Formation

• Low temperatures causes a very slow rate of decompisition.
• Heavy rainfall/snow melts causes water logging.
• Found on flat surfaces so water gathers and infiltrates into the ground very easily.
• Waterlogged soil creates anaerobic conditions meaning iron compounds are changed from red/brown to blue/green. This is because oxygen is taken out.
• Cold temperatures mean few organisms can survive. This means there is little mixing of the soil, creating clearly defined layers.
• In summer, burrowing animals leave oxygen pockets in the soil allowing oxygen to get back into the iron. This causes red mottling.
• Impermeable permafrost stops drainage.
• Limited vegetation (Lichen/Shrubs) produces a thin acidic mur humus layer.
• Short roots mean there is little recycling of minerals.