Antarctic soil data
Introduction to MWLR Antarctic soil data
Manaaki Whenua has conducted research in Antarctica for many years, and manages and curates the Antarctic soil database and related materials.
The historic and recent soil site and soil pit horizon data are accessible from two distinct datasets:
- Pre-2000 dataset: Thirty-five years of soil studies by Drs Iain Campbell and Graeme Claridge, and their colleagues. This dataset has been re-compiled and is accessible through the Antarctic Soils Explorer platform.
- Post-2000: Investigations since 2005 by Dr Malcolm McLeod, Dr Megan Balks, Prof Jim Bockheim and colleagues in Wright Valley, Cape Hallett, and the Darwin Mountains. These data have not yet been assembled in a modern database, but individual site reports are available from the link provided below.
In total, the two datasets provide descriptions for over 1000 soil pits at soil sites clustered around ice-free areas, reaching as far south and east as 87º S, 150º E and as far north and west as 72º S, 170º E. For each soil pit, site and soil horizons are described in detail. Site descriptions include observations of the surrounding geological, topographic and climatic contexts, and local surface features, site moisture, parent material and biology.
Antarctic Soils Explorer
A platform to celebrate Antarctic soils, and the pioneers who set out to research them
This website provides access to historic (1964-1999) soil sample data, recently collated by Manaaki Whenua, allowing for ongoing scientific and cultural research.
Other historic records, such as photographs, field books, publications and verbal accounts have recently been curated and are also presented here to ensure Aotearoa’s Antarctic soils heritage is preserved.
Other historic records, such as photographs, field books, publications and verbal accounts have recently been curated and are also presented here to ensure Aotearoa’s Antarctic soils heritage is preserved.
