MULTIPURPOSE MAPPING OF THE FORESTS OF THE CENTRAL PUTORANA UPLAND, EAST SIBERIA

Results are presented of a long-term, comprehensive effort to utilize remote sensing imagery as a basis for gathering information for mapping the environmental conditions associated with sparse larch forest vegetation communities at the northern margins of tree growth in northern East Siberia. The paper provides detailed descriptions of the distribution of landform/microclimatic areas that subsequently are compared with the distribution of basic vegetation types and corresponding stand-productivity classes. Three maps (of soils, forest types, and forest valuation-productivity classes) provide a comprehensive exposition of the interrelationships between terrain, soils, microclimate, and forest floristic composition and productivity. Translated by Edward Torrey, Alexandria, VA 22308 from: Geografiya i prirodnyye resursy, 1995, No. 3, pp. 158-165.