Home – Home – Jornals – Geography and natural resources 2016 number 5S

The paper presents the results of a comprehensive study of silica glass produced from quartzite of the Bural-Sardyk deposit on its resistance to crystallization during thermal tests. A method for producing silica glass at a specially modified industrial plants for growing «REDMED10-M» and «REDMED 8» single-crystals is described. Melting of glass samples was performed in a vacuum and vacuum-compression method (with a pressure of up to 6 atm, argon). In order to evaluate the optical quality of the glass obtained from the absorption spectrum of the sample it was checked against the absorption of KI and KU-1 brand of glass. In the course of study, the glass obtained from chemically enriched quartz concentrates subjected to procedure a high-temperature exposure (cristobalite formation) was compared with that produced from quartz and concentrates not subjected to such a procedure. Thus, the objects of studies were glasses obtained from quartz concentrates of the four types: fine quartzite, cristobalite of fine quartzite, «superquartzite» and cristobalite of «superquartzite». A test procedure for resistance to crystallization of various types of silica glass samples is provided. The results of a comprehensive study based on X-ray phase analysis, and electronic and optical microscopy have shown that glass samples obtained from cristobalite grits of «superquartzite» are optically better and more resistant to crystallization than the samples obtained from «superquartzite» grits, fine quartzite and cristobalite of fine quartzite. Phase of cristobalite in glass samples occur at a temperature of 1150 °C in the spectra of X-ray diffraction. It is found that the crystallization of the quartz plates after annealing at 1200 °C during 2 hours is only on the surface.

Quartzites from Bural-Sardyk deposit are considered to be a source of high purity quartz raw material. The contents of fluid inclusions (FI) in quartzite is therefore an important technical characteristic. Fluid inclusions were studied in quartz grains of the most clean varieties of quartzites of the «productive series»: dark grey, grey and light grey fine-grained quartzites, and «superquartzites». The microcryothermometric parameters were measured using Linkam THMSG-600 thermal/freezing stage (Center for Isotopic-Geochemical Studies, IGC SB RAS, Irkutsk). The distribution of fluid inclusions in quartz grains is irregular. Cross fractures in quartz grains contain fluids, form band clusters with dense concentrations and narrow chains that intersect each other, extending in parallel or spaced apart. Two-phase fluid inclusions are observed at room temperature. Fluids that are flat tened, isometric, rounded and complex in shape are nor rare. The fluid inclusions differ in size in various types of quartzites, while the pattern of the distribution and phase composition are the same. It is practically impossible to measure microthermometric parameters in some fluid inclusions because of their minu te size (less than 8 microns). The temperature of ice melting was measured in fluid inclusions with a well-defined liquid phase. The analysis results showed that the salinity of fluid (from 5 to 9 wt.% NaCl-eq.) and its density increase from ultrapure «superquartz ites» to grey quartzites, with the FI sizes increasing in the same direction. It was established, that «superquartzites» are character ized by higher P-T-values of their formation conditions as compared to those of light gray and grey fine-grained quartzites.

The changes in the structural organization of a polymeric matrix of humic substances contained in therapeutic mud, coal and shale which take place in the process of their alkaline hydrolysis have been studied. These humic substances were isolated from some of the Mongolian deposits. Cumulative evidence on the composition and structural organization of humic substances provides a necessary base for creating new humic substances and medicines with enhanced levels of biological activity. The composition of ashy elements in initial and hydrolyzed humic substances of various types has been analyzed, and the results indicate that aluminosilicate present in the matrices belongs to sheet minerals and is identified by X-ray analysis as illite. The functional composition of humic substances has been thoroughly examined by IR and electronic spectroscopy. It is shown that during alkaline hydrolysis, the oxidation level of all samples increases by 15-25 %, and their water solubility exhibits multifold enhancement. Chromaticity coefficients of humic substances isolated from mud and coals increase more significantly after oxidative hydrolysis than those of shales. Functional groups of humic substances are freed from mineral components and become ionized in the alkaline medium. The morphology study of humic substances contained in medical mud, coal and shale has shown that they feature a layer structure with an uneven packing type of. It is noted that in the course of alkaline hydrolysis the morphology of the objects under study demonstrates a homotypic change towards a looser structure caused by reconfiguration of macromolecules. Varied effects of alkaline hydrolysis on the molecular structure of humic substances contained in therapeutic mud, coal and shale from Mongolian natural sources increases their reactivity.

The faulted structure of the crust, one of the components of the Earth’s geographical environment, has been studied in the vicinity of Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. The study resulted in defining the positions of fault zones and nature of their activity at the recent stage of tectogenesis. The field of epicenters of earthquake events occurred in the area in the period from 2000 to 2014 was analyzed, along with the soil radon activity field forming near the faults distinctly featured in the relief. It is established that seismic activity and radon activity are closely related. Based on this conclusion, a network of 13 active fault zones was discriminated in the vicinity of Ulaanbaatar. They are divided into four systems that have generally inherited the neotectonic faults network, however, they differ in details of the inheritance. The NW and SE-trending fault zones develop along to the youngest faults, while the latitudinal and meridional zones are generally located across such faults. The fault zones of the orthogonal network are markedly distinguished by chains of maximums in the field of earthquake epicenters. This suggest strike-slip faulting in the conjugated planes of shear stresses. Reconstructions for the study area show the recent field of shear stresses with the SW-NE oriented compression axis and the SE-NW-oriented extension axis. This field is a remote result of the Indo-Asian collision and typical of the regions located southwest of Ulaanbaatar. In this paper, the faulting style is characterized as a principal factor that must be taken into account in the assessment of seismic hazard facing the capital of Mongolia which population is over a third of the country’s total population.

This study presents the data on first years (2013-2015) of the Boguchany reservoir structural formation, along with evolu tion of the dominant zooplankton community in its the upper portion. The study has been conducted at six stations located on the 130 km stretch in the lower reaches of the Angara River (downstream from the Ust-Ilimsk Dam). Given that both the com position and structure of zooplankton in Boguchany Reservoir, which closes the Angara cascade of hydropower stations (Dams), experience the influences from the Irkutsk, Bratsk and Ust-Ilimsk Reservoirs they appear in many ways similar to the fauna of rotifers and crustacea from these reservoirs located in the upstream part. Baikal Lake endemic Epischura baikalensis, and dominant species of the Irkutsk Reservoir from Notholса and Euchlanis ligulata genera have been detected in the upper portion of the studied reservoir. During first years of reservoir filling, the zooplankton diversity didn’t change, amounting to 28-30 spe cies. Its biomass and quantity is determined by the mass crustaceans typical for the Bratsk Reservoir: Cyclops kolensis, Daphnia galeata, Diaphanosoma brachyurum, and inhabitants of deep-water layers near the dam of the Ust-Ilimsk Reservoir: Cyclops abyssorum, Daphnia cristata, Daphnia longiremis, Heterocope appendiculata. As the Boguchany reservoir was filling with water, the river flow rates slowed down, and the temperature water decreased, while the depth of water increased, which created favor able environmental conditions for the limnofauna in the upper portion of the reservoir. For instance, in the third year (2015) of reservoir filling, when the reservoir water level reached the projected mark (208 m Baltic System), the quantity and biomass of the zooplankton had reached 57 600 specimen/m ³ and 1050 mg/m ³ , respectively, on the Edarma station located 100 km below the Ust-Ilimsk Dam, which is significantly higher than the levels observed in 2014 (13 000 specimen/m ³ and 165 mg/m ³ respec tively).

