Publications
(A review) O. I. Sumina. Tundra science studies. Terrestrial ecosystems of the Arctic. Textbook. 2024. Saint-Petersburg. Lan. 400 p.
A comprehensive review of Dr. Olga I. Sumina's textbook, 'Tundra Science Studies: Terrestrial Ecosystems of the Arctic,' highlights its dual role as a scientific monograph and educational resource. The book synthesizes decades of geobotanical research across the Russian Arctic, including Wrangel Island Reserve, Alaska, and Scandinavia, offering detailed insights into the biome's living and nonliving components. It emphasizes the necessity of long-term ecosystem monitoring to accurately assess ongoing changes and predict future trajectories, a critical insight for Arctic conservation efforts. The textbook integrates climate, geology, flora, and vegetation dynamics while providing structured learning tools such as questions, assignments, and essay topics. Its circumpolar perspective, including the Circumpolar Arctic Vegetation Map (CAVM), underscores its value for both students and seasoned researchers.
Crane flies (Diptera, Tipuloidea: Tipulidae, Limoniidae) of Wrangel Island (Chukotka AO, Russia). 2. Features of the faunal composition and spatial distribution
Wrangel Island's crane fly (Diptera, Tipuloidea) fauna exhibits distinct faunal composition and spatial distribution patterns, with notable endemism and species richness. The study identified 45 species, including several rare or endemic taxa, highlighting the island's ecological significance as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Researchers employed field sampling across diverse habitats—tundra, coastal zones, and river valleys—to assess species diversity, abundance, and distribution. The findings underscore Wrangel Island's role as a biodiversity hotspot, with crane flies serving as indicator taxa for monitoring environmental changes in the Arctic.
New Data on Late Paleozoic Conglomerates of Wrangel Island and Their Geological Interpretation
A new geological interpretation of conglomerates on Wrangel Island reveals distinct age differences between two types found in the Central tectonic zone. The first type, dominated by metamorphic schists and mafic volcanics, likely predates the second type, which contains rounded quartz, limestone fragments, and faunal remains—similar to intraformational conglomerates from the Northern zone. Faunal analysis confirms the Guadalupian–Lopingian (Middle–Late Permian) age of the latter, suggesting local tectonic or sedimentary rearrangements during the Pennsylvanian Bashkirian Age and Middle–Late Permian periods. These findings mirror patterns observed in Canada’s Sverdrup basin, offering insights into Paleozoic geological dynamics.
An Examination of the Wrangel Island Sea Ice Thickness Dipole
A distinct sea ice thickness dipole is observed around Wrangel Island, with thicker ice accumulating on its eastern side and thinner ice persisting to the west due to the Beaufort Gyre's influence. This phenomenon, present year-round but most pronounced in January (with a ~1 m difference), reverses during atmospheric circulation shifts. The dipole is linked to opposing ice divergence and convergence across the western Arctic, potentially affecting ocean circulation and ecosystems in the Chukchi Sea. Additionally, it contributes to the transient opening of a polynya west of the island during spring.
The 40Ar–39Ar Age of Folding in the Sedimentary Complexes of Chukotka and Wrangel Island (Northeastern Russia)
A groundbreaking study reveals that the sedimentary complexes of Chukotka and Wrangel Island, including UNESCO World Heritage Site components, experienced significant folding during the Tithonian period (150 million years ago). Using 40Ar–39Ar isotope dating on newly formed micas and chlorites from thrust zones, researchers identified two distinct deformation stages: one in the Late Permian (257 million years ago) affecting Silurian rocks on Wrangel Island's Dream-Head Mountains, and another involving Devonian to Triassic sedimentary rocks. The study also found that thrust formation was accompanied by substantial heating of sedimentary sequences to temperatures between 250–380°C, with minimal temperature variation within the thrust zone itself. This research provides critical insights into the tectonic history of this remote Arctic region.
