Spatial variability of soils and salinization processes in the coastal zone of the Terek-Kuma Lowland

摘要

The pattern of spatial changes in soil characteristics, including soil salinity, has been studied in coastal landscapes. It is shown that the spatial variability of soils is most pronounced in the coastal zone of the Terek-Kuma Lowland subjected to periodical inundation, waterlogging, and drying because of fluctuations in the Caspian Sea level and arid climate. The zone of interaction between underwater and terrestrial pedogenesis is formed under the impact of short-term (surges) and long-term (cyclic fluctuations with a period of up to 100 years) processes. During surges, the soils of the coastal zone acquire the initial pedogenic features related to the mineralization of organic remains, salt accumulation, and the formation of stratified soil profiles. Long-term cycles cause further differentiation of the vertical soil profile into horizons and enhance the spatial diversity of soils with respect to their salinity and alkalinity. The leading role of the cycles of sea level fluctuations in the development of the soil cover patterns and genetic soil properties in the coastal zone is illustrated.