The investigation concerns with the faulting activity and strain conditions, which allows reconstructions of tectonic stress field for Northern Mongolia, comprising the Selenga, Orkhon and Tola River basins, in connection with the seismic hazard assessment of the area supposedly chosen for the construction of hydroelectric power stations. The study area is situated in the zone of dynamic influence of the eastern segment of the North Khangai strike-slip fault that splits into several branches whose distribution and distribution of stress state type depends on the location relative to major fault plane. The northeastern branch traced along the Selenga River valley is dominated by the left-lateral strike-slip and normal faults, where the extensional and transtensional, and shear tensors paragenetically related to them, were reconstructed. The southeastern sector shows the predominance of the NW right-lateral strike-slip faults, reverse faults and thrusts, and their corresponding shear, transpressional and compressional stress tensors were reconstructed. Within the southwestern sector we discovered the sublatitudinal left-lateral strike-slip faults and reverse faults, with the prevailing shear, transpressional and compressional stress tensors shown in the reconstructions. As a result, it has been found that within a 100-km radius from the power sites planned for future construction of dams on the Selenga, Orkhon and Tola rivers there are 3 to 6 faults with the evidence of the Holocene seismogenic activation. Therefore, the investigated system of faults in the area supposedly chosen for the construction of hydroelectric power stations in Northern Mongolia indicates potential seismic hazard that should be considered in their design and construction.

The results of research carried out in 2016 in winter and summer seasons, considering the current conditions of Listvy anka settlement and its surroundings, are represented. It has been established that geomorphological processes (landslides, earth flows, creep, erosion, debris flows of rare repeatability, and abrasion) are developing within the study area. The processes of peat formation and permafrost heaving are observed on the bottoms of creek valleys. The study of the vegetation showed that there is no irreversible degradation of forests in the settlement’s surroundings, and given that the area is not affected by wildfire the re growth of indigenous larch and conifer and pine forests will be possible. In the settlement and on roadsides, we found cultural garden plants incorporated into the local wild plant communities. The identified general patterns of present-day vegetation dis tribution evidence the domination of secondary communities in the forest vegetation. Results of the snow cover analysis showed minor changes in the acid-alkaline conditions. It was found that the snow cover in the village and in the lake basin contains NH4 ⁺ , Cl ^- , and PO4 ³ ions. The highest levels of particulates are observed in topmost parts of the valley. Hydrological studies and data of chemical water analysis showed the excess of ammonia nitrogen content (on 2-fold average versus the permissible limits adopted for Lake Baikal) in the water of the Krestovka River and Banny creek, where content of suspended solids exceeding the allowable values was also marked. Higher levels of particulates in surface waters are associated with seasonal high water stand (after rainfalls), with disturbed surfaces of watersheds, and due to transformations in watercourses channels.

The paper presents the data on specific characteristics of chemical pollution of air, soil and drinking water in rural and urban areas of the Irkutsk Region. These data were used as the underlying foundation for the «Information-analytical database: Assessment of the health and environmental situation and identification of high-risk zones in the Baikal Region». In urban areas, the dominant air contaminants are primarily benz(a)pyrene, formaldehyde, particulate matter, and nitrogen dioxide. The quality of potable water that fails to meet hygiene requirements is usually marked in rural settlements because of higher natural content of iron, manganese and anthropogenic pollution by nitrogen compounds. The content of chemical elements in the community soils does not exceed the maximum permissible concentrations. However, in the non-ferrous industrial zones there are areas of technogenic pollution where background levels of pollutants are significantly higher. Levels of aggregate risk to public health under the influence of chemicals polluting the environment (air, potable water, topsoil) have been calculated. It has been established that a significant contribution to the systemic toxicity is made by chemicals that people inhale. In the urban areas, the risk of exposure to systemic toxic effects of chemicals through inhalation ranks as very high. The pollution levels in the cities of Bratsk, Irkutsk, Usolye-Sibirskoye, and Shelekhov are found to be record high in terms of cumulative health risks. The aggregate risk in the rural areas of the region corresponds to the allowable level.

According to the resource specialization of Eastern Siberia the city of Shelekhov located in the extreme continental climate is considered as a model territory. The city is a large center of aluminum production where there is not only an aluminum smelter but related manufacturing facilities. Subjects of the research are the ambient air, drinking water, soil, medical and demographic indicators, human biological matrices. A mathematical model was used to identify the most significant contributions to morbidity factor variations. Priority contaminants in Shelekhov include 3,4-benzapyren, formaldehyde, fluorine compounds, suspended substances. The risk caused by inhalation exposure is estimated to be unacceptable level in terms of probable non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic effects. Chemical impurities found in soil near the aluminum manufacturing facilities indicate its contamination to a distance exceeding 50 km, where concentrations of fluorine, beryllium, aluminum, lead, nickel, manganese, chromium are higher than in the baseline points. The fluorine content in the soil cover is associated with its concentration in the ambient air. 32,5 % children and adolescents living in the vicinity of aluminum production have higher fluorine content in their hair than it is allowable. The concentration of fluorine in biological matrices is significantly increased in the older age groups. A contribution of controllable factors to the variation of children morbidity rate is as follows: provision of health care (19,0 % of the variability in incidence), air pollution (16,6 %), social conditions (37,6 %).

We have studied current economic and demographic characteristics of quality of life in the Baikal Region in the context of resource development type of the region’s economy and essential limitations of environmental management in the specially pro tected territories in the Lake Baikal catchment area. The scientific problem of the study consists in the interconnected consider ation of socio-economic development and certain aspects of quality of life in the Baikal Region, namely the level average income and average life expectancy at birth. The existing economic situation exerts its influence on quality of people’s life directly through their incomes which are strongly differentiated in territory, so the income index varies fourfold between municipalities (areas, urban districts). Statistical calculations using the author’s methodology and mapping of the income index through municipalities (16 urban districts and 84 municipal areas) allowed to identify territory-specific income levels as an economic premise of human existence. Relying on results of statistical and comparative analysis, we have revealed short-term conditions, especially in the period from 1990 to 2015, trends and variations in life expectancy in large regions - major subjects of the Russian Federation, namely Irkutsk Region, the Republic of Buryatia, and the Trans-Baikal Territory. The Baikal Region has lower (approximately by four years) life expectancy relative to average levels in the Russian Federation. Within the entire Baikal Region a paradoxical situ ation has developed where the most economically developed Irkutsk Region has the lowest life expectancy, whereas in the least economically developed Republic of Buryatia this indicator is the highest, and the Trans-Baikal Territory occupies an interme diate position between them.

