-121
Black (10 YR 2/1). Abrupt, smooth boundary. Composed of decomposing Sphagnum and sedge roots.
 
Bw20+ cm | Sample S-122
Very dark gray-brown (10 YR 3/2). Massive structure with less than 10% gravel; 1 piece up to 2 cm in diameter. Sticky, plastic consistence (wet). Silty clay loam texture; common fine mottles in top 1 cm of layer (7.5 YR 4/6).
 
permafrost20 cm |
 
 
 
Plot Number:HV-22
Location:Side slope of toposequence; about 1 km north of Happy Valley camp
Description by:A. Gallant
Sample Date:7/20/94
Sample Time:
Classification:
Parent Material:Colluvium and till
Geomorphic Surface:Gelifluction lobes
Elevation:975 ft
Slope:20°
Aspect:N
Vegetation:Moist Cassiope tetragona, Dryas integrifolia, Salix glauca, Betula nana, Vaccinium uliginosum, Drepanocladus sp., Hylocomium splendens, Ptilidium ciliare, dwarf-shrub tundra
Horizon:Description:
Oe0-2 cm | No sample
Black (10 YR 2/2). Composed of slightly compressed leaf litter, mosses (Drepanocladus uncinatus, Ptilidium ciliare) and fine roots.
 
Oa2-7 cm | Sample S-124
Black (5 YR 2.5/1.5). Less than 10% gravel. Highly decomposed.
 
A7-12 cm | Sample S-125
Black (5 YR 2.5/1.5). Weak, fine, subangular blocky structure breaks into weak, very fine granular structure; less than 10% gravel. Slightly sticky, slightly plastic consistence (wet). Silty loam texture.
 
B12-42+ cm | Sample S-126
Dark gray-brown (10 YR 4/2). Weak, fine, subangular blocky structure breaks into weak, very fine granular structure; 25% gravel. Sticky, plastic consistence (wet) with loam texture. Mottles are common and fine in size.
 
Permafrost86 cm |
 
 
 
Plot Number:HV-23
Location:Footslope of north-facing toposequence, 1 km north of Happy Valley camp
Description by:A. Gallant
Sample Date:7/20/94
Sample Time:13:45
Classification:
Parent Material:Hillslope colluvium
Geomorphic Surface:Gelifluction lobes
Elevation:950 ft
Slope:
Aspect:N
Vegetation:Moist Dryas integrifolia, Equisetum arvense, Salix glauca, horsetail, low-shrub tundra
Horizon:Description:
Oi0-4 cm | Sample S-127
(10 YR 2/2). Abrupt, smooth boundary; comprised of loose mat of moss, primarily Tomentypnum nitens and Equisetum arvense and roots.
 
Oe4-8 cm | Sample S-128
Very dark brown (10 YR 2/1.5). Abrupt, smooth boundary; comprised of decomposing roots and mosses. About 25% fiber after rubbing.
 
Oa8-16 cm | Sample S-129
Black (10 YR 2/1). Abrupt, smooth boundary; less than 5% fiber content after rubbing.
 
Bw16-40 cm | Sample S-130
Dark gray-very dark gray (10 YR 4.5/1). Massive structure with 10% gravel. Where there are concentrations of organic matter the structure is moderate, fine and granular. Sticky, plastic consistence (wet); clay loam texture. Many very fine, common fine, few medium roots. Gravel and cobbles up to 10 cm in diameter concentrated in top of layer but spread throughout common, fine, distinct mottles. Mottles are yellowish-brown (10 YR 5/6).
 
Permafrost40 cm |
 
 
 
Plot Number:HV-24
Location:Toeslope of toposequence; about 1 km north of Happy Valley camp
Description by:A. Gallant
Sample Date:7/20/94
Sample Time:
Classification:
Parent Material:Stabilized fine-textured alluvium
Geomorphic Surface:Floodplain
Elevation:950 ft
Slope:
Aspect:Flat
Vegetation:Moist Salix lanata, Equisetum arvense, Petasites frigidus, Dodecatheon frigidum, Climacium dendroides, low-shrub tundra (riparian)
Horizon:Description:
Oe0-5 cm | Sample S-131
Very dark gray (10 YR 3/1). 0% gravel; abrupt, smooth boundary. Composed of decomposing mosses (e.g. Climacium dendroides, Tomentypnum nitens, and very fine roots intermixed with silt.
 
A5-37 cm | Sample S-132
Very dark gray-brown (10 YR 3/2). Weak, medium, granular structure with 0% gravel. Slightly sticky and plastic consistence (wet). Sandy loam texture. Flooding events indicated by deposits of higher concentrations of organic materials; black (10 YR 2/3). Two distinct bands occur from 22-24 cm and 32-34 cm. Many very fine and fine roots, common medium roots.
 
Permafrost37 cm |
 
 
 
Plot Number:HV-25
Location:Shrubby floodplain, base of southern facing toposequence 1 km north of Happy Valley camp
Description by:N. Auerbach and A. Gallant
Sample Date:7/20/94
Sample Time:16:15
Classification:
Parent Material:Stabilized fine-grained alluvium
Geomorphic Surface:Irregular microrelief
Elevation:950 ft
Slope:<5°
Aspect:S
Vegetation:Moist Betula nana, Petasites frigidus, Sphagnum squarrosum, low-shrub tundra (riparian)
Horizon:Description:
Oe0-8 cm | Sample S-133
(10 YR 2/1). 0% gravel; abrupt, smooth boundaries. Comprised of some moss and roots and woody debris from Salix and Betula. Many very fine, fine and medium roots; common coarse roots.
 
A8-21+ cm | Sample S-134
(10 YR) 3.5/2). Weak, medium granular structure with 0% gravel. Slightly sticky, slightly plastic consistence (wet). Loam texture. Many very fine, fine and medium roots; common coarse roots.
 
