Publications
Environmental monitoring system software package development for settlement of Solovetsky (Bolshoy Solovetsky Island)
Researchers have developed a software package for environmental monitoring on Bolshoy Solovetsky Island, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The system integrates data from seasonal monitoring of water, air, and soil to detect pollution trends and forecast crisis situations. It features two key databases: one tracking pollution sources and controlled pollutants across atmospheric, lithospheric, and hydrospheric elements, and another storing field-measured indicators. An interactive map visualizes sampling points and collected information, with functionality for data editing, searching, filtering, and saving. Future updates aim to convert the system into an Android mobile application. This tool is crucial for preserving the natural and cultural heritage of the Solovetsky Islands.
Hydrodynamics and water exchange features of Blagopoluchiya Bay (Solovetsky Islands, White Sea)
Research on Blagopoluchiya Bay, part of the UNESCO-listed Solovetsky Islands, reveals significant seasonal variations in water exchange. The bay's water renewal period extends to 14 days during open-water seasons but exceeds 30 days during freeze-up, indicating restricted circulation during colder months. Turbulent diffusion within the enclosed bay is notably low (Kx ~0.02 m²/s), much less than typical shelf seas, suggesting unique hydrodynamic processes. The study analyzed in-situ measurements of temperature, salinity, turbidity, solar radiation, and currents to map wastewater and seawater distribution, providing critical insights into the bay's environmental dynamics.
Nutrients in the Surface Waters of Bolshoy Solovetsky Island
Research on the Solovetsky Islands reveals that phosphorus is the limiting nutrient for algal growth in most lakes, with concentrations often below optimal levels due to atmospheric inputs and underlying geology. The study analyzed 23 lakes across summer and winter seasons, finding minimal nutrient differences between western and southern channel systems. Lakes like Valday, Shchuch’e, Sredny Perth, and Pit’evoye were identified as valuable model sites for long-term ecosystem response studies. Sampling focused on surface waters (epilimnion in summer, subglacial layers in winter), while lakes were classified by salinity, water color, and humification levels.
Reconnaissance hydrological studies of the Pityevoy Сanal on Bolshoy Solovetsky Island
A reconnaissance hydrological study of the Pityevoy Canal on Bolshoy Solovetsky Island, a vital watercourse supplying drinking water to residents and pilgrims, reveals significant variability in its hydrochemical and microbiological parameters. The research identifies natural factors—such as organic carbon content, color variations (including iron), and marsh water influx—as primary contributors to water quality changes from the canal’s source to its mouth. However, anthropogenic influences are linked to shifts in ion ratios and increased microbiological activity near the canal's outlet. Notably, ambient temperature was found to affect microbial dynamics. Prior to treatment, drinking water samples showed discrepancies only in color, organic matter, and iron content, underscoring the need for continuous monitoring due to the canal’s fluctuating conditions.
Assessing Stability of Meromictic and Dimictic Lakes of Bolshoi Solovetsky Island
Research on the Bolshoy Solovetsky Island's lake-channel system reveals that 19 of its 48 lakes exhibit meromictic characteristics, with six confirmed through hydrological studies. The study assesses the stability of these meromictic lakes and the potential for chemocline destruction in autumn, as well as the likelihood of wind-induced thermocline destruction in dimictic lakes during summer. Findings indicate that in dimictic lakes, convective mixing driven by higher surface layer mineralization dominates water mixing in autumn, rather than wind-induced processes.
Assessing the Stability of Meromictic and Dimictic Lakes on Bolshoy Solovetsky Island
Research on the Solovetsky Islands reveals that nearly half of the 48 lakes analyzed exhibit meromictic conditions, with six confirmed through hydrological studies. These lakes maintain stable stratification due to chemoclines, which can be disrupted in autumn, leading to bottom water mixing. In contrast, dimictic lakes show resilience against wind-induced thermocline destruction during summer, with autumn mixing driven primarily by convective processes influenced by surface layer mineralization. The study combines morphometric data and hydrological assessments to evaluate lake stability and chemocline behavior, providing insights into the unique hydraulic dynamics of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Features of the hydrodynamic and hydrochemical states of Blagopoluchiya Bay (Solovetsky Islands of the White Sea) in August 2024
A fourfold increase in total phosphorus concentrations in Blagopoluchiya Bay, part of the UNESCO-listed Solovetsky Islands, has been documented over 30 years, indicating severe eutrophication. Researchers analyzed hydrodynamic and hydrochemical conditions in August 2024, revealing weak water exchange due to low current speeds (3-10 cm/s) and semi-diurnal tidal cycles. The study identified the bay's apex as a hotspot for anthropogenic pollution, particularly from wastewater discharged by the Solovetsky Settlement, which spreads pollutants to deep-water zones. Vertical profiling of temperature, salinity, and turbidity further supported findings of limited water circulation, exacerbating eutrophic conditions.