A territorial behaviour of the greenlandic lemming (Dicrostonyx groenlandicus Trail, 1823) in the Wrangel Island
Research on the Greenlandic lemming (Dicrostonyx groenlandicus) on Wrangel Island revealed key insights into their territorial behavior, including daily activity patterns and rest-activity phases during juvenile maturation. The study employed visual monitoring to track adult and juvenile lemmings, capturing data on habitat use, food storage, and surface emergence of young animals. Findings highlighted the dynamic nature of lemming territories, particularly in relation to seasonal changes and reproductive cycles. This approach provided a comprehensive understanding of their ecological behavior within the unique Arctic environment of Wrangel Island, contributing valuable data for conservation efforts.
Assessing past and future climatic influences on the availability of polar bear maternal denning habitat on Wrangel Island
Despite rising temperatures and sea ice loss, Wrangel Island's climate remains cold enough that the availability of polar bear maternal denning habitat is not yet an immediate limiting factor for the Chukchi Sea subpopulation. A retrospective analysis (1980–2020) found no significant trends in the spatial or temporal availability of snowdrift habitat suitable for denning over 41 years. However, sensitivity simulations predict that a projected 7.6 °C temperature increase could reduce denning habitat by approximately 50%, while a rise of ≥13.6 °C could eliminate it entirely. The study used spatial modeling to evaluate potential denning habitat from September to December and assessed future climate change impacts on this critical habitat for polar bear reproduction.
Active Tectonics of the Eastern Arctic: New Data from Geological and Geophysical Studies at Cape Thomas (West of Wrangel Island)
Research at Cape Thomas, Wrangel Island, reveals the presence of an active sublatitudinal fault with repeated thrust movements, pushing the mountain ridge southward. This fault, contrasting with older geological structures, indicates north-to-south displacement and suggests a potential source for strong earthquakes along the boundary of the Western Plateau and southern coastal lowland. Despite the identified seismic potential, current data show low seismic activity, implying the region may be in a seismic quiescence stage. The study, conducted during a 2020 expedition by the Northern Fleet and the Russian Geographical Society, combines geological and geophysical methods to refine the understanding of young tectonic movements on Wrangel Island.
First evidence of a brown bear on Wrangel Island, Russia
Scientists have documented the first confirmed presence of brown bears (Ursus arctos) on Wrangel Island, Russia, located above 71°N in the Arctic Ocean. This discovery was verified through photographic evidence and genetic analysis of hair samples, which revealed that the observed male bear shares a mitochondrial DNA haplotype common across Eurasian brown bears. Additional images from camera traps suggest at least one more individual may be present on the island. Wrangel Island is home to other large mammals like muskoxen (Ovibos moschatus) and reindeer (Rangifer tarandus), but the implications of this bear population—whether it signifies a range expansion due to climate warming or represents isolated individuals—remain unclear.
Flora of lichens, mosses and liverworts of Wrangel Island: New records
A recent study has significantly expanded the known biodiversity of Wrangel Island by identifying 69 new species of lichens, mosses, and liverworts. Among these, seven species are previously unknown to the Russian Far East, while two lichen species and three liverwort taxa represent first records for the Chukotka Autonomous Area. The research highlights the ecological diversity of the island, including rare moss species such as Funaria arctica and Schistidium umbrosum. The study utilized field observations and ecological descriptions to document these new findings, contributing valuable data to the understanding of cryptogam flora in this remote Arctic region.
Lithology of the Upper Triassic Sedimentary Rocks of Chukotka and Wrangel Island and Their Relationship with Coeval Rocks of the Eastern Arctic
A new correlation between Upper Triassic sedimentary rocks from Wrangel Island and the Chukchi Peninsula (Chukotka) reveals that these deposits, though geographically distinct, share similar isotopic, petrographic, and geochemical features. The study demonstrates that these sands originated from a single sedimentary basin, with Wrangel Island's sediments forming in shallow-water prodeltas while Chukotka's accumulated in deeper-water environments. Notably, the latest Triassic saw an increase in sandy material but a decrease in grain size, suggesting reduced tectonic activity and prolonged weathering of granitoid, metamorphic, and metavolcanic source rocks. These findings extend correlations to coeval rocks in the Sverdrup Basin and northern Alaska, providing insights into the paleogeographic evolution of the Eastern Arctic.