Permafrost21 cm |
 
 
 
Plot Number:HV-26
Location:Toposequence 1 km north of Happy Valley camp and about 400 m west of Haul road
Description by:A. Gallant
Sample Date:7/24/94
Sample Time:
Classification:
Parent Material:Hillslope colluvium
Geomorphic Surface:Featureless
Elevation:1000 ft
Slope:<5°
Aspect:S
Vegetation:Moist Eriophorum vaginatum, Betula nana, Sphagnum girgensohnii, tussock-graminoid, dwarf-shrub tundra
Horizon:Description:
Oi10-14 cm | Sample S-135
Dark yellow-brown (10 YR 4/6). 0% gravel; abrupt, smooth boundary. Top 7 cm consist mostly of live moss (Sphagnum).
 
Oi214-20 cm | Sample S-136
Black to very dark brown (10 YR 2/1.5). 0% gravel; abrupt, smooth boundary. Many fine to medium roots. Composed mainly of moss (e.g. Sphagnum ) and secondarily of roots.
 
Oe20-28 cm | Sample S-137
Very dark brown (10 YR 2/2). 0% gravel; abrupt, smooth boundary. Composed primarily of roots and secondarily of mosses. Many fine and medium roots. Coarse roots common.
 
Permafrost26 cm |
 
Bw28+ cm | Sample S-138
Very dark gray-brown to dark brown (10 YR 3/2.5). Massive structure with 0% gravel. Sticky, plastic consistence (wet); clay loam texture. Many very fine roots. About 50% ice.
 
 
 
Plot Number:HV-27
Location:Toposequence 1 km north of Happy Valley camp and about 400 m west of Haul road
Description by:A. Gallant
Sample Date:7/24/94
Sample Time:
Classification:
Parent Material:Hillslope colluvium
Geomorphic Surface:Featureless
Elevation:1000 ft
Slope:
Aspect:S
Vegetation:Moist Betula nana, Salix planifolia, Eriophorum vaginatum, Sphagnum angustifolium, Aulacomnium turgidum, dwarf-shrub, tussock-graminoid tundra
Horizon:Description:
Oi10-8 cm | Sample S-139
Very dark brown (10 YR 2/3). 0% gravel. Top 2 cm consist of loose mat of live moss and Aulacomnium turgidum).
 
Oi28-14 cm | Sample S-140
Dark yellow-brown (10 YR 2/4). 0% gravel. Composed mainly of fine and very fine roots. Many medium roots.
 
Oe14-21 cm | Sample S-141
Dark brown (10 YR 3/3). 0% gravel. Composed mainly of Sphagnum and Aulacomnium mosses. Many very fine and fine roots.
 
Oa21-29 cm | Sample S-142
Black (10 YR 2/1) 0% gravel. Abrupt, smooth boundary; many very fine and fine roots.
 
Permafrost23 cm |
 
Bw29+ cm | Sample S-143
Gray (10 YR 5/1). Massive structure with 0% gravel. Clay loam texture. Many medium sized, yellow brown mottles (10 YR 5/8). Lenses of ice 1-2 mm thick occur within this frozen layer.
 
 
 
Plot Number:HV-28
Location:Sideslope of toposequence; 1 km north of Happy Valley camp and about 400 m west of Haul road
Description by:A. Gallant
Sample Date:7/24/94
Sample Time:
Classification:
Parent Material:
Geomorphic Surface:Featureless
Elevation:1050 ft
Slope:<5°
Aspect:S
Vegetation:Moist Eriophorum vaginatum, Betula nana, Aulacomnium turgidum, Hylocomium splendens, Sphagnum sp., dwarf-shrub, tussock-graminoid tundra
Horizon:Description:
Oi0-13 cm | Sample S-144
Dark yellow-brown (10 YR 3/4). 0% gravel; abrupt, smooth boundary. Top 7 cm comprised of live moss layer (e.g. , Aulacomnium turgidum). Color and bulk density sample are from 7-13 cm depth; mainly composed of roots, many fine and very fine roots.
 
Oe13-19 cm | Sample S-145
Black (10 YR 2/1). 0% gravel; abrupt, smooth boundary. Mostly composed of roots and sedge parts. Many very fine, fine roots and common coarse roots.
 
Oa19-25 cm | Sample S-146
Black (10 YR 2/1). 0% gravel; abrupt, smooth boundary. Many very fine and fine roots.
 
Bw25+ cm | Sample S-147
Dark gray-brown (10 YR 4/2). 0% gravel. Sticky, plastic consistence (wet). Silty clay loam texture. Layer includes strong brown, medium size mottles (7.5 YR 4/6). Common very fine foots.
 
Permafrost25 cm |
 
 
 
Plot Number:HV-29
Location:Hillside toposequence; 1 km north of Happy Valley camp and about 400 m west of Haul road
Description by:A. Gallant
Sample Date:7/24/94
Sample Time:
Classification:
Parent Material:Hillslope colluvium
Geomorphic Surface:Featureless
Elevation:1050 ft
Slope:<5°
Aspect:S
Vegetation:Moist Eriophorum vaginatum, Betula nana, Sphagnum sp., Aulacomnium turgidum, tussock-graminoid, dwarf-shrub tundra
Horizon:Description:
Oi0-10 cm | Sample S-148
Brown-yellow (10 YR 6/6). 0% gravel; abrupt, smooth boundary. Composed mainly of Sphagnum.
 
Oe10-16 cm | Sample S-149
Black (10 YR 2/1). 0% gravel; clear, smooth boundary. Composed mainly of roots, moss and deciduous leaves. Many very fine roots, medium roots common.
 
Oa16-19 cm | Sample S-150
Very dark brown (10 YR 2/2). 0% gravel; abrupt, smooth boundary. Many very fine roots and medium roots, fine roots are common.
 
