Colonization of the young glaciofluvial deposits at the period of the modern climate warming in the North-Chuya glaciation center

Abstract

We have investigated the early colonization of plants on the highly disturbed glaciofluvlial deposits of the Aktru valley. The modern colonization of the deposits are occurs in their middle part. It was impossible until the modern climate changes because of harsh disturbance regime which was prevented any colonization in this area by regular destruction of both plants and habitats. Now the regime is milder. 100 species from 31 family and 64 genera are participating in colonization now. The most of involved species are high-mountain ones and belong to Poaceae, Asteraceae and Salicaceae families. Most common growth forms of these plants are perennial hers and shrubs. The colonizing Larix trees are exist only as shrub growth form. The formed communities are underdeveloped and may be considered as existing on the pioneer stage of succession. The plant communities development is slow because of harsh disturbance regime thus forming of young forest similar to those in the higher part of the deposits will require a lot of time.