Which soil order is most likely found in high elevations and latitudes?

Gelisols are the soil order most commonly associated with high elevations and latitudes due to their characteristic permafrost layer. These soils form in very cold climates, typically found in polar regions and at high mountain elevations where temperatures are consistently low. The presence of permafrost inhibits the organic material from fully decomposing, resulting in a unique soil composition that reflects the harsh environmental conditions.

Gelisols are significant because they play a crucial role in carbon storage, impacting global climate change. Their formation process and ongoing dynamics are critical for understanding both terrestrial ecosystems in these regions and broader ecological interactions. This makes Gelisols particularly important to study for natural resource management and conservation strategies tailored to cold environments.