Home – Home – Jornals – Geography and natural resources 2016 number 6S

Presented is the evidence concerning the groundwater and surface water quality on the territory of the settlement of List vyanka which are used by the local population for water supply. The development of the tourism industry in the Baikal region leads to the anthropogenic impact on the Lake Baikal ecosystem and to changes in natural landscapes as well as deteriorating the state of the terrestrial and underground hydrosphere. Detailed hydrogeological sampling of 106 boreholes and wells in the pad’s and narrow valleys of the settlement revealed areas of polluted groundwater. It is established that groundwater within the Sennaya pad’ is generally of good quality and suitable for drinking purposes. In the Bannaya pad’ where the brook of the same name is the main drain, nitrate content slightly exceeds the background values. The Krestovaya pad’ showed the largest number of groundwater sources (mainly public wells) with polluted groundwater. In the Malaya Cheremshanka pad’, the waters are polluted by nitrates, and their content exceeds the requirements laid down in health standards by a factor of 1.1-2.5. In the Bol’shaya Cheremshanka pad’, increased contents of nitrates were also recorded in groundwater from one well and one borehole. Groundwater from the Berezovaya pad’ contains nitrates exceeding by a factor of 2,5-2,9 the permissible concentration. The main pollution source of groundwater is domestic sewage from the numerous hotel complexes located along the valley bottoms and the sides of narrow valleys. On the whole, the content levels of standardized components (nitrates, ammonium and silicon) in groundwater of Listvyanka do not exceed the threshold level value for drinking water.

T is shown that the unfavorable intra-annual distribution of river runoff, and low-water and high-water periods complicate the use of water resources of the Novosibirsk reservoir and are accompanied by a number of negative consequences. The possi bilities of creating reservoirs in the basin and their influence on the runoff of the Upper Ob are analyzed. The Novosibirsk res ervoir is considered as an example of water resources management in the extreme hydraulicity conditions of the river. It is noted that in spite of the shallow seasonal flow regulation, the reservoir allows the negative consequences of floods and low-water situations to be reduced. At present, the Upper Ob is characterized by an increase in the recurrence frequency of low-water years and low-water cycles consisting of two years or more. For the period 1959-2015, 21 years were high-water, 11 years - moderate water and 24 years - low-water. We examine changes in hydraulicity of the Upper Ob for the period 2012-2015, including extremely low-water, high-water and moderate-water years. An analysis of the use of the water resourc es of the Novosibirsk reservoir in the low-water conditions shows that forecasts of the spring inflow into the reservoir do not permit any reasonably high-quality management decision-making corresponding to the extreme conditions of formation of the annual low inflow. In some periods, warm spring weather causes intense snowmelt in Altai, which leads to a rise of the water levels in local rivers, and the inflow into the reservoir increases up to seven times. Generally, almost a third of the high-water inflow is accumulated in the Novosibirsk reservoir, which makes it possible to influence the processes of flooding and underflood ing in the downstream. As a result of the studies carried out, a need for a deeper regulation of the Upper river flow has been revealed.

A set of climate-induced changes in the typical landscapes of the Siberian taiga at the southern periphery of the permafrost zone is discussed. The results obtained are based on long-term field investigations made in the key areas within the eastern margin of the West Siberian Plain, in the northern part of the Yenisei Ridge and the western Central Siberian Plateau. Analysis of primary climatic data shows that since the early 1980s the mean annual temperature in the boreal areas of Siberia increased by 1-2 ° C against the previous cooling period 1950s-1970s. Winters became warmer and springs and autumns longer. It is established that such changes have influence primarily on the state of ecotone landscapes located in the vicinities of their eco logical borders. A study is made of the boreal landscapes of the permafrost ecotone corresponding zonal-geographically to the natural complexes of the middle taiga. These geosystems are characterized by the highest vulnerability to any external influ ences, which renders them particularly informative for studying the consequences of climate changes. On the basis of using visu ally observed landscape indicators representing complex links between their components, combined with instrumental data, the main trends in geosystem changes in the areas of sporadic and discontinuous high-temperature ice-bounded ground are revealed. These trends are considered in the form of the following response processes observed in the Siberian taiga in the south of the permafrost zone: degradation of ice-bounded ground and intensification of solifluction in dark-coniferous landscapes of glacial plains; local replacement of solifluction with land sliding; melting of goletz ice in kurums; mudding of kurums with fine earth and their further overgrowing with mosses, lichens and small-leaved forests; changes in animal habitats, and deterioration of the worsening conditions for taiga bioresources reproduction, etc.

A landscape and ecological analysis is made of the structure of soil zoocenoses in the Tunka depression and the foothill area of Khamar-Daban. We examine the patterns of change in quantitative characteristics and taxonomic diversity of invertebrate communities in the landscape-ecological range under the influence of natural and anthropogenic factors. Taxonomic diversity and structure change mainly in the gradient of edapho-climatic and phytocenotic conditions which vary with the location of a biogeo cenosis in the landscape. Within the taiga and forest landscapes, the general regularity of distribution of soil invertebrates is an increase in the number of species from steppificated pine and larch forests to dark coniferous-fir and mixed sufficiently moist biogeocenoses of the mountain forest belt. The relatively low heat availability of the root layer, combined with high humidity, and also the high temperatures that lead to drying of the soil, negatively affect on the taxonomic diversity of the mesopopulation. The main trend of change in taxonomic diversity of pedobiont communities is a decrease of the number of species in the gradient of increasing climate aridity, and an enhancement in hypothermaia and anthropogenic pressure. A structural and dynamical analy sis identified two main types of structure of the communities: mesothermohygrophile (with a relatively small contribution from of insects and a large contribution from annelids), and xeroresistant (with a significant involvement of representatives of the insecta class. The first type includes zoocomplexes of taiga, forest, meadow and wetland biogeocenoses represented mainly by moisture-loving forms; the second type includes steppificated, steppe and radically anthropogenically disturbed biogeocenoses, the composi tion of which is dominated by invertebrates with relatively short development cycles and largely adapted to moisture deficit.

