Spatial Structure of Equatorial Landscapes of the Merkele Ridge (Seram Island, Indonesia)

Abstract

The landscape structure of the equatorial limestone Merkele ridge, on which the highest peak of the Maluku Islands, Mt. Binaya, is located, has been studied. As a result, a spectrum of landscape taxa has been identified that is atypical of extratropical-latitude mountains. The formation of limestone by coral polyps, which was subsequently raised up to 3000 m above the level of the World Ocean by tectonic movements, as well as the hypsometric factor and the humid equatorial climate, became the main factors determining the modern landscape structure of the ridge. The influence of the relief-substrate basis on the differentiation of landscape components is shown. Seven landscape taxa, representing the landscape framework of the Merkele ridge, have been identified. Analysis of spatial distribution of soil types and plant formations has made it possible to distinguish 15 smaller landscape taxa among them. Their vertical differentiation is caused by a decrease in temperatures and a change in moisture with increasing elevation. The taxonomic composition of vegetation becomes simpler in this case. Representatives of the flora from higher latitudes appear in it. The anthropogenic factor has had a strong impact on the geosystems in the lower belt of the ridge. Landscape taxa with dominant plant communities of cultivated plants, as well as those devoid of natural vegetation and soil cover emerged below the 300-m isohypse as a result of cutting down of low-mountain rain forests on gentle and moderately steep slopes. Landscape taxa above the 300-m isohypse have mostly preserved their natural state.