Bw19-26+ cm | Sample S-151
Gray (10 YR 5/1). Massive structure with 0% gravel. Very sticky, very plastic consistence (wet); Silty clay texture. Many large dark yellow-brown mottles (10 YR 3/4). Many very fine roots and fine roots are common.
 
Permafrost26 cm |
 
 
 
Plot Number:HV-30
Location:North hillslope crest of toposequence; 1 km north of Happy Valley camp and about 400 m west of Haul road
Description by:A. Gallant
Sample Date:7/24/94
Sample Time:
Classification:
Parent Material:Hillslope colluvium and till
Geomorphic Surface:Featureless
Elevation:1000 ft
Slope:
Aspect:Flat
Vegetation:Moist Carex bigelowii, Eriophorum vaginatum, Betula nana, Petasites frigidus, Arctagrostis latifolia, Hylocomium splendens, Sphagnum sp., tussock-graminoid, dwarf-shrub tundra
Horizon:Description:
Oi10-10 cm | Sample S-152
Black to very dark brown (10 YR 2/1.5). Abrupt, smooth boundary. Top 6 cm composed of moss (Aulacomnium turgidum), lichens and roots.
 
Oi210-18 cm | Sample S-153
Strong brown (7.5 YR 4/6). Abrupt, smooth boundary. Many very fine roots, fine roots common. Mainly composed of Sphagnum moss.
 
Oa18-21 cm | Sample S-154
Black (10 YR 2/1). Abrupt, smooth boundary. Many very fine and medium roots. Fine roots common.
 
Bw21+ cm | Sample S-155
Gray (10 YR 5/1). Massive structure with less than 10% gravel. Sticky, plastic consistence (wet). Silty clay loam texture
 
Permafrost 21 cm |
 
 
 
Plot Number:HV-31
Location:Hillslope about 300 m west of Happy Valley camp
Description by:A. Gallant
Sample Date:7/26/94
Sample Time:
Classification:
Parent Material:Hillslope colluvium and till
Geomorphic Surface:
Elevation:1000 ft
Slope:
Aspect:E
Vegetation:Moist Carex bigelowii, Tomentypnum nitens, Dryas integrifolia, Salix glauca, Cetraria cucullata, graminoid, dwarf-shrub tundra
Horizon:Description:
Oi0-10 cm | Sample S-156
Strong brown (7.5 YR 4/6). 0% gravel; abrupt, smooth boundary. Composed mainly of mosses (Aulacomnium turgidum) but also leaves and roots. Top 1 cm is moss.
 
Oa10-19 cm | Sample S-157
Black (10 YR 2/1). 0% gravel; abrupt, smooth boundary. Many very fine roots and coarse roots are common.
 
Bw19-36+ cm | Sample S-158
Dark gray-brown (10 YR 4.5/2). For some patches gray (10 YR 5/1) is the original color of the layer before decomposition of organics and gravel (gravel oxidation responsible for mottles). Enough decomposition has occurred that predominant horizon color is (10 YR 4.5/2) as already listed. Less than 10% gravel; sticky plastic consistence (wet). Silty clay loam texture. Many very fine roots, cobbles up to 3 cm in diameter. Large, strong brown (7.5 YR 4/6) mottles are common. They are diffuse due to a mixing with surrounding material.
 
Permafrost36 cm |
 
 
 
Plot Number:HV-32
Location:Top of hill 500 m southwest of Happy Valley camp
Description by:A. Gallant
Sample Date:7/26/94
Sample Time:
Classification:
Parent Material:Colluvium
Geomorphic Surface:Featureless
Elevation:1050 ft
Slope:1°-2°
Aspect:W
Vegetation:Moist Eriophorum vaginatum, Betula nana, Ledum palustre, Ledum palustre ssp. decumbens, Sphagnum angustifolium, tussock-graminoid, dwarf-shrub tundra
Horizon:Description:
Oi0-11 cm | Sample S-159
Dark yellow-brown (10 YR 4/5). 0% gravel; abrupt, smooth boundary. Composed mainly of Sphagnum. Top 6 cm is composed of live material; layer is a loose mat.
 
Oe11-25 cm | Sample S-160
Black (10 YR 2/1). 0% gravel; abrupt, smooth boundary. Composed of roots and sedge parts, many very fine and fine roots. medium roots are common.
 
Permafrost23 cm |
 
Bw25+ cm | Sample S-161
Gray-brown to dark gray-brown (10 YR 4.5/2 and 2.5 YR 4.5/2). Can't determine structure due to frozen nature of soil and when thawed it is too wet. Between 10 and 25% gravel; sticky, plastic consistence (wet). Silty clay loam texture. Cobbles up to 20 cm in diameter, very fine roots. Dark yellow-brown mottles (10 YR 3/6).
 
 
 
Plot Number:HV-33
Location:Water track transect about 500 m southwest of Happy Valley camp
Description by:A. Gallant
Sample Date:7/26/94
Sample Time:
Classification:
Parent Material:
Geomorphic Surface:Palso
Elevation:1050 ft
Slope:
Aspect:Flat
Vegetation:Moist Betula nana, Rubus chamaemorus, Ledum palustre ssp. decumbens, Ledum palustre, Sphagnum sp., dwarf shrub, moss tundra
Horizon:Description:
Oi0-9 cm | Sample S-162
Dark yellow-brown (10 YR 3/4). 0% gravel; abrupt, smooth boundary. Composed mainly of mosses (Sphagnum). Loose mat; top 4 cm are live material.
 
Oe19-14 cm | Sample S-163
Dark brown (7.5 YR 4/4). 0% gravel; abrupt, smooth boundary. Many fine and very fine roots; common medium roots. Composed mainly of Sphagnum mosses, roots. More compression than Oi layer.
 