Long-term Variability of Ice Concentration in the Solovetsky Islands Area Based on Situ Data
A significant decline in ice concentration has been observed in the Solovetsky Islands area of the White Sea over the past four decades, with notable reductions in both the duration and extent of sea ice coverage. This trend, derived from long-term in situ data analysis spanning 1980–2020, highlights a shift towards shorter and less extensive ice seasons, particularly in coastal zones critical to the cultural and historic ensemble's ecological balance. The study employs a combination of historical records, satellite imagery, and ground-based observations to quantify these changes, providing empirical evidence for accelerating Arctic sea ice loss.
Metaphisic of Boundary Spaces: The Bolshoi Solovetsky Island in the Letters of Father Pavel Florensky (1934–1937)
Father Pavel Florensky's letters from Bolshoi Solovetsky Island (1934–1937) reveal the island as a unique 'boundary space'—a microcosm and macrocosm where existence, time, and meaning intersect. His reflections depict it as a liminal zone between being and non-being, nature and existence, while his experiences of temporal distortion and existential emptiness elevate this setting to a tragic metaphor for life's perversion. The island emerges as both a world center (ecumene) and a space of profound semiotic significance, embodying Florensky's philosophical vision of unity between man and the universe. This analysis underscores how physical isolation materializes internal discord, reinforcing ancient wisdom about mutual reflection in existence.
Monitoring of hydrochemical parameters of Lake Pit’evoe on Bolshoy Solovetsky Island
A five-year study of Lake Pit’evoe on Bolshoy Solovetsky Island, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, revealed that hydrochemical parameters are primarily influenced by climatic variations rather than direct anthropogenic impacts. The research found that precipitation levels significantly affected color, electrical conductivity, dissolved iron, and pH, while water temperature impacted oxygen concentration, leading to anoxic conditions in deeper layers. Despite anaerobic processes increasing hydrocarbonates, hydrogen sulfide concentrations remained low (<5 μg/l). The findings underscore the importance of annual monitoring for drinking water sources, even in areas with minimal direct human influence.
Social Organization of Beluga Whales Delphinapterus leucas Summering off the Solovetsky Islands (White Sea, Russia) Based on Photo-Identification Data: Identifying Social Clusters
Beluga whales summering off the Solovetsky Islands (White Sea, Russia) do not form stable social clusters with consistent individual compositions, according to a study using photo-identification data. While no long-term groupings were identified, some pairs—often including females—showed high association indices, though these declined over the study period. The research suggests that beluga social dynamics may be influenced by both intrinsic relationships and individual behaviors, such as varied visiting patterns to the gathering area. Conducted in July–August 2022, the study analyzed sightings of 122 individuals near Cape Beluzhy using SOCPROG 2.9 software, highlighting the complexity of beluga social organization and the challenges in distinguishing between behavioral and environmental factors.
Social organization of belugas Delphinapterus leucas summering off the Solovetsky Islands (the White Sea, Russia) based on photo-identification data: Identifying social clusters
Belugas (Delphinapterus leucas) summering off the Solovetsky Islands, Russia, do not form stable social clusters with consistent individual compositions during reproductive gatherings. While some pairs—often including females—showed strong associations, these were not sustained over time, suggesting fluid social dynamics influenced by both behavioral and environmental factors. The study used photo-identification data from 122 individuals observed in July–August 2022, analyzed with SOCPROG 2.9 to assess association indices. Findings highlight the challenges in distinguishing natural social behavior from individual movement patterns, leaving questions about broader social structures outside the study area and timeframe unanswered.
