Distribution of Oribatids Near Barrow, Alaska

Abstract

Six biotopes representing differences in vegetation, soil, drainage and microelevation were selected for intensive sampling of the tundra turf during the summers of 1962 and 1963 in the vicinity of Barrow, Alaska. The Barrow region lies in the Coastal Plain Province of the Alaskan Arctic slope approximately 71° 18′ north latitude. About 2/ 3 of the area consists of frost features such as high-center and lowcenter polygons. A few old raised beaches occurred in the study area. There is generally poor drainage because of the low topography and the impermeable permafrost. The normal annual precipitation is about 11 cm and the mean annual temperatures for the region as reported by the U.S. Weather Station at Barrow for 1931–60 was −12,4° C, with a record high of 25.5° C and a record low of −48.9° C. The maximum summer soil thaw in the study areas varied from 28–52 cm.

Sponsored by the Arctic Institute of North America under contractual arrangement with the United States Office of Naval Research.