newsletter_2008_1.pdf - 5.84 MB - The Baltic Sea Project

These islands are located in the White Sea, near
the Arctic Circle.
Their general area is 347 square kilometers. Among a great
number of small islands, there are six major islands: three
larger islands: Big Solovetskii (9246.9 km2), Anzer (24 km2),
and Big Muksalma (17.6 km2) and three smaller islands:
Small Muksalma and Big and Small Zayatskie. Along the
major islands there are chains and groups of small islands
covered by forests and bushes and also small stony islands
called lud and heaps of stones called korg jutting out of the
water.
In 1998 the historical and architectural complex of these
islands was nominated for the UNESCO World Heritage List
of cultural monuments.
It is really one of the most unique historical, architectural
and religious complexes in Russia.
One of the most esteemed Orthodox monasteries in
Russia is located on the main island. There are also about
20 churches and other monastic objects and places of pilgrimage,
including a church constructed with the help of
Peter I on the islands. In the 19th century, one of these
churches was equipped as a beacon and has been and is
a unique historical and technical object that still operates.
Monks also constructed a lot of objects that have technical
and historical value: dams, systems of channels connecting
lakes, water supply systems, an artificial pool with sea
water for breeding fish, and unique labyrinths constructed
in the 16–18 centuries.
The purpose of these mysterious labyrinths remains
unknown. They labyrinths have been dated at different
periods, including the 3rd century of our era.
In the following year, UNESCO monitoring will be held on
the islands. A group of students and teachers has decided
to prepare material to change the nomination of this object;
it can be nominated as a historical and natural object.
The islands really represent a unique natural and landscape
complex.
On the limited territory, plenty of types of landscapes are
combined: tundra (the most southern border of distribution
of its biome), a coniferous taiga, mixed woods, meadows,
various types of coasts, bogs (riding, local and aapa),
and lakes
The ornithological fauna of the islands is also very interesting
and includes loons, eiders, ravens, various kinds of sea
gulls, grey cranes (on the Russian list of endangered species),
sea eagles (also on the Russian endangered species
list), and fish hawks.
Unique flora include six kinds of orchids, oaks (an oak of a
very interesting form — clustering oak), dancing birches,
and sundews.
Beluga Cape
EvENTS
Photos: Stanislav Babitch
The Solovetskie Islands
When talking about the details of an expedition, we may
say that the most fascinating and hard was our journey
to Beluga Cape. What kind of animals are white whales or
belugas in nature, what do they look like, and is it true that
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