Dynamics of Vegetation on Cryogenic Landslides of Different Age in Central Yamal (West Siberian Arctic)

Abstract

Active layer detachment slides of different age were examined in the Central part of Yamal peninsula (West Siberian Arctic) in the subzone of northern hypoarctic tundra. Plant communities on the shear surface, on displaced blocks with preserved but degrading initial tundra vegetation and on undisturbed surroundings were described. In the processes of recovery pioneer grass-dominated communities on relatively dry surfaces and Equisetum-dominated communities in wet cracks were replaced by Salix reptans-graminoid communities. Vegetation on displaced blocks also transformed to the similar communities. On the oldest completely recovered landslides Salix reptans–graminoid communities with thin moss stratum occur both on former shear surface and on washed out remnants of blocks. Ancient landslides are indicated by willow copses and mesophytic herbaceous communities.