Reconstructions of changes in vegetation, climate and sedimentation conditions in the valley of the lower reaches of the Bikin river lower reaches (Northern Primorye) for the last 70 thousand years were made from results of palynological and dia tom analyses, radiocarbon dating of peat samples, plant detritus and wood residues contained in the alluvial and biogenic de posits of floodplain and above the floodplain terraces exposed by profiles. New evidence was obtained for multiple and significant transformations of natural environment of the region for several climatic cycles during the Late Pleistocene and Holocene cor responding to marine isotope stages MIS 4-1. It was established that the final phase of MIS 4 was dominated by ecosystems of mari and dark coniferous taiga, the interglacial stage of MIS 3 by communities of birch forests with the involvement of broad-leaved plants, and the glacial stage of MIS 2 by birch open wood with larch and spruce as well as by sphagnum bogs and dwarf birch. In the Early Holocene (Q¹_IV) there occurred a rapid expansion of deciduous plants. During the Holocene Optimum, about 6,5 ka, the ecosystems were dominated by polydominant forests. The maximum development of oak-deciduous forests with co nifers is recorded about 5 ka. The transition from the Middle to Late Holocene (Q² _IV) is characterized by a reduction in IV-Q³ the proportion of pine and broad-leaved vegetation and by the development of small-leaved and dark coniferous plant communi ties. It is found that in the second half of the Late Holocene (Little Climatic Optimum), pine-oak forests began to dominate the landscapes, and the end of that period developed the contemporary ecosystems.

We examine territorial marketing, a direction of regional policy, which is gaining increasing popularity across the globe; it emerged at the interface of marketing and socio-economic geography and is based on the notion of the uniqueness of each place. We discuss the methodological issues related to this direction and to its relevance to Irkutsk. A study is made of the use and prospects of the images of the city of Irkutsk as the tools for the promotion of the place and the attraction of migrants and tour ists. The investigation was made at different geographical scales: regional (Irkutsk - Baikal); microgeographical toponymics, and statistical analysis of the individual perception of the city. Use was made of different investigation techniques: a multi-scale treatment of the same geographic phenomena against the background of the world, the country, the region and the agglomeration; analysis of the city’s recreational-geographical location as a variety of the economic-geographic location; comparison of street names according to the locality of the names, that is, the extent to which they are connected with the history and culture of the city as well as according to their popularity and content analysis of texts and images taken from the Internet and belonging both to tourists and to local residents, and images in the field of emotions. Some recommendations are made for the use of the im ages of the city in its marketing promotion. It is pointed out that the identified images were used in practice; in particular, in designing the historical 130 ^th Quarter in Irkutsk where timber representing one of the city images was widely used.

The role played by the household farms in the agrarian economy of the Republic of Buryatia is investigated. «Points of growth» are revealed, namely, commercial farm households located in the suburban zone of the capital of the Republic. A study is made of changes in marketability of products. Emphasis is placed on the high marketability of cattle meat which reaches in some years 50 % of the products obtained as well as a steady growth of the marketability of milk and potatoes. Sociological sur veys were carried out among 47 farm household owners and members of their families. The criteria for selection of households as objects for study were the regularity and a long period of sales at a given outlet, and the availability of the staple range (milk and dairy produce sold throughout the year). The surveys revealed the distinctive features in the internal structure of the households influencing their competitiveness. The factors were identified, which contribute to increasing the effectiveness of sales. A charac teristic is given to the age structure of the households owned by the population and of the approaches used in selling products. The range of products sold in each season is considered, and the prices are given. The places of product sales are characterized. The factors are formulated, which influence the price and the range of products. The study revealed the influence of the economic-geographical location of the sales places, the availability of the automobile in the farm households, and the population’s capacity to pay the price of products. Statistical information was used to determine a surplus of some kinds of agricultural products, and their marketability was analyzed starting in 1998. A characteristic is given to the development of the suburban and peripheral farm households. Additional channels of sales of agricultural products obtained in the farm households are analyzed.

We examine the enterprises of the fuel and energy complex of the Tyva Republic in which the in which the coal industry and the heat power industry play a leading role. This complex is a crucial economic sector whereas it has a serious negative impact on the environment. Coal mined on the territory of the republic is currently being used primarily for the production of thermal energy. Tyva experiences a shortage of electricity that is offset by energy from the Unified Power Grid of Siberia. A characteristic of the coal-mining enterprises and heat power generation facilities is provided. For the environmental assessment of the coal-mining enterprises we used the most significant indicators, such as the method of mining and the area of disturbed lands whereas for the heat power generation facilities we took into account the amounts of atmospheric pollutant emissions. Data on pollution of soils and earth materials, groundwater, snow and atmospheric air are given. The most significant environmental problems were revealed for the Kaa-Khem coal mine and in the zone of influence of the Kyzyl thermal power plant located in the urban area of Kyzyl. Some measures for a minimization of environmental stress are considered. The findings are displayed on the environmental map. An original cartographic language was developed for this map compilation, which is represented by the system of graphical point signs for displaying coal deposits, the impact of mining enterprises on the environment, mapping of enterprises in the heat power industry and their environmental indicators. The area map symbols show the density of violations for municipalities. The findings expand the methods of thematic mapping and can be used in governance of environmental man agement.

Processes of accretion and abrasion and possibilities of using the main natural resources in the maritime coastal areas of the Red River delta in the north of Vietnam are considered. Quantitative data on erosion and accretion are provided for the period since 1930 till the present, and the level of accretion and erosion processes is estimated according to their intensity and prevalence. Three periods of development of accretion and erosion in three areas of the Red River delta have been identified, and the results of cartographic and quantitative analysis of their intensity are presented. It was determined that the erosion areas in some periods reached 47 ha/year with the destruction rate of the coast as high as 9,2 m/year and the rate of accretion 445 ha/ year, and the seaward shift of the coastline with the velocity of up to 37,6 m/year. The most eroded coastal areas are Wang Li and Hai Hau, and accretion is largest in Ba Lat. The area characteristics of the eroded and accretion areas are given for ten coastal regions from the city of Haiphong to NinhBin Province. It is shown that the dynamical processes in the coastal zone of the northern part of Vietnam significantly complicate the use of natural resources and their economic development. The specific character and ecological problems of sea salt extraction, cultivation of aquaculture, restoration of mangrove vegetation in the maritime and coastal zone of the Red River delta are considered. It was determined that irrational use of the coastal territories gives rise to environmental problems and to a decrease in economic efficiency of natural resource management. It is concluded that the identified patterns of formation of the estuary should be properly identified and, on this basis, it is advisable to develop balanced methods for sustainable use of natural resources of the coastal regions of Vietnam, including coastal shoals.

