The winters in the south of East Siberia are
milder as compared to those in Central and North-East Yakutia. However, the climate
aridity as expressed by the precipitation-evaporation ratio, is two or more times
higher. Hence, provided climate warming is accompanied with an increase in
humidity and a decline in continentality, the steppe areas of Yakutia may face the
risk of extinction. Besides, intensive thawing of frozen grounds will change the
moisture conditions of the soils, making them more favourable. Under such conditions,