Biological survey of the Bering Land Bridge National Monument Final report
Melchior HR. 1979. Biological survey of the Bering Land Bridge National Monument Final report. CX-900-3-0316. Biology and Resource Management Program, Alaska Cooperative Park Studies Unit, University of Alaska. Fairbanks, AK
This report of field investigations conducted during the summer of 1973 includes studies on the major historical factors affecting the region's environment, physiography, climate, soils, flora and vegetation, birds, terrestrial mammals, aquatic systems, and archeology. In order to cover representative portions of the area, base camps were established at eight locations (Killeak Lakes, Cape Espenberg, Lava Lake, Imuruk Lake, Kuzitrin Lake, Deering, Serpentine Hot Springs, and Devil Mountain Lakes) and spike camps at six locations (Deering, Nugnugaluktuk River, McCarthys Marsh, Niukluk River, Shishmaref, and Serpentine Hot Springs). Evidence is presented that shows that the Seward Peninsula is not a pristine tundra environment, having been affected by non-Native activities since about 1848. Changes that have occurred have affected the ecosystem beyond those expected from gradual climate change. Such effects are not uniformly distributed. The flora is described as being moderately rich as a consequence for a wide variety of sites along environmental gradients. Plant and animal fossils are fairly abundant in the area. Eight soil types were found ranging from Histic Peregelic Cryaquents in tundra meadows to Typic Cryaquents. Water chemistry analyses showed no unusual characteristics with most ion concentrations being similiar to those from other arctic regions. Fish, bird, and mammal lists are provided with some commentary on habits and habitats. The record of human occupation in the area is described, including both prehistoric and historic times; at least 40 historical sites and at least 7 major and several minor prehistoric sites occur. The earlier final report was published in 1974 by the same editor and under the title "Chukchi-Imuruk biological survey." (See record no. 537 for annotation, including study objectives.)
- Type
- Published Report
- Authors
- Melchior, Herbert
- Date of Issue
- 1979
- Publisher
- Biology and Resource Management Program, Alaska Cooperative Park Studies Unit, University of Alaska
- Units
- BELA
- Keywords
- Animal Studies, Archeology, Bering Land Bridge National Preserve, Birds, Cape Espenberg, Climate, Devil Mountain Lakes, Human Impacts, Imuruk Lake, Invertebrates, Killeak Lakes, Kuzitrin lake, Lava Lake, Limnology, Mapping, McCarthys Marsh, Niukluk River, Nugnugaluktuk River, Physiography, Plants, Regional Information, Serpentine Hot Springs, Shishmaref, Soils, Surveys, Terrestrial Mammals, Vegetation