Abstract: Reconnaissance studies of soils on low-elevation McConnell (~30-12 ka), Reid (~150-80 ka) and pre-Reid (~2.6-0.2 Ma) glacial deposits were conducted in the 1970s and 1980s. We initiated a study in the summer of 2008 to assess whether the distinct morphological and clay mineral characteristics of these soil groups are also present at upland sites in south-central Yukon, approximately 25 km southwest of Carmacks. Soils at the pre-Reid sites are developed on weathered bedrock. Solum thickness at these sites exceeds the depth of the excavated pits (85-110 cm), and the solum has been strongly cryoturbated. Soils at the Reid and McConnell sites are developed on till with solum thicknesses of 50-75 cm and <50 cm respectively. These younger soils do not exhibit significant cryoturbation at depth. No significant differences in solum colour are apparent among the soil groups, and no clay skins were observed. Results of chemical and micromorphological analyses will be reported in 2009.

Authors: Dampier, L., Sanborn, P., Bond, J., Clague, J.J. and Smith, S.

Keywords: McConnell glaciation, Reid glaciation

NTS Mapsheet(s): 105M, 115O, 115P, 116A, 116B

Citation: Dampier, L., Sanborn, P., Bond, J., Clague, J.J. and Smith, S., 2009. Soil genesis in relation to glacial history in central Yukon. In: Yukon Exploration and Geology 2008, L.H. Weston, L.R. Blackburn and L.L. Lewis (eds.), Yukon Geological Survey, p. 113-124.

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