The article provides a rationale for a comprehensive analysis of major investment projects and their impact on natural and social environment of the Baikal Region. The investment projects currently under way in the region have been characterized; most of them deal with resource development and raw material processing. Their impact on the environment largely controlled by their proximity to major zones of displacement of population has been determined. The Baikal Region is remarkable for a combination of abundant natural resources and its unique natural landscapes. This requires a balance between the economic value of a project and its negative impact on the environment. The government must act as an arbiter, providing legislational regulation for any contractual relationships between the production activity, environment and regional community. However, the decline in investment activity and reduced fiscal opportunities could provoke implementation of a project by compromising requirements for the environmental attributes to production activities. Therefore, a critical criterion for evaluating a specific project’s feasibility is to be the impact on public health, which will be assessed in public expenditures for its recovery. This may be benefited by an integrated approach to the assessment of the impact by means of involving medical research institutes in the solution of this common issue. Prom oting green economy principles should become the main direction in economic the development of the territories like the Baikal Region, which makes it possible to preserve the unique ecosystems in conjunction with the industries modernization for the benefit of people living here.

In the central ecological zone of the Irkutsk Region the local population employment is a challenge especially in the settlements located beyond the tourist routes. Small businesses (individual entrepreneurship) are limited by the legislative framework and many are not allowed. The total amount of investments in the capital assets in Olkhon, Slyudyanka, and Irkutsk districts does not exceed 3 % of the total amount financial injections into the region economy. The article briefly outlines business activities of each of the three municipal districts. Olkhon district is the most active in business, with 13,3 companies per 1,000 people registered there. Most of them are service providers (cafes, restaurants, hotels and other places of temporary accommodation). Three core business activities allowed on the analyzed territory have been distinguished (environmentally friendly or safe). It is shown that wild collection and processing as well as herbal tea production are particularly promising for development. A low investment requirement of affiliated enterprises, the readily recognizable “Baikal” brand, diversity of growing plants, mushrooms and medicinal herbs satisfactory for the manufacture of tea, herbal mixtures, tea drinks, and berry syrups make these enterprises feasible for small businesses in the central ecological zone. The existing companies from the mentioned sectors active in Irkutsk Region have been studied. Depending on the product range the main directions of activities and presumably marketable products have been identified.

According to its Russian and International status, the Baikal Region is destined to be a model territory for sustainable development of worldwide importance. Today, the raw material sector plays a key role, which is likely to remain so in the future, in the economies of Irkutsk Region, Trans-Baikal Territory (Zabaykalsky Krai) and the Republic of Buryatia. Given that, how ever, in the past 25 years some of the institutional, legislative and organizational provisions for the mineral resources management turned out ineffective, the achievement of goals of sustainable development has been largely impeded. Among main subsoil users in the Baikal Region are large, vertically integrated companies. The hefty incomes of large holdings have thus far neither risen life standards of the population, nor contributed to the innovative economic development of the regions they have been active in, though. It is critical therefore to improve the effectiveness of the state management in the field of the subsurface use, particu larly in the replenishment of the mineral resource base in the region. At present, the recovery of raw materials is way ahead of their pre-development stage, which will soon grow into an obstacle to the resource development and raw materials production and processing and, as a result, their following redistribution. Large-scale geological mapping of the territory, regional geological prospecting and exploration, and areas licensing should be conducted by the state institutions, e. g. large state-owned specialized holdings. A significant contribution can be made by the Federal targeted programs for geological studies of the subsurface in the centers of the most promising mineral resource occurrences. The sustainable development of the Baikal Region, including its mineral resource base, should imply a continuous rise in living standards of the people residing on its territory, their ecological welfare, as well as an increase in population.

In the context of social and market-based economy, a new type of economic relations has been developing in Russia, as sociated with a fundamentally different approach to the responsibility for the population’s health improvement. Moreover, the society has adopted a new outlook on many traditional things, even established concepts in science are subject to revisiting or changes, and health therefore acquires not only the status of social value, but also an important economic resource (or asset) of the society. Based on the synthesis of the achieved level of quality of life and economic well-being, the public health factor mea sures progress in socio-economic development of the country. The article considers the personnel’s health as a valuable resource and its key role in the development of the Irkutsk Sci entific Center, SB RAS. We conducted morbidity study and analyzed its structure including incidence, prevalence, susceptibility to disease as the main indications of the employees’ health. The analysis results revealed that in the structure of morbidity, cardiovascular diseases (CVD) take the highest rank, being a major cause of morbidity, disability and mortality in most countries; the second leading position in the structure of morbidity is occupied by respiratory diseases, reflecting the environmental factors that contribute to the disease progression. The majority of cardiovascular diseases can be prevented by taking reasonable measures against such risk factors as to bacco use, unhealthy diets and obesity, physical inactivity, high blood pressure, diabetes and elevated lipid levels. The most effective way to combat the disease have always been its timely diagnosis and prevention. These allow one to dramatically reduce the risk of CVD and increase life expectancy by about 10-15 years. The factors that are potentially dangerous to human health and that promote the incidence of cardiovascular diseases (smoking, overweight, diabetes mellitus, etc.) have been studied, with their prevalence revealed in the group of the ISC SB RAS employees, registered with the ISC SB RAS Hospital for regular health services. The results of a molecular genetic tests that had 30 leading members of ISC SB RAS provided valuable information about their predisposition to various diseases, including CVD. Having revealed subgroups of patients with/no hypertension, it was possible quite confidently differentiate between the groups with chronic kidney disease and with type 2 diabetes. The conclusion to be drawn is that health is governed by both genetic and environmental factors. The research has shown that health problems of the population are multifactorial and a comprehensive approach is recom mended in addressing the problems of public health preservation as a fundamental component of human asset and improvement of the population’s health.

