Mapping the pyrogenic dynamics of forest geosystems on the northeastern shore of Lake Baikal

• Published in: IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science
• Main Author: Myadzelets, A V
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: unknown
• Published: IOP Publishing 2021
• Subjects: Shumilikha; taiga
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/895/1/012032; https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1755-1315/895/1/012032; https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1755-1315/895/1/012032/pdf

Abstract The paper considers the impact of the pyrogenic factor on the landscapes of the Barguzinskii Range. Model representative sites with natural and disturbed mountain-taiga geosystems are identified in the territory of the Trans-Baikal National Park (Svyatoi Nos Peninsula) and the Barguzinskii Nature Reserve (Shumilikha, Tarkulik, and Davsha river valleys). We used geoinformation methods, landscape interpretation mapping, field observation data, remote sensing data and traditional comparative geographical methods for assessment and mapping. The collected data are systematized in the form of a geoinformation database for individual sections and visualized in a cartographic form. We compiled vegetation maps, taking into account the features of the relief and soil types and gave a general description of the landscape state to analyze the pyrogenic impact on local landscapes. It was also revealed that the modification processes of forest geosystems caused by the pyrogenic impact are widespread across wide swathes, but have a different character. It depends on the individual spatial geographical features of the selected representative sites and the nature and time of the direct pyrogenic factor exposure, e.g., the frequency, intensity, especially the microclimate, relief, etc. The paper shows that the restorative stages of plant dynamics in the model sites are clearly traced. We have established an insignificant difference between the current and reference states in places of weak pyrogenic impact, significant local state changes in places of extensive areal impact, and significant and catastrophic changes in places of lasting and intense pyrogenic impact. Maps of the geosystem disturbance caused by both pyrogenic and natural factors for the model sites were compiled.