Home – Home – Jornals – Philosophy of Sciences 2022 number 1

The early stages of basic-ultrabasic magmatism in Sarmatia are characterized by the appearance of ultrabasic rocks formed from the mantle with an abnormally high iron content. Therefore, it is important to study them as the source of information about the stages and causes of the activity of the mantle and its possible composition. This magmatism has been recorded in Sarmatia since the beginning of the Eoarchean. The relics of Eo- and Paleoarchean basic and ultrabasic rocks were found in the Dniester-Bug, Kursk, and Azov provinces, which underwent tectonic reconstruction in the Mesoarchean and Paleoproterozoic. Mesoarchean basic-ultrabasic magmatism is manifested in all provinces of Sarmatia and is represented by effusive and intrusive facies. The Mesoarchean greenstone belts composed of komatiites and basalts have been well preserved in the Middle Dnieper province; in other provinces, they are strongly deformed and form narrow linear structures. The Paleoproterozoic endogenous activity in Sarmatia differs from that in other regions in the almost complete absence of magmatism in the period 2.5-2.3 Ga and its significant manifestation 2.1-2.0 Ga. The magmatism in Sarmatia at this stage is similar in the ratios of basic-ultrabasic and granitoid complexes to the magmatism in South Africa but differs from that in Fennoscandia and Canada: The volume of granitoids coeval with basic rocks is larger than the volume of mantle magmatism. The igneous complexes formed 2.1-2.0 Ga in Sarmatia and South Africa are also similar in the presence of norites, the enrichment in Ni and platinum group elements, and the ratio of granitoids and basic-ultrabasic rocks. Magmatic activity (first of all, basic-ultrabasic magmatism in ancient cratons) is not a synchronous phenomenon on a planetary scale and varies greatly in the volume of produced material within the same time intervals. Early Precambrian basic-ultrabasic rocks (volcanics of greenstone belts, intrusions of large igneous provinces, and layered massifs) resulted from plumes, whose derivates formed within the lower and upper mantle and/or the upper mantle and crust, which determined the heterogeneous composition of igneous rocks. The spatial heterogeneity and nonsynchronic occurrence of basic-ultrabasic magmatism might have been due to impact events serving as the triggers of plumes.

The paper presents the results of studies of diamonds from Early Jurassic sediments making up the Nyurbinskoe buried placer of the Nakyn kimberlite field, unique in diamond reserves. The main task was to identify the patterns of diamond distribution in the deposits of the Dyakhtar strata (lower deposit) and the Ukugut Formation (upper deposit) within the placer. A comparative analysis of the typomorphic features of diamonds from the upper and lower deposits of the placer was carried out. Variations in the contents of crystals with certain properties that form the image of a diamond-bearing geologic object have been revealed. The zonal distribution of diamonds by characteristics in sedimentary deposits, regardless of their age, has been established. The properties of diamonds and their associations change within the placer, which is due to their redeposition during the Early Jurassic sedimentation.

The paper considers the geologic structure of the region and the current problems and prospects for the development of its energy potential and environmental safety. We provide grounds for the necessity of integrated projects aimed at studying the deep structure of the Caspian region as a single object by its five coastal states: Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Russia, and Turkmenistan. The proposed Geokhazar project is aimed at obtaining the lacking parametric geological and geophysical information about the deep subsurface structure of the water area of a sedimentary basin in the unique intracontinental catchment of the Earth. The project provides for the development of a universal prospecting concept taking into account the emplacement and conservation of hydrocarbon fields under severe thermobaric conditions at great depths and the absence of regionally consistent drainage systems; the determination of the factors influencing the nature of long- and medium-frequency eustatic fluctuations in the Caspian Sea level; and the assessment of the energy (geothermal and hydrocarbon) resources of the deep subsurface in the Caspian, cis-Caucasian-Mangyshlak, and South Caspian oil and gas provinces.

