Morphology and modern functioning of chalky polygons in Obshchy Syrt; southeastern East European Plain

A. G. Ryabukha; D. G. Polyakov; I. D. Streletskaya; I. V. Kovda

doi:10.31857/S0435428122030130

Morphology and modern functioning of chalky polygons in Obshchy Syrt; southeastern East European Plain

A. G. Ryabukha, D. G. Polyakov, I. D. Streletskaya, I. V. Kovda

https://doi.org/10.31857/S0435428122030130

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Abstract

Specific landscapes defined as chalky polygons can be found formed on chalky rocks under a continental climate across the south-east of the East European Plain. Theses landscapes are characterized by polygonal microrelief and spotting, outwardly resembling tundra medallions. Such landscape complexes are unique and practically not investigated. Our investigation showed a number of relict cryogenic features: polygonal relief with the polygon side averaging 5 m; ground wedges associated with hollow-like depressions between polygons; cryoturbation of soil profiles, and paleocryotextures. The results suggested the paleofrost genesis of chalky polygons. Chalky polygons were found to be a kind of relict cryogenic relief formed in the Valdai Cryochron in conditions of cryoarid climate, permafrost, frost cracking of soils and the growth of polygonalvein ice.

Keywords

Neopleistocene, relict cryogenic morphosculpture, pseudomorphs, cryoturbations, frost heaving

About the Authors

A. G. Ryabukha

Institute of Steppe of the Ural Branch of the RAS
Russian Federation

D. G. Polyakov

Institute of Steppe of the Ural Branch of the RAS
Russian Federation

I. D. Streletskaya

Lomonosov Moscow State University, Faculty of Geography
Russian Federation

I. V. Kovda

Dokuchaev Soil Science Institute
Russian Federation

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Review

For citations:

Ryabukha A.G., Polyakov D.G., Streletskaya I.D., Kovda I.V. Morphology and modern functioning of chalky polygons in Obshchy Syrt; southeastern East European Plain. Geomorfologiya. 2022;53(3):128-133. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.31857/S0435428122030130