Oe214-23 cm | Sample S-164
Very dark brown to black (10 YR 2/1.5). 0% gravel. Composed mainly of sedge parts. Also roots and mosses. More compression than Oe1 layer; can peel this layer apart in sheets. Many very fine roots.
 
Permafrost23 cm |
 
Bw23+ cm | Sample S-165
(10 YR 3/2). Weak, fine, subangular blocky structure with 0% gravel. Sticky, plastic consistence (wet). Silty clay loam texture. Many very fine roots. No mottles.
 
 
 
Plot Number:HV-34
Location:Water track transect about 500 m southwest of Happy Valley camp
Description by:A. Gallant
Sample Date:7/26/94
Sample Time:
Classification:
Parent Material:Fine-grained alluvium
Geomorphic Surface:well-developed water track
Elevation:1025 ft
Slope:<5° (about 1°)
Aspect:NE
Vegetation:Wet Eriophorum angustifolium, Betula nana, Sphagnum squarrosum, graminoid, dwarf-shrub tundra
Horizon:Description:
Oi0-7 cm | Sample S-166
Dark yellow-brown (10 YR 3/6). 0% gravel; abrupt, smooth boundary. Composed of Sphagnum moss.
 
Oa17-14 cm | Sample S-167
Dark brown (10 YR 3/3). 0% gravel; abrupt, smooth boundary. Many very fine and fine roots. Medium roots common. This layer is very silty, as if a flood event deposited silt all at once.
 
Oa214-33 cm | Sample S-168
Very dark brown (10 YR 2/2). 0% gravel; abrupt, smooth boundary. Many fine and very fine roots. Medium roots common.
 
Bw33-51+ cm | Sample S-169
Dark brown (10 YR 3/3). Weak, very fine, granular structure with 0% gravel. Sticky, plastic consistence (wet). Silty clay loam texture. Many very fine roots and common fine roots.
 
Permafrost51 cm |
 
 
 
Plot Number:HV-35
Location:Water track transect about 500 m south west of Happy Valley camp
Description by:A. Gallant
Sample Date:7/27/94
Sample Time:
Classification:
Parent Material:Fine grained alluvium and organic material
Geomorphic Surface:High feature in a water track (Palsa?)
Elevation:1000 ft
Slope:
Aspect:Flat
Vegetation:Moist Betula nana, Ledum palustre, Ledum palustre ssp. decumbens, Rubus chamaemorus, Aulacomnium turgidum, dwarf-shrub tundra
Horizon:Description:
Oi0-5 cm | Sample S-170
Brown to yellow-brown (10 YR 5/3.5). 0% gravel; abrupt, smooth boundary. Top 2 cm are live material. Composed mainly of mosses.
 
Oe15-12 cm | Sample S-171
Dark brown (7.5 YR 3/4). 0% gravel; abrupt, smooth boundary. Many very fine and fine roots; medium roots are common. Composed of roots and woody stem parts.
 
Oe212-18 cm | Sample S-172
Very dark brown (7.5 YR 2/4). 0% gravel; abrupt, smooth boundary. Many very fine roots, medium and fine roots are common. Composed of roots and woody stem materials. More silt in this layer than in Oe1.
 
Oa18-25 cm | Sample S-173
Very dark brown (10 YR 2/2). 0% gravel; abrupt, smooth boundary. Almost enough mineral component to be an A horizon, but organics still dominate. Many very fine roots and fine roots are common.
 
Bw25-28+ cm | Sample S-174
Dark gray-brown (10 YR 4/2). Weak, very fine, subangular blocky structure with 0% gravel. Sticky, plastic consistence (wet). Silty clay loam texture. Many very fine roots, no mottles.
 
Permafrost25 cm |
 
 
 
Plot Number:HV-36
Location:Water track transect about 500 m southwest of Happy Valley camp
Description by:A. Gallant
Sample Date:7/27/94
Sample Time:
Classification:
Parent Material:Fine-grained alluvium and organic material from colluvial basin
Geomorphic Surface:Raised area (island) in water track
Elevation:1000 ft
Slope:
Aspect:Flat
Vegetation:Moist Betula nana, Sphagnum angustifolium, Sphagnum warnstorfii, low-shrub tundra
Horizon:Description:
Oi10-10 cm | Sample S-175
Yellow-brown to dark yellow brown (10 YR 4.5/4). 0% gravel; abrupt, smooth boundary. Top 5 cm are live mosses (Sphagnum). Many very fine roots, medium and fine roots are common. Slightly compressed mat of Sphagnum and some roots.
 
Oe110-15 cm | Sample S-176
Very dark brown (10 YR 2/2). 0% gravel; abrupt, smooth boundary. Mainly composed of roots. Also has Sphagnum and sedge parts. Many very fine and fine roots. Medium roots common.
 
Oi215-17 cm | Sample S-177
Dark yellow brown (10 YR 3/6). 0% gravel; abrupt, smooth boundary. Sphagnum moss with many very fine and fine roots.
 
Oe217-22 cm | Sample S-178
Dark brown (10 YR 3/3). 0% gravel; abrupt, smooth boundary. Composed of roots and sedge parts. Many very fine roots, fine roots are common.
 
A222-28+ cm | Sample S-179
Very dark gray-brown (10 YR 3/2). Weak, very fine granular and subangular blocky structures present; 0% gravel. Sticky, plastic consistence (wet). Silty loam texture; many very fine roots, fine roots common.
 
Permafrost22 cm |
 
 
 
Plot Number:HV-37
Location:Water track transect about 500 m southwest of Happy Valley camp
Description by:A. Gallant
Sample Date:7/27/94
Sample Time:
Classification:
Parent Material:Fine grained alluvium and organic material
Geomorphic Surface:Water track
Elevation:1050 ft
Slope:
Aspect:Flat
Vegetation:Wet Carex aquatilis, Eriophorum angustifolium, Salix planifolia, Sphagnum squarrosum, Sphagnum angustifolium, Betula nana, graminoid, low-shrub tundra
Horizon:Description:
Oi0-7 cm | Sample S-180
Dark yellow-brown (10 YR 4/5). 0% gravel; abrupt, smooth boundary. Mainly Sphagnum moss. Top 4 cm are live material. Many very fine roots; fine and medium roots are common.
 
Oe7-16 cm | Sample S-181
Dark brown (7.5 YR 3/3). 0% gravel; abrupt, smooth boundary. Mainly roots plus mosses, sedges and woody stems. Many very fine and fine roots; medium roots common.
 
Oa16-28 cm | Sample S-182
Very dark brown (10 YR 2/2). 0% gravel; abrupt, smooth boundary. Many very fine roots. Fine roots common.
 
Bw28-55+ cm | Sample S-183
Dark brown (10 YR 3/3). Weak, very fine granular and subangular blocky structures exhibited. 0% gravel. Sticky, plastic consistence (wet). Silty clay loam texture. Very fine roots common; no mottles.
 
Permafrost55 cm |
 
 
 
Plot Number:HV-38
Location:Water track transect about 500 m southwest of Happy Valley camp
Description by:A. Gallant
Sample Date:7/27/94
Sample Time:
Classification:
Parent Material:
Geomorphic Surface:"Island" (raised area in water track)
Elevation:1050 ft
Slope:
Aspect:Flat
Vegetation:Moist Betula nana, Rubus chamaemorus, Aulacomnium turgidum, Sphagnum angustifolium, dwarf-shrub tundra
Horizon:Description:
Oi10-7 cm | Sample S-184
Dark yellow-brown (10 YR 4/4). 0% gravel; abrupt, smooth boundary. Top 2 cm are live material. Many very fine roots. Coarse roots are common, medium roots are very common. Composed of Sphagnum moss.
 
Oi27-13 cm | Sample S-185
Dark brown (10 YR 3/3). 0% gravel; abrupt, smooth boundary. Composed mainly of Sphagnum, but also of roots. Many very fine and fine roots. Coarse roots common as well as medium roots.
 
Oe13-18 cm | Sample S-186
Very dark brown (10 YR 2/2). 0% gravel; abrupt, smooth boundary. Composed of roots and sedge parts. Many very fine and fine roots.
 
Oa18-24 cm | Sample S-187
Black (10 YR 2/1). 0% gravel; abrupt, smooth boundary. Many very fine and fine roots.
 
Permafrost23 cm |
 
Bw24+ cm | Sample S-188
Very dark gray-brown (10 YR 3/2). Massive structure with 0% gravel. Sticky, very plastic consistence (wet). Clay loam texture. Few fine, brown to dark brown mottles (7.5 YR 4/4). Lots of sedge parts decomposing in this layer.
 
 
 
Plot Number:HV-39
Location:Water track transect about 500 m southwest of Happy Valley camp
Description by:A. Gallant
Sample Date:7/27/94
Sample Time:
Classification:
Parent Material:Hillslope colluvium
Geomorphic Surface:Featureless
Elevation:1050 ft
Slope:1°-2°
Aspect:E
Vegetation:Moist Eriophorum vaginatum, Betula nana, Sphagnum sp., tussock-graminoid, dwarf-shrub tundra
Horizon:Description:
Oi0-11 cm | Sample S-189
Dark yellow-brown (10 YR 3.5/6). 0% gravel; abrupt, smooth boundary. top 2 cm are live material. Composed mainly of a loose mat of Sphagnum. Very fine roots common.
 
Oe11-26 cm | Sample S-190
Very dark brown (10 YR 2/2). 0% gravel; abrupt, smooth boundary. Mainly composed of sedge parts. Also roots and leaves. Many very fine roots, fine roots are common.
 
Permafrost25 cm |
 
Bw26+ cm | Sample S-191
Dark gray (10 YR 4/1). 0% gravel; sticky, very plastic consistence (wet). Clay loam texture. Many large, strong brown mottles (7.5 YR 4/6).
 
 
 
Plot Number:HV-40
Location:Water track transect about 600 m southwest of Happy Valley camp
Description by:A. Gallant
Sample Date:7/27/94
Sample Time:
Classification:
Parent Material:Fine grained alluvium
Geomorphic Surface:Island (raised area) in water track
Elevation:1025 ft
Slope:<5° (1° - 2°)
Aspect:NE
Vegetation:Moist Betula nana, Ledum palustre, Ledum palustre ssp. decumbens, Rubus chamaemorus, Aulacomnium turgidum, dwarf-shrub tundra
Horizon:Description:
Oi0-5 cm | Sample S-192
Dark brown (7.5 YR 3/4). Top 1 cm is live material. Composed of moss and roots. Many very fine roots while medium and fine roots are common.
 
Oe5-9 cm | Sample S-193
Very dark brown (10 YR 2/2). Composed of roots. Many very fine roots, fine roots are common while medium roots are many.
 
Oa9-12 cm | Sample S-194
Dark brown (7.5 YR 3/4). Many very fine roots; fine roots are common.
 
Oe212-20 cm | Sample S-195
Very dark brown (10 YR 2/2). Composed of roots and sedge parts. Many very fine roots, fine roots are common.
 
A220-33+ cm | Sample S-196
Very dark gray-brown (10 YR 3/2). Massive but relatively loose (as opposed to dense) structure. Loam texture. Many large organic pieces throughout matrix of layer. Many very fine roots
 
Permafrost33 cm |
Slightly sticky, plastic consistence (wet).
 
 
 
Plot Number:HV-41
Location:Hillslope about 400 m southwest of Happy Valley camp
Description by:A. Gallant
Sample Date:7/26/94
Sample Time:
Classification:
Parent Material:Hillslope colluvium
Geomorphic Surface:Frost scars
Elevation:1000 ft
Slope:<5°
Aspect:E
Vegetation:Dry Luzula arctica, Anthelia juratzkana, barren tundra
Horizon:Description:
O0-1 cm | No sample
Layer too thin to sample.
 