Taxonomic and genetic diversity of leeches on the Solovetsky Islands (White Sea, Northern European Russia)
Recent research on the Solovetsky Islands reveals that freshwater leeches found there share genetic similarities with populations from continental Europe and Siberia, suggesting subrecent immigration after the retreat of the last ice sheet. Seven leech species were identified, all common in the Arctic Region. Genetic analysis using COI haplotype networks showed that island leeches either matched continental haplotypes or differed by one to three nucleotide substitutions, indicating limited genetic divergence. This implies that leeches dispersed to the islands relatively recently, likely during the first half of the Holocene as sea levels rose and habitats became accessible.
The Solovetsky Islands are a subpolar Klondike for botanists
Research on the Solovetsky Islands, conducted over seven field seasons, has expanded the known flora of the subpolar archipelago by nine species and identified new locations for three rare plants listed in the Arkhangelsk Region's Red Data Book. The study highlights the islands' unique botanical diversity, positioning them as a significant 'Klondike' for botanists. It also provides historical context on the development of plant nurseries, including the Gorka Botanical Garden, and argues for reclassifying the Solovetsky Archipelago from a complex nature reserve to a national park. This shift would better support regional tourism while preserving its distinct natural complexes.
Are Soil Nematode Communities Altered by Tree Introduction and Prolonged Cultivation in the Subarctic Region?
Introduced tree species in the Solovetsky Islands' botanical garden exhibit significantly higher nematode taxonomic diversity and abundance, particularly plant parasites, compared to natural forests. This study reveals that prolonged cultivation alters soil nematode communities, with ecological indices showing inconsistent responses to these changes. Notably, a positive correlation exists between soil carbon and nitrogen content and the abundance of plant-parasitic nematodes, while fungal feeders are negatively correlated with C:N ratios. Additionally, soil pH influences taxonomic diversity and bacterial feeder abundance. The discovery of Steinernema affine in Russia underscores the ecological significance of these findings.
Fading memory and the inexistent past
A hierarchy of heritage significance, shaped by political agendas, marginalizes both 'difficult' and incidentally associated heritage. This study reveals how neo-imperial Russian elites weaponize historical revisionism to deny the significance of mass repression during the Soviet era, particularly within UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Solovetsky Islands. It demonstrates that even privileged heritage, such as grand architectural ensembles built with forced labor, suffers misrecognition due to its incidental ties to undesired narratives. The research employs case studies—including a GULAG camp on the Solovetsky Islands and the Moskva-Volga canal—to analyze how political processes create a flawed hierarchy that undermines accurate historical recognition.
Features of the Structure of Blueberry Spruce Forests of Bolshoy Solovetsky Island
Blueberry spruce forests on Bolshoy Solovetsky Island exhibit unique structural characteristics, including an average age of 155 years with some trees reaching up to 250 years. Despite the absence of clear-cuttings since the 1930s, these forests show diverse age structures—absolutely uneven-age, stepwise unevenage, and cyclically uneven-age—with significant gaps between tree generations or cyclical peaks in certain periods. Spruce trees grow well in diameter but have stunted height growth, resulting in highly tapering trunks with an average maximum height of 20 meters and a relative height of 67% compared to mainland spruce forests. The study used forest management data and sample plots, measuring 325 trees' diameters, heights, and age structures, revealing that blueberry spruce forests are the most typical and widespread on the island with a consistent species composition.
Long-term Variability of Ice Concentration in the Solovetsky Islands Area
A significant decline in ice concentration has been observed in the Solovetsky Islands area, with a notable reduction of 15–20% over the past four decades. This trend is linked to rising sea surface temperatures and changes in atmospheric circulation patterns, posing potential threats to the ecological balance of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The study analyzed long-term satellite data (1978–2023) alongside in-situ measurements, revealing a shift from multi-year ice dominance to seasonal ice cover, particularly in the White Sea sector. These findings underscore the vulnerability of Arctic coastal ecosystems to climate change and highlight the need for adaptive conservation strategies.
Assimilation apparatus peculiarities of isolated pine populations (Bolshoy Solovetsky island)
Isolated pine populations on Bolshoy Solovetsky Island exhibit significant differences in needle morphology and lifespan compared to mainland counterparts. The study found that Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) and Shore pine (Pinus contorta) needles grown in isolated conditions have lower mass, length, and area than those on the mainland, with no notable variation in needle parameters across different crown positions. Notably, Shore pine needles in cultures are 1.5–2 times larger than Scots pine needles under similar conditions. The lifespan of Scots pine needles was determined to be shorter in cultures (5 years) compared to natural forests (7 years), while Shore pine needles remain productive up to 5 years. A three-year cyclicity in needle length dynamics was also observed, influenced by the size of the previous year's needles.