In geological terms the section of the Kovykta gas condensate field and the surrounding areas is composed by three geo electric complexes-the post-salt terrigenous-carbonate; carbonate-halogen; and the pre-salt terrigenous-carbonate, lying at the basement. Within the two lower complexes reservoir horizons are spread regionally, with some of them bearing commercial hyd rocarbon deposits. Due to the presence of conductive saline pore solutions, the reservoirs are characterized by low electrical re sistivity. This leads to the geological effectiveness of the use of electromagnetic methods in the delineation of the zones of reservoir development. Transient electromagnetic soundings in the near field zone (TEM) is traditionally applied in Eastern Siberia in prospecting and exploration of hydrocarbon accumulations. Modern technologies of mathematical modeling and inversion of TEM signals allow to define geoelectric characteristics not only in the intervals whose thickness measures hundreds of meters, but also di rectly in thin reservoirs. Accordingly, the question arises on the accuracy of the electrical resistivity determination in each of the horizons. To solve this problem an original technique was developed consisting in synthesizing and noising of TEM signals and their inversion with estimation of resistivity recovery error of each horizon. Using the proposed method allows to evaluate the accu racy of the of reservoirs prediction in the sedimentary cover from TEM studies. To provide the inversion the automated minimi zation procedure based on the algorithm of the Monte Carlo method was used. The starting models based on the results of manual inversion and optimal scale of layers resistivity variations were used for reduction of the inversion time. The model of the longitudinal resistance of the layer comprising different conductivity horizons, evaluates the integrity of these geoelectric parameters considered. The use of the proposed method allowed us to estimate the accuracy of prediction of the presence of reservoirs in the sedimentary cover, depending on the resistivity contrast their properties and depth.

The main oil and gas promising resources of the southern Siberian platform are related to subsalt terrigenous rocks of the Riphean and Vendian-Lower Cambrian age occurring in the lower sedimentary cover, as well as the Cambrian carbonate ho rizons of subsalt and overlying carbonate-halogen complexes. The specific geological framework of the sedimentary cover of the southern Siberian platform is associated with intermittent nature of reservoir distribution and lack of anticlinal structural forms. This causes particular localization of oil and gas accu mulations, and influences the effectiveness of standard geological and geophysical methods used in their exploration. Petrophysical analyses results show that reservoir properties of rocks are most clearly reflected in their electrical resistivity. This provides an objective basis for widespread applications of electromagnetic methods in oil and gas exploration, the near-field transient electromagnetic sounding (NTES) in particular. Modern methods of electromagnetic sounding data interpretation allow estimating conductivity of the geologic intervals containing productive horizons with an accuracy of a few tens of percent. Using resistivity of formation water and available data on the relationships between volume porosity and porosity factor allows estimating capacity of water-saturated reservoir voids by their conductivity. Given the data on average value of the re sidual water saturation factor and average HC-saturated-to-water-saturated reservoir ratio, we can estimate hydrocarbon re sources on a regional scale. The proposed method for reservoir voids calculation by their geoelectric properties can be used as the basis for appraisal of C3 hydrocarbon reserves.

The problem of geological studies carried out in prospective areas characterized by complex landscape-morphological con ditions and their remoteness from infrastructure has been analyzed. The paper provides an overview of available approaches to conducting magnetic surveys, a universal method applicable for geological mapping and prospecting that proved very efficient in various geologic settings. The main technical features of a hardware and software system developed by the authors for unmanned low-altitude aeromagnetic surveys are described. This aeromagnetic system is meant to operate in difficult environment conditions. Some actual problems of developing airborne geophysical systems are considered and their solutions proposed by the authors are introduced. Due to original techniques and procedures the designed aeromagnetic complex provides large scale data, which is achieved due to the low cost of the used components and their high reliability, as well as a possibility for making taking measure ments at extremely low altitudes with a relief flow even in mountainous areas. For this purpose, the authors have developed a geoinformation module named a SibGIS Flight Planner which provides an automated preparation of flight missions taking into account accurate information about a terrain model and its uploading in a data format supported by common autopilot systems. Like the rest of the complex software modules, this plugin is designed for freeware GIS QuantumGIS. It provides a true layout of networks with profiles and measurement stakes, determination of flight altitudes for mission points, setting a large number of flight parameters and uploading resulting files in the *.awm format. Since this software can be used in a wide range of tasks related to professional use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), the authors consider it possible to open the source code of the module (https://github.com/raulett/SibGIS-Flight-Planner), as well as provide a link to download the finished plug-in, which now can be used by any interested specialist. We also give some internet links to field exploration videos demonstrating the UAV complex abilities mentioned in the article, in particular a flight at extremely low altitudes around the terrain relief, and activities in difficult weather conditions and at low temperatures.

The article provides an overview of techniques and procedures used in the low-altitude unmanned aeromagnetic survey technology developed by the authors. The main procedure methods are aimed to develop a digital terrain model and prepare flight missions taking into account the relief flow; to pre-verify a flight mission; to perform measurements and data post-process ing. A digital terrain model can be developed based on a combination of global elevation coverage data and conditioned topo graphic maps or preliminary aerial imageries. A flight mission is verified by a lighter Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) equipped with a camera. The flight mission planner tool is described in the previous part of this article. The authors present survey results obtained by testing the UAV-magnetic exploration technology in solving prospecting and evaluation problems on the black shale type gold objects located within the Baikal-Patom Highland. The technology was tested in adverse weather conditions and com posite topography. Some of the explored objects presented a real challenge to magnetic survey due to low contrast of the mag netic field, which required a high absolute precision and sensitivity of magnetometers. The results obtained by the new unmanned method have been compared with the data of traditional pedestrian survey. It is shown that in complex environment the UAV technology produces good conditioning data, their quality is even better than that of the ground surveys. Productivity and eco nomic efficiency of the UAV magnetic survey technology are therewith significantly higher, the cost is about two times less, and there is no need for deforestation. As a result, we draw a conclusion that it is possible and advisable to replace the traditional pedestrian magnetic prospecting with the new unmanned technology, at least in the surveys of scales from 1:10 000 to 1:1000.

As the information technologies are actively developing, the volume of data that needs to be processed constantly increases, which requires keeping hard- and software technologically advanced and finding new approaches to data processing. Based on the distributed computations model MapReduce, the original method of raster images processing is proposed in this paper. The MapReduce model proposes to split initial dataset into pieces using Map operation, process these data pieces and gather all results using Reduce operation. Service-oriented distributed environment of ISDCT SB RAS also faces problems of large data volumes processing, particu larly processing the raster images. In order to increase the processing speed of spatial data within the service-oriented infrastruc ture, the distribution of raster images among computational nodes was organized. Mapping of the raster images is implemented using the specifications - sets of rules of how the data should be split and gathered. The mechanism of definition and application of specifications is implemented as a part of ISDCT SB RAS Geoportal. The Geoportal allows executing distributed services in a centralized way. The use of specification during the service execution allows to effectively utilize the available computational resources. The proposed approach allows using the instruments for spatial analysis of raster images within the distributed environment without theirs modification. Execution of distributed services that work with large volumes of spatial data within the MapReduce model allows decreasing the overall services execution time and using available computing resources at higher rates.

