RURAL COMMUNITIES OF THE REPUBLIC OF SAKHA (YAKUTIA) UNDER CONDITIONS OF PERMAFROST DEGRADATION (ON THE EXAMPLE OF THE ULAKHAN-AN VILLAGE)
A.A. Suleymanov1, D.A. Aprosimov1, N.I. Basharin1,2, V.M. Lytkin1,3
1The Yakut Scientific Centre of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Yakutsk, Russia
2Melnikov Permafrost Institute, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Science, Yakutsk, Russia
3Melnikov Permafrost Institute, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Science
Keywords: Yakutia, rural livelihoods, climate change, permafrost degradation, thermokarst
Abstract
The issues of permafrost degradation and its impact on the life-support system are discussed in the example of the Ulakhan-An village (Khangalassky ulus, central Yakutia). The extent and forms of manifestation of thermokarst - the main negative cryogenic process in the area - and its consequences for the local population have been studied. To achieve the goal of the research, field observations of thermokarst have been conducted, an ortophotomap of the key area has been developed, and a survey of residents via questionnaires and narrative interviews has been performed. As a result, the extent and intensity of thermokarst development have been clarified. At present, thermokarst is mainly at its initial stage. The main consequences of permafrost degradation for the local population and key actors of agricultural activity have been determined. The Ulakhan-An residents’ perception of and adaptation to the natural challenges that have arisen are noted.
|
