Abstract

Monchegorsk is an intrusion complex of basic and ultrabasic rocks of the Paleoproterozoic age. This complex formed during active magmatic mobility that took place in NE Scandinavia 2.5 Ga years ago. These were the subject of intensive exploration and exploitation at the beginning of the 20th century, the latter carrying on through to the beginning of the 21st century. This contributed to the creation of some different forms of post-industrail mining infrastructure in the area. Many mining settlements, including Monchegorsk, mining plants, adits and quarries were established during this time, the relics of which are still present today. The Monchegorsk intrusions complex is formed by several fragmented massifs: Traviannaya, Kumuzhia, Nittis, Sopcha, Nyud, Poaz, and Monchetundra, the highest elevations of which reach up to 1000 m above sea level. These massifs form a landscape of “islands” and mountain ranges that have influence upon the regional landscape over several tens of kilometers. Their geography is characterized by numerous reliefs, glacial cirques, rocky thresholds with waterfalls and trough lakes. The potential of this region lies in the heritage of historical exploitation, numerous monuments of which have been preserved to this day. An important value is a landscape resulting from the relief of these mountains, highlighted by glacial activity in the Pleistocene. There are also interesting examples of Arctic fauna and flora, and of the rocks that form the bedrock in this intrusion. Some of the mineralization of these outcroppings can also be admired in the collections of the local museum that serves as a geocenter. The possibility of admiring relatively easily accessible views (the international route St. Petersburg–Murmansk–Kirkenes passes through the middle of the hills) and the interesting geology of the area abounding in rocks of mineralogical significance, their exposures, and history, along with the possibility of observing various post-industrail forms, make this area of great tourist potential. This article describes the most interesting exposures of outstanding tourist value and proposes routes connecting these points. It also discusses the problem of securing these exposures and the necessary tourist infrastructure, which is currently lacking.

Highlights

  • The Monchegorsk intrusions area is located northeast of the Scandinavian Peninsula above the Arctic Circle. It is the central part of Murmansk District in the border area between Lapland and the Kola Peninsula

  • The Monchetundra massif is higher than the Monchepluton area and dominates the landscape

  • Protection to date only applies to the western Monchetundra massifs, not including

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Summary

Introduction

The Monchegorsk intrusions area is located northeast of the Scandinavian Peninsula above the Arctic Circle. It is the central part of Murmansk District in the border area between Lapland and the Kola Peninsula. An important second element is the area called the Monchepluton, which is built of several “island” massifs between which there are deep valleys and flattened terrain along with lakes and Pleistocene sediments. It is dominated by the isolated massifs of Traviannaya, Kumuzhia, Nittis, Sopcha, Nyud, Poaz, and Vurechuaivench (Figures 1 and 2).

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