Features of the morphological structure of soils of the Karatau ridge within the boundaries of the Yangan-Tau Geopark (Republic of Bashkortostan)

The article presents the first study results of the main soil types of the Karatau ridge within the boundaries of the Yangan-Tau Geopark, which is the first UNESCO global geopark in Russia. The Karatau ridge is a western spur of the sublatitudinal location of the Southern Urals. It is composed of ancient marine sediments with the presence of carbonate rocks and has a nappe-thrust structure. Totally, our studies include three soil profiles characterising different landscape conditions of the Karatau ridge. The soil profiles have been described using the Field Guide to Soils of Russia. By the study results, we have developed the distribution pattern of soils on the slopes of the ridge: thin soils are formed on the upper parts of the slope, while full-profile soils are formed on its middle and lower parts. Chemical and analytical indicators have confirmed the field diagnostics of the described soils. By the obtained data, the background soil cover of the Karatau ridge (the Southern Urals) is represented by lithozems, dark-grey soils under mixed forests, and chernozems under meadow-herbaceous vegetation on gentle southern slopes.