A palynological analysis was made of the paleosoil (less than 20 cm in thickness) of the age of 4110 ± 110 BP which had formed on the top of river sediments and was subsequently covered with aeolian sands (3,6 m thick) of the so-called Bledow Desert. The results of the palynological analysis indicate: (1) the dominant role of pollen from lime (Tilia) among the tree species; (2) substantial amounts of pollen from maple (Acer); (3) a significant presence of pollen from heather (Ericaceae), and 4) an increase in the contribution of pollen from plants (including grains) associated with human activity. A comparison of data obtained with results from analyzing the contemporary pollen rain in different plant communities of the other parts of Poland indicates that during the formation stage of the Holocene soils in the Bledow Desert, the aforementioned tree species were dominant in the composition of forests and that the presence of a large contribution of pollen from lime and pollen in the soil was determined by their properties and ability to persist in the paleosol.

Pacific Russia is regarded as an aquaterritorial macroregion in the composition of the Far Eastern Federal District and the adjacent sea area within the 200-nautical mile Exclusive Economic Zone. The macroregion harbors enormous natural land and sea resource wealth potential and is endowed with possibilities of using the sea transport connecting Russia and Europe with countries of the Asia-Pacific Region. In Pacific Russia, two latitudinal zones, northern and southern, are identified; they include the territories of the constituent entities of the Far Eastern Federal District. Combinations of the kinds of activity for the constituent entities and latitudinal zones are treated as territorial structures of the economy. An assessment of the geographical differentiation of the economy in the latitudinal zones for the years 2004 and 2013 and its change was made from the differences of the homogeneous kinds of activity in the constituent entities measured in terms of the added value. Structural gradients of spatial (including latitudinal) differentiation of the homogeneous kinds of economic activity are suggested for neighboring constituent entities. The analysis made for the latitudinal zones can be useful in assessing the variants of investment in the economy of the constituent entities of Pacific Russia.

This paper presents the scientific-methodological approaches to cartographic GIS-based modeling of pipelines with geoeco logical restrictions which essentially imply a spatial multiparametric analysis of the natural potential of the study territory in order to explore its possibilities of consistently performing the socioeconomic functions as pre-assigned without disturbing the life-support (environment and resource reproduction) functions. The suggested technique is illustrated by the example of selecting the route for the laying of the pipeline system on the model territory in the arctic zone of Siberia. Critical principles are applied to the technique of cartographic modeling of the pipeline route, i. e. the principles of systemacy, ecological security, priority of estimated indicators, unity of assessment and economic expediency. The following investigation methods were used in implementing the technique: ranking of the properties of natural landscapes according to their influence on the suitability of the territory, qualimetric assessments for the suitability classes of lands of natural systems, and graph theory for determining the optimal pipeline route on the basis of Dijkstra’s algorithm. The table of unnormalized and normalized weighting factors is compiled, which are taken in consideration for assessing the suitability of natural landscape components and their characteristic properties. Ar chival and published reference data are used to calculate the reference values of the indicators used in an integral assessment of the suitability of the territory for the laying of the pipeline route.

A detailed analysis is made of the current ideas concerning floods of a special type. We examine sudden short-duration torrential floods, one of the most widespread and hazardous natural phenomena in the world characterized by a high rate of development, and by a short duration. It is shown that such floods are of the most widespread occurrence in the Northern hemi sphere in regions with a temperate and subtropical climate. It is established that such floods are in a primitive stage of study, which is testified by the fact that there is no general consensus as to what should be treated as a sudden flood. It is pointed out that a special term desig nating them is also absent in many countries. It is determined that the key formation conditions for sudden floods include intense short-duration cloudbursts, occurrence of a river basin in mountainous regions and a small drain age area; on this basis, it is suggested that they be termed sudden cloudburst floods. We suggest the scheme of natural factors for formation of sudden cloudburst floods and their differences from mudflows and floods of other types. It is determined that the main problems of investigating the formation mechanisms and forecasting the aforementioned floods are associated with the small spatiotemporal scale of these phenomena.

We examine the issue concerning the determination of the line of demarcation between geomorphology and the related Earth sciences which is associated with elementarization of continual topographic surface of the planet’s relief. We present our view of the progression along this direction that relies on the theory of the system-morphological foundation of Earth sciences. We es tablished the existence of the synenergy effect in the use of the system-morphological approach in all particular geographical sciences: in microclimatology, it provides a means of referencing microclimates and “local climates” to topographic features; in soil science, it revitalizes the notion of an elementary soil area thus simplifying the process of soil mapping. In geobotany and biogeocenology, this approach helps to make results from studying phytocenose productivity and from dendroindication investiga tions more representative. We determined a direct practical importance of landscape geophysics and assessments of the significance of geotopes on land surface as well as on the bottom of the World Ocean and beneath mainland glaciers. It is suggested that the system-morphological approach be used in the interests of a further development not only of traditional analytical geomorpho logy but also its new, synthetic direction that relates geomorphology with social sciences. It is established that in such a case the sym metry tools can be sued to define the relief as the set of locations with anthropogenic objects, processes and phenomena.

An analysis is made of the geobotanical forecasting technique. Mapping is known to be recognized as the most powerful method of forecasting-geobotanical investigations. A close interrelation between geobotanical forecasting and vegetation mapping is demonstrated. To improve objectivity of the findings used cartographic models of modern and predicted vegetation which most fully represent the entire structural-cenotic diversity of plant communities in Prebaikalia, the central region of Baikalian Siberia. The predictive constructions are based on analyzing modern vegetation which always includes structural features of its future that manifest themselves in primary and stable secondary communities. We developed the legend and compiled the map (sc 1:200 000) of the region’s modern vegetation. The state of the natural environment of the Lena-Angara interfluve is assessed having regard to the various functions of plant communities in geosystems. The 1:200 000 map of probability-predictive (within 200 years) vegetation is presented for Lena-Angara interfluve. It is shown that complete recovery of the primary structure will not occur within 200 years. It is found that it is necessary to carry out predictive-cartographic investigations for the whole of Baikalian Siberia as vegetation of this region is characterized by a decreased activity of recovery processes occurring under the influence of anthropogenic factors. The reason has to do with the harsh natural conditions where it is not worthwhile to pursue extensive nature management, such as is universally the case to date, leading to undesirable economic consequences, because the degree of disturbance to vegetation in a number of areas of Prebaikalia has now reached as critical level. It is concluded that a further policy of nature management on this territory must be built upon the new principles to be approved by government documents.

