Архив автора: admin

PROBLEMS OF CASPIAN SEA LEVEL FORECASTING: LESSONS FROM HISTORY AND GUIDELINES FOR THE FUTURE (REVIEW)

Ecology and dynamics Опубликовано автором

S.I. Shaporenko, N.I. Koronkevich, Yu.A. Spirin, A.M. Abdurashidov Problems of Caspian Sea Level Forecasting: Lessons from History and Guidelines for the Future (Review) // Ecosystems: ecology and dynamics. No 2. 2026. P. 5-40. | Abstract | PDF | Reference

 

The long-term fluctuation of the average annual Caspian Sea Level (CSL) causes significant geoecological problems in its coastal zone. Solutions to these problems typically come from the reliable long-term forecasts of its water balance. The lowest drop in the mean sea level in the entire period of instrumental observations to a record low in 2025 (-29.02 m relative to the Makhachkala Tide Gauge Station) makes research into the processes that determine the hydrological regime of the sea even more urgent.

In this article we aim to identify the main reasons for the poor accuracy of long-term forecasts compared to short-term ones, based on a retrospective critical review of publications concerning predictive approaches to studying CSL fluctuation patterns. The main types of long-term forecasts are examined, including those using empirical relationships between the CSL and heliophysical processes, patterns of periodic and cyclical changes in phases of level rise and fall associated with changes in atmospheric circulation patterns, and other possible factors influencing the components of its water balance. It is established that, besides the natural complexities associated with forecasting climatic factors, the uncertainty of plans for the economic use of water resources in the Caspian basin also contributes to the inaccuracy of long-term forecasts. Such difficulties are not characteristic of short-term forecasts of seasonal and non-periodic level fluctuations.

In the absence of the possibility for long-term forecasting using clear predictors, all forecasts (both deterministic and probabilistic) are based on extrapolating identified patterns from previous periods, assuming that their main determining parameters will remain constant in the future. In the planned economy of the USSR, such an approach for forecasts exceeding three years was considered unacceptable due to large errors, even if the trend direction persisted. In the conditions of the Caspian catchment area, a change in this trend direction caused the maximum forecast errors, making it impossible to recommend this approach for solving economic planning problems.

A change in strategy is required, one based not on focusing on level forecasts, but on a mechanism for adapting the economy to the range of its variability within ecologically justified limits determined by the modern climate. An analysis of paleogeographic and historical sea-level data, which correspond well with the geomorphological features of the sea basin, provides specific quantitative indicators of level fluctuation. G.I. Rychagov called this range the risk zone and defined it within the interval from -30 m to -25 m, based on the natural flow of the Volga, or with an upper boundary of -26 m, accounting for irretrievable water withdrawal for economic needs.

The adaptation strategy may also include elements of level regulation, which were considered during the implementation of the “Greater Volga” project developed at the beginning of the 20th century, and incorporate short-term forecasting of water balance components as an important auxiliary element.

Keywords: elements of water balance; climatic and anthropogenic factors of formation; history, authors and forecasting methods; strategy of environmental management.

Funding. This work was carried out for the state assignment of the Institute of Geology of the Russian Academy of Sciences FMWS-2026-0003, No. 1025030300154-4, “Geographical and Hydrological Assessment of Changes in Water Resources in the Past, Present and Future in Various Natural and Economic Conditions”.

DOI: 10.24412/2542-2006-2026-2-5-40

EDN: XHFCJW

DYNAMIC CHANGES IN THE AREA WITH SURFACE-CARBONATE SOILS OBSERVED ON REMOTE SENSING DATA IN THE VOLGOGRAD REGION

Ecology and dynamics Опубликовано автором

Gorokhova I.N., Khitrov N.B., Kravchenko E.I. Dynamic Changes in the Area with Surface-Carbonate Soils Observed on Remote Sensing Data in the Volgograd Region // Ecosystems: ecology and dynamics. No 2. 2026. P. 41-60. | Abstract | PDF | Reference

 

 

