Multidisciplinary Study of a Wetland in a Lakeside Lowland Area East of Lake Onega

Abstract

Wetlands along the eastern and southern shores of Lake Onega are of interest because of their biodiversity, ecological function, and vulnerability to human impact and climate change. This study made a reference transect in the lake-river stretch on the northern bank of the River Andoma, which exhibits a change in natural conditions and an interaction between different ecosystem levels in the lakeside lowland area. Based on the results of the fieldwork, a profile of ground-penetrating radar observations with a total length of 4800 m was completed, supplemented with boreholes and soil sections. The combination of ground-penetrating radar data with field descriptions and the borehole survey produced a section that characterizes the variability of the mire system. The analysis of the section revealed zones differing in biological and ecological conditions caused by the action of several natural factors and contributing to biological diversity. Such reference transects provide a basis for the initial identification of vulnerabilities and for long-term monitoring of the ecological transformation of the region.
 Keywords: wetland, transect, ground-penetrating radar, ecosystems, Lake Onega