The field of service-oriented computations is actively developed in today’s world of information science. Tasks, which require use of multiple services, arise constantly. The combination of multiple services for the solution of a problem is called service composition. Dependencies between services can be usually described with the directed acyclic graph (DAG). There are a lot of ways to define service compositions; most of them use the graphic interface software or various markup standards. However, it is a common situation when it is convenient to define the composition of services as a piece of program code, at the same time the processing of intermediate service results and extraction of service dependencies graph should be available. The method of defining service compositions as the JavaScript programs was designed in ISDCT SB RAS in order to ex ecute service compositions. In order to define the composition, user calls services inside of the JavaScript code as regular functions. The intermediate processing of service results and building of complex control structures with standard programming language are available. During the processing and execution of scenarios the services dependencies graph is automatically built. The built graph can be later used, for example, for finding of optimal schedule for services execution in the distributed environment. The method of defining the services composition scenarios with JavaScript programs was successfully tested with real tasks and was integrated into the Portal of ISDCT SB RAS.

A water-soluble silver nanoparticles stabilized by a unique polymer matrix - available natural polymer melanin Inonotus obliquus was synthesized for the first time. The melanin is a multifunctional polymeric matrix whose inherent high electron-ac ceptor ability, presence of stable free radicals in high concentrations pronounced semiconducting properties, and others. A syn thesis of nanoscale zero valent silver composite is the formation of colloidal silver metal particles from silver nitrate solution in the dispersion medium (aqueous alkaline solution of melanin). A sample of the nanocomposite was obtained as the form of a black-brown powder with a silver content of 5,4 %. The composite formation is self-organization of inorganic-organic polymer structures, including the regulation of hybrid fragments sizes on nanoscale level by specific adsorption of melanin on the surface of the growing inorganic nanoparticles. The bulk (as opposed to nucleus) melanin shell formed on particles prevents further ag gregation of nanoparticles, while giving them water soluble properties. The redox reaction of melanin matrix with silver nitrate occurs in the nanocomposite formation. The silver nanoparticle dimensions comprise 8-24 nm, with a predominant content of nanoparticle sizes of 16-22 nm. The silver-melanin nanocomposite thus obtained from renewable raw materials is promising for use in biomedicine and materials science, as there may be synergies pronounced antimicrobial activity of nanosilver with a unique protective (not only absorb different radiations, but also neutralize and detoxify harmful to the cells free radicals formed by the action of ionizing radiation and certain chemicals on living organisms) and the powerful antioxidant properties of melanin. Wherein the prolonged action to be expected due to the presence of the natural polymer matrix.

The results of optical absorption study of silver nanocomposites on a basis of arabinogalactan-oligopyrrole block-copolymer matrix with different length of oligopyrrole branches (1, 3, 10 chains), pure polypyrrole and also arabinogalactan that is natural polysaccharide of Siberian larch wood are discussed. Optical absorption study of silver nanocomposites with arabinogalactan oligopyrrole block-copolymer matrix showed the presence in spectra of three absorption bands that result from arabinogalactan end aldehyde groups, transversal and longitudial components of 0D and 1D nanosilver plasmon absorption. According to transmittance electronic microscopy data, nanocomposite of nanosilver and block-copolymer grafted matrix with unit ratio arabinogalactan-oligopyrrole 1:1 has 73 % of 0D nanoparticles with 21,3 nm mean size and 27 % of 1D nanoparticles with 28,7 nm mean length and 20,9 nm mean width. It was found that width of the arabinogalactan absorption band at 294 nm and plasmon absorption of 0D nanosilver observed for samples with unit ratio arabinogalactan-oligopyrrole 1:1 and 1:3 at 426 and 490 nm respectively increase and become considerably less evident, and the absorption band due to longitudinal component of 1D nanosilver plasmon resonance and polarons of nanocomposite matrix oligopyrrole branches shifts to longer wavelengths with growing the length of oligopyrrole branches (585, 754, 800 nm for the nanocomposite of 1:1 and 1:3 and 1:10, respectively). It was also demonstrated that optical absorption maximum of polypyrrole has long-wavelength shift owing to this conducting polymer passes into weakly doped state under influence of environment air.

Deterioration of the coastal environment of Lake Baikal is an issue of the day, which has been caused by the ongoing significant changes in the coastal benthic community, accommodating most of the endemic species of the lake inhabit. In-depth integrated studies of the coast and nearshore waters of the lake are required to specify the causes of these changes. The paper presents a geographic information system developed by the authors to support research into human impact on the environment of the coastal zone of Baikal Lake. The system is realized as a web geo-portal in the Internet and it allows the researcher to gen erate a common base of thematic and cartographical data within the project framework, as well as to perform start-up of Inter net services to tackle the challenges of geoprocessing and a comprehensive data analysis. The open architecture of the developed geoportal allows to expand its functionality by addition of the new services which are available both locally on the geoportal server, and far off on other servers. The supported standards in the field of geoinfor matics benefit the interoperability of the program systems realizing functions of the analysis and processing of geodata. A spe cific feature of the developed geoportal is an opportunity provided to users to independently operate with their data structures, and also to adjust the start of geoprocessing services, including those that require connection with the «Academician V. M. Matrosov» computing power cluster at the Irkutsk supercomputer center, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Science». During the project implementation, the filling of geoportal with thematic and spatial data on results of the conducted research was carried out. The collected data allow to obtain integrated indicators containing information on the anthropogenic influences on the en vironment within a certain time interval.

We examine four stages of research into the Baikal natural territory (BNT) accomplished by the V. B. Sochava Institute of Geography SB RAS. The research efforts have been made in the form of combined observations at permanent and semipermanent stations, different-purpose field expeditions and scientific generalizations as well as by orders of administrative bodies and economic entities; results were published in the form of books, papers and maps. The methodology of landscape planning is adapted to the special conditions and restrictions for nature management around Baikal. An important development was official approval of the ecological zoning of BNT that was developed in the Institute. Territorial planning documents and tools furnished a clue to determine criteria for assessing the ecological admissibility of siting facilities used for economic and other activities in the central ecological zone of BNT, and to prepare scientifically grounded recommendations for governmental authorities and municipal bodies regulating the inclusion of results of this assessment in territorial planning schemes. Particular emphasis has been placed on the spatial patterns in the formation of the ecological situation throughout the territory of Baikal’s water area and drainage basin as represented in the “Ecological Atlas of the Lake Baikal Basin” thus providing a possibility of substantiating the directions of an ecologically balanced and sustainable territories development of Russia and Mongolia in the future. Furthermore, the studies revealed a need to take into consideration the existing contradictions and differences in the Baikal policy priorities between the global, regional and local levels of territorial organization of society.

