MESOTROPHIC VALLEY SWAMPS ON THE NORTHERN MACROSLOPE OF THE CENTRAL CAUCASUS

Alpine swamps, among other wetlands, are of particular interest due to their relict nature, some peculiarities of their origin, functioning and dynamics, as well as due to their poor knowledge. The object of our study was a cascade swamp complex, consisting of three communicating baths and a lake, located at different heights in the Karasu river valley, in Upper Balkaria at an altitude of about 2 thousand meters above sea level. On the basis of our field descriptions, an analysis of the relief and vegetation of the mesotrophic and lowland bogs which constitute the complex was carried out. It was revealed that the basis of the plant communities of mesophytic segments is sphagnum and three types of sedge (marsh, urchin-hairy, and spout). There are communities of subalpine meadows and forests on the slopes around the wetland complex. It is assumed that the complex has some underground supply, in addition to rain and snow supply and runoff from the neighboring mountain massif.