ABSTRACT
This chapter deals with some of the basic problems and the preliminary solutions that are being implemented in two regions affected by different types of processes related to isostatic upheaval: the Saimaa water system in the eastern lake plateau and the Aland Archipelago in the southwest. Finland has undergone a series of major environmental changes during the last 12000 years. From a glaciated country to a fairly temperate region where certain central European plants thrived (e.g. waterchestnut) and then climatic deterioration to the somewhat mild subarctic climate of today. Although the uplift has been slowing down since deglaciation, the country is still rising at rates of 9 mm per year in the northwest and 3 mm per year in the southeast. The Saimaa region contains material from all periods, being particularly rich in Stone Age sites. The southern part of Ancient Lake Saimaa was isolated from the Yoldia Sea Baltic stage around 8500 BC.
