Yakutsk of those rare cities where I willingly went to museums. I got interested in the whole three places: the first devoted to the mammoth, the second of Archaeology and Ethnography, and the third – the permafrost. Managed to get the last two, to whom is dedicated to today’s story.
Mammoth Museum and Archaeology and Ethnography, located behind the same door of the new building of the North-Eastern Federal University, but the first was not there: By a curious coincidence, when I flew in Yakutsk, exposition went to Moscow to take part in a major exhibition. However, this land is so rich in the remains of ancient animals that are present in all collections. That arhetnomuzey meets recognizable skeleton.
This little animal lived about 23,000 years ago and was excavated student interns in 1960. Photo – jaw.
There are some interesting parts from other members of the Yakut fauna.
But mostly all the same museum tells about people. The current territory of the Republic of Sakha has been inhabited for at least 300,000 years ago, and the formation of modern ethnic groups occurred between the VIII and XV centuries, when in Yakutia tribes migrated from more southern regions – from Lake Baikal to the Amur Region – and mingled with the local population. Evolution of dwellings.
The main occupations were fishing, hunting…
… and cattle, including breeding deer.
Also they can celebrate special undersized breeds of cows and horses.
Naturally, the work was accompanied by cultural life. The oldest finds – of course, the rock carvings. People.
Animals
People and animals
Wooden statue
Of wood, of course, done a lot of everyday things.
Including toys for children …
… and for adults.
Older metal ornaments.
Prior to joining Russian (XVII century) in these parts ruled shamanism. Now he went to the second role, but has not disappeared.
Amulets
Clothing was made, of course, of deerskin.
Excavation process …
… and their results.
Overall, the look was fun, but nothing more. Such museums I appreciate too, although in this case the exposure is quite rich, and learn about the history of life in the region so distinctive Russian useful.
But what I was really keen to see, so it’s on permafrost. In Yakutsk, there are two places where I could satisfy my curiosity: a beautiful tourist attraction “Kingdom of Permafrost” with beautiful sculptures, slides and other joys and Melnikov Permafrost Institute named Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences. Guess what I chose.
The institute, which is briefly called Merzlotkoy, operates the museum, which is de facto running the experimental laboratory. Excursions usually carried out for groups, but the fact that I pinned one problem did not: Visitors come here with unpredictable frequency, so try to cater for all. Had, however, pay the minimum excursion rates (900 rubles), but in this case did not feel sorry.
The laboratory is located on two floors of underground depth of 4 and 12 yards. Before entering, it makes sense to wear a warm jacket, good choice is wide.
First level laboratory is a large warehouse. Right stacked soil samples, left, in blue packets – snow seems to five years ago.
For the entertainment of visitors here have put up mammoth Dima. Dima kept himself in Petersburg Zoological Museum (building and exchange between the Cabinet of Curiosities, if someone does not know).
“Originals” here too. For example, the left hind leg bone of a mammoth. Worth for many years against the wall.
We get down to the lower level. Its walls are covered with snow, otherwise fragile soil will crumble. The most interesting thing here is not the room itself, but what is told during its traversal.
Temperature at this depth is always near -5 or -6 ° C, but the thermometer is a bit deceiving.
Permafrost ( properly called its long-term , but will not strongly zanudstvovat ) – thing is not so rare . It is found on all continents except Australia, although in Africa , for example, it can be found only in the mountains. Two major ” consumer” Permafrost – Canada , the U.S. and Russia face Alaska . For me it was surprising to learn that in the permafrost zone is 24 % of the land in the Northern Hemisphere and already 60 % of the territory of our country. The main contribution here is due , of course, Yakutia: Republic lies on the ground neottaivayuschem entirely. Permafrost looks like this:
The first mention of this phenomenon is referred to as the end of the XVII century, when attempting to drill a well for the needs of the local jail Cossack stumbled on the frozen ground. But for a long time, the fact none of the scientific world, not only has not been studied, but did not confess. The first strong evidence became mine Shergina dug in 1828-1837 years on the depth 116.6 m. Later in Yakutsk appeared first station permafrost. If I’m not mistaken, the yellow building on the left is what she is.
Only further research base expanded. Institute originated in 1960 (although the tour guide called as reference points already vnutriinstitutskoy 1941 th), at the same time built a building, under which we find ourselves. Then there were other buildings: the second building, underground cryostorages seeds. Two cabins, which are equipped with ramps, seen in the previous photo, but there is and entrance of an underground laboratory.
Lena reclaimed soil, it can be seen the remains of plants, whose age – thousands of years. Thanks permafrost they are perfectly preserved.
Interestingly, the vegetation in Yakutia exists not despite, but because reservoir neottaivayuschey land. Sakha-lowest rainfall is at Mongolia, and if the soil is frozen missing deeper water would pass without stopping and could not feed the plants.
Feel that frost does hit her with a tree can be a pair of pieces of wood. Generally easy and rotten, but is dry, about ten thousand years, the left – 12-17 million. Outside, he solidified in his hand felt like a stone (yes, you can touch the exhibits here), although most still soft core.
A few more items in the collection – the bones belonged mammoths, rhinoceroses and musk oxen, who lived about 25-40 thousand years ago.
Searches preserved bones of mammoths – it is a local business: souvenirs of them are highly valued, and deposits in Yakutia lands just enormous. Exhibits lab – mostly culled seekers instances. Their attitude to these findings can be seen on one of the bones. Guys sailed along the Lena in search of prey, bone saw and took it right “as is” – hand-stained in black oil. The worth something.
Home beauty lab – the ceiling hung with ice crystals. Near the entrance there are almost none – knock visitors, not yet accustomed to bend down and not turn his head. And the crystals do not grow at the lamps. Even a small amount of radiated heat enough water to discourage the desire figured freeze.
The further, the larger crystals.
At the end of the room size and shape forced open his mouth and look. This beauty was growing at least five years.
In the process of freezing water trying to gather in a perfect hexagon shape for themselves.
Figures of Santa Claus, a few years ago in front of the molded Institute, now also grows in the cave decorations.
Since Yakutsk became actively grow, there is a problem: how to deal with this beauty? After all, it does not build houses on familiar technologies and lay underneath communication.
Including this and started Permafrost Institute. It turned out that the thickness of the frozen soil variruetsya widely. While in North America, it is not more than 100-200 meters, then near Yakutsk is 210-214 meters, and in the “permafrost” district and Ayhan achieves a half kilometers.
Adds complexity and the surface layer of soil sezonnoottaivayuschego. Its normal thickness – 1,5-2,5 meters. It was his thawing, freezing and the associated “crawling” on permafrost causes buildings to take bizarre angles. In addition, the thickness of the layers is very influenced by a natural bias, the presence of vegetation and, of course, the city, so it is often impossible to predict.
Measurements and calculations involved just in the Permafrost Institute. It was invented here pile construction method, which is now used worldwide. Its meaning is that the building does not rest on the foundation of a “floating” ground thaws, and hammered to a depth of 15 meters piles on Permafrost, which is here to stay.
Is here and its subtleties. For example, if the winter in subfield burst pipe repaired qualitatively into force Yakut extreme climate will be possible only in the spring. Danger of breaking even and that the water will drain out of the pipe on the pile (ie the interfaces) and forms around it “bag.” The result will be that the house is not based on the pile and pile hanging on the house. This moment also requires elaboration.
So plenty of work. Knowingly Yakut Permafrost Institute is the only institution in the world separate Permafrost.
Perhaps, as long as it is the most interesting museum where I was.
Source: Blog “Keep your feet on walking”
Translation: Google
