Khibiny Mountains: the Natural and Anthropogenic Environment.

Abstract

The book contains current data on the natural and anthropogenic environment of the Khibiny Mountains. The book’s Introduction and 17 chapters describe the geographical location and climate, evolutionary history of the mountains, relief, geologic structure of the prevailing rocks, rivers and lakes, vegetation, flora and fauna. Special part of the book is concerned with the meaning and origin of toponyms in Khibiny Mountains, history of industrialization and current affairs on industrial development. The last chapter observes situation in nature conservation in Khibiny Mountains. An appendix page contains Russian and Latin names of plants, lichens, fungi and animals mentioned in the book. The vegetation map (1:350000) is supplied. The list of useful literature is provided, which also includes some available travel guides to the Khibiny Mountains. The focus of the book is on the brightest and most interesting issues which attract the attention of visitors and arouse their interest. The book is intended for a wide range of readers: residents of the Murmansk region, tourists and visitors, for schoolchildren and students as a guide to local history. The book has been prepared and published at the expense of the International Project «Phenomena of the Arctic Nature» (2019-2022) of Kolarctic CBC Program. This publication has been produced with the assistance of the European Union in frame of Kolarctic program. The contents of the publication are the sole responsibility of the authors and can in no way be taken to reflect the views of the EU.

Fires and Clear-Cuttings as Local Areas of Arthropod Diversity in Polar Regions: Khibiny Mountains

“…However, mountainous territories outside the park's boundaries are undergoing a significant transformation due to mining activities whose production accounts for over 60% of the total industrial output in the Kola Polar region. Currently, minerals are extracted from six deposits in four mines in different parts of Khibiny Mts and transported via a wide dirt road network [26]. The total area of disturbed Khibiny landscape is estimated at 5%, which is comparable to the square of spruce forests in this massif [27].…”