The need to improve the assessment of the natural fire hazard in nature reserves is considered. It is suggested that the natural vegetation fuel map compiled by using a specially developed determinant of the types of main conductors of burning having regard to the period of a fire-hazardous season should be used for such purposes. The types of prime conductors of burn ing constitute the major group of vegetation fuels which determines the possibility of the spread of burning across the territory covered by vegetation. A classification of this group was carried out on the basis of long-term pyrological investigations in differ ent regions of the RF. The vegetation fuel maps are presented for the Stolby nature reserve, separately for the spring (autumn) and summer seasons, because the southern-taiga forests are characterized by a predominance of the grass forest types with the involvement of gramineous species. The map of the current natural fire hazard is compiled and presented as an example, on the basis of the vegetation fuel map for the spring (autumn) periods of the season for drought class II according to the weather con ditions. This map is representative of the possibility or impossibility of the spread of burning for each area in the nature reserve in the event that the source of fire (of anthropogenic or natural origins) appears. It is shown that vegetation fuel map can be compiled for any nature reserve by using the determinant of the types of prime conductors of burning.

On the basis of analyzing the ecological problems of the Northwest Pacific region, we suggest ecological quality objectives, the attainment of which is to ensure a good state of the marine environment in the region which is a necessary condition for sustainable nature management. We discuss the operational goals and quantitative criteria and indicators as required for monitoring the current state of ecosystems as well as the progress in achieving the objectives. An analysis is made of experience in using a similar approach in the European Union. It is shown that there is a difference of the environmental quality monitoring techniques in the Northwest Pacific region where cooperative efforts on rationalization of nature management are not supported legislatively. In dealing with this problem, a special role would be played by regional and international cooperation, specifically within the United National Environment Programme in the Northwest Pacific region, contributing to a harmonization of the national monitoring systems. The need for international cooperation is also dictated by the irregularity of natural and socioeconomic conditions in the region, which makes the development of unified assessment methods difficult.

Presented are the results from summarizing many years (1990-2012) routine hydrochemical data on content of cadmium and lead compounds in river ecosystems of different natural zones and altitudinal belts of Russia. This study used data on chemical composition of water from 91 observation posts on 75 rivers. Long-term variability in content levels of metals is considered with respect to the ranges of variation in concentration of a long-term period, median values of concentration and the MAC exceedance frequency. It is shown that in different natural zones and altitudinal belts, the content level of cadmium compounds is relatively uniform and varies from values below the detection limit to 39-45 μ g/dm ³ in most of the river ecosystems used in this study. The content of lead compounds in the river water varies over a broad range, from zero values to 44 μ g/dm ³ (except for anomalously high concentrations in separate river ecosystems). And the highest values are observed in the rivers of the taiga zone. An assessment is made of the pollution level of the river waters by lead and cadmium compounds. The largest number of cases of high and extremely high water pollution was recorded for lead compounds. The proportion of the river ecosystems with a high and extremely high level of water pollution by cadmium and lead compounds constituted 21.2 and 46.9 %, respectively. It was found that not only does the presence of cadmium and lead compounds in aquatic ecosystem deteriorate the water quality and the state of aquatic ecosystems, but it also disturbs the functioning of hydrobionts. Therefore, results from assessing long-term variability in contents of the most dangerous heavy metals, lead and cadmium, in the water environment can be used in developing measures for water quality improvement and for recovery of the status of river ecosystems.

It is found that pollution of the territory from local sources of the zone of atmospheric influence spreads over several tens of kilometers along the prevailing wind direction, and in the central zone it is replaced by regional pollution. Snow pollution in the water area of Lake Baikal was recorded near coastal settlements and in the mouth of the Selenga river. It is established that the southern hollow of Baikal holds the lead in the input of NO2, NO3, NH4, PO4, F, Al, Na, Ba, Mo, Mn, Pb, Cu, Zn, Sr, Hg and petroleum products to the lake’s water area in spite of the fact that it is twice as small as the northern hollow. The northern hollow receives much larger amounts of SO4, H2CO3, Cl, Ca, Mg and K than the northern hollow, and much larger amounts of Be, V, Cr and Co than the middle hollow, which is associated with the operation of coastal enterprises, boilers, thermoelectric plants, stove heating, automobile exhaust emissions, and with the natural transport of dust in snow-deficient areas of the middle hollow. It is determined that that last five years saw a slight increase in regional pollution for separate components. It is shown that in the late 1990s and in the early 2000s, pollution decreased twice, which was due to the setback in industrial production.

An analysis is made of the ecological status of the Baikal natural territory. The main sources of influence on natural en vironment components. The role of the power industry in atmospheric emissions of pollutants is assessed for each ecological zone. It is shown that in the ecological zone of atmospheric influence the main influence comes from large power generation enter prises, i.e. thermal power stations of the Irkutsk-Cheremkhovo industrial center; in the central ecological zone, they are repre sented by numerous large and small boilers located in the coastal zone of Lake Baikal both on the territory of Irkutsk oblast and in the Republic of Buryatia. In the buffer zone, the main sources of emissions include large thermal power stations: Gusinoozersk GRES, and Ulan-Ude CHI-1 and CHI-2. An assessment of the contribution from the power generation facilities to atmospher ic emissions showed that a decrease in emissions of sulfur oxides must be the priority direction of minimizing the anthropogenic load on the atmosphere in the ecological zone of atmospheric influence, and a decrease in the amount of solids (ash and black carbon) emitted by the boilers directly into the ground layer of air in the central ecological zone; in the buffer zone, it is neces sary to arrange a monitoring of pollutants emissions from high energy sources in order to explore the possibility that they can be involved in the distant transport of gaseous emissions. The estimates obtained show that for the Baikal natural territory as a whole, the contribution from the power generation facilities to the pollutants emissions into the atmosphere varies from 60 to 70 %. Main directions are suggested for minimizing the anthropogenic impact of the power generation facilities on the natural environment of the study territory.

