Expressions of Intent for International Polar Year 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

REINDEER HERDING AND OIL INDUSTRY: SYMBIOSIS OR COMPETITION IN TUNDRA MENEGMENT  (REOSOM)

Outline
Comparative analysis of parameters of terrestrial and surface water ecosystems along latitude and longitude gradients in undisturbed and in oil industry activity area will become the main method of field research. The research will include next blocks: 1. Series of thematic maps with preliminary vegetation classification (indexes VI, NDVI, UCPC) and disturbed areas will prepare on the basis of analysis of satellite images (Landsat ETM, Aster) and topographical maps. The model plots will select along latitude and longitude gradients. 2. Vascular and spore plants (lichens, mosses, algae) are the most relevant components of tundra communities. The distribution of them depend on history dynamic of region and complexes of ecological and cenotical conditions. Also the plants cover is a bioindicator of disturbed area. For all plots will be determined species composition, abundance and biomass ratio. Plots coordinates will fix with GPS system 3. The vegetation descriptions will classified on basis of the Braun-Blanquet scale and mathematical statistical coefficients. The vegetation classification for model territory will prepare with binding to map contours (for one counter plan do ten descriptions). 4. The characteristics of soils (main nutrients elements, texture of soil, near borehole area oil products content), surface water (element chemistry, pH, temperature), microclimatic conditions (air and ground temperature) will fix by loggers in all plots of model territory. Samples will transport to Institute biology and analyzed in Ecoanalytical laboratory of Institute biology (laboratory have state accreditation for ecological analysis). 5. Collected data will integrated to GIS system of region and will use for preparing of series thematic maps of regional level. *Sampling of water samples will be realize according with «Methods of sampling for water researching» - issue of Central directorate of water resource and environment of Finland, 1989 №40.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
will describe spatial «hot spots» with focused on changes related with effect of traditional reindeer herding and oil industrialization; - will found new data about ecological regularity of distribution vascular and spore plants in natural and transformed tundra communities; - will found main features of abiotic ecosystem components such as surface water soils chemistry in natural and disturbed area; - will found relations between spectral characteristics and vegetation communities (structure, composition, productivity) with preparing thematical maps; - will organize GIS system of natural management activity in model regions

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
The project is define directs, mechanisms and features of transformation and stability factors of ecosystems in European northeast of Russia and North Scandinavia. Received data will organize to paper/ digital report and series thematic maps those can be used for organization of ecological management in regions.

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
Localization of transect near 55 meridian (from 66 to 68.5 parallel) The territory of largest in Europe reindeer farming «Izemskii Olenevod» (fig.1) will choose as model because: firstly, approximately 36.8 thousand reindeers (1.01.2003) pasture on this area with distance of 500 km from south to north (almost to coastal zone) and 200 km from west to east. Secondly, reindeers press of distinct intensity is combine with industrial impact: seven oil companies including ZAO «Sever TEC» (50% share belong to the Fortum (Finland) and other part to LUKoil holding) produce oil in this area. Thirdly, differences of relief, substrate and hydrological regime are cause of ecotypes variability.

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: june-september 2005            
Antarctic: n/a

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
Satellites (Landsat, Aster, Spot Vegetation)

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?

How is it envisaged that the required logistic support will be secured?
Other sources of support

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?

PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND STRUCTURE

Is the project a short-term expansion (over the IPY 2007-2008 timeframe) of an existing plan, programme or initiative or is it a new autonomous proposal?
New

How will the project be organised and managed?

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document?

How is it proposed to fund the project?

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
None

PROPOSER DETAILS

Dr Vladimir Elsakov
Laboratory of tundra ecology, Institute biology,
Kommunisticheskaja 28,
Syktyvkar, Komi Republic, Russia
167982
Russia

Tel: 7(8212)216752
Mobile: no
Fax: 7(8212)24-01-63
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation