Geoheritage of the Monchegorsk Igneous Layered Paleoproterozoic Intrusion (Kola Peninsula, Arctic Russia): Evaluation and Geotourism Opportunities

Monchegorsk is an intrusion complex of basic and ultrabasic rocks the Paleoproterozoic age. This formed during active magmatic mobility that took place in NE Scandinavia 2.5 Ga years ago. These were subject intensive exploration exploitation at beginning 20th century, latter carrying on through to 21st century. contributed creation some different forms post-industrail mining infrastructure area. Many settlements, including Monchegorsk, plants, adits quarries established this time, relics which are still present today. The intrusions by several fragmented massifs: Traviannaya, Kumuzhia, Nittis, Sopcha, Nyud, Poaz, Monchetundra, highest elevations reach up 1000 m above sea level. massifs form a landscape “islands” mountain ranges have influence upon regional over tens kilometers. Their geography characterized numerous reliefs, glacial cirques, rocky thresholds with waterfalls trough lakes. potential region lies heritage historical exploitation, monuments been preserved day. An important value resulting from relief these mountains, highlighted activity Pleistocene. There also interesting examples Arctic fauna flora, bedrock intrusion. Some mineralization outcroppings can be admired collections local museum serves as geocenter. possibility admiring relatively easily accessible views (the international route St. Petersburg–Murmansk–Kirkenes passes middle hills) geology area abounding mineralogical significance, their exposures, history, along observing various forms, make great tourist potential. article describes most exposures outstanding proposes routes connecting points. It discusses problem securing necessary infrastructure, currently lacking.