Mechanisms of the effects of solar radiation and terrain anisotropy on the vegetation of dark conifer forests in the Pechora-Ilych state biosphere reserve

Consideration is given to three mechanisms of the topography-modulated influence of solar radiation and terrain anisotropy on the vegetation. Variables in the equations describing these mechanisms take into account (1) doses of photosynthetically active radiation, (2) the thermal regime of slopes, and (3) anisotropy resulting from wind impact and interspecific competition. Approaches (1) and (2) single out southern and southwestern slopes, respectively, whereas in approach (3) slopes of any aspect can be found distinguished. Statistical analysis of correlations between the total coverage of vegetation layers and the topography of the terrain has shown that mechanisms (2) and (3) play a leading role in the study area.