Spiders (Aranei) of Wrangel Island, Russia. 1. New data on the species composition and distribution
Wrangel Island hosts a unique spider fauna with significant Arctic and arctic-alpine/montane distribution patterns. The study identifies 20 species (35% of the total) found exclusively on Wrangel Island, highlighting its role as a biodiversity hotspot in the High Arctic. These species are predominantly associated with areas offering favorable mesoclimatic conditions. The research also reveals that the island's spider fauna is characterized by longitudinal and latitudinal influences, with Siberian-Nearctic (39%) and Siberian (30%) species dominating, alongside a high proportion of arctic and arctic-alpine/montane species (81%). This study contributes to our understanding of the island's ecological significance and the distribution patterns of its spider species.
Survey and analysis of cases of natural death of the polar bear (Ursus maritimus) on Wrangel Island in 1969–1982
A rare and forgotten study, now translated and analyzed, reveals that polar bear (Ursus maritimus) mortality on Wrangel Island from 1964 to 1982 was both unpredictable in detection but showed measurable patterns. The research found an average of 2.7–3.7 adult bear deaths per year, alongside 1.27 cub deaths and 0.47 female deaths annually. Survival rates for cubs fluctuated significantly, with a trend of 2 > 1 > 3 surviving cubs per mother over the study period. The analysis employed statistical comparisons using T-White and W-Wilcoxon criteria to assess mortality trends, highlighting the potential for predictive modeling despite uneven data collection.
The subgenus Arctotipula Alexander in the genus Tipula Linnaeus (Diptera: Tipulidae) on Wrangel Island, Russia (Chukotka Autonomous Okrug)
A new record of the Nearctic crane fly species, Tipula (Arctotipula) besselsoides Alexander, 1919, is reported for Russia and Wrangel Island, highlighting its widespread distribution across the island's subzones. The study also confirms the presence of another species, T. (A.) oklandi Alexander, 1922, exclusively in Russia, while adjusting its known distribution range. Additionally, the rarer Holarctic species, T. (A.) salicetorum Siebke, 1870, was found predominantly in climatically harsh northern and eastern regions of Wrangel Island. The research provides an illustrated key for both male and female adults and distribution maps for all three species, contributing to the understanding of their ecological preferences and geographic ranges on this biodiversity-rich island.
The unexplored maternity dens survey of the polar bear (Ursus maritimus) on Wrangel and Herald islands in 1982
A rare survey of polar bear (Ursus maritimus) maternity dens on Wrangel and Herald Islands, conducted in 1982, revealed key insights into the species' reproductive behavior. Researchers documented 139 dens and sighted 57 bears, with an average of 1.43 offspring per den on Wrangel Island (WI) and 1.86 on Herald Island (HI), occasionally reaching three cubs. The study also highlighted unusual den structures, including one with a complex corridor and another featuring a 4.5-meter vertical tunnel, challenging traditional linear measurements of dens. Additionally, it noted that females typically occupied dens for 6 days but could stay up to 14 days, with the highest frequency of den openings occurring on March 27–28. The research also reported four cases of cub mortality and provided recommendations for improving polar bear survey techniques. This Ukrainian-language publication contributes valuable data to Arctic mammalogy and ecological studies.
Air Pollution by Black Carbon in the Region of Wrangel Island: Comparison of Eurasian and American Sources and Their Contributions
Black carbon (BC) pollution in the region of Wrangel Island is significantly influenced by both Eurasian and North American sources. A study analyzing atmospheric transport data from 2015 to 2017 revealed that BC emissions during summer months originate predominantly from anthropogenic activities and wildfires in northeastern Eurasia and northwestern North America. The research utilized the HYSPLIT model for air mass trajectory calculations and a simplified BC transport model based on emission sensitivity functions, with data sourced from global databases like EDGAR and GFAS. The findings highlight the interannual variations in BC emissions, emphasizing the complex interplay between natural wildfires and human-induced pollution sources across these regions.