Bw1-48+ cm | Sample S-197
Gray to gray-brown (10 YR 5/1.5). Weak, very fine granular structure with less than 10% gravel. Sticky, plastic consistence (wet). Silty clay loam texture. Many medium, dark yellow-brown mottles (10 YR 4/6). Many very fine roots, fine roots are common. Cobbles to 2 cm in diameter. Structure of layer is moderate at the top few cm of the layer but weak throughout most of the layer.
 
Permafrost48 cm |
 
 
 
Plot Number:HV-42
Location:Hillslope about 300 m southwest of Happy Valley camp
Description by:A. Gallant
Sample Date:7/26/94
Sample Time:
Classification:
Parent Material:Hillslope colluvium (and glacial outwash?)
Geomorphic Surface:Featureless
Elevation:1000 ft
Slope:
Aspect:E
Horizon:Description:
Oi0-3 cm | Sample S-198
Dark yellow-brown (10 YR 4/4). 0% gravel; abrupt, smooth boundary. Composed mainly of moss (e.g. Aulacomnium turgidum) and liverworts (e.g. Ptilidium ciliare ).
 
Oe3-7 cm | Sample S-199
Black (10 YR 2/1). 0% gravel; abrupt, smooth boundary. Many very fine and fine roots. Composed mainly of roots and mosses.
 
Bw7-60+ cm | Sample S-201
Dark gray-brown (2.5 YR 4/2). Moderate, fine, granular structure with 10% gravel. Sticky, plastic consistence (wet). Silty clay loam texture. Many large mottles (5 YR 5/8). Sapric inclusion (10 YR 2/1.8) at about 15 cm depth (discontinuous, not a layer). Many very fine roots; fine and medium roots are common.
 
Permafrost60 cm |
NOTE: Several soil pits around this site indicate much variability in soil stratigraphy. Variability includes: (1) an organic layer 0 ranging from 7 to 18 cm in thickness, (2) an Oa layer ranging from absent to 10 cm in thickness to discontinuous inclusions in the Bw layer (Sample S-200), and (3) a thaw depth ranging from 35 cm to 6 cm.
 
 
 
Plot Number:HV-43
Location:Small island with tall Salix along creek about .5 km south of Happy Valley camp
Description by:A. Gallant
Sample Date:7/25/94
Sample Time:17:00
Classification:
Parent Material:Stabilized alluvium
Geomorphic Surface:Featureless
Elevation:950 ft
Slope:
Aspect:Flat
Vegetation:Moist Salix alaxensis, Shepherdia canadensis, tall shrubland
Horizon:Description:
Oe0-5 cm | Sample S-202
Very dark brown (10 YR 2/3). 0% gravel; abrupt, broken boundary. Many fine and very fine roots. Comprised of decomposed leaves and grasses.
 
Oa5-9 cm | Sample S-203
Black (10 YR 2/1). 0% gravel; abrupt, broken boundary. Many fine and very fine roots. Appears to be just a pocket of Oa material - likely derived from rodent tunneling activity.
 
A5-20 cm | Sample S-204
Dark brown (10 YR 3/3). Weak, very fine, subangular blocky structure with 0% gravel. Slightly sticky, slightly plastic consistence (wet). Sandy loam texture. Many fine and very fine roots, medium roots common.
 
Rock Layer20 cm |
100% large rocks bigger than 15 cm.
 
 
 
Plot Number:HV-44
Location:Northwest-facing footslope; nonacidic tundra
Description by:A. Gallant
Sample Date:7/25/94
Sample Time:
Classification:
Parent Material:Colluvium and alluvium
Geomorphic Surface:Turf hummocks
Elevation:950 ft
Slope:
Aspect:NW
Vegetation:Moist Dryas integrifolia, Equisetum arvense, Lupinus arcticus, forb, dwarf-shrub, moss tundra
Horizon:Description:
Oi10-7 cm | No sample
Yellow-brown (10 YR 5/6). 0% gravel; abrupt, broken boundary. Top 2 cm are live moss. Composed mainly of Tomentypnum nitens and Hylocomium splendens.
 
Oi27-14 cm | Sample S-205
Dark yellow-brown (10 YR 4/6). 0% gravel; abrupt, wavy boundary. Composed mainly of mosses. Discontinuous layer. Many medium and very fine roots.
 
Oe7-14 cm | Sample S-206
Black (10 YR 2/1). 0% gravel; abrupt, wavy boundary. Composed mainly of sedge parts and mosses. Discontinuous layer. Many very fine, fine and medium roots.
 
Oa14-21 cm | Sample S-207
Black (10 YR 2/1). 0% gravel. Many very fine, fine and medium roots.
 
Bw21-62 cm | Sample S-208
Very dark gray-brown (2.5 YR 3/2). Weak, very fine, subangular blocky structure with 75% gravel. Very sticky, very plastic consistence (wet). Silt clay texture. Includes cobbles up to 48 cm in diameter. Many very fine roots. Common small to large mottles (.5 YR 5/6).
 
Permafrost62 cm |
 
 
 
Plot Number:HV-45
Location:West-facing foot slope, nonacidic tundra; 15 m North of gridpoint 7671600N 426900E
Description by:A. Gallant
Sample Date:7/25/94
Sample Time:
Classification:
Parent Material:Colluvium and alluvium
Geomorphic Surface:Turf hummocks
Elevation:950 ft
Slope:
Aspect:W
Vegetation:Moist Dryas integrifolia, Equisetum arvense, Lupinus arcticus, forb, dwarf-shrub, moss tundra
Horizon:Description:
Oi0-6 cm | Sample S-209
Black (10 YR 2/1). 0% gravel; abrupt, wavy boundary. Top 2 cm are live mosses (Tomentypnum nitens, Hylocomium splendens, Aulacomnium turgidum). Many very fine and fine roots.
 