We studied the dynamics of changing area of surface carbonate soils with the help of satellite images over a 30-year period of irrigation in 3 key areas that belong to different natural zones of the Volgograd Region: 1) the Northern Yergeni Upland (“Chervlenoe” massif), 2) the Caspian Depressiom, Khvalynsk Clay Plain – Northern Sarpa Lowland (Svetloyarsky massif), 3) the Caspian Depressiom, Khvalynsk Clay Plain – Sarpa Gully (Duboovrazhny massif). All 3 sites are located in the dry-steppe zone with an initial soil cover of light-chestnut solonetzic complexes. They differ in elevation, relief, parent and underlying rocks, groundwater levels, alkalinity, soil salinity, and the history of anthropogenic impacts associated with field planning, groundwater level rise, methods of plowing and irrigation, and crops. All sites have surface-carbonate soils, which were additionally confirmed by our fieldwork and laboratory data. We used Landsat-5 and Landsat-8 OLI satellite images for the period of 1985-2018 with a ground resolution of 30 m. Iindividual fields in the images were selected where surface patches were most evident, formed by the carbonates in the arable soil horizon (0-30 cm). The patches were analyzed for 3 different years, with intervals of 5-18 years. When processing images, we identified surface carbonate soils visually, interactively, and by unsupervised image classification that uses the IsoData method in the ENVI software package. These methods yielded different results, with a similar trend of growing areas of patched over the years, which may be caused by the following reasons: 1) the spreading of carbonates across the field during annual plowing, 2) the settling of carbonates that come from carbonate-saturated soil solutions during evaporation and water use by plant roots, 3) the plowing of carbonate horizons as the arable horizon gets eroded. According to the image classification method, the greatest increase in area is observed in the fields of the “Chervlenoe” (12.6 ha) and Svetloyarsky (11.0 ha) massifs over 23 and 33-year periods, respectively. In the fields of the Duboovrazhny massif, the increase was 4.2 ha over 11 years, since the planning of the fields during the construction of the irrigation system there was insignificant, and the period under consideration was shorter (11 years).

Keywords: light chestnut soils, irrigation, soil carbonates, field planning, space imagery classification, soil cover heterogeneity.

DOI: 10.24412/2542-2006-2026-2-41–60

EDN: YHZZYA

FLORISTIC TRANSFORMATIONS IN THE VALLEY OF THE UNITSA RIVER (MOSCOW REGION)

Ecology and dynamics Опубликовано автором

Shvetsov A.N., Kuklina A.G., Ozerova N.A. Floristic Transformations in the Valley of the Unitsa River (Moscow Region) // Ecosystems: ecology and dynamics. No 2. 2026. P. 93-61. | Abstract | PDF | Reference

 

 

During the field survey at the natural reserve “Unitsa River Valley” and adjacent territories (total area ≈300 ha) in the municipal district of Zaraysk, Moscow Region, a floristic list was compiled of 346 species of vascular plants. For the first time, the habitats of 3 rare taxa were identified: Anemone sylvestris, Gentiana cruciata, and Pulmonaria angustifolia, which are listed in the Red Data Book of the Moscow Region (2018). Among the identified species, 12 require regular monitoring. Among the 28 alien taxa found, there are 12 invasive and 5 potentially invasive species that tend to spread. A retrospective analysis using archives and documents has revealed several historical stages of the natural complexes in this reserve. It has been established that woody vegetation appeared in the basin of the Unica River (within the boundaries of specially protected area) in the last quarter of the 18th century, as a secondary forest at the site of deforestation. In the 1770-1950s, oak forests with birch mixed with linden and aspen were formed; natural resources were harnessed using traditional forest management techniques, cattle grazing and haymaking took place. In the 1950s and 2010s, as a result of human introduction activities, forest crops began to be grown in protected areas. At the current stage, starting in the 2010s, the structure and appearance of phytocenoses have shown signs of restoration of woody vegetation due to the presence of birch and aspen on old arable lands, meadow slopes of the Osetr River, and near-edge fallow lands. The most notable phenomenon of this period was the widespread expansion of Heracleum sosnowskyi, which poses the greatest threat to the natural complex of protected areas and has a detrimental effect on plant diversity and the overall ecosystem.

Keywords: specially protected natural areas, rare species, invasive species, Unitsa River, Zaraysk, Moscow Region.

Funding. This work was carried out for the agreement No. 09/27 on scientific cooperation between the Main Botanical Garden of the Russian Academy of Sciences and Institute for the History of Science and Technology of the Russian Academy of Sciences dated 09/27/2021, as well as the state assignments of the Main Botanical Garden, project No. 126020916823-0 “Biological Diversity, Resource Potential and Preservation of Natural And Cultural Flora under Climatic and Anthropogenic Changes», and the Institute for the History of Science and Technology, project No. 1022041500043-8-6.3.2 “Historical Vectors of Development of Geography and Geology in Russia: Identification of the Main Links between the Practice Requests and the Development of Geography and Geology, the Interaction of Individual Directions at Different Stages of the History of the Earth Sciences”.