We examine the decadal (2001-2010) regularities in the processes of distant transport of air masses and heavy metals (HM) to five locations in the North of the European territory of Russia. The spatial and seasonal differences in these processes are considered. We use the back trajectories statistical method for the transport of air masses, and a model description of the distant transport of HM on submicron aerosol particles. The study revealed the most significant HM sources metals in different seasons for different regions, namely the industrial centers of Murmansk and Arkhangelsk oblasts, as well as the more distant Sverdlovsk, Leningrad and Vologda oblasts, and the cities of Kirov, Perm and Norilsk. The mean indicators of anthropogenic environmental pollution in the background areas of Murmansk and Arkhangelsk oblasts at a large distance from the emission sources were analyzed. The estimates obtained for lead and cadmium are in a reasonable agreement with available measure ments. It is shown that it is only with high winter-summer ratios of anthropogenic HM concentration (higher than 170, which corresponds to about 50 % of cases) that anthropogenic impacts on the environment in a warm season can be neglected in the areas under consideration. Otherwise 14 to 45 % of the anthropogenic annual HM flux from the atmosphere can be deposited on the snow-free soils and water basins. It is found that a combination of the effectivenesses of sources and sinks during the distant transport of HM leads to uneven pollution of the territory under consideration, and this should be taken into account when selecting so-called background (low-pollution) areas separately for each pollutant involved.

We investigated the present status of the landscape structure of the country estate (usad’ba) parks in the Vsevolozhskii district of Leningrad oblast: Ryabovo, Sofievka and Shcheglovo. Field investigations topographic maps and high resolution space images were used in compiling landscape maps, and in analyzing the landscape structure of the country estates. The history of development of the country estates is described. It is found that the parks and the buildings in the country estates are in an extremely neglected condition to date. The degradation process of the park complexes is demonstrated: overgrowth of the parks with not valuable woody species, swamping, a loss of decorative qualities of meadow areas (replacement of meadow vegetation communities by trees and shrubs), and overgrowth of artificial water bodies. A package of measures has been developed, which are necessary for the restoration of the exterior of the historical country estates: removal of dead-standing trees from the terri tory of the parks, tending of trees along the lanes, cleaning of ponds, and restoration of meadow vegetation. It is conclu ded that a restoration work can be based on studying the landscape structure of the parks and the history of the creation of the country estates. Because of an advantageous geographical location (not far from St. Petersburg), their restoration can transform the neglected historical-architectural complexes to profitable sites of tourism industry.

A comparison is made of the calculated values of solar radiation incident on the upper atmospheric boundary with the measured values of ground temperature on the territory of the Crimea Peninsula. It is shown that the long-term temperature regime on the territory of the Crimea Peninsula is characterized by a stability. It is determined that the stability of the long-term regime of mean annual ground air temperatures is associated with the characteristics of the latitudinal distribution of solar ra diation incident on the upper atmospheric boundary. The incident solar radiation increases in the regions of heat sources and decreases in the regions of heat sink. Stability of long-term mean annual values of ground air temperature is associated with the location of the Crimea on the boundary of the regions of heat sources and sinks. The study revealed the chronological structure of long-term changes in ground air temperature. The anomaly in the long-term ground air temperature variability is characterized by short-duration variations. An analysis is made of the chronological structure of interannual variability in ground air tem perature on the territory of the peninsula. The dominant interannual and 2-3-year periodicities in the temperature regime variations is correlated with variations in incident solar radiation. In 62.7 % of cases, the sign of interannual variability in ground В. М. ФЁДОРОВ И ДР. air temperature corresponds to the sign of interannual variability in incident solar radiation. Thus it is shown that a small ten dency in the long-term ground air temperature variability on the territory of the Crimean Peninsula, and the characteristics of its variations are determined largely by the specific character of the input and distribution of solar radiation incident on the upper atmospheric boundary.

Using, as an example, the key plot established along meridian 78 in the north of Novosibirsk oblast, we identified and described ten circuses equal in size and 20 km in diameter. An analysis is made of the composition and characteristics of soil spectra (of the ranked lists of soil variants) for each circus having regard to changes in mean annual temperature and the loca tion in the three subzones: northern forest-steppe, the subzone of hemiboreal forests, and southern taiga. A regional characteris tic is given to the spatial structure of soil structure on the study territory of the West Siberian Plain. It is shown that the soil cover on the interface of the subtaiga-northern forest-steppe and subtaiga-southern taiga interface is characterized by a sub-zonal differentiation: the northern belt of northern forest-steppe is distinguished by the formation of meadow-chernozem solodic soils, meadow solonetzes and meadow saline soils with a general occurrence of peaty boggy low-level gley soils. The belt of West-Siberian small-leaved birch-aspen forests (subtaiga) differs from the northern belt of northern forest-steppe by the presence of grey forest gley soils, and by the absence of meadow-chernozem soils (both solonetzic and solodic) and meadow saline soils. They are unified by peaty boggy low-level gley soils with a maxima occurrence in the subtaiga subzone. The composition and characteristics of the soil spectrum in the southern belt of southern taiga are responsible for its considerable isolation from the other two subzones: occurrence of soddy gley soils, peaty raised boggy soils, and peaty raised boggy gley soils with the involvement of peaty boggy transitional soils. Subzonal soil series were identified by analyzing soil spectra. The circus method of investigating the composition and characteristics of soil cover coupled with identification of comparable territories and analysis of soil spectra, was used to obtain new information which cannot be acquired by some other technique, and to identify the unique regional features in the soil distribution in Novosibirsk oblast.