On the basis of data from monthly bulletins of the Irkutsk Center for Hydrometeorology and Environmental Monitoring for June-August 2001-2013, we investigated the association of the atmospheric circulation with potential summer ablation of the glaciers of the Baikal Range. As the indicator of ablation, we used the accumulated positive temperatures calculated for the mean height of the glacier zone. The summer seasons were classified into three groups: with high, low and moderate ablation. The maximum and minimum values of accumulated positive temperatures, respectively, were 1152 (the year 2002) and 787 °C (2013). The HYSPLIT model was used to identify the prevailing directions of air masses over the study area: westerly, southwesterly, northerly, and northwesterly. We assessed the contribution from the meridional component of the atmospheric circulation which has been enhanced over the course of the last decade. According to the dynamics of A. L. Kats’ zonal and meridional circulation indices, there occur summer seasons with a maximal (2007 and 2010) and minimal (2003 and 2012) intensity of the zonal circulation as well as inter-annual variations in the meridional circulation. Results of a comprehensive analysis of ground-level and altitudinal synoptic maps, isobaric fields of absolute and relative topography, and the temperature regime over the glacier zone (NCEP/NCAR) revealed synoptic conditions contributing to an increase/decrease in glacier meltdown in the region under consideration. A study is made of the dynamics of frontal activity, the types of advection and of the warm wet air masses over the Baikal Range during summer seasons. A change in the frequency of all the circulation mechanisms used in this study involves a change in weather conditions and climatic regime, which favor an enhancement or a decrease in ablation for glaciers and has influence on the evolution of the entire glacier zone of the Baikal Range.

We examine the hydrothermal conditions (the Si index) for 1961-2010 in the natural landscapes of the Prebaikalian and Transbaikalian parts of the Baikal natural territory (BNT), including the respective shores of Lake Baikal. It is found that the driest months in the Prebaikalian and Transbaikalian parts, respectively, are May-June and June, when severe droughts occur in all natural landscapes. It is established that whereas the first two decades (1961-1970, and 1971-1980) were more humid, the last two decades (1991-2000, and 2001-2010) have been characterized by the driest conditions. The study revealed the occurrence of significant (p < 0.05) positive changes from May to September, pointing to an increase in the recurrence of droughts with a maximum in July. It is found that the Transbaikalian part of the BNT is characterized by a higher recurrence rate of droughts, and by larger (in magnitude) values of the Si indices. The period under consideration showed a change in the distribution of drought phenomena across time and space. The dry conditions encompassing more than half the BNT were observed prior to 1986 in separate months of the growing period or continuously during two months. Starting in 1986, there occurred drought periods three months long or longer. The highest recurrence rate of the dry years was generally observed across the territory after the 1990s. It is shown that excessive moistening has a discrete pattern of distribution.

On the basis of hydrometeorological data on Lake Baikal for a long period of time, an analysis is made of the lake level fluctuations, and their association with secular and intrasecular hydraulicity cycles. We provide generalizing indicators of the long-term range and intra-annual amplitude of level fluctuations and dynamics, and the dates of reaching minimum and maximum values under natural conditions and at the period of regulated flow. We expanded and updated information available for monthly indicators of the level, useful inflow into Lake Baikal and water discharge in the source of the Angara river for a long period of observations. The study identified the boundaries of secular and intrasecular cycles, high- and low-water years on Lake Baikal, and their characteristics for the historical (1747-1903) and modern (1904-2015) periods. A classification of hydraulicity was made by categories (normal, decreased/increased, low/high, extremely low/extremely high, and disastrous) according to the probability of useful flow into Lake Baikal, and its quantitative indicators were calculated for each of the categories. Emphasis is placed on the causes, characteristic features, problems and risks associated with low- and high-water periods. It is established that the aforementioned periods, as a rule, are the result of changes in the atmospheric circulation processes accompanied by positive/negative anomalies of summer temperatures and atmospheric precipitation across significant territories adjacent to the Lake Baikal drainage basin as well as by global changes of climate. We determined the main risk factor for the regulation of the Lake Baikal level at low-water periods, i. e. the need for the stable operation of the water intakes and the associated maintenance of minimum water flow rates in the tail race of the Irkutsk Hydropower Power Plant (HPP) (1300 m ³ /s) taking into consideration the minimum design marks of the water intakes. It is established that the risks of high-water periods are associated with the discharges of flood waters through the Irkutsk HPP, and with eventual inundations which under current conditions are unavoidable even in the case of water flow rates from 2800 to 3000 m ³ /s, and would lead to significant inundations in the city of Irkutsk in the event that the amounts of 4700-6000 m ³ /s are discharged through the hydroelectric scheme.

We suggest an integral scheme for assessing the water and sediment discharge in the rivers of the Selenga river basin, based on using expeditionary, network and model data. Assessments are made of the changes in streamflow and in suspended and tractional sediments of the river, and relevant regularities are revealed. A forecast is made of regional changes in water discharge due to anthropogenic development of the territory. It is shown that the expected flow regulation of the Selenga and its tributaries in Mongolia would lead to a reduction in the maximum mean monthly streamflow by up to 14-15 %, and to an increase in the minimum winter flow by up to 73-75 %. Evaporation losses of the discharge from the projected reservoirs, and the water intake for the flow transfer will correspond to a decrease in the water level in Baikal by as much as 1 cm/year. The possible transformation of the territory’s water balance as a result of anthropogenic changes in landscapes during mining operations is investigated in terms of the regional mesoclimate model COSMO_CLM.

We examine the influence of rifting processes on the location of the lakes along the eastern shores of Lake Baikal, and on the formation of chemical composition of the waters contained by them. It is determined that the lakes are in different geologo hydrological conditions. It is established that their water areas liberate gas mainly consisting of methane and nitrogen; increased content levels of helium were discovered in free gas in areas where deep-seated faults occur. Manifestations of mud volcanism associated with methane discharges were observed. It is shown that the faults serve as the vehicle to discharge into small lakes fissure-vein waters which impart a peculiar kind of geochemical appearance to the water, and thick deposits of sapropel were produced under the warming effect of thermal waters. In the lakes there is taking place a transformation of chemical composition along the soda direction. In the water body with a retarded water exchange, the mineralization of the waters exceeds 1 g/L. On the eastern shore of Baikal’s Southern Holow, fissure-vein waters are not discharged, chemical composition is formed as a result of drainage of the Kabanskii bog massif, and the waters refer to the hydrocarbonate magnesium-sodium-calcium type. The emissions of free gas on this territory are dominated by methane.

The methodology of studying the streamflow formation mechanism based on using natural chemical tracers is discussed. Presented are the results from adapting and testing the technique for separation of runoff hydrograph according to genetic components (sources of alimentation) built upon the use of natural chemical tracers in term of the End-Member Mixing Analysis (EMMA) model. By using the procedure of EMMA analysis, we generated two complex model tracers, each of which representing a linear combination of initial chemical tracers. Its core is comprised of the method of Principal Component Analysis. The methodology was used within the program of experimental investigations on a small basin of the Laninskii creek flowing nearby the coast of Lake Baikal. The contributions from the sources of alimentation of the creek’s runoff are estimated. They include the rain waters with an insignificant contribution, the waters of the subsurface soil horizon having a tendency toward a predominance at the low-water period, and so-called aufeis waters making a significant contribution during the flood formation. Prevailing ions of anion and cation composition, the value of electrical conductivity and content of total organic carbon can be used as reliable tracers. The modeling results are in good agreement with the qualitative views concerning the runoff formation on the study territory. A broad range of possibilities and the prospects of the procedural tools of tracer hydrology are demonstrated.

