Аннотация:Khibiny is the largest mountain range on the Kola Peninsula, located in the northern part of European Russia. These compact, plateau-like mountains (up to 1201 m above sea level) have steep slopes and are deeply cut by numerous erosion valleys, 100–400 meters deep. The region is prone to hazardous natural events such as snow avalanches, rockfalls, scree, and debris flows. The most frequently observed types of the latter are snowmelt period slush flows and rainfall induced medium magnitude debris flows. Over the years, the Khibiny Mountains have seen increasing use for tourism and mining activities. Therefore, assessing debris flow activity is crucial not only for paleoclimate reconstructions but also for preventing disasters related to natural hazards. To obtain high-resolution data on debris flow processes (with accuracy from one year to several years), dendrochronological analysis is the most effective method. Debris flows of varying intensity leave scars on trees or destroy entire vegetation generations,exposing fresh surfaces. Fieldwork was conducted in the eastern part of the Khibiny range, in the valley of the Alyavumyok stream. Tree cores were collected from various locations within and outside the valley. Our team examined 130 trees, 40 of which showed visible damage (scars). From each tree, we collected at least two cores to determine age and an additional two or four cores from scarred areas. The samples were taken from pine, spruce, and birch trees, with the oldest trees dating back to the mid-17th century. Based on the dating of scars, vegetation community ages across the valley, and growth curve analysis, conclusions were made about changes in debris flow intensity over the past 300 years. A detailed map of the valley was also created, showing the age of vegetation generations. Objective: To assess the dynamics of debris flow activity in the Alyavumyok stream valley over the past 300 years using dendrochronological analysis.
