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Geography and Natural Resources

2020 year, number 4

1.
RUSSIAN GEOMORPHOLOGICAL SCHOOL: 100 YEARS OF DEVELOPMENT

D.V. LOPATIN, A.I. ZHIROV, S.F. BOLTRAMOVICH
Institute of Earth Sciences, St. Petersburg State University, 199034, St. Petersburg, Universitetskaya naberezhnaya, 7/9, Russia
lopatin12@yandex.ru
Keywords: geomorphology, Russia, geomorphological center, scientific direction, stage of development

Abstract >>
In connection with the recent centennial (2018) of Russian geomorphology, we examined the history of the origin and de velopment of geomorphological knowledge in this country. We analyzed the main stages of the formation of national geomorphol ogy: from the prehistory (17 th -18 th centuries) and the incubation period (19 th -early 20 th centuries) to an intense development in the Soviet period (most of the 20 th century) and the modern stage. We distinguished the main driving forces of this process: the enormous size of the country and the corresponding diversity of landscapes, a high economic need for development of natural resources, and a need for effective systematization of knowledge in the field of Earth sciences. We also emphasized the continu ity and close connection of the development of geomorphology in Russia/USSR and in other countries. Particular attention was paid to the Russian geomorphological schools concentrated in major educational and scientific centers in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Irkutsk, Kazan, Tomsk, etc. National researchers of these schools promote important scientific fields, such as structural geomor phology (morphotectonics), climatic (exogenous) geomorphology, geomorphological systematics and cartography, evolutionary geomorphology, morphometry, dynamic and engineering geomorphology, environmental, social geomorphology, etc. Separately, we mentioned the contribution to the Russian geomorphological science by famous scientists: P.A. Kropotkin, V.V. Dokuchaev, D.N. Anuchin, M.M. Tetyaev, Ya.S. Edelstein, I.S. Shchukin, K.K. Markov, S.S. Schulz, I.P. Gerasimov, Yu.A. Meshcheryakov, D.A. Timofeev, O.K. Leontyev, Yu.G. Simonov, N.A. Florensov, G.F. Ufimtsev, A.N. Lastochkin, and many others. Finally, we emphasized that today Russia’s geomorphology has entered a new stage of development corresponding to current world trends: the study of inaccessible terrain (submarine, subglacial, extraterrestrial), digital modeling based on GIS technologies, and inte gration with other disciplines of the geological and geographical series.



2.
RATING OF THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF THE POPULATION IN RUSSIAN REGIONS

V.N. VESELOVA1, O.V. VALEEVA1, L.M. KORYTNY1
V.B. Sochava Institute of Geography, Russian Academy of Sciences, 664033, Irkutsk, ul. Ulan-Batorskaya, 1, Russia
veselova@irigs.irk.ru
Keywords: rating score, Baikal region, socio-economic development, environmental status, medical and demographic in dicators, territorial equity

Abstract >>
A rating assessment of the quality of life of the Russian regions, one of the most important social priorities, has been carried out. Experience of determining the quality of life indices in Russia and abroad is taken into account. The ratings of individual indicators for the constituent entities of the Russian Federation are calculated in three groups: socio-economic development, environmental status, and public health. Positions in the rating in each group were determined by combining the rating points of the three most significant indicators; after that, the integral rating was calculated in the same way. To identify trends, indicators for 2005 and 2015 were selected. A stable position both in 2005 and in 2015 in the top ten is occupied by Moscow and St. Petersburg, and by Tyumen (without AO), Kursk, Belgorod and Tambov oblasts, and the outsiders include Irkutsk, Amur and Arkhangelsk (without AO) oblasts, and by the Republic of Khakassia and Karelia. While in the leading regions, the main prob lems are associated with the ecological state of the environment, in the outsider regions they are caused by a combination of socio-economic, environmental, medical and demographic problems. The ratings of the constituent entities of the Baikal region are examined in detail. It was found that the common features of Zabaikalskii krai and the Republic of Buryatia are a low level of economic development, and a high level of poverty and mortality of the population. Irkutsk oblast, being a more eco nomically developed region, is distinguished by an increase in poverty, a low standard of health, and by higher mortality rates as compared with the average Russian values, as well as with Zabaikalskii krai and the Republic of Buryatia. Irkutsk oblast occupies the last positions in the ecological ranking. Rating monitoring should be continued as it is required in order to reduce the spatial asymmetry of the country and the imbalances in its socio-economic development.



3.
TRANSFORMATION OF THE STRUCTURES OF THE ECONOMY AND POPULATION OF SIBERIA AT THE POST-SOVIET STAGE

L.A. BEZRUKOV
V.B. Sochava Institute of Geography, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, 664033, Irkutsk, ul. Ulan-Batorskaya, 1, Russia
bezrukov@irigs.irk.ru
Keywords: territorial economic-settlement structure, sectoral, institutional and territorial structures of the industry, resource-raw materials specialization, export orientation, regional centers, peripheral regions

Abstract >>
An assessment is made of the main characteristic features in the territorial economic-settlement structure of Siberia: latitu dinal zonality, meridional west-east asymmetry, attraction to the main transport routes, localization of the industrial potential within territorial-production complexes, concentration of the population in major cities and in their immediate surroundings, and the different of “Russian” and “non-Russian” (ethnic) regions. Major trends in changes are identified, which have occurred dur ing the post-Soviet stage in the structures of the macro-region’s industry. In the sectoral structure, tendencies for the reorientation to the external market have been identified, with an increase of the proportion of exported products; for an increase in the propor tion of extractive sectors, and an enhancement in the resource-raw materials specialization, and for a faster (than in the country as a whole) recovery of production after its decline during the 1990s. The main result of the transformation of the institutional structure of the industry has been the redistribution of property of Siberia’s major enterprises among private All-Russian companies and State corporations of the country, which was accompanied by a reduction in budgetary-financial benefits for industrial regions. The main trends in change in the territorial structure of industrial production involve its abrupt shift toward the peripheral north ern regions with the expansion of the sphere of influence of the existing territorial-production complexes and with the emergence of new ones. Two trends in the transformation of the settlement structure of Siberia are pointed out: an enhancement in the inter-municipal center-periphery polarization with a growth of regional centers and their immediate surroundings, accompanied by a loss of the population in extensive peripheral regions, and a considerable increase in the proportion of titular peoples in the total population of some of the republics of Siberia, with a respective reduction in the proportion of non-titular peoples.



4.
THE CAUSES OF CURRENT CHANGES IN GEOSYSTEMS IN THE NORTH OF WESTERN SIBERIA

K.N. DYAKONOV, A.YU. RETEYUM
Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991, Moscow, Leninskie gory, 1, Russia
diakonov.geofak@mail.ru
Keywords: changes in natural environment, core of the Earth, degassing of the subsoil, ozone, Arctic, Western Siberia

Abstract >>
A case study of Western Siberia has shown that the anomalies observed in the natural environment of the Sub-Arctic are the consequences of the unfolding process of the movement of the planet’s core in the northward direction which is accompanied by enhanced degassing of the subsoil. It is demonstrated that the flow of heat into the lower atmosphere during the oxidation of increasing volumes of hydrogen has led to an increase in air temperature over the last several decades, and the largest anoma lies are observed in September-December. This is the effect of an enhancement in degassing as the Earth approaches the peri helion point, when the core continues to move by inertia and its pressure on the outer shells increases. An analysis is made of dendrochronological data indicating a negative impact on the growth of trees by a shortage of available soil moisture with an enhanced transpiration in conditions of high summer temperatures and degradation of permafrost. The study revealed a northward expansion of the habitats of many plant and animal species and a contradictory behavior of forest at the boundary with the tundra. It is established that two options should be considered in the analysis of the possible ways of a further development of events. One variant implies a continuation of directional changes in the endogenous origin in northern geosystems. The other variant is characterized by forced oscillations associated with long-term cycles of the solar system, the latest temporal time limit of which dates back to 1990. We compiled a general scheme of the chain reaction “movement of the Earth’s core - degas sing of the subsoil - hydrogen oxidation - warming of the soil and the ground air layer - plant growth” chain reaction; how ever, a large number of uncertainties remain as to the mechanisms of momentum transfer in each link.



