Element enrichment and migration within some soils on Fildes Peninsula (King George Island), the maritime Antarctic

Three soil profiles (Dystri-gelic Cambisol, Fibri-gelic Histosol, Relic Ornithosol) sampled from Fildes Peninsula of King George Island, Antarctica, were involved in this study to quantitatively demonstrate the enrichment, migration, loss of the elements Si, Al, Fe, Ca, Mg, Mn, K, Na, and P in soil horizons and their behaviors within profiles by introduction and application of the enrichment coefficient (calculated in relation to the abundance of Ti). Additionally, six other soil horizon samples taken randomly from the study area were examined for calculation of the redistributing enrichment coefficient: These coefficients were applied here for a better understanding of the element redistribution between soil and clay fraction along with soil development. The results show that the enrichment, migration and redistribution of the elements vary strongly amongst the investigated soils and horizons, due to the differences of weathering degrees, moisture status, and influences of sea bird activities etc.