Based on long-term investigations, we compiled the soil and soil degradation maps for the central ecological zone of the Baikal natural territory (CEZ BNT). It was found that the soil cover has, in addition to the general facies and provincial peculiarities, a clearly pronounced beltedness, because most of the study territory is occupied by mountain ridges, and only a small part of it corresponds to a narrow lowland belt of the Lake Baikal shores, and to the river valleys. It is shown that the northern and northeastern parts of the CEZ BNT are characterized by a predominance (in automorphic conditions) of podzols and podburs with a weakly differentiated profile. The map displays a widespread occurrence of soddy podzolic soils on the southwestern and eastern shores of Baikal, both on the plain and in the foothill belt. The eastern macroslope of the Primorskii Ridge, immediately adjacent to Baikal, is distinguished by its steepness, and by an abundance of rocky cliffs. Podzols and podzolized burozems are of widespread occurrence on the southern coast of Lake Baikal, on the bedrock slope under dark-coniferous and grass aspen-birch forests with the undergrowth of dark-coniferous species. It is determined that carbo-lithozems of dark-humus and grey- and dark-humus soils tend to occur to the outcrops of marbles and their derivatives. It is established that the distinctive nature of the ecological conditions for soil formation in landscapes within the Lake Baikal drainage basin is responsible for the uniqueness and specificity of soils, and this may be exemplified by formation of coarse-humus burozems in conditions of Siberia, which is not typical for this region according to the general classification of soils of Russia.

We investigated the influence of two anthropogenic factors, plowing and fires, on soil formation in the delta of the Selenga river along the southeastern shores of Lake Baikal. The study revealed changes in soils transitional from soddy podburs to burozems that are almost entire drawn into the agricultural turnover, occurring on sandy waterworn terraces at the foot of the Khamar-Daban Range. It is established that heavy agricultural machinery on the fields leads to soil compaction and a decrease in water permeability, and promotes the processes of soil loss and subsoil plowing in the upper part of the slope as well as the fill processes in its gentle part. As a result, the main area of tillage experiences an increase in the thickness of the humus-accumulative layer accompanied by the formation of a thick subsurface horizon. It is determined that the soils of pine forests: humic podzolized psammozems, are transformed under the influence of forest fires; characteristic features of their post-fire development are revealed. It is found that among the anthropogenic factors under investigation, crown fires have the most negative influence on the soil. Plowing and ground fires have not only negative but also positive effects: in either case, the thickness of the humus-accumulative horizons and humus reserves increase.

In conditions of extensive and difficult-of-access territories of Siberia, data about distribution of plant and animal species are fragmentary; therefore, for identifying the potential habitats of species we propose to use computer modeling methods as implemented in the MaxEnt 3.3.3k program. Using information on environmental parameters in the known localities of a species being modeled, the program determines the likelihood of its existence on the remaining territory. As the source of information on environmental parameters, it is customary to use the WorldClim database. However, our attempt to model the geographic dis tribution for Anemone baicalensis Turcz. ex Lebed., a nemoral relict occuring in the Baikal region only on the Khamar-Daban Range turned out to be invalid because of a small number of meteostations, the data from which are included in WorldClim. To resolve this problem we made use of the GRID model of the Baikal natural territory (sc 1:1 000 000) constructed on the basis of data taken from published atlases of thematic maps. The GRID model was used to obtain the probable geographic distribution of a reasonably high accuracy. The largest value for the distribution of the species corresponds to the altitude above the sea level (62.3 %), and to the annual precipitation amount (36.8 %). The potential distribution area of A. baicalensis within the northern macroslope of the Khamar-Daban Range correspond to the entire nemoral refugium situated there. The spurs of the Baikal and Barguzin Ranges and the foothill areas of Eastern Sayan as identified in the model are also recognized as nemoral refugia. It might be recommended that WorldClim data should only be used in a small-scale modeling, whereas some other sources should be used for medium and large scales, such as the contemporary atlases of thematic maps in order to substan tially improve the quality of the resulting model.

Presented are the results from investigating the components of geosystems, such as the soil and vegetation, and their response to changes of climate on the southwestern shores of Baikal (settlement of Listvyanka and adjoining territories), the most well-developed part of the central ecological zone. A characteristic of the soils of this settlement and its surroundings is provided, the soil-plant relationship is investigated, and the response of the soil to temperature changes is revealed. As a result of using a set of methods (standard and contemporary), we obtained new evidence concerning the components of geosystems for the southwestern shores of Baikal under current climate change. It is found that the territory of the settlement and its surroundings are experiencing a strong anthropogenic impact, which manifests itself in a change in the internal connections of natural complexes and, as a consequence, in a transformation of the dominant stable mountain-taiga geosystems. The detected high concentrations of trace elements in the soil tend to occur in roadside ecosystems and the residential zone. It is revealed that the concentrations of the trace elements Ba, Mn, Cu, V and Cr in tissues of the plants used in the study are relatively high. Grasses are distinguished by the smallest number of elements (Mn, Cu and V) which have maximally high values. The coefficient of biological absorption higher than 1 was observed in Ba, Mn and Cu. It is determined that the anomalous air temperatures in 2014-2015 had influence on soil temperature, cumulative active temperatures, and on the amplitude between winter and summer temperatures at a depth of 20 cm on different-aspect slopes. It is found that the northeastern slope is colder, is warmed at a later date in the springtime and has a longer period of subzero temperatures. It is revealed that the climatic anomalies in recent years implied a rise in winter temperatures of the soil, and an extension of the summer maxima, which was reflected in an increase of the time of the growing period, and the rate and length of ice setting on Baikal.

We present new data on the morphology of Murinskaya Banka (Southern Baikal) obtained during specialized expedition investigations by using the high-resolution multibeam echosounder, and the acoustic profile recorder system. The set of bathy metric data was subjected to a pre-assessment in the ArcGISforDesktop software package to construct the terrain model using the 3D-Analyst Module by the method of TIN interpolation based on a Delaunay triangulation. The MeshDenoise smoothing method, developed specifically for processing volumetric data, was used to eliminate all errors as revealed in the model after its analysis. For the first time for this upland, we obtained and analyzed, along with data from the multibeam echosounder, seis moacoustic data. We assessed the age boundaries of the epochs in the history of formation of Murinskaya Banka, including on the basis of palynological data on samples obtained by means of Deep Submergence Vehicle Mir. As a result, a detailed bathy metric map was constructed for the first time for the underwater upland, unconformities and faults in its internal structure were revealed, and the sedimentary genesis of its body was determined. By studying the morphological characteristics of the shoalbank and the adjacent territory of the coastland, it was found that the formation of the underwater upland was associated with the submergence of the coastal plain and the ancient delta of the Khara-Murin and Langatui rivers beneath the lake water line. This event could occur during the lake substage of the Neobaikalian stage that started about 0.15 million years ago. Nowadays there is taking place a rise of the shoalbank itself and of the coast, which is evidenced by intense incisions of the rivers flowing into the lake, and of the canyons.