Ecological Features and Opportunities for Economic Use of the Solovetsky Archipelago Freshwater Ichthyofauna
Research on the Solovetsky Archipelago's freshwater ichthyofauna reveals 14 fish species, including local and acclimatized alien species, with a focus on their ecological features and potential for sustainable economic use. The study determines an optimal annual catch limit and identifies promising aquaculture practices, particularly pasture cultivation of whitefish complexes in the archipelago's lakes. This approach involves collecting and fertilizing eggs at temporary breeding stations, incubating them at fish farms, and releasing reared juveniles into feeding lakes. The findings provide a foundation for balancing ecological preservation with economic benefits in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Formation of the Ionic Composition of Water: Case Study of Small Lake on Bolshoi Solovetsky Island
A four-year study (2020–2023) on Lake Svyatoe, Bolshoi Solovetsky Island, revealed significant seasonal and annual variations in total dissolved solids (TDS) and ionic composition, driven by natural and anthropogenic factors. The lake receives water from two lake–canal systems, influencing its chemical dynamics. Researchers identified distinct patterns in TDS and ion concentrations, providing insights into the complex interplay between hydrological inputs and environmental influences.
Freshwater Ichthyofauna of the Solovetsky Archipelago: Ecological Features and Opportunities for Economic Use
The Solovetsky Archipelago's inland waters host 14 fish species, including both native and introduced varieties. This study reveals the ecological characteristics of these species, their taxonomic diversity, and potential for sustainable economic use. Researchers evaluated the optimal annual catch and assessed lacustrine ranching as a promising aquaculture method, focusing on whitefish complexes. The approach involved analyzing feeding patterns, reproduction modes, and the integration of fish breeding stations with natural habitats to enhance local fisheries.
Local Initiatives: A Historical Analysis of the Creation of Memorial Museums of the Gulag in (Post-)Soviet Russia
Most memorial museums of the Gulag in (post-)Soviet Russia emerged as grassroots initiatives between 1989 and 2015, driven by museum workers and historians rather than state directives. These efforts often reflected the perspectives of their amateur founders, leading to exhibitions that, while significant at the time, may appear ambiguous today. The study analyzes this historical process across ten regions, revealing how local initiatives shaped the narrative of Stalin's repressions and their evolution with varying support from authorities.
Phytoplankton in Island and Material Lakes in the North of the European Part of Russia According to Summer Development Indicators
A comparative analysis of phytoplankton communities in two lakes—Lake Bannoe on the Solovetsky Islands and Lake Kholmovskoye on the mainland—revealed distinct ecological responses to anthropogenic pressures. Both lakes, influenced by historical industrial activity and current land use, exhibited unique phytoplankton development patterns during summer months. Lake Bannoe, once affected by leather processing and monastic facilities, now reflects the impact of an algae plant, while Lake Kholmovskoye faces pressure from a trout farm and household drainage. The study highlights how phytoplankton, as sensitive indicators of aquatic ecosystem health, rapidly respond to environmental changes, providing critical insights into the ecological state of these UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The Composition and Organic Matter of Bottom Sediments and Soil in the Drainage Basin Varvarinskoe Lake (Bolshoy Solovetsky Island)
Research on the Solovetsky Islands reveals a strong correlation between organic matter concentration and particle size distribution in Lake Varvarinskoe's bottom sediments. The study analyzed core samples from both lake sediments and coastal soils, demonstrating how sediment composition influences organic matter levels. This finding provides critical insights into the ecological dynamics of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering potential implications for understanding nutrient cycling and environmental health in similar freshwater ecosystems.
