Impact of Climate Change on the Forests of the Ural Mountains

Abstract

Climatic factors are the main factors determining the structure and dynamics of natural ecosystems of the Ural Mountains. The climate of the Urals was not constant in the past. This led to the glaciations, warm (dry and wet) periods. Vegetation structure changes constantly. Currently, a strong anthropogenic factor added to the natural tendencies. Global warming is manifested clearly in the Ural Mountains. We can see vegetation changes along the entire length of the Ural Mountains. This is reflected in the shift of the boundaries between vegetation types (and forest types), change in ecosystem structure, outbreaks of diseases and insects. The speed and scale of change are high.