We have studied the mineral composition of ores from the Pepenveem epithermal Au-Ag deposit, which is a promising new object of the Chukchi Peninsula. It has been found that the ore formation process was developed in the following sequence: Pyrite, arsenopyrite, and marcasite were deposited at the early stage, next were Pb, Zn, and Cu sulfides; at the late stage, native gold, pyrargyrite, stephanite, proustite, minerals of the pearceite-polybasite series, acanthite, and other Ag minerals were deposited. The results of fluid inclusion studies indicate that the Au-Ag mineralization formed from low-temperature (236-137 ºС) low-concentration chloride hydrotherms (0.18-1.57 wt.% NaCl eq.). The results of calculation of thermodynamic equilibria have shown that in the temperature range from 200 to 100 ºC, there were a decrease in the fugacity of sulfur (lg ƒ S2 from -10 to -21) and oxygen (lg ƒ О2 from <-36 to <-48) and a change from near-neutral to acidic solutions. Compared to other Au-Ag deposits on the Chukchi Peninsula (Corrida and Valunistoe), which are characterized by wide distribution of Se- and Te-bearing Au-Ag chalcogenides (naumannite, cervelleite, and hessite), ore formation with gold-silver-sulfosalt mineralization at the Pepenveem deposit took place at lower temperatures and lower selenium, tellurium, and oxygen fugacity. The data obtained permit us to refer the Pepenveem deposit to the group of epithermal low-sulfidation (LS) deposits.

The paper summarizes the results of study of the geologic position, composition, and age of basic igneous associations in Eastern Kazakhstan during the late Paleozoic (Carboniferous-Permian). At that time, the Altai accretion-collision system was developed here, which resulted from the interaction of the Siberian and Kazakhstan paleocontinents. The performed studies made it possible to establish three major stages of basic magmatism, corresponding to different stages of evolution of the collisional system: early Carboniferous, late Carboniferous, and early Permian. The chemical composition of ultrabasic-basic associations changed, with a successive increase in the contents of K2O, P2O5, TiO2, LREE, Rb, Ba, Zr, Hf, Nb, and Ta. The variations in magma compositions were determined by different compositions of mantle sources (harzburgites, spinel lherzolites, and garnet lherzolites) and different degrees of their melting. The early Permian ultrabasic-basic associations are the most enriched in TiO2 and incompatible components (P2O5, Zr, Hf, Nb, and Ta), which indicates the involvement of relatively enriched mantle sources in the partial melting. All manifestations of mantle magmatism were accompanied by subsynchronous crustal magmatism (granitoid intrusions or silicic volcanics). The major crustal magmatism was manifested in the early Permian; the area of its occurrence was dozens of times larger than the area of Carboniferous crustal magmatism. Possible geodynamic scenarios for magmatism are considered for each stage. The early Carboniferous (C₁s) magmatism of the early orogeny stage was manifested locally and was the result of the detachment of the subducting lithosphere (slab) beneath the margin of the Kazakhstan continent. The middle Carboniferous (C₂m) magmatism of the late orogeny stage was manifested throughout the area; it was caused by the activation of shear-extension motions along large faults and the orogen collapse. The early Permian magmatism was the result of the interaction of the Tarim mantle plume with the lithosphere, which comprised three stages: initial interaction, maximum interaction, and relaxation. This magmatism in the study area was caused by a combination of thermal disturbance in the upper mantle and the lithosphere extension processes.

The Hercynian mobile belts in Central Asia include the proper Hercynian and Late Hercynian (Indo-Sinian) belts, whose formation is associated with the evolution of the South and Inner Mongolian basins with oceanic crust. Within the South Altai metamorphic belt (SAMB), rock complexes compose tectonic slivers of different ranks. At the early stages, their metamorphic alteration occurred under conditions of the high-temperature subfacies of the amphibolite and, in places, granulite facies. Structurally, the band of the outcrop of these complexes is confined to the Caledonian North Asian continental margin and stretches along the southern slope of the Gobi-Mongolian-Chinese Altay Mountains from southeast to northwest (East Kazakhstan), where they occur in the Irtysh strike-slip zone. We assign these complexes to the Hercynian SAMB, running for more than 1500 km. The latter comprises poly- and monometamorphic complexes. Late metamorphic granitoids of the Tseel tectonic plate (Gobi Altay) in the southeast of the SAMB have been dated at 374 ± 2 and 360 ± 5 Ma. The previous data and these results show that the early (~390-385 Ma) low-pressure and late (375-360 Ma) high-pressure metamorphism proceeded almost along the entire belt. The interval between them was a short tectonic lull. These processes took place during the closure of a Tethyan basin of the South Mongolian Ocean (Paleo-Tethys I). The spatial position of the SAMB was controlled by the structural asymmetry of the basin, with an active continental margin at its northern edge and a passive one at the southern edge (in the present-day coordinates).

Magnetic viscosity is one of the aftereffects inherent in geologic materials. This phenomenon consists in the time lag of changes in the magnetic characteristics of ferromagnetic materials relative to changes in the external magnetic field. Magnetic viscosity in rocks is associated mainly with the magnetization of superparamagnetic particles of ferrimagnetic minerals. In the transient electromagnetic method, magnetic viscosity is manifested as a slowly decreasing voltage induced in a receiving loop or, in some cases, as a nonmonotone transient voltage response. Eddy currents and viscous magnetization arise and decay independently of each other; therefore, the induction transient response measured with a fixed-geometry TEM array gives no way of finding the vertical distribution of magnetic viscosity. To find this distribution requires geometric soundings. At late times, the voltage induced in the receiving loop due to the magnetization decay is vastly larger than that induced by the eddy currents. Therefore, the contribution of magnetic viscosity to the total transient response limits the sounding depth of the transient electromagnetic method.

We present the results of model experiments on recording the spectral characteristics of the emission glow of residual amounts of a substance on a blade of an aircraft turbojet engine after the mechanical impact of a foreign object. The spectra were measured by laser-spark spectroscopy, which made it possible to distinguish the emission lines of this substance against the spectrum of the blade material. This non-destructive testing method makes it possible to quickly diagnose the blades at the site of the aircraft inspection before a flight and to draw conclusions about possible destruction of the fuselage and the danger of the damage.

The results of calculation of the absorption spectrum of phosphorus oxide (PO) corresponding to the transition A ²S⁺ ( v′ = 0) - X ²P ( v″ = 0) are presented. The calculation is performed taking into account the perturbation of the v′ = 0 level of the A ²S⁺ state by the v′ = 4 level of the b⁴S^- state. The efficiency of laser excitation of PO molecules is estimated as a function of the spectral parameters of the radiation. The time dependence of the efficiency of the excitation of PO fragments was calculated in the real atmosphere under two-pulse laser fragmentation of organophosphates for specified spectral line widths Δλ and center positions λ₀.

The integration of the parameters of the CDSD, NOSD, NDSD and ASD data banks developed at the Laboratory of Theoretical Spectroscopy, Institute of Atmospheric Optics, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, into a single node of the Virtual Atomic and Molecular Data Center (VAMDC) is described. As part of this work, software was written that implements XML-formatted data exchange with the VAMDC portal and integrates the data banks into the distributed infrastructure.

Modern changes in the Earth's climate due to increase in greenhouse gas concentrations, primarily carbon dioxide, stimulate the monitoring of its content by various methods. In the study, we compared CO₂ content in the lower stratosphere (12-18 km altitude layer) from ground-based Bruker 125HR spectrometer and satellite ACE instrument measurements in 2009-2019. The analysis of two measurement types shows a good agreement between them. Ground-based CO₂ measurements, on average, exceed satellite data by 2.8 ppm (less than 1%), standard deviations of the differences are ~ 5.0 ppm. The correlation coefficient between two datasets is 0.77. Ground-based (Bruker 125HR) and satellite (ACE) CO₂ measurements show weak seasonal variations, opposite to the variations in tropospheric CO₂. The CO₂ content in the lower stratosphere is maximal in summer and minimal in winter.

It is shown that the approximate Vorobyov formula linking the lidar returns with the intensity of optical turbulence, for the case of a statistically homogeneous medium with an accuracy up to a constant coefficient, satisfactorily agrees with the sounding data. The procedure for determining the coefficient in the Vorobyov formula for a specific lidar aperture size is recommended. The construction of a nomogram for the operational determination of the intensity of homogeneous turbulence from lidar readings is proposed. The discrepancy between the experimental results and the theory when sounding inhomogeneous turbulence is established. It is shown that the main contribution to the formation of the turbulent component of a lidar return due to the BSE effect is made by the section of the path in front of the scattering volume. It is proposed to use an approximate formula to restore the structure parameter of the optical turbulence C_n², in which normalized C_n² is directly proportional to the return and inversely proportional to the integral determining the dispersion of intensity fluctuations.

The results of field experiments with thunderclouds are analyzed for north-west of the Russian Federation and India. The state of the clouds was monitored by the C-band Doppler radar (Russia), the Blitzortung (Russia) and MLDN (India) lightning location network, and the ground fluxmeter system. It is shown that fluxmeters record a significantly greater number of “cloud -^{ground” lightning in the near zone than Blitzortung and MLDN.}

In our nuclear age, fears are expressed about the fate of the Earth's ozone layer, and it is believed that both large-scale and local nuclear conflicts can destroy the ozone layer for years. On September 22, 1979, an unidentified state secretly performed a nuclear test in a desolate region of the World Ocean. This event is commonly referred to as the Vela Incident. In this work, we used ozone data obtained by the NASA satellite Nimbus-7 17 minutes after the explosion. It is shown that the shock wave left a mark on the ozone layer. No decrease in the amount of ozone is noticed. The coordinates of the explosion site are determined from the mark.

The article provides a brief overview of the collection of GrafOnto water absorption plots in the 1981-2000 interval. This collection is hosted in the W@DIS information system (wadis.saga.iao.ru). Most of the ordinates of the plots belong to three groups of functions describing the dependence of the absorption coefficient and the transmission function on wavenumber, the dependence of the absorption coefficient on temperature and the correction factor c for the frequency-dependent Lorentz contour. The article describes two ways to find plots in the collection: a simple search by three publication attributes and an attribute search by 14 properties, including the properties of a primitive plot, substance, and function parameters and properties of an information resource and publication. Such a search is necessary for users to find the desired primitive plots, and is used when combining primitive plots into a compound plot taking into account the user's requirements.

This study presents an accuracy assessment of the forecasts of hazardous convective weather events made with the WRF v.4.2 atmospheric model for Perm region and adjacent area for the period from May 4 to August 25, 2021. The WRF model forecasts had a 27-h lead time; the model grid step was 5 km. To reduce the probability of false alarms, scale-dependent parameterization of convection was used. The sample of squalls and large hail events was compiled based on the weather station reports, damage reports, and satellite images of forest damage. It includes 56 events. The sample of heavy rainfall events was compiled from the weather stations data only. For the same period, the WRF model predicted 30 squalls events (³ 25 m/s^-1) and 63 heavy rainfall events (³ 30 mm/h). Supercells and tornado events are also considered. For squall events, we performed a cross-validation of the simulated and observed events using the distance (50 km) and time (± 3 h) threshold criteria. The accuracy of heavy precipitation was evaluated using the SCI and EDI indices. Overall, the forecasts accuracy for heavy precipitation was unsatisfactory. For squall events, 36% of them were successfully predicted, including the events that caused most substantial damage. Despite the high proportion of event omission (which prevail over false alarms), the forecasts of squalls with the WRF model in this configuration may be useful in preventing damage.

We analyze the process of an increased, in comparison with other regions, rate of warming in the Arctic Ocean and adjacent areas. The visible aspect of the cause of the phenomenon is a decrease in the average thickness of ocean ice and, as a consequence, an increase in the flow of heat from the water through the ice, which heats the lower air layer. In addition, in the process of losing the ice mass of perennial floating glaciers, the heat consumption for their melting decreases. The combined effect of these two factors has provided the current rise in temperature in the polar zone, in a linear approximation, by more than 8 °C. Note that inter-latitudinal air heat exchange does not intensify in this process due to a decrease in meridional temperature gradients.

Density fluctuations of a clot of aerosol particles in the atmosphere are studied. A one-dimensional case is considered characteristic of the motion of particles in a narrow vertical fire column or in an aircraft trail. The effect of localization of clots is shown to be observed under certain conditions, which consists in formation of compact areas of increased density of aerosol particles surrounded by areas of low density. Knowledge of such properties of impurity density can be useful in solving inverse problems of aerosol optics.

The article notes that Descartes asserted that bodily movements enter the mind of a human directly from his nervous system. Recognizing also that a human’s body is controlled by his incorporeal mind, as well as that the mind is localized in the structure of the bodily human brain, Descartes actually ignored his own statement about the independent, moreover substantial, status of the mind in relation to the human body and, therefore, about their absolute isolation from each other. It is revealed that Descartes virtually adhered directly to the viewpoint that thinking is a manifestation of the functioning of a specific part of the human corporeal brain. Thus, it is established that there is not only an objective-idealistic, but also a materialistic component in the interpretation of the relationship of the human mind and the functioning of his brain. The conclusion is also made that Descartes was aware of the presence of this materialistic component in his works. Because in fear of the inquisition, the philosopher stated his views in a way that not only would not show this component explicitly and clearly, but, on the contrary, would remain it as concealed to readers as possible, including by parallel statements about his adherence to an objectively idealistic viewpoint in the form of faith in the Christian god.