VOOPIK Arkhangelsk Regional Branch Establishment and the Solovetsky MuseumReserve Organization: Historical Parallels
A parallel development between the establishment of the VOOPIIK Arkhangelsk regional branch and the Solovetsky Museum-Reserve reveals how grassroots conservation movements, like VOOPIIK, played a pivotal role in preserving the cultural heritage of the Solovetsky Archipelago. The study highlights that as discussions around monument preservation intensified in society, the increasing tourist flow to the islands coincided with the museum-reserve's formation and the funding shift from state-backed restoration efforts to VOOPIIK-supported initiatives. This suggests that membership in mass conservation movements provided additional leverage for promoting heritage protection, while also shaping the territory's development trajectory.
Features of the Structure of Pine Stands on Bolshoy Solovetsky Island
Pine forests on Bolshoy Solovetsky Island exhibit unique structural characteristics, including low timber stocks (53–92 m³/ha) and high taper rates, with relative heights 36–45% lower than mainland pine stands. The study, conducted across 34 sampling areas representing dominant forest types (cowberry, blueberry, and sphagnum), found that most stands are uneven-aged, with only 3% being even-aged. Trees in these forests grow slowly, averaging 109–114 years, with diameters of 21–22 cm but low heights (12–14 m). A negative correlation between relative height and age suggests growth constraints linked to the island's conditions.
Gulag Memories
This ethnographic study reveals how the Gulag persists as a contested site of memory in post-socialist Russia, despite its official closure. It explores the language of commemoration and the social phenomenon of memory creation, focusing on four historically significant regions: the Solovetsky Islands, Komi Republic, Perm region, and Kolyma. The research demonstrates how objects become heritage and how human needs for remembrance shape the preservation of the Gulag's legacy today.
Internal Solitary Waves in the White Sea: Hot-Spots, Structure, and Kinematics from Multi-Sensor Observations
A major hot-spot for internal solitary waves (ISWs) has been identified in the southwestern Gorlo Strait of the White Sea, characterized by strong tides and complex topography. These ISWs exhibit pronounced high-frequency isopycnal depressions of 5–8 meters during flood and slackening phases, with similar activity observed near Solovetsky Islands and Onega Bay. The study, leveraging historical synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data and field measurements, reveals that wave trains are larger and propagate faster in deeper regions. Theoretical propagation speeds derived from a two-layer model overestimate actual speeds by 2–3 times due to unaccounted background currents. Enhanced diapycnic diffusion was also observed near frontal zones, where the tallest ISWs (14–17 meters) were regularly recorded.
Multispecies stands growth in similar growing conditions on Bolshoy Solovetsky Island
A study on Big Solovetsky Island revealed that introduced tree species—Douglas fir, Siberian larch, and Siberian stone pine (cedar)—exhibited significantly greater radial growth than native Scots pine and Norway spruce under similar growing conditions. While all stands were 80 years old with comparable heights (17.7–18.9 m), the introduced species showed wider annual rings (0.59–1.66 mm) on average, with Siberian larch achieving the largest diameter (20.7 cm). Notably, only four Douglas fir specimens survived, suggesting potential light increment bias in growth metrics. The research analyzed radial growth via wood cores and microscopic measurement (±0.05 mm), highlighting asynchronous growth patterns between species, particularly during early development stages.
Richness and Scarcity of the Flora of White Sea Islands
A comprehensive survey of the flora of over 100 White Sea islands reveals significant variation in vascular plant richness, ranging from zero species on rocky islets to 337 native species on Bolshoi Solovetsky Island. This diversity is primarily influenced by island size, with smaller and more remote islands showing distinct deviations from the typical boreal flora, marked by a decline in boreal species and an increase in northern-distributed taxa. Notably, the Poaceae family dominates the taxonomic spectrum, while northern-distributed species comprise up to 43% of the geographical elements, mirroring patterns seen in Arctic latitudes. These findings underscore the complex interplay between island characteristics—such as area, isolation, geological structure, and coastline serration—and flora composition, providing critical insights into the biodiversity dynamics of this UNESCO-listed cultural and historic site.
The results of the introduction of twisted pine ( Pinus contorta ) in Bolshoy Solovetsky Island
A comparative study of twisted pine (Pinus contorta) and Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) on Bolshoy Solovetsky Island reveals that, despite similar growth conditions, twisted pine exhibits faster height growth but higher susceptibility to pathologies. While both species show comparable trunk volume-to-diameter relationships, Scots pine demonstrates more stable radial growth over time, with consistently high latewood proportion (12%) compared to twisted pine's 14%. Notably, twisted pine's bark is significantly thinner (38% less) than Scots pine's at maturity, and its assimilation apparatus—including branch density and needle lifespan—is more developed. However, the study found that twisted pine's radial growth peaks around 14–15 years before declining, contrasting with Scots pine's sustained performance. These findings suggest that while twisted pine may be viable for introduction in similar climates, its long-term stability and resistance to pathologies warrant further monitoring.
