Тиетта. 2011, N 3 (17).

Рис. 3. Ущелье Исокуру - самое глубокое в Финляндии. Fig. 3. The Isokuru gorge is Finland's deepest. tain. They were formed as the meltwaters flowing on the ice accumulated at its edge, then turning to flow along the seam between ice and mountainside. The lateral drainage channels reflect the gradient and the annual thinning of the ice surface. Together with some end moraine ridges to the south of the moun­ tain range they indirectly describe the retreat of the ice margin about 10,400 years ago (Johansson et al. 2005, Sarala et al. 2007). The diversity of features formed by meltwater streams is increased by marginal and extramarginal channels on the northern slope of the mountain range. Tens of metres deep marginal channels and gorges have been eroded deep into the fractured rock. Along them, the meltwater discharging from the mouth of the ice tunnel flowed towards Isokuru canyon. North of Pyha some gently curved extramarginal channels are found, along which meltwater from the ice sheet flowed into ice-free areas. The channels are cut several metres deep into the surficial deposits. The steep sides and even bottoms of the channels resemble that con­ siderable water volumes must have flowed in them. Aapa mires as a contrast to barren slopes Of the processes changing the ground surface after the Ice Age, congelifraction has affected the landscape the most. It can be clearly observed, espe­ cially on the tops and upper slopes of the mountains, where the climate is much harsher than in the other areas and is classified as nearly periglacial (Soderman 1980). The rocks have broken down, so that they are now covered by metres thick angular blocks. Due to the difficulty of access many hikers avoid these plac­ es. In Isokuru and Pikkukuru rocks and blocks have rolled down the slopes to the floors of the gorges. The aapa mires are the geologically youngest attractions of the area and present the wetland en­ vironment north of the Arctic Circle at its best. The central parts of the aapa mires are often treeless open mires with alternating undulating wet flarks and dry ridges. At the edges there are Sphagnum mires grow­ ing pine and dwarf shrubs or birch, spruce and herbs. Mires started to form immediately after the deglacia­ tion. Peat started forming in waterlogged areas and in forests with depressions in the terrain. Tunturiaa- pa south of Pyha is a typical aapa mire. The nature trail with wooden walkways leading there presents the flora and fauna of the National Park. From sacrificial site to modern geotourist centre The vicinity of Pyha - Luosto is an ancient Sami area. For centuries Pyha was a holy site for re­ ligious rituals. Sacrificial stones were erected e.g. on Uhriharju, where sacrificial gifts were brought. Not until the 17th century did Christianity gain foothold in the area. According to tradition, the Sami people were baptized as a group in 1648. This occasion gave rise to the names Pyhankasteenlampi (in English: 3