The study deals with the substantiation of the following theses: a) the nature of the principles in scientific theories is Plato’s world of ideas; b) any other respond to this question is inadequate and/or internally inconsistent. The problem of the nature of the principles may be called the basic problem in the philosophy of science, because the principles determine completely the content of any theory. Plato was the first to answer the question “where do the principles come from?”. He claimed that any genuine knowledge is the soul’s memory of the world of ideas; the possibility of formating the prerequisites of scientific theories is a consequence of the involvement of the soul in the world of ideas. The alternative (and, in fact, the only real one) is F. Bacon’s empirical inductivism. However, this approach is internally inconsistent: nothing follows from the facts alone, because the inductive conclusion already presupposes a certain general thesis as its basis. Therefore, it is not like the inductive derivation of the principles is complicated or inefficient, but it is merely impossible. And if the principles of theories cannot be got from experience, then they are a priori.

The article is aimed at studying the causes of scientific activity, the value of which is first realized individually and only then recognized by small groups of people, owners of capital, politicians and society as a whole. The pursuit of scientific research may be considered as a way of individual interaction with the “Significant Other”, which begins at a person’s birth and continues throughout his life. As his awareness grows, he discovers new facets of the “Significant Other”, perceiving it first as the pleasant (in the process of physiological consumption), then as the useful (as a source of material and immaterial benefits), the noble (identifying the “Significant Other” with his small group) and, finally, as the holy (as a source of civilizational benefits). Rising to each new stage of interaction with the “Significant Other”, a person is guided by fundamentally different motives, values and meanings, as well as by a deeper understanding of cause-and-effect relationships.

In considering the formation of the theory of global evolutionism as a necessary element in the comprehension of the unity of the world, the author proceeds from the need for a level of thinking adequate to the unity and related to the scientific picture of the world. In the author’s view, given the systemic organization of nature, the basis of the scientific picture of the world is the general theory of the system of nature, according to which the structure of nature is the alternation and interdependent development of opposite systems: a complete system of heterogeneous elements and a discrete system of objects of the same kind. The revealed structure makes it possible to comprehend the mechanism of natural selection and self-organization as a manifestation of the development of these opposite systems - as the interdependent development of autonomy and association. The driver of evolution is the interaction of variability and identity, which has the form of repeatability in the inorganic world, the form of heredity in the living nature; in human society, the driver takes the form of interaction of activity and conservatism. With the rise of the mind, man leaves the system of biogeocenosis, settles on the planet and interacts with the nature of the planet as a whole, forming a new system of “man and nature”, where the interaction of man and nature is mediated by the system of “public consciousness and public practice”. The evolution of consciousness comes to the fore; transformations of thinking and ideas become the subject of selection in the system of society.

The article discusses the relationship between clarity and rigor as characteristics of a mathematical argument and the achievement of proof by means of formalization. It is shown that the project of providing the connection between these characteristics, which is proclaimed by D. Hilbert, by means of formalization turns out to be unfeasible at the current stage because of the lack of formalization tools that preserve the content of mathematical reasoning. The requirements for the formalization tools which are necessary to implement Hilbert’s strategy are set out. In addition, a strategy is proposed for studying the dynamic relationship between formalization and the content of a mathematical theory, as well as their contribution to understanding the mathematical proof, which enables to overcome the apparent gap between meaningful and formalized mathematical theories with regard to the characteristics of clarity and rigor.

The contextual definition of knowledge proposed by D. Lewis does not solve the Gettier problem. Rather, the problems which Lewis’s approach faces indicate that a satisfactory epistemological theory must accept the primacy of knowledge and the equivalence of knowledge and evidence, which leads to T. Williamson’s knowledge first epistemology. The rules which Lewis introduces for determining the relevant possible scenarios and which should be taken into account in his approach to knowledge are ad hoc . In particular, Lewis admits that he does not know how to reformulate the resemblance rule, so as to exclude the scenario of radical skepticism in a way that is not ad hoc . As a general principle for Lewis’s rules, we propose the principle of family resemblance, understood as the existence of a common Wittgensteinian rule and, in particular, the existence of common hinge propositions. Adjusted accordingly, Lewis’s definition of knowledge is compatible with both Wittgenstein’s hinge epistemology and Williamson’s knowledge first approach.

In its classical formulation, the basic problem of philosophy opposes the material and the ideal. Besides philosophy, the opposition of spirit and matter occurs in many areas, including natural sciences, where it often results in complex problems. One of these is the measurement problem in quantum mechanics. To obtain an effect perceived by the observer, the measured particle should be brought into interaction with the macro-instrument, which leads to a change in the initial parameters of the particle. That is, the observer influences the quantum system, and in an unpredictable probabilistic way. This situation results in epistemological difficulties and raises questions about the cognizability of the world, the violation of causal determinism, etc. For a science that studies the material world and aims at the ideals of objectivity, the perception of the possible influence of the observer’s consciousness on the measurement process is a problematic moment. The analysis shows that attempts to solve the basic problem of philosophy are based on softening the mentioned opposition by introducing an intermediary. It is shown that if we assume the existence of a link between matter and spirit, then the problem of quantum-mechanical measurements can be considered in an unexpected aspect, namely in terms of thermodynamics, which make it possible to provide a natural interpretation of the quantum-mechanical uncertainty arising in the course of measurements.