5.
FLOOD HAZARD WITHIN THE BASINS OF THE LEFT TRIBUTARIES OF THE ANGARA

N.V. KICHIGINA
V.B. Sochava Institute of Geography, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, 664033, Irkutsk, ul. Ulan-Batorskaya, 1, Russia
nkichigina@mail.ru
Keywords: flood hazard, frequency, impact, rainfall floods, left tributaries of the Angara river

Abstract >>
In June and July 2019, on the left tributaries of the Angara river there occurred catastrophic rainfall floods inflicting enormous damage and human victims. The greatest damage was experienced by the city of Tulun on the Iya river. A compre hensive characteristic is given to the 2019 floods in comparison with similar events of the historical past and from the period of instrumental observations. An analysis is made of the characteristics of the flood hazard at gauging stations: their frequency and impact. The homogeneity of the series of the peak flood runoff is estimated against the background of climate change. The objects for study were the basins of the left tributaries of Angara river: the Irkut, Kitoi, Belaya, Oka, Uda and Biryusa, with a more detailed characteristic for the Iya river basin. The floods of 2019 were formed by extreme precipitation on the previously moist ened surface of the catchments. In 2019, an exceptional hydrological situation developed in terms of both flood hazard charac teristics and the devastating consequences for the city of Tulun. Nevertheless, catastrophic floods of a similar magnitude also reoccurred in the historical past and during the period of instrumental observations. The situation with two extreme floods dur ing the summer season is also not unique. The event under study cannot yet be associated with climate change. Changes in the peak rainfall runoff series are mostly insignificant, even when the approximate runoff maxima of 2019 are taken into account. The decreased flood frequency over a later period may be associated with a low-water period that ended in 2019. Therefore, similar events can be expected to recur on the rivers of Irkutsk oblast, both within the Angara basin and within the Lena and South Baikal basins



6.
SYNOPTIC CONDITIONS OF CATASTROPHIC FLOODS IN IRKUTSK REGION IN 2019

O.P. OSIPOVA
V.B. Sochava Institute of Geography, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, 664033, Irkutsk, ul. Ulan-Batorskaya, 1, Russia
olga@irigs.irk.ru
Keywords: synoptic processes, cyclone, blocking truncated ridge, weather maps, frontal precipitation, HYSPLIT backward trajectories

Abstract >>
Presented are the results from investigating the synoptic processes observed during the floods in the south of Irkutsk region (June 20-30 and July 25-30, 2019). A comprehensive synoptic analysis was conducted to identify the main causes of extreme high precipitation amounts in the area of Tulun and Nizhneudinsk in summer 2019. During June 25-29, the southern areas of Irkutsk region showed heavy and very heavy precipitation, with its amounts within 31-81 mm in 12 h, as well as long-lasting heavy precipitation (136 mm in 36 h). The maximum rainfall was observed in the territories of Nizhneudinskii (106-140 mm) and Tulunskii (85-218 mm) districts, which amounted to 1.5 and 4 normal monthly values, respectively. It was established that the main factors determining intensity of the catastrophic floods were: 1) a powerful truncated cyclone; 2) a blocking trun cated meridional ridge over Eastern Siberia; 3) a slow-moving cold atmospheric front, 4) advection of contrasting air masses to the study area (warm subtropical and cold and humid masses from the south of Western Siberia, and easterly masses ones from the coast of the Sea of Okhotsk). The aforementioned directions of the transport of air masses were determined by analyz ing the HYSPLIT 5-day backward trajectories. Foci of high content of potentially accumulated moisture and fields of upward vertical air movements were identified over the study area. An intensification of the frontogenesis and an enhancement of pre cipitation could be caused by local orographic features contributing to the formation of orographic upward vertical flows, gave rise to a forced convection in the foothill areas. It is concluded that the two flood events were forced by precipitation of fron tal origin.



