Dynamics of soil salinization in the Nero Lake depression (Upper Volga) in connection with the latest climate change

Abstract

Over the last 30–40 years, climate changes have resulted in environmental changes within the Upper Volga basin. In this study, an attempt to analyze the soil record of recent climate changes was made. An example of soil evolution induced by climate change was studied on hydromorphic saline soils in the nature reserve of the Varnicy Saline Spring. In a humid climate, soil salinization occurring in discharge areas can quickly change in response to the changed hydrothermal regime because of close relationships between climatic conditions and groundwater systems. In a poorly drained depression, we could observe an increasing soil salinity and developing hydrogenic accumulation of salts, whereas the groundwater salinity was stable.