The annual Russian national award "Crystal Compass" is now accepting submissions, with top projects in natural and historical-cultural heritage preservation competing in eleven categories. The large-scale interdisciplinary project "Unknown Archipelago" has been nominated in the "Expedition and Journey" category. Organized by the Russian Geographical Society, the Northern Fleet, and the 12th Main Directorate of the Ministry of Defense, the project involved specialists from these organizations alongside MMBI RAS, St. Petersburg State University, and the Schmidt Institute of Physics of the Earth RAS. From August 13, 2020, to August 10, 2023, they conducted comprehensive research around the Novaya Zemlya archipelago.
Under the leadership of MMBI Deputy Director for Science Denis Moiseev, MMBI scientists aboard the icebreaker "Ilya Muromets" collected data during comprehensive ecosystem studies of coastal waters around Novaya Zemlya in the Barents and Kara Seas. This research is essential for analyzing and forecasting natural processes and anthropogenic impacts in these regions.
Zoological studies documented 42 bird and mammal species, including Red-listed species: long-tailed duck, tundra swan, ivory gull, beluga whale, walrus, and polar bear (13 individuals). Observations were conducted, and extensive photographic documentation was produced.
Soil-zoological research gathered 38 soil-vegetation samples to study species composition of soil fauna, including testate amoebae, enchytraeid worms, microarthropods (oribatid mites, springtails).
The project generated significant data, with several scientific papers already published. Additional project details are available via link. We wish it success in the competition!