7.
MODELING OF THE SUMMER 2019 DISASTROUS FLOODS ON THE IYA RIVER (IRKUTSK OBLAST)

O.M. MAKARIEVA1, N.V. NESTEROVA1, A.D. FEDOROVA2, A.N. SHIKHOV3, T.A. VINOGRADOVA2,4
1North-East Research Permafrost Station of Melnikov Permafrost Institute, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, 685000, Magadan, ul. Portovaya, 16, Russia
omakarieva@gmail.com
2St. Petersburg State University, 199034, St. Petersburg, Universitetskaya naberezhnaya, 7-9, Russia
alexandra120559@gmail.com
3Perm State National Research University, 614068, Perm, ul. Bukireva, 15, Russia
and3131@inbox.ru
4OJSC SPA Gidrotekhproekt, 199178, St. Petersburg, Chetyrnadtsataya liniya Vasilyevskogo ostrova, 97, lit. À, pom. 3-N, Russia
vinograd1950@mail.ru
Keywords: catastrophic flood, Hydrograph hydrological model, maximum water discharge, ICON weather model, extreme precipitation, streamflow hydrographs

Abstract >>
The paper discusses the results of investigation of the factors that led to the formation of a catastrophic flood in June 2019 on the Iya river in Tulun town, Irkutsk oblast, as well as a calculation and assessment of the characteristics of these floods. Ananalysis of the meteorological environments of flood formation is performed by using the ICON global weather forecast model. The trends in hydrometeorological characteristics for the period 1966-2019 are analyzed. The study revealed an increase in the precipitation  amount  in  June  by  36-61  %  (31-46  mm),  and  negative  trends  in  the  maximum  water  discharges  making  up  24-37 % from May to September. Using the data on the water level and historical Q(H) curves, the maximum daily water discharge on June 29, 2019 was estimated at 6800 ± 700 m3/s. A schematization of the Iya river basin is carried out, the pa-rameters are systematized and the distributed hydrological model Hydrograph is verified. For three sub-basins within the Iya river basin, the median value of the Nash-Sutcliff criterion was 0.69 for the period 1970-1996. The flood characteristics are simulated and assessed using two sources of meteorological data. According to the data from weather stations, the maximum daily discharge was 6570 m3/s. This value falls within the range of estimates of observed values but its formation is delayed by 1 day. According to the simulation based on the ICON model data, the maximum 3-hour discharge reached 5260 m3/s, or at least 840 m3/s lower than the observed value; however, the simulated flood hydrograph coincides with observed one for the time intervals. The results of the study confirm a possibility for a short-term flood forecast using the method of deterministic hydro-logical modelling



8.
LANDSCAPE-HYDROLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF THE FORMATION CONDITIONS FOR THE JUNE 2019 FLOOD ON THE IYA RIVER

O.V. GAGARINOVA, M.V. TSYGANKOVA
V.B. Sochava Institute of Geography, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, 664033, Irkutsk, ul. Ulan-Batorskaya, 1, Russia
whydro@irigs.irk.ru
Keywords: landscape, flood, river basin, humidification of the territory, formation of runoff

Abstract >>
The synoptic situation that developed in the summer of 2019 in the southwestern areas of Irkutsk oblast region, in the mountains and foothills of Eastern Sayan, was responsible for heavy rainfall that caused extreme flooding on the Iya river. A landscape-hydrological analysis of the territory was made. It was found that topography, morphology and structure of soil and vegetation cover have a considerable influence on the hydrological regime of the river and on the formation of the flood runoff. An important role for the operation of the hydrological functions of landscapes in the formation of this flood is played by the intensity, duration and spatial differentiation of precipitation, coupled with the state of the underlying surface within the Iya basin. During the period of extremely high precipitation, the landscapes of most of the catchment were characterized by a sig nificant humidification moisture resulting from preceding precipitation, which reduced their regulation and accumulation capac ity. Goletz, subgoletz and mountain-taiga larch landscapes on frozen tundra soils of the northeastern macroslope of Eastern Sayan which are characterized by large slope angles, sparse vegetation and a shallow soil layer, are distinguished by large water yield in conditions of heavy precipitation. A significant flow-regulation potential of mountain-taiga dark coniferous land scapes of gentle slopes and low mountains, and also the accumulating properties of meadow-marsh complexes of foothill depres sions and valleys were realized during the previous precipitation events and did not have a significant regulatory effect during the formation of the flood at the end of June. Hilly-ouval topography and a high groundwater level in the middle part of the basin are the factors promoting flooding thus impeding infiltration and outflow of water.