Natural regularities were revealed in the development of irrigated agriculture in ancient Tuva, suggesting that the region of Central Asia was home to an ancient agricultural civilization. The study identified ample evidence of ancient irrigation on des ert landscapes of the Ubsunurskaya depression, large plots of arable land exceeding considerably the areas of today’s agriculture. It was established that the irrigation systems along the valley of the Tes-Khem river show abundant evidence of ancient settle ments. Arid territories of Central Asia - regions of traditional animal husbandry - are considered. A town of ancient farmers, hitherto virtually unknown to science, was discovered on the western shore of Lake Ubsu-Nur. Remnants of irrigation systems were investigated, and it was found that separate plots of land were concentrated on low-level peatbogs which were good arable lands. Paleobotanical analysis of peatbogs and buried soil horizons determined the character of vegetation cover on the study territory, pointing to a stable development of vegetation of the forest-steppe type in the past. Wheat and millet grains were dis covered, which confirm the existence of agriculture in these areas. Macroremains of forest and forest-steppe vegetation and cere als suggest that at the time of ancient agriculture there occurred plant communities on desert landscapes of the Ubsunurskaya depression. It is presumed that deforestation was among the reasons behind the desertification of this territory.

Presented are the results from investigating the periglacial zone of the Munku-Sardyk massif in Eastern Sayan. Dendro chronometry data are used in analyzing the cyclicity of natural processes that manifests itself in increment in trees growing in extreme conditions. The analysis revealed secular and intrasecular cycles. A correlation of increments in larch and Siberian stone pine with changes in summer temperatures (the correlati on coefficients 0.56 and 0.48, respectively) is observed. For the period of observation of the Peretolchin glacier (1900-2015), the stages of its retreat (1900-1965 and 1983-2000) and advance (1965-1983) were revealed, which influenced the changes in increment in trees and the degree of accumulation of bottom sediments in the proglacial Lake Ekhoi. A comparison of the character of growth of a “fossil” tree in the Holocene optimum with present-day long-lived trees shows a higher sensitivity of the ancient tree (the coefficient 0.43) and a lower sensitivity in present-day trees (0.32 for larch, and 0.26 for Siberian stone pine). Thermochronometry data were used to determine a decrease in air temperature with height in June (an optimal month for increments in trees) to 0,468 °C/100 m.

From 1999 to 2011 the Onon river basin experienced an enhancement in aridity of climate, which led to substantial changes in the water-thermal regime of geosystems, depletion of soil water storage, and to a decrease in groundwater table and in streamflow. Drying of birch forests on a mass scale showed their vulnerable position in steppe and forest-steppe areas of the basin. For revealing the territorial regularities of climatogenic dynamics of tree vegetation, geoinformation methods were used in analyzing the relief and constructing the map representing a combined influence of three parameters of the relief - absolute altitude, dissection, and the position relative to the direction of moisture transport by air masses. It is established that the status of birch forests is impaired from the tops of the mountain ranges to the hollows and intermontane depressions as well as from the surrounding mountains to the middle of the basin. The most unfavorable conditions have developed in flat, weakly dissected, inland areas which are protected the most from westerly moisture-carrying air masses. This is confirmed by results of field in vestigations assessing the vital status of the birch forests on the study territory.

Investigations were made with a view to assess the geographical features in the formation of the chemical composition of surface waters of natural landscapes in Southern Yakutia. On the basis of studying the lithologo-geochemical and landscape-climatic characteristics of the region, we determined the specific character of the chemical composition of surface waters. It is established that the waters of the Lena-Aldan plateau refer to weakly alkaline, soft waters with moderate mineralization, and the waters of the Chul’manskaya hollow are categorized as neutral, very soft waters with very low mineralization. It is found that the intensity of water migration of most of the elements being studied (S, C, N, and others) increases with an increase of the degree of climate humidity, in dissection of relief and redox potential as well as with a decrease in acidity of the river waters in Southern Yakutia at the transition from the Lena-Aldan plateau to the Aldan highland and the Chul’manskaya hollow. It is determined that long-term changes in chemical composition of the waters of the Lena-Aldan plateau and the Aldan highland depend primarily on the natural conditions whereas in the Chul’manskaya hollow they are caused by the influence of the an thropogenic factor.

This paper considers land use dynamics within Aksai-Chatyrkul depression of the Inner Tian Shan for the period of last several decades. The territory of this alpine valley is used as pastures for livestock of Atbashy district - a traditional branch of agriculture in Naryn region. In this paper, for the first time the dynamics of alpine pasture land use in Aksai-Chatyrkul depres sion in recent years are analyzed, taking into account the climatic and anthropogenic changes. A map of land use at as scale of 1: 500 000, based on satellite imagery for the period of 1978-1980 as well as a map of monitoring observations of pastures in Naryn region for 2010 were used. The analysis and assessment of the spatial distribution and area changes of pastures from 1980 to 2010 were conducted. Due to the closing of representative Aksai and Chatyrkul weather stations in the study area the data from the closest weather stations of the Inner Tian-Shan with longest time series (Naryn and Tian Shan) were also used to reconstruct the time series of mean annual air temperature and annual precipitation. Trends of recent climate changes in Aksai-Chatyrkul area in 1930-2014 were identified according to the data of six weather stations. Selyaninovs hydrothermal coefficient for Aksai-Chatyrkul depression was calculated and the assessment of climatic and anthropogenic changes potential impact on land-use dynamics was made. Cartographic analysis of land use dynamics shows that there is a tendency of total pasture area reduction in Aksai-Chatyrkul depression, which reduced by up to 12.2 % from 1980 to 2010. For verification of the map docu ments the 2014-2015 field observation data were used. There is an increase in mean annual air temperature and a slight increase annual precipitation in the region during the period from 1930 to 2014, as well as a weak trend of aridization in Aksai-Chatyrkul area. These factors have very slight impact on land use dynamics in the region compared with anthropogenic factors.