Conflict of interest: The authors declare that there are no apparent or potential conflicts of interest related to the publication of this article.

DOI: 10.24412/2542-2006-2026-2-61-93

EDN: STFOIJ

ASSESSMENT OF THE ECOLOGICAL STATE OF URBAN WATER BODIES (TOGLIATTI, SAMARA REGION)

Ecology and dynamics Опубликовано автором

Zinchenko T.D.,  Tarasova N.G., Misyuk A.V.,  Morov V.P.  Assessment of the Ecological State of Urban Water Bodies (Togliatti, Samara Region) // Ecosystems: ecology and dynamics. No 2. 2026. P. 94-137. | Abstract | PDF | Reference

 

 

In this article we present the results of our comprehensive assessment the ecological state of Lake Plyazhnoe (Tolyatti, Samara Region) that was based on a certification of the condition of the lake and its recreational resources. In our study, we included data from our natural-geographical researches, data on the Quaternary geology and hydrogeology of the water protection zone and catchment area of the lake, hydrographic-hydrological, hydrochemical, hydrobiological, landscape-ecological, and sanitary-bacteriological indicators, integrated ecological characteristics, as well as recommendations for the lake’s restoration and preservation. Using both the results of hydrochemical and hydrobiological studies and an assessment of changes in the abundance and biomass of the main taxonomic groups of Lake Plyazhnoe that were conducted through various methodological approaches, we studied the dynamics of abiotic and biotic indicators. From the acquired set of abiotic environmental factors, we selected the most significant ones that determine the ecological state of the lake. Additionally, we determined its ecological status. Our study aims to promptly forecast critical ecological situations and to warn of environmental hazards when assessing the condition of water bodies.

Keywords: ecological state, Lake Plyazhnoe, lake basin, abiotic and biotic indicators, taxonomic diversity, Samara Region.

Funding. This work was carried out by the researchers of the Hydrobiology Laboratory, as part of the state assignment of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation for the Samara Federal Research Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences, topic No. FMRW-2025-0046 “The Impact that Changes in Natural and Climatic Conditions Have on the State of Biodiversity and the Functioning of Natural and Anthropogenically Modified Ecosystems”, and of the Ecosystem Research Laboratory, topic No. FMRW-2025-0047 “Comprehensive Assessment of Biological Resources State and Monitoring of Natural Ecosystems of the Volga Basin”.

DOI: 10.24412/2542-2006-2026-2-94-137

EDN: UKMUQF

SALINE SOILS OF RUSSIA (HISTORY OF STUDY, DISTRIBUTION AND GENESIS)

Ecology and dynamics Опубликовано автором

Chernousenko G.I., Pankova E.I., Khitrov N.B. Saline Soils of Russia (History of Study, Distribution and Genesis) // Ecosystems: ecology and dynamics. No 1. 2026. P. 5-37. | Abstract | PDF | Reference

 

 