9.
FORMATION CONDITIONS FOR THE CATASTROPHIC FLOOD OF 2019 ON THE IYA RIVER AND ASSESSMENT OF ITS CHARACTERISTICS

V.Yu. GEORGIEVSKII, E.A. GRECK, A.G. LOBANOVA, T.G. MOLCHANOVA
State Hydrological Institute, 199053, St. Petersburg, Vtoraya liniya Vasilyevskogo ostrova, 23, Russia
georg@ggi.nv.ru
Keywords: nonstationarity, calculation method, probabilistic characteristics, highest level, dangerous hydrological phe nomenon

Abstract >>
Based on operational data from the Irkutsk Hydrometeorological Service, the main characteristics of catastrophic flood that occurred in the period from June 24 to July 13, 2019 on the rivers of the Iya drainage basin are presented. It is shown that the flood on the Iya river and on its tributaries was the highest both in the runoff volume and in the maximum water discharge for the entire observation period. Contribution from the various parts of the Iya catchment to the total flood runoff is considered. An increased variance in fluctuations of the maximum water discharges since 1980 and increased repeatability of very large values of discharges over the last several decades were determined. This is a reason for the heterogeneity of the maximum water dis charges for a long observation period. Standard distribution curves did not allow to adequately describing the empirical points on the probability curve. Only based on combined use of composite homo generous distributions and consideration of the out standing rare maximum it became possible to obtain a satisfactory compliance between empirical and analytical distributions of maximum water flow rates and determine calculated parameters of the maximum discharges the Iya river near the city Tulun. Estimation of the calculated maximum water disharge and depths of flood runoff of different probability in the post the Iya river - Tulun city are presented.



10.
ASSESSING THE ANTHROPOGENICALLY CAUSED POLLUTION OF WATER BODIES WITHIN THE SELENGA RIVER BASIN ON THE TERRITORY OF MONGOLIA AND RUSSIA

B.O. GOMBOEV1,2, A.B. TSYBIKOVA1, I.D. UL’ZETUEVA1, D.TS.-D. ZHAMYANOV1
1Baikal Institute of Nature Management, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, 670047, Ulan-Ude, ul. Sakhyanovoi, 6, Russia
bgom@binm.bscnet.ru
2Buryat State University, 670000, Ulan-Ude, ul. Smolina, 24à, Russia
Keywords: pollutants, transboundary transport, water quality assessment, water pollution coefficient, anthropogenic pollu tion, monitoring

Abstract >>
Presented are the results from studying the current state, modeling and forecasting of the transboundary transport of pollutants with the flow of the rivers within the Selenga river basin. The method for calculating the pollution coefficient was used to assess the degree of pollution of the Selenga river basin on the territories of Mongolia and the Republic of Buryatia (RF) on the linear sections of the river and its tributaries within the boundaries of the adjacent river sections according to data of state monitoring observation in both countries. Results from assessing the impact of economic entities located within the transboundary Selenga river basin on the streams according to the α -indicator of the pollution coefficient and subsequent ranking by four levels of pollution indicate that the catchment and Lake Baikal itself continue to be polluted by insufficiently treated wastewater from industrial enterprises and housing and communal services. Calculations showed that the aquatic ecosystems of the Kyakhtinka (Khiagt) river, the Modonkul river and the Selenga river in the border zone along the border of Russia and Mongolia in the area of Naushki - Sükhbaatar and Kyakhta - Altan-Bulak, and in the area of the settlement of Novoselenginsk are most disturbed. On the territory of the Russian part of the basin, the Selenga river downstream, the degree of water pollution is increasing in the areas of industrial centers, such as Gusinoozersk and Ulan-Ude. The average indicator of the pollution coefficient as calculate for the Russian part of the Selenga river basin was higher than that for the Mongolian part, which suggests the conclusion that the degree of pollution by the pollutants under consideration is higher on the Mongolian territory than on the Russian territory.



