Characteristics of tundra microrelief development at the Taimyr

Abstract

Results of ten years field researches in tundra regions of Taimyr and West Siberia are presented. Field experiments, modeling of spots' formation, mapping of cryogenic microrelief, were fulfilled. The main causes of central bald spot formation are the lack of nutrient stuff washed away down the soil profile and the excessive iciness in the near-surface soil. The main factors of this process - ground temperature zero crossing, snowmelt, freezing-thawing of the near surface ground. The peculiarities of formation and development of different types of microrelief have zonal character and depend on humidification of surface.