Formation processes of the runoff of rainfall floods are considered and the short-term forecast technique is developed by using the Onon river as an example, because the hydrological regime of the rivers within the Upper-Amur basin are characterized by significant water-level fluctuations caused by rainfall floods during the summer-autumn period. The investigation is based on the water-balance method. Plots of changes of the water flow rate over time (hydrographs) are constructed, and genetically related values of the flood runoff and flood-forming precipitation are calculated for the period of long-term observations. Statistical characteristics are used to substantiate the forecast arguments (predictors): the pair and multiple correlation coefficients and the criteria of t-statistics which are numerically equal to the ratio of the regression coefficient to the standard error of its determination. It is established that in addition to atmospheric precipitation that makes the main contribution to the formation of the flood runoff, an important role is also played by the degree of soil moistening prior to flood-forming rainfall. It is suggested that the water level in the river prior to the onset of a flood should be used as the indicator of pre-flood moistening. Two approaches are tested in dealing with the problem of forecasting the volume and the maximum water level of rainfall floods. E. G. Popov’s infiltration-capacity model was used to determine the mathematical structure of the dependence of the flood runoff on the main factors for its formation having regard to the main components of melt water losses (capacity retardation, infiltration, evaporation). The resulting dependences are recommended for making forecasts of the volume and the maximum water level of rainfall floods on the rivers within the Onon basin.

We examine the role of ecological information for the conditions of generation of the municipal spatial data infrastructure. The possibilities of using ecological geospatial data in municipal management are shown. We developed a series of digital eco logical maps of Novosibirsk which can be used in managing the ecological situation. It is suggested that cartographic models of the ecological situation should be used as the tool for presentation of ecological information in the spatial data infrastructure. These models offer a means of visualizing the current status of the environment as well as making ecological forecasts and pre senting their results. Our investigations permitted out to substantiate the list of ecological data which are required to characterize the state of environment within a large industrial center as well as the visualization and modeling technique for data collected by using the cartographic method of investigation and geoinformation mapping procedures.

In recent years, most climate change research have focused on determining patterns of exogenous processes activation and natural environmental and climate variability. This paper presents materials resulted from a comprehensive analysis of historical data, dendrochronological and geotechnical monitoring. The latter was conducted on the Ulaanbaatar geodynamic test site (polygon) (2012-2016) taking into account the geological and geomorphological conditions and using techniques for morphometric analysis of the relief. Some regularities in the development of the gullies and ravines network within the polygon area have been established, specifically, in Ulaanbaatar city and its immediate vicinity. The ongoing natural environmental and climate changes have been estimated according to dendrochronological observations at 26 stations located in most of the territory of Mongolia, except for the Gobi Desert. Activation of exogenous processes is in direct relationship to weather conditions and climate changes. Time series analysis was conducted using the mathematical statistics methods. The verification of the results obtained was underpinned by historical data on the flooding, droughts, and dzud events reported earlier and still occurring in the region, which have always been causing disastrous environmental and socio-economic consequences. The dendrochronological series was 500 years in length, or more, while historical chronology is spanning a period of 400 years. Based on the statistical analysis, the frequency of adverse events was established, and statistical models of weather and climate changes were built, which include predictions of future trends in the course of natural environmental processes until 2050.

A comprehensive study of unconsolidated deposits in the Nikolsk section allowed to reconstruct exogenetic and pedogenesis processes developing within the Tugnui Depression (the Selenga Middle Mountains), with the sedimentary strata accumulation dynamics restored at different time intervals. The phases of erosion-accumulative and eolian processes activation have been established (12,9-11,7; 10,2-8,6; 2,1-1,8 cal ka BP), which permitted reconstructing chronology and specific features of the pedogenic stages. Soils indicating stabilization stages of the relief-forming processes are represented by chernozems. Concurrent stages of pedogenesis and sedimentation processes benefited the formation of light- and dark-humus stratozems due to gradual washout and inwash of material in the uppermost soil horizons persistently affected by pedogenesis. Chronologically, the most pronounced phases of pedogenesis are associated with the time intervals of 11,7-10,2; 8,6-2,1 and 1,8-0,6 cal ka BP. The dynamics of sedimentation stages, phases of their stabilization and intensive pedogenesis have been determined primarily by climatic and environmental changes over the past fifteen thousand years in the study area. The obtained results are in good agreement with the stages of pedogenesis and manifestations of exogenetic processes in the adjacent territories of Russia and Mongolia. A polychronous development of exogenetic and soil-forming processes controlled by the landscape-climatic heterogeneity of the study area has been revealed, which makes itself evident in better pronounced stages of enhanced sedimentation in more arid southern areas of the Selenga Middle Mountains, while in more humid environments of their central part the periods of pedo genesis tend to be more extended. The structure of the pedo-sedimentary series of Nikolsk section thus demonstrates the alternating periods of pedogenesis and more intense exogenetic processes and represents changes of regional landscape and climate occurred over the last fifteen thousand years.

The Southern Baikal region is situated close to the industrially highly developed part of the Irkutsk region and the Republic of Buryatia, which therefore makes its oil and gas potential profoundly relevant. The lack of discovered large deposits of oil and gas here can be explained only by the extremely low level of exploration maturity of the geological structure and its complexity. Meanwhile, the existing favorable preconditions indicate the occurrence of hydrocarbon deposits in this area. These include the presence of marginal depressions, within which thickness of the subsalt clastic section tends to increase, as well as the distribution of Vendian-Cambrian carbonate reef formations. The study of Riphean deposits is of particular significance, as they form here many kilometers-thick intervals with enhanced reservoir properties. Caused by the lateral pressure of Baikal rift, an extended thrust structure developed at the marginal areas of the platform, to form a broad front encircling Patom Highlands. Here, both sediments of the upper overthrust structure and autochthonous rocks are considered highly potential for hydrocarbons. A pronounced dislocation of the upper part in the section of the platform margins re duces the quality of seismic data, which requires improving the methodology for oil and gas geological and geophysical prospecting. In this respect, the most appropriate appears the approach involving integration of seismic and electromagnetic studies, development of multi-wave seismic survey with large spacing and increased multiplicity factor, and the use of detailed geophysical data on the upper part of the structure for an adequate account of its irregularities. The paper shows that the development of the Southern Baikal region as a base region for the study of marginal basins in the south of the Siberian platform, will ultimately allow to assess its oil and gas potential and form a reliable methodological basis for the development of this kind of studies in the context of a similar geological structure of Cis-Patom and Cis-Sayan depressions.

