Sampling Protocols for Permafrost-Affected Soils

In the Arctic tundra and boreal regions, permafrost-affected soils (Gelisols) have segregated ice that accumulates and thaws during freeze–thaw cycles resulting in cryoturbated soils. These cryoturbated soils (Turbels) have warped, broken, or involuted horizons and cryostructures that require sampling protocols different than soils not affected by permafrost. We provide a general overview of the cryoturbated soil profiles associated with different cryogenic landscapes and landforms and a specific protocol for description and sampling pedons with permafrost.