The Future of Russia's Landscape

Russia is truly one of the world's most varied landscapes. From the cold, unforgiving arctic landscape of Siberia, to the lush temperate forests that range broadly across the country. No other country can boast having tundra, semi-deserts, steppes, and taiga (coniferous forests). Russia's geography is unique in the sense that it is diverse, yet monotonous at the same time.

The Caucasus Mountains (cc:wikipedia.org)

As with any other landscape, Russia's landscape is changing at slow and steady pace. Due to my extensive knowledge of information I have received from Professor Allen's class, I can hypothesize what the landscape possibly may look like in the near, and distant future.

The Caucasus mountains were formed when the Arabian plate pushed north and collided into the Eurasian plate [3]. The plates are converging with each other, causing the mountain range to rise [2] In the next thousand to ten thousand years, I can comfortably predict that the Caucasus mountains will rise, pushing Mount Elbrus, the tallest mountain in Europe even further.

Eco-regions of Russia. Notice the taiga in forest green, the largest area.

Siberia is well known for it's harsh, unforgiving landscape. It also known for the Gulags that many political "undesirables" were sent to during the Soviet Union era. The area is mostly encompassed by taiga and fringe tundra in the north. The National Climatic Data estimates an increase of 0.74 degrees Celsius [1]. As the global temperatures rise within the next thousand years, I think the tundra will recede north and Siberia will become a more temperate climate. You can expect to see an increase in vegetation and wildlife as the temperature rises in the tundra within ten thousand years. However, as the Earth tends to balance itself out, the tundra will return eventually in the next million years.

Jack London Lake at Kolyma, Russia (cc: Wikipedia)

In conclusion, Russia's landscape is changing gradually. I can hypothesize that many of the physical features will still be there within the next thousand years, but there are many variables that can change that. Namely, the human variable. As the world demands more and more resources, much of the Russian landscape will be subject to exploitation. Heavy deforestation in our quest for more oil and resources will definitely affect the pristine lakes and untapped beauty that is Russia. I can only hope that the landscape remains unchanged so that future generations can enjoy them.



Sources: [1] http://curiosity.discovery.com/question/earth-actually-getting-warmer

[2] Journal of Geophysical Research http://www.bu.edu/phpbin/directory/?index_id=X17674

[3] http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/96JB03736/abstract

Lake Baikal

Lake Baikal (CC: Wikipedia)

Tucked away in a far corner of the world that most people will never visit, lies one Earth's
largest secrets;  Lake Baikal. This dominating body of water is located in the Siberian Irkustk oblast, and it is the largest freshwater lake in the world. The lake also boasts a depth of 5,387 feet, making it the deepest lake in the world!

Location of Lake Baikal (cc: arnoldonline.nl)

One of Russia's numerous UNESCO World Heritage Site's, it is estimated to be around 25 to 30 million years old, making it the oldest lake on our planet. It is in the Baikal Rift Zone, making it a Rift lake, which form when the earth's crust pull apart from each other, creating a continental rift. You would have to travel around 6.8 miles to reach the rift floor, which would earn it the recognition of having the deepest Continental rift on Earth.

Geologists have described the rift as "young and active", mainly because it is widening about two centimeters per year. There are a number of hot springs and various seismic activity in the area. This beautiful lake can boast the distinction of being the world's clearest lake. This known using a tool called a Secchi disk, which measures the water's transparency at certain depths.

Pollution in the Irkustk oblast

Although this lake is among the most gorgeous lakes in the world, not much is being done to protect it. Being the largest freshwater lake in the world, it accounts for around 20% of our world's unfrozen surface fresh water. Nuclear plants, oil pipelines, and mills threaten this lake each and every day. I hope to enjoy it before it is gone!








Sources: http://hassam.hubpages.com/hub/Top-10-Famous-Lakes-Of-The-World

http://www.lonelyplanet.com/russia/siberia/lake-baikal

http://www.geographia.com/russia/baikal01.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Baikal

Russia Rocks!

Look how big they are! (c) magic-ays.com

The Manpupuner Rock Formations (c) Creative Commons

One of the most famous rock formations in the world is Stonehenge, however, an even more interesting and mysterious rock formation can be found in the harsh Siberian landscape; the Manpupuner Rock Formations. They are located north of the Ural Mountains in the Komi Republic.

Meaning "little mountain of the gods" in the Mansai language, locals once believed the legend that the seven rock pillars were once giants who were turned to stone after gazing upon the holy Vogulsky mountains.

These towering monoliths are over 140 feet tall and are estimated to be 200 to 300 million years old. A mountain likely once stood in its place, but years of ice and rain erosion likely shaped the mountain into the pillars we see today. This is the most common theory on their creation.

Although these formations are unique, they are almost virtually unknown from outside of Russia and geography enthusiast circles, and little is known about their formation. One explanation is that it is extremely difficult to travel to the formation due to its remoteness. Even though they one of Russia's seven Wonders, more information has to be gathered on them.






Resources: http://www.amusingplanet.com/2010/05/mysterious-manpupuner-rock-formations.html

http://www.environmentalgraffiti.com/featured/seven-gigantic-rock-figures-rising-beneath-urals/17781

http://russianwomenblog.hotrussianbrides.com/post/The-Seven-Giants-of-the-Urals.aspx

The Kamchatka Region

The Russian landscape stretches for what seems like forever across our planet. This vast area of land is home to one of the most dynamic and unique geographical regions in Russia; the Kamchatka Peninsula. With a population around 322,079, it is located in the far east of Russia and is home to the 2nd largest geyser field in the world. This diverse peninsula also boasts an amazing 16- volcanoes, with 29 of them being active.

The largest volcano in Europe and Asia combined! (Image courtesy of: Tamten at cs.wikipedia)

One of the more interesting volcanoes in the region is the Klyuchevskaya Sopka volcano. What a picturesque volcano! Part of a chain of volcanoes declared a UNESCO World Heritage site, its 4750 km high and is the largest volcano in Eurasia. It is a basaltic strato/composite volcano. They are common in subduction zones, which are formed when an oceanic plate moves under continental crust. The first known eruption was in 1697, and it's still active to this day. It's last major eruption was in 2007, I'm glad I was nowhere near there!

Valley of the Geysers (image courtesy of: Robert Nunn, Flickr)

Aside from the record setting volcanoes, the peninsula is also home to the world famous Valley of the Geysers. The basin has 90 geysers and springs. These geysers were formed when surface water comes in contact with magma and hot rocks. Unfortunately, in 2007, a landside triggered by an earthquake buried about two-thirds of the valley, however many of them are active today. I'd love to visit there one day. I wonder if they'll me swim in the hot springs!

Resources: http://www.volcano.si.edu/world/volcano.cfm?vnum=1000-26%3D

http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-9044464/Kamchatka-Peninsula

http://www.indiana.edu/~sierra/papers/2008/pluchinsky.pdf

The Wonderful World of Russia