A group of researchers from the A.N. Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution of the Russian Academy of Sciences (IEE RAS) including Ph.D. O.A. Krylovich, Ph.D. E.A. Kuzmicheva, Doctor of Biological Sciences A.B. Savinetsky and a graduate student of the Samsonov Stanislav Institute on Bering Island, will carry out research in two major areas: the study of ecosystem dynamics over the past 10 thousand years and the study of the remains of Steller's sea cow.
In 2020, in the northern part of Bering Island, scientists have already studied the peat bog and taken samples from its layers. This year the study will continue, as we are now able to learn much more about the history of the dynamics of the ecosystems of the Commander Islands over the past 10 thousand years. Using the method of stable isotope analysis of peat, spore-pollen analysis and radiocarbon analysis, scientists will be able to determine even the details of climatic conditions thousands of years ago. Here, a reference collection of pollen from various plant species will be selected for interpretation of the data obtained. Volcanic ash samples will also be taken for further detailed study. IEE RAS scientists will conduct a botanical analysis of peat samples, which will add new details to the history of the vegetation of the Commander Islands.
The second and no less important task is to study the history of the Steller's sea cow off the coast of the Commander Islands. Radiocarbon analysis will determine the age of numerous animal remains found on the Commander Islands and stored in the osteological collection of the reserve.