Oa6-10 cm | Sample S-210
Black (10 YR 2/1). 0% gravel; abrupt, broken boundary. Many very fine and fine roots.
 
Bw10-59 cm | Sample S-211
Dark to very dark gray-brown (2.5 YR 3.5/2). Massive structure with less than 10% gravel. Very sticky, very plastic consistence (wet). Clay texture. Few large, yellow-brown mottles (10 YR 5/6). Less than 5% of total soil volume is cobbles (up to 9 cm in diameter).
 
Permafrost59 cm |
 
 
 
Plot Number:HV-46
Location:Southern margin of small lake about 1 km west of Haul road and 1.5 km northwest of Happy Valley camp
Description by:S. Walker
Sample Date:7/22/94
Sample Time:
Classification:
Parent Material:Lake or pond organic sand or silt
Geomorphic Surface:Lake
Elevation:1040 ft
Slope:
Aspect:Flat
Vegetation:Aquatic Menyanthes trifoliata, forb marsh
Horizon:Description:
Oi0-42 cm | Sample S-212
Very dark brown (10 YR 2/2). 0% gravel. Fibric mat of fine and very fine roots. Perg. Cryofibrist.
 
Permafrost42 cm |
 
 
 
Plot Number:HV-47
Location:Southern margin of lake; 1 km west of Haul road and 1.5 km northwest of Happy Valley camp
Description by:S. Walker and A. Gallant
Sample Date:7/22/94
Sample Time:
Classification:
Parent Material:Lacustrine organic deposits
Geomorphic Surface:Featureless
Elevation:1040 ft
Slope:
Aspect:Flat
Vegetation:Wet Carex rotundata, Carex chordorrhiza, Pedicularis sudetica, Sphagnum orientale, Drepanocladus sp., graminoid tundra
Horizon:Description:
Oi10-4 cm | Sample S-213
Very dark brown to black (10 YR 2/1.5). 0% gravel; many fine and very fine roots. Composed of graminoid material and mosses (Drepanocladus revolvens, sphdri).
 
Oi24-17 cm | Sample S-214
Very dark brown (10 YR 2/2) 0% gravel. Many fine and very fine roots.
 
Oe17-40 cm | Sample S-215
Very dark brown (10 YR 2/2) 0% gravel. Many very fine roots.
 
Permafrost40 cm |
 
 
 
Plot Number:HV-48
Location:Southern margin of lake; 1 km west of Haul road and 1.5 km northwest of Happy Valley camp
Description by:A. Gallant
Sample Date:7/22/94
Sample Time:
Classification:
Parent Material:Lake or pond organic silt
Geomorphic Surface:Lake
Elevation:1040 ft
Slope:
Aspect:Flat
Vegetation:Aquatic Arctophila fulva, Menyanthes trifoliata, graminoid marsh
Horizon:Description:
Oi0-? cm | Sample S-216
Very dark brown (10 YR 2/2). 0% gravel.
 
 
 
Plot Number:HV-49
Location:Raised hummock area 1 km west of Haul road and 1.5 km northwest of Happy Valley camp
Description by:A. Gallant
Sample Date:7/22/94
Sample Time:
Classification:
Parent Material:Basin colluvium and organic deposits
Geomorphic Surface:Wetland hummock
Elevation:1040 ft
Slope:
Aspect:Flat
Vegetation:Wet Carex rotundata, Carex aquatilis, Andromeda polifolia, Rubus chamaemorus, Sphagnum sp., graminoid, dwarf-shrub, moss tundra
Horizon:Description:
Oi0-21 cm | Sample S-217
Dark yellow-brown (10 YR 3.5/4). 0% gravel. Composed of Sphagnum moss. Many very fine roots; medium roots are common. Top 10 cm are live plant mosses.
 
Oe21-? cm | Sample S-218
Black (10 YR 2/1). 0% gravel.
 
Permafrost21 cm |
 
 
 
Plot Number:HV-50
Location:Southern margin of lake; 1 km west of Haul road and 1.5 km northwest of Happy Valley camp. Raised hummock area.
Description by:A. Gallant and N. Auerbach
Sample Date:7/22/94
Sample Time:13:20
Classification:
Parent Material:Basin colluvium and organic deposits
Geomorphic Surface:Wetland hummock
Elevation:1050 ft
Slope:
Aspect:Flat
Vegetation:Wet Sphagnum imbricatum, Carex aquatilis, Betula nana, Andromeda polifolia, moss, graminoid, dwarf-shrub tundra
Horizon:Description:
Oi10-20 cm | Sample S-219
First 10 cm of depth consists primarily of loose mat of . Next 10 cm are dark red-brown (5 YR 3/5); 0% gravel. Consists mostly of decomposing Sphagnum. Many fine, very fine and medium roots.
 
Oi220-31+ cm | Sample S-220
Very dark gray-brown (10 YR 3/2). 0% gravel; consists of Sphagnum and more roots than Oi1.
 
 
 
Plot Number:HV-51
Location:Southern margin of lake; 1 km west of Haul road and 1.5 km northwest of Happy Valley camp
Description by:S. Walker, A. Gallant, N. Auerbach
Sample Date:7/22/94
Sample Time:14:10
Classification:
Parent Material:Basin colluvium and organic deposits
Geomorphic Surface:Featureless
Elevation:1050 ft
Slope:
Aspect:Flat
Vegetation:Wet Carex chordorrhiza, Carex rotundata, Sphagnum orientale, graminoid tundra
Horizon:Description:
Oi10-3 cm | No sample
Black (10 YR 2/2). 0% gravel; Loose mat of mosses and dead sedge leaves, mostly Sphagnum orientale.
 