The study of primates demonstrates that economic behavior is not specifically human at the level of elementary actions such as rating of benefits, risks and decision-making. Behavioral experiments on primates and humans using neuroimaging tools are theoretically capable to reveal the neurophysiological substrate responsible for type of behavior known as economic and construed as rational. These limitations can partially be overcome only by real-time invasive neurovisualisation in real economic conditions. However, this is obviously unacceptable on ethical grounds. Moreover, the most representative neuroimaging tools can only be used in stationary conditions. An approach is proposed based on analysis of behavioral bigdata collected from mobile devices. Some clusters of these data directly reflect economic behavior, while other data represent related cognitive functions

The journal "Earth Cryosphere" is the only scientific journal in Russia aimed at comprehensive coverage of the entire spectrum of problems of Earth cryology. Currently, articles submitted to the editorial board are divided into 23 headings, reflecting the achievements of numerous scientific disciplines studying the cryosphere (geology, geography, biology, soil science, mathematics, physics, chemistry, etc.). Since 2014, an English version of the journal called "Earth’s Cryosphere" has been published in electronic form. For 25 years, the journal has published more than a thousand articles sent from 180 organizations. The journal currently has a high rating among Russian periodicals of the geological and geographical direction.

Thermometric observations in the area of the Yamburg oil and gas condensate field in summer have been used to calculate the thermal diffusivity (K) coefficients of moss (Sphagnum fuscum), bushy lichen (Cladonia arbuscula), and two-layer samples of soil-vegetation cover, consisting of mixed vegetation (Empetrum nigrum, Vaccinium vitis-idaea, Carex arctisibirica) of different thickness and sandy soil. The thermal diffusivity for sphagnum moss and lichen have been calculated for the periods with different meteorological conditions. The K values, obtained during the experiment, are quite close to the previously published values of the thermal diffusivity for similar types of the land cover. An amplitude of daily temperature fluctuations at a depth of 12 cm under the cover samples decreases by 84-94 %. The amplitude of fluctuations decreases by 37 % in the upper layer of the cover with a thickness of 4.2-6.4 cm, depending on a type of the cover. An abnormally high increase in the thermal diffusivity of sphagnum moss was noted with an increase in air humidity and precipitation by the end of summer. This fact confirms the unique thermal insulation properties of sphagnum moss, which ensure the conservation of ice wedges in drained areas. It was found that at average daily air temperatures below 27 °C and relative air humidity above 49 %, the K values of the studied samples of the land cover can serve as indicators of their thermal insulation properties.

Reconstruction of paleoenvironmental conditions, origin of sediments and permafrost evolution as well as identification of cryogenic and paleocryogenic formations based on sediment cores (small fragments of geological record) are among key scientific problems of cryolithology. We have analyzed grain-size distribution, geochemistry, and water content of sediments from the permafrost section in the North of Pur-Taz interfluve (West Siberia). Moreover, we have described the floristic composition of plant remnants, their age and the cryostructures found within these sediments. Optical and electron microscopy revealed the micromorphological features of thin sections and specimens of rocks. Based on the sediment core data from the borehole, we have established the alluvial, lacustrine and proluvial origin of sediments. Furthermore, we have reconstructed the conditions of sedimentation in this area and have established the Karginsky age of these sediments. This age corresponds to formation of 3rd lacustrine-alluvial plain in the lower course of Taz river. The conditions of early diagenetic transformations of sediments as well as epigenetic and syngenetic permafrost were reconstructed based on cryogenic and post-cryogenic formations, cryostructures, microstructure and authigenic minerals. We were also able to reconstruct the Late Pleistocene sequences of freeze-thaw cycles in the upper part of the permafrost section of the Pur-Taz interfluve.