In this article we have summarized the studies on the distribution and genesis of saline soils in Russia from the early 20th century to the present. Emphasis is placed on the ones carried out by the V.V. Dokuchaev Soil Science Institute, which will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2027. Maps of the distribution of saline soils of varying chemistry across Russia are analyzed. The factors, sources, and mechanisms of soil salinization in different regions of the country are considered. Brief information is provided on the types of saline and solonetzic soils in all administrative units of the country where they occur, their areas, predominant degrees, depths, and chemistry, as well as the genesis of salinization. The largest areas of saline and solonetzic soils are found in southern Russia, due to a combination of an arid climate, poor drainage, and the presence of saline rocks. This determines the predominantly chloride salinization of the soils of the Caspian Lowland. Further north in the Volga Federal District, the area of saline soils decreases, with chloride-sulfate salinization becoming predominantly present. Gypsum appears, and, more often in solonetzic and irrigated soils, soda also appears. Saline soils form underlain by saline loess-like loams and clays or at close proximity to mineralized unconfined groundwater. In the Central Federal District, saline soils are localized, as the area is better drained, and the soil moisture index is close to 1. They are primarily found in the south and southeast of the district. At higher elevations, sulfate-based saline soils develop on saline rocks and where mineralized unconfined groundwater approaches the surface, while soda-based salinization is more common in the lowlands. Significantly fewer saline soils are found in the Northwestern Federal District, where saline soils are confined to the coast, forming under the influence of the sea and on marine saline sediments. This determines the predominantly sulfate-chloride and chloride types of salinization of coastal soils. Saline soils are found in the steppe and forest-steppe zones of the Ural Federal District. In addition to climate, salinization is facilitated by outcrops of saline, often gypsum-bearing, rocks and a loamy soil texture. The chemistry of salinization is predominantly sulfate. Saline soils of the Siberian Federal District are divided into two sharply distinct regions. The western part of the district, which belongs to the West Siberian Plain, is where solonetz and solonetzic soils most often form, with sodic chemistry dominating; the salinization type is continental, associated with climate and poor drainage of the territory. The eastern part of the district is characterized by smaller areas of saline soils; solonetz is extremely rare, and the chemistry is predominantly sulfate. Salinization is determined by gypsum-bearing saline deposits and the waters that erode them, including groundwater. Lake Baikal separates the soils of different salinization types. West of Lake Baikal, sulfate salinization clearly predominates, while to the east, a significant proportion of soils exhibit sodic salinization, which is prevalent in eastern Transbaikalia. The causes of salinization in Transbaikalia are similar to those in Western Siberia. Both regions lack saline rocks, gypsum, and salt deposits; salinization is primarily continental in origin, and soda-based chemistry or soda-based chemistry predominates. The chemistry and causes of salinization in the soils of the Far Eastern Federal District are different. In the Lena Valley, in the absence of saline rocks or deposits, sulfate-chloride and chloride-saline soils form under permafrost conditions. Permafrost prevents chloride salts from leaching from the profile. In northern Yakutia, Chukotka, and on the country’s eastern coast, predominantly chloride salinization is determined by proximity to the sea and the presence of marine sediments. In Kamchatka, in a zone of increased seismic and volcanic activity, the presence of saline soils is determined by hydrothermal systems, leading to the formation of alum-type salinization.

Keywords: soil salinization maps of Russia, salt accumulation factors, chemistry, depth, degree of salinization, salt genesis, areas of saline soils, administrative units of the Russian Federation.

DOI: 10.24412/2542-2006-2026-1-5-37

EDN: JIPSYX

ANALYSIS OF BOTTOM COMMUNITIES OF SMALL PLAIN RIVERS BY THEIR STRUCTURAL AND FUNCTIONAL INDICATORS (ON THE EXAMPLE OF THE KOLOKSHA RIVER, VLADIMIR REGION)

Ecology and dynamics Опубликовано автором

Zinchenko T.D., Morov V.P. Analysis of Bottom Communities of Small Plain Rivers by Their Structural and Functional Indicators (on the Example of the Koloksha River, Vladimir Region // Ecosystems: ecology and dynamics. No 1. 2026. P. 38-92. | Abstract | PDF | Reference

 

In this article, we present the study results of diversity, structural, and functional characteristics of benthic communities from sections of the small lowland river – Koloksha, a tributary of the Klyazma River in the Upper Volga basin. We examined patterns of spatial and structural variability in those communities using a wide range of aquatic organisms that served as indicators of the ecological state of the river.

Based on research conducted in 1993 and 2013, we analyzed changes in the species richness and functional characteristics of macrozoobenthos communities in the Koloksha River and its tributaries. Using data on changes in the abundance and biomass of key taxonomic groups, as well as various methodological approaches, we examined the dynamics of hydrobiological indicators, taking into account their nonstationarity and the existence of consistent trends depending on influencing factors.

From the compiled set of abiotic environmental factors, we selected significant parameters that determined the complex longitudinal gradient (oxygen saturation, flow velocity, and phosphorus content), and then determined the ecological status of the river.

Keywords: macrozoobenthos communities, taxonomic diversity, abiotic factors, functional features, Koloksha River, Klyazma River basin.

