Topology, Vegetation and Stratigraphy of Far Eastern Aapa Mires (Khabarovsk Region, Russia)

Stanislav Kutenkov,Vladimir Chakov,Viktoriya Kuptsova

doi:10.3390/land11010096

Abstract

Aapa mires (string-flark fens) are one of the main types of mires in northern Eurasia. It has an almost continuous distribution from Scandinavia to Kamchatka, disappearing in continental climate areas and becoming one of the dominant types in more oceanic zones. This article first presents the topological features of string-flark aapa, their vegetation and peat stratigraphy related to different elements of microrelief at the southernmost borders of boreal mires of cryolithozone (51–52 N), in the Lower Amur region (Russia). String-flark fens are very similar to the aapa mires originally reported for the European North. The waterlogged minerotrophic central fen, with a ribbed surface pattern, is surrounded by oligotrophic bogs. The mosaic structure of the vegetation cover in the fens is determined by microtopography: mesooligotrophic dwarf shrub–herb–sphagnum strings, mesoeutrophic herb–sphagnum lawns, and sparse herb cover in water flarks. The flora, for the most part, corresponds with the European aapa, and has some characteristics of eastern features. We relate the localized evolution of string-flark complexes with water basin hydrology changes. The formation of string-flark complexes in pre-existing fens was preceded by the cessation of river flood waters over the surface of the mires. The further decline of erosion has led to the development of dwarf shrub–sphagnum communities containing microrelief. The immature strings of the aapa mires attest to the ongoing active change processes of the mires.

Highlights

The fen sites with SFC are located in the central parts of the mires
The SFC themselves themselves are perpendicular to the general decline of the mire massif, which is clearly are perpendicular to the general decline of the mire massif, which is clearly shown on shown on high-resolution satellite images (Figure 2)
For A1, the mire with SFC occupies a larger area a larger area of the massif, having the width of 400–600 m, while the bogs appear as narof the massif, having the width of 400–600 m, while the bogs appear as narrow forested row forested margins up to 100 m wide

Summary

Introduction

Aapa mires (string-flark fens) are one of the main types of mires in northern Eurasia. They were first identified by Cajander [1], and have a distinctive surface pattern and specific flora composition. K. Yurkovskaya [7], are as follows: a concave surface; the presence of heterotrophic string-flark complexes in the concave area of mire massif; eu- or mesotrophic peat deposits in the central parts; water-mineral nutrition through atmospheric, diluvial and ground waters; and a combination of herb, sphagnum and hypnum synusia cover. Aapa is found in both independent massifs and those areas where transition fens among raised bogs are a part of complex mire systems. In the south of the European range of aapa mires remains are only those that a parts of mire systems [8]

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion