Chemical weathering of talus slopes: the example of slopes in the Brattegg Valley, Sw Spitbergen

This paper presents the results of hydrogeochemical surveys carried out in the non-glaciated part of the Brattegg Valley near Hornsund Fjord (SW Spitsbergen). The aim of the study was to indicate places in periglacial zone with the greatest intensity of chemical weathering. The valley was divided into five zones where 11 observation sites were selected. The physico-chemical parameters of water were measured in situ. Water chemical composition was defined using ion chromatograph and mineral composition was obtained based on X-ray diffraction analysis. The results of the study show that in the studied valley, talus slopes are the most dynamic environment of the periglacial zone and are typified by the greatest intensity of chemical weathering.