DOI: 10.24412/2542-2006-2026-1-38-92

EDN: NXKQTS

DEVELOPMENT OF THEORY AND METHODS OF MONITORING FOREST ECOSYSTEMS UNDER GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE (RESULTS OF SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH)

Ecology and dynamics Опубликовано автором

Kolomyts E.G. Development of Theory and Methods of Monitoring Forest Ecosystems under Global Climate Change (Results of Scientific Research)  // Ecosystems: ecology and dynamics. No 1. 2026. P. 93-116. | Abstract | PDF | Reference

 

The paper examines the prospects for implementing the full triad of geoecological monitoring: observation (state assessment) – control (forecasting) – management (adaptation, regulation). Conceptual principles are proposed for an empirical-simulation method of landscape-ecological forecasting of forest ecosystems, revealing the local and regional mechanisms of their global changes. Paths for developing a new predictive geo-ecological concept, known as “Global Changes at the Local Level”, are substantiated, identifying these changes through an empirically established mapping of the background bioclimatic trend by the catenary system of forest biogeocoenoses, which makes this study a novelty. The ordination analysis of landscape connections aims to identify the transitions of forest communities to critical states based on the main discrete parameters of biological turnover. The landscape-ecological forecast is presented as a system of operations with the ecological (hydrothermal) niches of the studied objects. Empirical-simulation predictive modeling is described as the reproduction of future scenarios of biogeocoenotic systems according to the laws of their basic spatial organization. A methodology developed by the author for quantitatively assessing the resilience of forest ecosystems is presented. The mechanisms of adaptation of forest ecosystems to global climate signals are examined through the prism of their functional resilience to the impact of these signals. The ecological resources of forest cover are described in the biotic regulation of the carbon cycle, aimed at mitigating global warming, as well as in ensuring the transition to adaptive forestry.

Keywords: global warming, forest geo(eco)systems, geo-ecological monitoring, empirical-simulation predictive modeling, forest ecosystem resilience, quantitative methods of ecological analysis, carbon cycle, forest ecological resources, global warming mitigation.

DOI: 10.24412/2542-2006-2026-1-93-116

EDN: VJGNPO

PLANT FORAGE RESOURCES AND THEIR DIVISION BY HERBIVOROUS MAMMALS DURING JOINT GRAZING ON A STEPPE PASTRY

Ecology and dynamics Опубликовано автором

Abaturov B.D., Dzhapova V.V., Ayusheva E.Ch., Dzhapova R.R., Bembeeva O.G., Kazmin V.D., Medyannikov I.I. Plant Forage Resources and Their Division by Herbivorous Mammals during Joint Grazing on a Steppe Pastry // Ecosystems: ecology and dynamics. No 1. 2026. P. 117-133. | Abstract | PDF | Reference

 

We investigated 4 species of herbivorous mammals with different digestive systems exhibiting dietary selectivity toward forbs and true grasses, which differ in their nutritional value, primarily, their digestibility. Saiga antelopes, just like other animals with high dietary selectivity that consume easily digestible foods, prefer forbs of high digestibility and avoid less digestible true grasses. If true grasses make up most of the pastures and saiga have no other choice but to feed on them, the saiga population turns unviable. Horses and bison, like other equines and large ruminants that are highly specialized in feeding off true grasses, successfully utilize them despite their poor digestibility, but avoid forbs. It is clear that they exclude forbs from their diet due to the increased toxicity of the latter. Camels do not discriminate between true grasses and forbs with different nutrition values. Currently, they actively graze in fallow lands (former arable land), overgrown with weeds, which other herbivores avoid. Differences in forage plant selection of different animal species grazing together ensure that they share the same pasture successfully, eliminate competition, and help to preserve the species diversity of pasture vegetation.

Keywords: herbivorous mammals, pasture plants, grasses and forbs, forage digestibility, feeding selectivity.

DOI: 10.24412/2542-2006-2026-1-117-133

EDN: VVFAFI

LAND USE TRANSFORMATION AND ECOLOGICAL EFFICIENCY OF VALLEY ECOSYSTEMS IN TURKEY

Ecology and dynamics Опубликовано автором

Illarionova O.A., Makogonova A.M. Land Use Transformation and Ecological Efficiency of Valley Ecosystems in Turkey // Ecosystems: ecology and dynamics. No 1. 2026. P. 134-154. | Abstract | PDF | Reference

 

 

River valleys in Turkey, while occupying less than 5% of its territory, play a key role in maintaining the ecological balance of arid regions (over 60% of the country). This study assesses land use transformation and its impact on the ecological functioning of 63 river valleys in Turkey from 1990 to 2018. An Ecological Performance Index was developed using valley identification using Copernicus GLO-30 DEM and analysis of Corine Land Cover data. The results show that 65% of the valley area is developed for economic use, with up to 40% occupied by irrigated croplands. The main change is the transition from non-irrigated to irrigated lands (16% of the converted area), accompanied by a tenfold increase in sealed surfaces. It is noted that the ecological efficiency of valleys declines precisely in those regions where their ecosystem services are most needed.

