Classification of forests using a field guide of forest types of the European Russia (evidence from Karelia and the Karelian isthmus)

Abstract

Classification of forests of Karelia and the Karelian Isthmus was carried out using the field guide of the forest types of the European Russia developed by L. B. Zaugolnova and V. B. Martynenko. The studied forests were divided into five main sections: lichenous, green moss, sphagnous, grass and grassmarsh. The most common sections were the green moss and the sphagnous one. They include five groups of forest types each. The least diverse is the lichenous section: it consists of only two groups of forest types. In each group of forest types individual forest types were identified. The most common types of forest were bilberry-green moss pine and spruce forests.