11.
HYDROLOGICAL AND HYDROCHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF SURFACE WATER FORMATION IN THE OLOKIT-KHOLODNAYA INTERFLUVE AREA (NORTHERN CISBAIKALIA)

E.G. PERYAZEVA, A.M. PLYUSNIN, D.I. ZHAMBALOVA
Geological Institute, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Ulan-Ude, ul. Sakhyanovoi, 6a, Russia
peryazeva75@mail.ru
Keywords: goletz and tundra landscapes, fresh surface water, faults, trace elements, rare earth elements

Abstract >>
The study area is located on the watershed of the surface runoff into Lake Baikal and the Vitim river. It has been shown that in the settings of goletz tundra landscapes a considerable proportion of atmospheric precipitation (700-800 mm/year) flows down the surface (more than 70 %). Fault tectonics and mountain-valley glaciation have had a dramatic effect on the formation of the river network whose degree of channelization is 0.8 km/km 2 . The area has several lakes of glacial origin which contain considerable reserves of clean water. The valleys of all large rivers are located on faults which are well distinguishable in the relief and have been active to date. The Kholodnaya river whose channel runs on a deep fault serves as the regional natural drainage system. The runoff of surface and subsurface water from this territory enters largely the river. The low-mineralized water of hydrocarbonate calcium composition is due to an intense water exchange. We can notice the high level of lake and river water mineralization. The places where carbonate rocks are located show a local increase in mineralization of river and lake water which can reach 100 mg/L. The Kholodnaya polymetallic deposit influences the formation of the trace element composition of the Aelita, Avkitskoe, Meteoritnoe lakes. Increased zinc content is observed in the Kholodnaya, Tyya and Gasan-Dyakit rivers. A case study of Lake Aelita showed that trace elements enter the surface water due to drainage of fissure-vein water.



12.
SPATIO-TEMPORAL VARIABILITY IN VEGETATION AND ECOLOGICAL STATUS OF LANDSCAPES WITHIN THE REL’ RIVER BASIN (NORTHERN CISBAIKALIA)

A.P. SIZYKH1, I.A. BELOZERTSEVA2, I.B. VOROBYEVA2, N.V. VLASOVA2, A.I. SHEKHOVTSOV2
1Siberian Institute of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, 664033, Irkutsk, ul. Lermontova, 132, Russia
alexander.sizykh@gmail.com
2V.B. Sochava Institute of Geography, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, 664033, Irkutsk, ul. Ulan-Batorskaya, 1, Russia
belozia@mail.ru
Keywords: soils, vegetation, transformation, pollution, organization, Rel’ river basin

Abstract >>
Data of a comprehensive investigation (2014-2018) within the Rel’ river basin (northwestern coast of Lake Baikal) are presented. Pollution and transformation of the main components of landscapes in the study area were identified, which are caused by natural and anthropogenic factors. It is established that pollution of the surface and snow waters of the Rel’ is due to high concentrations of phosphates and ammonium. The soils of taiga landscapes have a low resistant to anthropogenic impact, whereas the soils of steppificated landscapes have a higher degree of resistance to environmental changes. In transitional natural zones, sometimes the soils show the imprints of the precious ecological conditions for their formation, and often they do not correspond to modern vegetation. Reforestation of the extrazonal steppe as observed over the last several decades indicates change in natural and climatic conditions in the region. It should be noted that the climate dynamics, largely regarding the seasonal redistribution of precipitation, promotes the development of polydominant taiga replacing the extrazonal steppes, probably with conservation of xerophytic-petrophytic vegetation groups on southwestern steep eroded slopes and along stony ridges. Reforestation of territories occupied by extrazonal steppe should be treated as the manifestation of environmental conditions: topography and temperature and humidity dynamics in growing periods and years. Topography and climate are the main factors determining the spatial-dynamic organization and transformation of vegetation and soil cover across the study territory and in the region as a whole.



13.
MID-PLEISTOCENE VERKHNEANGARSKII GLACIER (NORTHERN CISBAIKALIA)

R.Ts. BUDAEV1,2, V.L. KOLOMIETS1,2
1Geological Institute, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, 670047, Ulan-Ude, ul. Sakhyanovoi, 6a, Russia
budrin@ginst.ru
2Buryat State University, 670000, Ulan-Ude, ul. Smolina, 24a, Russia
kolom@ginst.ru
Keywords: glacier, ice age, Northern Cisbaikalia, ingression, Middle Pleistocene, interpretation