Keywords: ecological efficiency of land use, river valley identification, ecosystem services, climate change adaptation, ecosystem transformation, valleys in arid regions.

DOI: 10.24412/2542-2006-2026-1-134-154

EDN: WNHCRW

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF VEGETATION STRUCTURE IN MOUNTAIN FOREST ECOSYSTEMS OF NORTHERN MONGOLIA (BASED ON THE MODEL POLYGONS)

Ecology and dynamics Опубликовано автором

Petukhov I.A., Andreev A.V., Bazha S.N., Bogdanov E.A., Danzhalova E.V., Drobyshev Yu.I., Rupyshev Yu.A., Khadbaatar S. Comparative Analysis of Vegetation Structure in Mountain Forest Ecosystems of Northern Mongolia (Based on the Model Polygons) // Ecosystems: ecology and dynamics. No 4. 2025. P. 5-62. | Abstract | PDF | Reference

 

 

In this research we conducted large-scale mapping (1:10,000-1:50,000) and description of natural ecosystems at the junction of two belts, forest and forest-steppe mountain, in the Selenga River Basin, Northern Mongolia. Part of broader studies on the forest growth conditions of the Lake Baikal Basin, this research took place in 2019 and 2022 across 4 model polygons: Zelter in the eastern Dzhida Range, Chandmani-Under in the central Eastern Khuvsgul Region, Zunkhara in the foothills of Western Khentii Highlands, and Selbe in the southwestern Khentii Upland.

“Selbe” and “Chandmani-Under” encompass 3 forest vegetation altitudinal belts: mountain-taiga, sub-taiga, and forest-steppe. The low-mountain “Zelter” and “Zunkhara” lack the mountain-taiga belt. Distinctively, unlike most mountain forest areas in Mongolia where only 1-2 coniferous species typically form the primary forest stands, the indigenous forest types in the upper Selbe River Basin are comprised of 4 coniferous species: Pinus sibirica, Larix sibirica, Pinus sylvestris and Picea obovata. In “Chandmani-Under” and “Zelter”, Larix sibirica is the dominant coniferous species, while in “Zunkhara” it is Pinus sylvestris and Larix sibirica.

The large-scale mapping data from the model polygons clearly demonstrated a regular altitudinal succession of altitudinal belts, transitioning from mountain-taiga forests at higher elevations of middle-mountain slopes, through sub-taiga, to forest-steppe communities bordering the steppe belt. As aridity increases from north to south, the lower boundaries of these altitudinal belts, including forest vegetation zones, shift upwards. For instance, taiga forests on north-facing slopes of “Selbe” are located above 1600 m a.s.l. (and above 1650 m on the south-facing slopes), whereas in “Chandmani-Under”, situated over 200 km further north, such forests descend steep north-facing slopes to below 1250 m.

The forest-covered area of the model polygons exceeds 70%. However, there is a significant proportion of secondary pyrogenic small-leaved forests, primarily dominated by Betula pendula subsp. mandshurica and Populus tremula. These secondary birch stands and early-stage post-fire successional forests account for 20-24% of the total forest area in “Selbe” and “Chandmani-Under”, over 50% in “Zelter”, and as high as 98% in “Zunkhara”, where indigenous mountain pine-larch and larch-pine sub-taiga forests are entirely absent.

Analysis of the maps depicting forest ecosystems with destroyed indigenous stands at various stages of recovery, alongside their legends characterizing topo-ecological development conditions, enables an assessment of forest degradation scales. This provides a basis for determining natural and technical restoration possibilities, methods, and volumes, and for selecting the most suitable forest cultures for restoration based on the dominant species in the original stands.

Funding. This work was carried out within the framework of the scientific program of the Joint Russian-Mongolian Integrated Biological Expedition of the Russian Academy of Sciences and the Mongolian Academy of Sciences, and the state task of the Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution of the Russian Academy of Sciences, topic No. FFER-2024-0025 “Biogeocenology and Ecosystem Evolution”.

Keywords: mountain forest ecosystems, topo-ecological conditions, altitudinal belts, forest-forming species, secondary stands, large-scale mapping.

DOI: 10.24412/2542-2006-2025-4-5-62

EDN: ADAUJU