Combining Bayesian age models and genetics to investigate population dynamics and extinction of the last mammoths in northern Siberia
Woolly mammoths on Wrangel Island, Russia, persisted for approximately 6000 years before going extinct around 4000 years ago due to rising sea levels that trapped them on the island. This study combined Bayesian age models using radiocarbon and genetic data from 717 specimens—including 88 new radiocarbon dates—to reconstruct population dynamics and extinction timelines in northern Siberia. Findings indicate mammoths disappeared from the eastern Siberian mainland before the Younger Dryas (12.9–11.7 ky cal BP) but survived in central and western Siberia until the early Holocene. Genetic analysis of 131 mitogenomes, including 22 newly generated, supports the hypothesis that Wrangel Island mammoths originated from or were closely related to populations in central/western Siberia, recolonizing the island via submerged plains before isolation led to their extinction.
Herbivore Diet Selectivity and Its Influence over Ecosystem Recycling in Wrangel Island
Research on Wrangel Island reveals that herbivore diet selectivity, driven by morphophysiological traits, significantly influences ecosystem dynamics. The study demonstrates that under equal conditions, less selective feeders dominate as biodiversity increases, leading to substantial reductions in total herbivore biomass and phytomass consumption—potentially decreasing primary production more than fourfold. Despite human impact on species composition, the island's herbivore abundance distribution follows an endogenous dynamic corresponding to ecological succession. The findings highlight the critical role of interspecific interactions in shaping Arctic ecosystems under climate change.
Hoverflies (Diptera, Syrphidae) of Wrangel Island (Chukotka Autonomous Okrug, Russia)
Wrangel Island harbors a surprisingly rich hoverfly (Diptera, Syrphidae) fauna of 16 species, with nine recorded for the first time on the island and one, Platycheirus pullatus, new to the Palearctic region. The study, based on specimens collected from 1972 to 2019 using various methods, reveals that the island's hoverfly community is dominated by Arctic species, with a third consisting of widespread tundra inhabitants. Notably, the central, warmer part of the island—an enclave of typical tundra subzone—hosts the highest diversity (12 species), including four newly documented in the 21st century during a period of climate warming. While most species are rare (singletons), Parasyrphus groenlandicus is common, with others like P. tarsatus, Eupeodes curtus, and Platycheirus aeratus showing localized abundance. This fauna, shaped by Pleistocene history, exceeds expectations for Arctic islands, suggesting Wrangel Island's unique ecological significance.
The Empidoid Flies (Diptera: Brachystomatidae, Empididae, Hybotidae) of Wrangel Island (Chukotka Autonomous Okrug): Composition and Distribution of the Fauna
Wrangel Island harbors a remarkably diverse empidoid fly fauna, with at least double the species richness of other Arctic islands. This unique assemblage includes probable endemics and North American species absent elsewhere in the Palaearctic. While common species correlate with mesoclimatic gradients, their activity varies significantly even within subzonal vegetation variants, suggesting they persist outside their climatic optima. Rare species, including most probable endemics, were predominantly found in the southern mountains, where varied relief and microclimatic conditions prevail. The warmest central part of the island hosts stable taxocenes resembling those of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago's southern islands, while a distinct group of species thrives in the southwestern region under rigorous climatic conditions—a combination unknown elsewhere in the Arctic.
Climatology of extreme downslope windstorms in the Russian Arctic
Extreme downslope windstorms, such as bora on Wrangel Island and other Arctic regions, show significant negative trends in frequency and intensity, largely driven by Arctic circulation variability and sea-ice loss. While these storms share similarities in large-scale atmospheric conditions—like elevated inversions and low-tropospheric jet streams—their transformation from weak to strong winds suggests nonlinear connections with incoming flow characteristics. Statistical analysis of wind speed, temperature, and frequency trends reveals regional differences: Wrangel Island's bora is strongly influenced by Arctic changes, while windstorms in Tiksi and Pevek are more tied to midlatitude patterns. This study highlights the complex interplay between local topography and large-scale atmospheric dynamics, offering insights into how climate shifts may alter extreme weather events in the Russian Arctic.