Pyroclastic material was discovered on the pediment of the Barguzinskaya depression adjacent to the Ikatskii Ridge. It is found that the contents of SiO2 in it vary from 56.35 to 62.67 wt%, Na2O + K2O from 4.59 to 5.9, and Al2O3 from 20.4 to 26.5 wt%. According to K-Ar dating of a sample of aleurite containing glass, the lower limit of the baking and fusion of sedi mentary deposits is estimated at 8.5 million years. For identifying the source of pyroclastics, a borehole in the area of the dis covery exposed a sequence of sedimentary deposits of the Miocene-Lower Pliocene coal-bearing Tankhoi and Pliocene/Eo-Pleistocene ocherous Anosov formations. The profile of the Tankhoi formation revealed six layers with the transition from bog-oxbow deposits of layers 1-3 to lake deposits of layers 4-6. We identified considerable weathering of material in unite 3 characterized by an accumulation of brown coal layers as thick as 10 m. A comparative analysis of major oxides and trace ele ments of the sedimentation sequence of pyroclastics showed that the source of baking were represented by lacustrine aleurites of layer 4 overlaying directly the coal seam from layer 3. In most samples of pyroclastics, the interval Fe2O3 /FeO - 0.06-0.15 is correlated with Fe2O3 / FeO in the brown coal unite, which might point to fusion of sedimentary material under the action of the flow of reduced gases liberated from the coal intercalation. It is suggested that the coal seam self-ignited when exposed to the air during the rise of the Ikatskii Ridge at the time of restructuring of the northeastern Baikal Rift Zone 9-5 Ma.

We investigated the changes in the subaerial surface of the Selenga river delta occurring under the effect of variations in the Lake Baikal level, erosion-accumulation activity, the river hydraulicity and, perhaps, due to tectonic processes. It is found that an increase in absolute elevations of the delta surface that began in 1956 was caused by multiple inundations of floodplains and terraces by the river waters at high-water periods. Bank outcrops with several horizons of buried soils were observed in the central part of the delta. A radiocarbon dating of horse bones and a pollen analysis of the profile of alluvial-delta deposits have been made. A retrospective analysis of topographic maps, nautical charts and space images is made. For a comparative analysis we generated hypsometric models, and the model of the evolution of erosion-accumulation processes. An assessment is made of changes in the area of the delta, the shoreline length, the lake percentage and the degree of channelization of the delta and its sectors. The findings can give evidence of the tectonic origin of a reduction in the area of the Sredneustyevskii sector on account of a compaction of waterlogged materials. Since 1956 the mean height of the delta surface has increased by 0.8 m as a result of an accumulation of alluvial deposits in the central part; the periphery of the delta continues to be inundated in the Sredneus tyevskii sector to a depth of 0.5 to 1.5 m. The rate of erosion-accumulation processes is characterized on the basis of experimen tal observations. In the main delta arms, the rate of bank erosion is estimated as moderate: up to 3 m/year in the central part. The area at the head of the delta showed a high rate intensity of bank caving, 10 m/year or more. A reconfiguration of the channel network and formation of new bifurcation nodes and delta branches are taking place to date.

We examine the ecological-economic problems of using the territory and the prospects for a further development of the social and communal infrastructure as well as the economic activities in the central ecological zone of the Baikal natural terri tory (within the boundaries of the Barguzinskii, Pribaikal’skii, Kabanskii and Severobaikal’skii districts, and of the city of Severobaikal’sk). An analysis is made of the economic activities carried out on the territory by enterprises and organizations. We highlight the main issues of socioeconomic development of territories related to the latest changes in the sphere of normative-legal regulation of nature management in the central ecological zone of the Baikal natural territory. It is shown that to resolve the identified problems requires a successful implementation of the measures foreseen by strategic programs of socioeconomic development of municipal formations as well as the measures for ecologization of the economic activities.

We investigate the private entrepreneurship of the population living in Irkutsk oblast’s administrative districts adjacent to the shores of Baikal. Three categories of sectors have been identified, which would be appropriate for further development on this territory, including in the settlements of the central ecological zone: nondestructive kinds of nature management, handling of waste, and reproduction of natural resources. The Ol’khоnskii district holds the lead in the level of business activities owing to agriculture, and to the rendering touristic services, with a minimal contribution from industrial production. The ecologically oriented kinds of activity of private entrepreneurship are dominated by consumption types of nature management, such as tourism, fisheries and gathering; however, products are not processed, and the only fish processing plant was shut down. Private businesses do almost not participate in activities related to restoration of the natural environment, including waste disposal. Private entrepreneurship has reached the highest level of development in the key settlements for tourism in the central ecological zone: Listvyanka, Sakhyurta, Baikal’sk, and Slyudyanka. Small settlements sustain their living conditions mainly through agriculture. State-level regulation of the economic activities of the central ecological zone is currently dominated by a prohibitive approach, which narrows the possibilities of raising the living standards of the local population. There is a need to promote the development of the sectors engaged in reproduction of the natural wealth, including forest-growing and fish breeding, with the involvement of the local population, which can be achieved through the management system for specially protected areas. Part of activity on waste gathering and disposal can also be transferred by state bodies to the private sector for outsourcing. For the central ecological zone it is necessary to have a separate program of development based on the principles of a “green” economy.

The central ecological zone of the Baikal natural territory includes Baikal with its islands, the water protection zone adja cent to the lake as well as specially protected natural areas. Ten specially protected natural areas are adjacent to Baikal’s shores: three zapovedniks, two national parks, and five zakazniks; therefore, environmental restrictions are imposed on the economic activities carried out there. In the central ecological zone, most of agricultural production is concentrated on the territory of the districts of Irkutsk oblast and the Republic of Buryatia. The leading sectors of agricultural activity are livestock husbandry, and the production of grain crops and vegetables. Plant-growing is mainly an auxiliary activity intended to meet the needs for forage reserves and internal consumption. Agricultural production in the study region is shown in the context of administrative districts (municipal formations) forming part of the central ecological zone; in Irkutsk oblast: the Irkutskii, Slyudyanskii and Ol’khonskii districts, and in the Republic of Buryatia: the Barguzinskii, Kabanskii, Severobaikal’skii and Pribaikal’skii districts. The ter ritorial differentiation of agricultural development in the districts is considered, and the peculiarities of its sectoral structure are highlighted. An analysis is made of the structure of sown areas as well as of the gross harvest of grain and leguminous crops, potatoes and vegetables cultivated on open ground in enterprises of all categories for the time interval from 1990 to 2014. The characteristics of development of typical sectors of livestock husbandry for Irkutsk oblast and the Republic of Buryatia, such as cattle raising, sheep-breeding and horse-breeding.