Solos de basalto da Antártica: implicações paleoclimáticas ao longo de uma sequência climática

Abstract

James Ross Islands (JRI) represents a climate transition between cold and dry Antarctica, and the “wetter and hotter” portion of the continent, represented by the South Shetland Islands (SSI). JRI arouses interest in its unique weather conditions and exceptional landscapes. The purpose of this study was to analyze the climatic implications on soils properties developed on basalts in a semi-arid subpolar of JRI and in the cold and “wet” SSI, Antarctica. Based on morphology, physical and chemical analysis, there were many differences in soils developed from the same parent material in these regions. It was identified occurrence of different pedogenetic processes, which imply in landscape changes. Salinization is striking in JRI. Melanization, podzolization and cryoturbation are the main processes identified in SSI. The milder climatic condition in SSI favors greater occupation of fauna and flora, greater soil development, greater differentiation between horizons and higher fine particle content.