Crustaceans of Wrangel Island (Russia): species composition, community structure and variability
Research on Wrangel Island's crustacean communities reveals that their structure is primarily shaped by environmental filters, including local water body characteristics and seasonality. The study identified 17 previously unknown species, highlighting the island's unique biogeographic position and its role in Arctic research. Key factors influencing community composition include sediment type, water body size, and detritus richness. Seasonal variability was also significant, with species richness increasing up to fourfold from spring to summer before declining by August. Two stable interannual community types were observed: one dominated by Calanoida copepods and branchiopods, and another by Daphnia and Chydorus. While genus composition remains consistent, species variability is notable, underscoring the sensitivity of Arctic aquatic ecosystems to environmental changes.
New records of long-legged flies (Diptera, Dolichopodidae) from Wrangel Island Nature Reserve (Chukotka AD, Russia)
A new species of long-legged fly, Rhaphium tripartitum, has been discovered on Wrangel Island, expanding the known diversity of Dolichopodidae flies in the region. Additionally, the study excluded Rhaphium nigrum from the Chukchi fauna and extended the distribution range of Dolichopus terminasiana westward to the Yamal Peninsula. The findings are based on surveys conducted between 2015 and 2019 in the Wrangel Island State Nature Reserve, providing critical insights into the biodiversity of this UNESCO-listed site.
The empidoid flies (Diptera: Empidoidea, exclusive of Dolichopodidae) of the Russian Arctic islands and Svalbard Archipelago
A comprehensive taxonomic revision of empidoid flies (Diptera: Empidoidea, excluding Dolichopodidae) across the Russian Arctic islands and Svalbard Archipelago reveals ten previously undescribed species, including several endemic to Wrangel Island. The study describes new taxa within Empididae (e.g., Empis septentrionalis, Rhamphomyia spp.) and Hybotidae (Platypalpus septentrionalis), while providing diagnoses, habitus photos, and a key for species identification. It also designates lectotypes for historical species and records new distributions, such as Tachypeza sericeipalpis in North America and Trichoclinocera lapponica in Russia. The research enhances biodiversity documentation in remote Arctic regions, with implications for conservation efforts.
Toponyms of Anthroponymic Origin on the Map of Wrangel Island
Toponymy on Wrangel Island serves as a rich historical archive, revealing key periods of development—particularly the 1920s–1950s—through names derived from anthroponyms. The study analyzed specialized toponymic references, cartographic materials, and oral testimonies to demonstrate how geographical names reflect cultural and historical shifts over time. Findings highlight toponymy's dual role as both an illustrative tool and a direct source of localized historical data, offering precise insights into the island's evolution.
Triassic deposits of Chukotka, Wrangel Island and Mendeleev Rise, Arctic Sea: sedimentology and geodynamic implications
A comparative analysis of Upper Triassic sandstones from Mendeleev Rise, Wrangel Island, and Chukotka reveals distinct geodynamic origins. Sandstones from Mendeleev Rise show evidence of intense weathering and a quartzose sedimentary provenance, unlike those from Wrangel Island (intermediate igneous) and Chukotka (mafic igneous). Facies studies suggest Mendeleev sandstones formed in shallow or coastal-marine settings near a continent, while Wrangel and Chukotka deposits accumulated in deeper marine environments. Detrital zircon populations across all regions are dominated by Paleozoic grains, supporting shared tectonic influences. This study highlights the diverse sedimentary histories of Arctic Triassic deposits, offering insights into paleogeographic reconstructions.
Wrangel Island Toponymy Motivated by Zoology Vocabulary
Approximately 19% of Wrangel Island's toponyms are derived from zoology vocabulary, reflecting the island's rich fauna and its significance to human activities such as hunting, fishing, and conservation. This finding underscores toponymy's role as a historical record, capturing distinct phases of the island's development—from initial exploration to modern environmental protection—over roughly 150 years. The study analyzed specialized guides, memoirs, cartographic materials, and interviews with reserve officials, revealing how naming conventions shift with human activity and ecological focus. Notably, the prevalence of zoology-related terms highlights both cultural priorities and objective features of Wrangel Island's diverse animal world.
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