Geoheritage of the Kandalaksha region (Kola Peninsula, White Sea, Arctic Russia), Evaluation, and Geotourism Opportunities

Abstract

The subarctic Kandalaksha region abounds in many tourist values and is notably characterized by a richness of geology, nature, history, and landscape. Its mountains are located directly on the coast of the White Sea. The skerry-fiord coast is the habitat of many seabirds that nest on its many islands. There is also large mammals such as seals and bears. The coastal area and islands are a reserve within the National Park that was established to protect the breeding areas of the seabirds. Despite its location near the Arctic Circle, the area has a relatively mild climate. Many of the villages and towns in the area have a centuries-old history inextricably linked to the indigenous peoples (Karelians, Sami) who inhabited the area, as well as to the “Pomors,” the first Russian colonizers of the area. On top of this, this is a location with an environment that contains numerous examples of flora and fauna, as well as a geologically and geomorphologically interesting landscape connected with glaciation, abrasion, and isostatic movements. Here, the geological substrate, made up of Paleoproterozoic collisional structures of the Lapland Granulite Belt, was repeatedly tectonically rejuvenated within the forming aulacogen of the White Sea and the Kola-Lapland Mobile Belt, along with numerous Paleozoic intrusions of kimberlite and alkaline rocks. The youngest processes are associated with Pleistocene glaciation and isostatic relaxation in the Holocene. All these features contribute to the high tourist potential of the area. At present, it is being developed in a more or less organized way with the participation of private capital. This article presents a proposal for the systematic development of the area in question and the formalization of tourist routes in the area. This article aims to meet this need by proposing a tourist trail in the Kandalaksha area so as to enable tourists to explore this remarkable area.