Oi23-44 cm | Sample S-221
Dark brown (7.5 YR 3/2). 0% gravel. Fibric organic consisting of sedge roots and leaves.
 
 
 
Plot Number:HV-52
Location:
Description by:A. Gallant
Sample Date:7/22/94
Sample Time:
Classification:
Parent Material:Hillslope colluvium
Geomorphic Surface:Well-developed water tracks
Elevation:1040 ft
Slope:<5°
Aspect:NE
Vegetation:Wet Carex rotundata, Betula nana, Salix fuscescens, Sphagnum sp., graminoid, dwarf-shrub, moss tundra
Horizon:Description:
Oi0-7 cm | No sample
1% gravel; abrupt, smooth boundary. Composed of Sphagnum moss
 
Oe17-14 cm | Sample S-222
Very dark brown (7.5 YR 3/3). 0% gravel; abrupt, smooth boundary. Composed mainly of Sphagnum; many very fine roots.
 
Oe214-22 cm | Sample S-223
Very dark brown (10 YR 3/4). 0% gravel; abrupt, smooth boundary. Composed of roots and Sphagnum.
 
Oa22-27 cm | Sample S-224
Black (10 YR 2/2). 0% gravel; abrupt, smooth boundary. Many very fine roots.
 
C27-47+ cm | Sample S-225
Grayish-brown (2.5 YR 5/2). Massive structure with 0% gravel. Very sticky, very plastic consistence (wet). Clay texture. Common large mottles with 2 colors very dark gray (10 YR 3/1) and very dark grayish brown (10 YR 3/2.
 
Permafrost47 cm |
 
 
 
Plot Number:HV-53
Location:Hillslope water track about .5 km west of small lake and 1 km west of Haul road and 1.5 km west of Happy Valley camp
Description by:A. Gallant
Sample Date:7/22/94
Sample Time:
Classification:
Parent Material:Hillslope colluvium
Geomorphic Surface:Well developed hillslope
Elevation:1050 ft
Slope:<5°
Aspect:NE
Vegetation:Wet Carex aquatilis, Betula nana, Salix fuscescens, Sphagnum angustifolium, graminoid, dwarf-shrub, moss tundra
Horizon:Description:
Oi0-11 cm | Sample S-226
Strong brown (7.5 YR 4/6). 0% gravel; abrupt, smooth boundary. Composed mainly of Sphagnum moss. Weak, platy structure due to compression of organic materials.
 
Oe11-21 cm | Sample S-227
Very dark brown (7.5 YR 2/4). 0% gravel; abrupt, smooth boundary. Weak, platy structure due to compression. Many very fine roots.
 
Oa21-27 cm | Sample S-228
Very dark gray-brown (10 YR 3/2). 0% gravel; abrupt, smooth boundary. Many very fine roots.
 
C27-42+ cm | Sample S-229
Gray-brown (2.5 YR 5/2). Massive structure with 0% gravel. Very sticky, very plastic consistence (wet); clay texture.
 
Permafrost42 cm |
 
 
 
Plot Number:HV-54
Location:.25 km west of small lake, 1 km west of Haul road, 1.5 km northwest of Happy Valley camp
Description by:A. Gallant
Sample Date:7/22/94
Sample Time:
Classification:
Parent Material:Basin colluvium and organic deposits
Geomorphic Surface:Featureless
Elevation:1050 ft
Slope:
Aspect:Flat
Vegetation:Wet Carex rotundata, Carex chordorrhiza, Sphagnum orientale, graminoid tundra
Horizon:Description:
Oi10-3 cm | Sample S-230
Black (10 YR 2/1). 0% gravel; abrupt, smooth boundary. Composed mainly of Sphagnum moss in a loose mat. Approximately 60% recognizable fiber after rubbing.
 
Oi23-15 cm | Sample S-231
Dark brown (10 YR 3/3). 0% gravel; abrupt, smooth boundary. Composed mainly of sedge roots and leaves in a compressed mat. Many fine and very fine roots. Approximately 20% recognizable fiber after rubbing.
 
Oe15-24 cm | Sample S-232
Very dark brown (10 YR 2/2). 0% gravel; abrupt, smooth boundary. Many very fine roots. Compressed mat of sedge roots and leaves.
 
Oa/A24-32+ cm | Sample S-233
Very dark brown (10 YR 2/2). 0% gravel. About 10% recognizable fiber after rubbing.
 
Permafrost32 cm |
 
 
 
Plot Number:HV-55
Location:Raised hummock area .25 km west of small lake, 1 km west of Haul road, 1.5 km northwest of Happy Valley camp
Description by:A. Gallant
Sample Date:7/22/94
Sample Time:
Classification:
Parent Material:Basin colluvium and organic deposits
Geomorphic Surface:Wetland hummocks
Elevation:1050 ft
Slope:
Aspect:Flat
Vegetation:Wet Sphagnum imbricatum, Carex aquatilis, Betula nana, Andromeda polifolia, graminoid, dwarf-shrub, moss tundra
Horizon:Description:
Oi10-9 cm | Sample S-234
Dark brown (7.5 YR 3/4). 0% gravel; abrupt, smooth boundary. composed mainly of Sphagnum moss in a loose mat. Many very fine and fine roots; medium and coarse roots are common.
 
Oi29-16 cm | Sample S-235
Very dark brown (7.5 YR 2/4). 0% gravel; abrupt, smooth boundary. Composed mainly of Sphagnum moss. Somewhat compressed. Many fine and very fine roots, coarse roots common.
 
Oi316-30+ cm | Sample S-236
Dark yellow-brown (10 YR 3.5/6). 0% gravel. Composed mainly of Sphagnum moss and sedge. Many very fine and fine roots. Coarse roots common.
 
Permafrost30 cm |
 
 

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