The current state and the quantitative estimates of glacial lakes on Svalbard are presented. These lakes were formed in depressions under modern recession of glaciation of the archipelago. Based on Norwegian aerial photography 2008-2012 and mosaics of Maxar Vivid 2013-2019 images of Svalbard area, 629 new glacial lakes have been identified. These lakes are located on deglaciated areas. A map of new lakes and their distribution by territory and altitudes are presented. Most of glacial lakes are located in western and southern parts of Svalbard, where large-scale glacier retreat has been noted. At the same time, new glacial lakes are formed mostly in the northern and eastern parts of the archipelago where most of the lakes have ice coasts. The total length of ice coasts of 306 lakes was (233.8 ± 0.6) km in 2008-2019, which is comparable to the length of the fronts of the outlet glaciers of Svalbard. The total area of glacial lakes is (173.1 ± 0.7) km², and their total water volume ranges from 2.1 to (2.3 ± 0.1) km³.

Autocorrelation characteristics of long-term time series of cells with the size of 1° x 1° of the sea ice area data array for the Northern Hemisphere are obtained. The temporal heterogeneity and spatial anisotropy in long-term variability of the sea ice area in the Northern Hemisphere are determined. The closest relationships between long-term monthly values of the sea ice area are typical for summer months. More than 49 % of maximum values of pair correlation coefficient are due to the connection of June and July, as well as July and August multi-year series in the array cells. This effect is a consequence of intense and massive summer melting of sea ice in the Northern Hemisphere and similarity of their long-term variability. The closest relationships in the neighboring cells of the array between the long-term monthly values of the sea ice area in all months of the year are noted for the east - west latitudinal direction. It accounts for more than 87 % of all maximum values of correlation coefficient. Spatial anisotropy is revealed throughout the entire area to the north of the Arctic Circle. The reason for this effect is determined by the features of sea ice seasonal formation (mainly from high latitudes to low latitudes) and melting (from low latitudes to high latitudes). These features are associated with seasonal changes in insolation. Long-term changes in sea ice area have similar direction and are determined by changes in meridional gradient of insolation. Another reason may be mainly meridional direction of sea ice drift in the Arctic Ocean. Areas with high and low levels of short-range spatial and temporal relationships in sea ice area dynamics in the Northern Hemisphere are determined.

The results of ground-penetrating radar studies in the complex of engineering and geological surveys at the design site of the cluster site of an oil and gas field in an area with a continuous spread of permafrost soils are considered. Drilling of geological wells with core sampling have revealed the presence of an ice ground lens with an ice content of up to 90 %. Comparison of the drilling results and the characteristic wave pattern on the ground-penetrating radar sections have allowed us to identify the area of abnormal changes in soil properties, which is interpreted as an ice-ground lens. High-amplitude diffractions of an electromagnetic wave are distinguished at the “ice-ground-peat” boundary, which, according to the authors, are due to the presence of wedge ice bodies. The lens of the ice ground has been contoured and its approximate volume has been calculated with the help of attribute analysis.

January 20, 2022 marks the anniversary of Nella Alexandrovna Shpolyanskaya, a well-known permafrost scientist focuseds on ground ice history, Doctor of Geographical Sciences, now a professor at the department of ecology, land management and nature management, Ukhta State Technical University.

Dr. Mikhail Nikolaevich Grigoriev, Deputy Director of the Melnikov Permafrost Institute SB RAS (Yakutsk, Russia) and Prof. Hans-Wolfgang Hubberten, former director of the Potsdam Unit of the Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research (Potsdam, Germany) were awarded the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the development of Russian-German cooperation in Arctic research. The ceremony of bestowal took place in the MPI’s conference hall in Yakutsk on October 6, 2021.

Eduard V. Severskii, Candidate of Agricultural Sciences, head of the Kazakhstan Alpine Permafrost Laboratory at the Melnikov Permafrost Institute, passed away on October 9, 2021. An eminent scholar and highly qualified permafrost researcher, Severskii devoted his career to the study and mapping of seasonally and perennially frozen ground and cryogenic phenomena in the high mountains of Central Asia. The fond memory of the remarkable scientist and personality will remain in our hearts forever.

