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ASSESSMENT OF THE TRANSFORMATION OF NATURAL COMPLEXES IN THE OF OIL AND GAS PRODUCTION AREAS OF NORTH (NORTH OF WESTERN SIBERIA)

Stepan Kukushkin

Abstract

The main and typical changes in the natural complexes of tundra and forest-tundra in the areas of development of oil and gas fields were considered. Assessment of the stages of transformation of plant communities and soil cover due to anthropogenic load has been characterized. With the development of gas and oil fields in the north, pollution leads to a significant transformation and degradation of natural complexes. However, these violations are insignificant in area and localized. Various mechanical disturbances in the development of deposits is the main reason for the transformation of natural complexes of tundra and forest-tundra. The main negative effects that are associated with the movement of heavy vehicles and excavation work are expressed in the processes of thawing of soils and changes in surface runoff. This can lead to complete degradation or replacement of existing natural complexes. The construction of production sites and bulk sandy roads in the development of deposits contributes to the formation of fragmented plant communities, the processes of prairiefication and desertification of phytocenoses. Processes to increase the degree of watering the territory, thermokarst phenomena, acceleration of erosion processes and complete transformation or degradation of biogeocenoses can be considered indicators of changes in natural complexes of tundra and forest-tundra in oil and gas production areas.

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