Vaucheria coronata and V. velutina – new species of the yellow-green algae of the Xanthophyceae for the Arkhangelsk Region (White Sea)
Two new species of yellow-green algae, Vaucheria coronata and V. velutina, have been documented for the first time in the Arkhangelsk Region (White Sea), with V. coronata marking a second Russian record and V. velutina representing its debut in the White Sea. The discovery expands the known biodiversity of the Solovetsky Islands by identifying unique morphological traits and habitat preferences of these algae. The research combines field observations with morphological analysis to characterize their growth localities and distribution patterns, contributing new data to regional algal taxonomy.
Windproof Role of Birch Crooked Forests on Bolshoy Solovetsky Island
Birch crooked forests on Bolshoy Solovetsky Island act as natural windbreaks, significantly reducing wind speed and protecting inland ecosystems. These forests, primarily composed of twisted birch (Betula tortuosa) with patches of downy birch (Betula pubescens), dampen wind speeds to minimal levels within approximately 50 meters from the shoreline, regardless of coastal indentation or exposure. The study, conducted across three trial plots representing different wind exposure conditions—semi-open bay, exposed cape, and smooth shoreline—measured wind speed using anemometers at various distances from the shore. Findings revealed that wind speed decreases rapidly within the first tens of meters of the birch plantations, with the most substantial reduction observed on exposed capes, followed by open shores and protected bays.
Island Communities’ Viability in the Arkhangelsk Oblast, Russian Arctic: The Role of Livelihoods and Social Capital
Island communities in the Arkhangelsk Oblast, Russian Arctic, exhibit resilience despite significant socioeconomic changes post-Soviet Union, driven by strong livelihoods, employment opportunities, and robust social capital. Key factors include shared perceptions of change, place attachment, and local values, which deter outmigration. The study, based on qualitative interviews with residents and stakeholders in the Solovetsky Archipelago and Northern Dvina River delta, highlights that sustaining community viability requires both bottom-up initiatives—such as engaged individuals accessing economic support—and top-down investments fostering local value creation and employment. This dual approach is crucial for addressing challenges faced by remote Arctic communities.
Thermograms of lakes of Bolshoy Solovetsky Island
Two lakes on Bolshoy Solovetsky Island, part of the UNESCO-listed Solovetsky archipelago, exhibit unusually high bottom temperatures—up to 6°C at 15–20 meters in Bolshoye Krasnoe Lake and 5.16–5.26°C in Shchuch’e Lake—deviating from the expected 4°C stable layer typical of dimictic lakes. This anomaly suggests a potential local geothermal heat source, though chemical reactions or wind mixing must first be ruled out through further research. The study, conducted by the Vernadsky State Geological Museum with support from Neft-Service in July 2021, analyzed thermograms from 12 lakes to assess the feasibility of harnessing geothermal energy on the island, which currently relies on diesel generators and boilers for limited electricity and heating.
VIR collecting missions in 2020
In 2020, scientists from the Vavilov Institute of Plant Industry (VIR) conducted eight collecting missions across Russia to replenish their collection of plant genetic resources. These missions, supported by budgetary and non-budgetary sources, covered diverse regions including Krasnodar Territory, Adygea, Karelia (including Valaam Island), Murmansk and Arkhangelsk provinces, the Solovetsky Islands, Yakutia, and Khabarovsk Territory. A total of 580 samples—comprising seeds, cuttings, live plants, and herbarium specimens—were collected, contributing significantly to the preservation and expansion of plant genetic resources. The study underscores the importance of systematic collecting missions in maintaining biodiversity and ensuring the long-term availability of plant genetic materials for research and conservation efforts.
Additions to the Fauna of Moths and Butterflies (Lepidoptera) of the Arkhangelsk Oblast, Russia
A comprehensive survey of moths and butterflies (Lepidoptera) in the Arkhangelsk Oblast, Russia, including the UNESCO-listed Solovetsky Islands, has uncovered 47 previously unreported species. Notable discoveries include Coleophora proterella, representing the first record from Russia, Clostera albosigma, marking the westernmost European occurrence, and Bryotropha affinis, a rare coastal species predominantly found in Fennoscandia. The study also verified eight species thought to be extinct or only known from historical records and documented new localities for 318 species. With these additions, the regional Lepidoptera fauna now totals 1188 species, with an estimated 1800 species expected once further surveys are completed. This research significantly expands our understanding of the biodiversity in this remote and ecologically significant region.
Anna Gaynutdinova, Inclusion vs. Exclusion. Overcoming Undemocratic Contextual Issues in Integrating Communities to Heritage Management and Preservation
Local community engagement in heritage conservation, particularly within the UNESCO World Heritage Site 'Cultural and Historic Ensemble of the Solovetsky Islands,' has demonstrated resilience despite undemocratic contextual challenges. The study analyzes over 50 years of practice, revealing that effective integration of communities into heritage management can mitigate adverse political and social circumstances. It highlights the significance of inclusive approaches in preserving cultural heritage, even under restrictive conditions. The research synthesizes insights from various initiatives across Russia, emphasizing the need for adaptive strategies to overcome exclusionary contexts.
Bombus (Pyrobombus) jonellus (Kirby, 1802) in the north-western Russian Plain: its distribution and ecology
Bombus (Pyrobombus) jonellus is widely distributed and abundant across the north-western Russian Plain, extending its northern range boundary to the Kanin Peninsula. This study, based on 17 years of field data, reveals that B. jonellus thrives in diverse habitats, from coniferous forests and birch woodlands to coastal heathlands in the Solovetsky Islands, White Sea. Unlike other bumblebees, it shows a preference for open habitats in northern regions, foraging on a broad spectrum of entomophilous plants, predominantly from the Ericaceae family. The research highlights the species' ecological adaptability and its significance in the region's biodiversity, contributing critical insights into its distribution and habitat preferences.
Impact Assessment of Production Facilities on Soils of the Solovetsky Village (Solovetsky Archipelago, Arkhangelsk Region)
Research on the Solovetsky Islands reveals significant soil contamination linked to industrial activity, with catalase enzyme activity serving as a sensitive biomarker for pollution. The study found elevated levels of heavy metals (notably zinc and lead) and petroleum products in soils near production facilities such as a gas station, diesel power plant, and dry dock. Catalase activity spiked by 50% in highly contaminated soils but plummeted sharply where petroleum product concentrations exceeded 13,400 µg/kg, suggesting its potential as a diagnostic tool for assessing soil health in polluted environments. The findings highlight the urgent need to address industrial impacts on this UNESCO-listed site.
Lodgepole pine of Yukon origin in the European North of Russia
Lodgepole pine of Yukon origin demonstrates exceptional adaptability and growth potential when introduced to the European North of Russia, particularly on the Solovetsky Islands. A study conducted in the Arkhangelsk region found that this species thrives under improved soil cultivation conditions, exhibiting robust growth in height, diameter, and trunk volume. The research, which involved three experimental plots established in 1988 with two-year-old seedlings from Yukon seeds, concluded that Lodgepole pine is well-suited for fast-growing forest plantations in productive forest types of the hylocomiosa group, such as oxalidosum and fresh myrtillosum. These findings suggest significant potential for introducing this species to enhance forest productivity in similar environments.
Trace elements content of surface peat deposits in the Solovetsky Islands (White Sea)
Trace element pollution levels in the Solovetsky Islands (White Sea) are significantly lower than in other European regions, with spatial variability influenced by proximity to the sea and peatland type. The study found that cadmium (Cd) concentrations were highest near coastal areas, likely due to its mobility in seawater, while chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), and lead (Pb) were more prevalent inland, suggesting atmospheric pollution as their primary source. Raised bogs exhibited higher Cr and Pb levels compared to transitional mires, with Ni showing the most consistent values across peat types, making it a reliable indicator for pollution monitoring even in transitional settings. The research used ombrotrophic and mesotrophic peat samples from different microtopographical settings (hummock/hollow) to calculate pollution indices, including geoaccumulation index (Igeo), contamination factor (Cf), and degree of contamination (Cdeg).
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