The article integrates the results of half a century studies of Late Pleistocene-Holocene changes in climate, sea level and glaciation in the marginal zone of Antarctica in order to identify the chronology, parameters, mechanisms of these changes under the influence of global, regional and local factors. During the interstadial (MIS 3), the natural conditions here resembled modern ones, and the sea level in some areas exceeded modern marks. The development of glaciation of the marginal zone from about 26 000 years BP went on when the temperature fell and the sea level dropped by 30-50 m. The growth of glaciation on the shelf outpaced the growth of ice on the outskirts of the continent, leading to a moisture deficit in the interior regions. During the LGM, there was a thin (less than 300 m) glaciation of coastal and mountainous land areas, and a thick (more than 1000 m) glaciation on the shelf. Deglaciation of the marginal zone began about 17 000 years BP due to rising sea level and global warming. Holocene climate changes in most areas had a general trend: warming in the early Holocene to about 8000 years BP and 4000-2000 years BP, cooling 2000-1500 years BP, but also had local differences. The relative sea level rose in the regions from the early Holocene to the period 8000-6000 years BP; then it fell with a decrease in speed and even with a possible rise of the level 2500-1300 years BP; local differences in the amplitudes and course of the level were determined by local tectonics and dynamics of deglaciation. Deglaciation rates were high from the early Holocene to about 7500 years BP due to warming and marine transgression; then the speed dropped. The advance of outlet and shelf glaciers 6500 and 4500 years BP was associated with a decrease in sea level and cooling. In the period 4000-1000 years BP, outlet and shelf glaciers could also respond to changes in sea level, and ice domes expanded according to the “warming-increasing humidity-increasing snow and ice accumulation” pattern. During the Little Ice Age, moraines were created in some areas, registering a slight increase in glaciers due to cooling.

Data on the width of floodplain taliks in river valleys of the mountainous areas of the northeastern part of Russia and in some adjacent areas of the Far East were gathered and organized. The investigated region extends from the Arctic coast to the southern limits of the continuous permafrost area. To assess the talik width, the satellite images (possessing high resolution) of Google Earth and previously established landscape features were used. The catchment areas at downstream ends of the chosen 340 representative river sections varied from less than 10 to more than 200 000 km², talik widths - from 41 to 4100 m. The rivers were subdivided into 4 channel types according to the degree of its branching based on the previous studies confirming that the floodplain taliks were formed only by braided rivers on coarse-grained alluvium. The studied sites are generally evenly distributed both over the territory and according to the selected channel types. The changes in talik widths from marginal coastal to the central continental basins in relation to the river types are discussed in this paper. The parameters of the empirical power-law dependence of the talik width on the catchment area of the river are calculated. The obtained results assess a variation of the melting zone width within a given river catchment area and determine the most probable minimum value of this parameter. In future, the approaches used, in combination with the field research, will contribute to the improvement of remote decryption methods.

We studied the distribution of fluoride (F^-) in fresh and moderately mineralized waters of subpermafrost aquifers of Central Yakutia. We analyzed the data archive of 296 water samples collected by the Melnikov Permafrost Institute staff members during hydrochemical surveys between 1984 and 2019. The average fluoride concentrations varied between 5 and 10 mg/L. Highest concentrations (up to 15.5 mg/L) are observed in waters of the terrigenous aquifer systems occurring over the crystalline basement. The sources of fluoride can likely be the various fluoride-bearing minerals of aluminosilicate rocks. The high fluoride concentrations in these aquifers are associated with geochemistry (alkaline environment and sodium-bicarbonate water type) resulted from cryogenic metamorphism of rocks. Lowest concentrations (0.4-0.8 to 2-3 mg/L) are observed in subpermafrost groundwater samples collected from wells near the Lena River channel. These low concentrations indirectly indicate the presence of open taliks beneath the channel and the infiltration of stream water into the subpermafrost aquifers.

The territory of the north of Western Siberia is known as one of the promising regions of the Russian Arctic in terms of reserves of alternative fuel sources, in particular, gas hydrates. According to the results of interpretation of the data of 3D transient electromagnetic method (TEM) in the cryolithozone, performed in the Nadym district of the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug at depths of 100-220 m, geoelectric anomalies of increased electrical resistivity values were revealed, accompanied by the induced polarization anomalies. The authors associate the mentioned anomalies with the possible accumulations of gas hydrates in the cryolithozone. To justify the applicability of the transient electromagnetic method in the near field zone in a shallow modification for mapping subpermafrost geoelectric anomalies in the cryolithozone, a description of a mathematical experiment is presented in the paper. The experiment is based on empirical electromagnetic data. As a result of mathematical modeling, it is shown that the use of transient electromagnetic method makes it possible to estimate the conductivity and polarizability of the upper part of the section of the study area and to identify anomalies in the cryolithozone, which are probably associated with hydrate-bearing deposits.

This analytical review is devoted to the Vladimir Romanovich Alekseev’s monograph dedicated to kurums - a specific type of covering coarse deposits, widely distributed within the mountainous permafrost areas of Northern Asia.