Human modification of tundra vegetation at the Bovanenko gas condensate field, Yamal Peninsula

Abstract The results of field research undertaken to determine human impacts on tundra vegetation communities as a result of oil and gas extraction are presented. The investigations focus on identifying stages of disruption of vegetation communities, on reconstructing the original (pre‐extraction) vegetation cover, and on mapping existing plant communities. Considerable focus is placed upon identification of the relative shares of the overall area of disturbance accounted for by particular types of plant communities. The potential hazard that widespread development poses for plant communities on the Yamal Peninsula is large and is emphasized in the conclusion.