Among energy infrastructure objects in the central ecological zone of the Baikal natural territory, coal-fired boiler-houses exert the greatest anthropogenic impact on the environment. According to calculations made, the total annual air emission of pollutants from such boiler-houses is estimated at 23 thousand tons, with their largest share (80 %) accounting for particulate matter. The ranking of central ecological zone by the extent of anthropogenic impact has revealed that 90 % of the total boiler-house emissions in the southern and northern parts, specifically, in the Slyudyansky, Kabansky and Severo-Baikalsky districts. The most substantial proportion of emissions is observed in the towns of Slyudyanka, Severobaikalsk, and Nizhneangarsk urban-type settlement. The use of natural gas will significantly mitigate the anthropogenic impact from heat supply facilities on the environment in the central ecological zone. The most attractive scenario of boiler-house gasification in the southern part of the zone would be the construction of the main gas pipeline, providing thereby natural gas supplies to the area. In the northern part of the zone, an autonomous gasification is only possible by setting up deliveries of the INK LLC (Irkutsk Oil Company) production (also called propane-butane mix) from its gas-processing plants. The projected volumes of gas consumption by all boiler-houses converted to gas in the most challenging areas are estimated at 56 and 69 million m ³ /year for the southern and northern parts of the central ecological zone, respectively. Taking into account the environmental and economic aspects, it appears feasible to convert only small boiler-houses to gas. In this case, their total air emissions will be reduced by more than half. Despite the unconditional ecological efficiency of converting coal-fired boiler-houses to gas in the central zone and available prerequisites for its utilization, this measure is somehow limited by uncertain terms of fields development, and construction of gas transportation infrastructure in the region.

Some material and data on the aquifer system in the vicinity of Listvyanka municipality are provided, along with stratifica tion of hydrogeological section of the key site - Krestovaya valley. Listvyanka settlement is situated at the joint of the Irkutsk artesian basin and Baikal mountain-folded hydrogeological region. The peculiar hydrogeological conditions are caused by a combination of the environmental factors: the composition and jointing of water-bearing rocks, height above the Baikal level, position of the valley channels, and permafrost distribution. Fissure, fissure-formation, pore-fissure and pore-formation under ground waters occur in crystalline and fine-grained deposits. They are calcium or magnesium hydrocarbonate in chemical composition with salinity not exceeding 0,5 g/L. Atmospheric precipitation is the main source of underground water recharge. Lake Baikal drains the underground waters as evidenced by their table which is inclined in its direction. The underground waters recharging the Baikal do not disturb the chemical stability of its water body owing to their low salinity, and chemical composition similar to that of the Baikal water. Permafrost is found in the form of small islands under swamps in the valley floors. The permafrost thickness is 15-30 m at most. In severe and dry winter the permafrost can barrage the groundwater flow and prompt the icing formation.

This paper presents evidence on the quality of ground and surface waters in the Krestovaya Valley used for community water supply. Ground water of HCO3 Mg-Ca (Ca-Mg) composition with TDS ranging between 71,0 and 514,5 mg/L is com monly available in Listvyanka settlement. It was analyzed how the water components comply with the requirements of the threshold level value for potable water, and thereby established that the content of all components in the local ground water sources does not exceed critical concentrations. However, some water wells have been found polluted. The main pollutants are nitrates, ammonium and silicon, originated from discharged residential wastewater of numerous hotels situated along the Kre stovka River banks. The threshold level values of nitrates and ammonium in the groundwater are found to be 1,1-5,9 and 6,3 times higher, respectively. Given that silicon content of both the riverine and ground water is almost equal, it may be taken as the natural background content, despite their pollution level is in excess of permissible limits. The problem of potable water de silication through water treatment processes should be solved on the basis of socio-hygienic monitoring and eco-epidemiological studies. To monitor ground and surface waters quantity, a depth-to-water map of the valley has been compiled which shows the stream underflow course from watersheds toward the Krestovka River and Lake Baikal. The stream underflow is formed at the confluence of groundwater of crystalline rocks of bed-rock massifs and groundwater of Quarternary alluvial deposits.

Listvyanka settlement (Southern Baikal) was the first area to provide some evidences of ecological crisis on Lake Baikal. This is the most visited place on the lakeshore, with more than one million people coming to visit Listvyanka every year. However, there is practically no nature protection infrastructure in the settlement. Its ground waters are affected by anthropogenic influences to the largest extent. The electrical resistivity tomography method has revealed dimensions of the saturated groundwater flows coming from the littoral zone to discharge into the lake. The conducted integrated studies have revealed that chemical and microbiological pollution of the ground waters is higher versus that of the surface water flows, which shows an insignificant increase in the content of biogenic and potentially anthropogenic elements within a stretch from the outlet to the mouth. Subaquatic discharge of ground waters polluted by waste water from tourist infrastructure facilities occurs at depths of greater than 2 m, which is responsible for both ecological stress and catastrophic transformation of aquatic biocenosis in Lake Baikal.

The Pre-Baikal quartz-bearing province holding the second largest quartz resources amongst all known geological and commercial types of quartz deposits in the Russian Federation is of considerable scientific and practical interest for manufacturers of high-purity quartz concentrates. Quartzite deposits of the Gargansky terrain with the discovered ten occurrences of new non traditional high-purity raw quartz should be of primary concern. The Bural-Sardyk «superquartzite» and fine-grained quartzite display a number of favorable features distinguishing them from other geological-commercial types. Weakly-metamorphosed chemogenic-sedimentary quartzite-silicite regarded as an original rock for «superquartzite» and fine-grained quartzite appear highly promising in terms of expanding the mineral resource base. The unique chemical, technological and production properties of these rocks are of great value. Quartzite of the Gargansky terrain has a low initial content of chemical impurities whose concentrations decrease several times during the enrichment process, which ranks this quartz equal to such known products as IOTA-quartz, quartz of the Kyshtym Mining and Processing Plant and others. Basic mineral impurities for these types of raw material include micas for «superquartzite» and carbonates for quartzite-silicite which can be easily removed during the enrichment processes. Technological feasibility of this quartz type is underpinned by such components as a deposit size (hundred thousand tons of resources), close proximity to transport networks, stable qualitative characteristics of a useful component through the whole thickness of productive beds. Eastern Siberia possesses sufficient resources for quartz enrichment and concentrate production necessary to optical glassmaking, manufacturing of readily marketable quartz ceramics and solar power application.