Abstract >>
On the basis of comprehensive geological-geomorphological investigations, we reconstructed the parameters of Verkhnean garskii Glacier and paleogeographical settings in the Verkhneangarskaya rift zone at the epoch of Pleistocene glaciations of the Stanovoi Range. Using thermoluminescence datings of deposits on the location of fossil bones of large mammals of the mammoth faunal complex (early type) in the mouth of the Tyya river (North Baikal hollow), the lateral moraine of Tyya Glacier and lacustrine-fluvial sediments of a high terrace level, we determined their Mid-Pleistocene age. Tyya Glacier of maximal Mid-Pleistocene glaciation reached the Baikal coast, the water level of which was 80-90 m higher than at present. The identified rise of the water level in Baikal in the Mid-Pleistocene led to the ingression of its waters into the Upper Angara rift valley. It was found that Churovskii and Verkhneangarskii Glaciers reached the bottom of the basin and discharged in the lake. The available data indicate a small thickness (200-250 m) of Verkhneangarskii Glacier; nevertheless, the basin developed a thick foot glacier that formed in the basin, the outer edge of which advanced as far as upper reaches of the Gonkuli river. The glacier of the second Mid-Pleistocene ice age reached the Yanchukan river basin where a terminal-moraine line up to 5-6 km wide persisted. In the Mid-Pleistocene, the fifth and sixth terraces above floodplain formed in the Upper Angara basin, the formation time of which is confirmed by data of palynological analysis, and remains of fossil spongiofauna discovered in them indicate lacustrine conditions of sedimentation.



14.
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF COLLAPSE PHENOMENA IN THE LOWER SYLVA KARST AREA (PRE-URAL REGION) IN RECENT DECADES

N.V. LAVROVA, M.V. BOGOMAZ
Mining Institute, Ural Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, 614007, Perm, ul. Sibirskaya, 78A, Russia
nlavrova08@mail.ru
Keywords: recurring collapses, superficial karst forms, structures of draping, fossil reef structure, speleosystem

Abstract >>
Presented are the results of observations of instantaneous exogenous transformations, i.e. funnel-shaped depressions in ter restrial surface occurring in areas of occurrence of readily soluble deposits. The surface and underground karst forms at the border of the East-European Platform and the Pre-Ural Trough as well as along the slopes of the northern end of the Ufa Plateau within Perm krai are objects of monitoring observations conducted by the Kungur inpatient laboratory since 1952. Mor phometric indicators of karst dips and sinkholes are presented. The special features in their distribution are considered depend ing on topographic elements. Areal and temporal quantitative indicators of the formation of collapse phenomena are presented by using the Lower Sylva karst region as an example. The role of fossil reef structures in the initiation of karstic processes in the carbonate-sulfate strata of the Kungur stage of the Permian system in the lower reaches of the Sylva river (tributary of the Chusovaya river) is determined. It was found that the concentration of the movement of groundwater of local aquifers in the draping structures not only from above but also from below and from the side with respect to the sulfate layer accelerates the dissolution processes of sulfate rocks located at a small distance along the contour of the fossil reef. An increase in the role of anthropogenic impact in the development of hazardous geological processes: karst and karst-suffusion dips, in urbanized areas is observed. The formation of recurring collapses on the initial site even in the case of measures taken to eliminate them is re corded. The special features of the development of multiple dips above the grottoes of Zuyatskaya cave are considered.



15.
AEOLIAN PROCESSES IN FOREST-STEPPE LANDSCAPES IN THE UPPER ANGARA REGION IN THE HOLOCENE

V.A. GOLUBTSOV1,2, M.YU. OPEKUNOVA1, F.E. MAKSIMOV3, A.YU. PETROV3
1V.B. Sochava Institute of Geography, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, 664033, Irkutsk, ul. Ulan-Batorskaya, 1, Russia
tea_88@inbox.ru
2Irkutsk Scientific Center, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, 664033, Irkutsk, ul. Lermontova, 134, Russia
3St. Petersburg State University, 199178, St. Petersburg, Vasilyevskii ostrov, Srednii prospect, 41/43, Russia
maksimov-fedor@yandex.ru
Keywords: aeolian morphogenesis, landscape-climatic changes, Late Glacial, Holocene, Baikal region

Abstract >>
Presented are the results from investigating the aeolian sand massifs in the Belaya river valley. The Belaya, Kholmushino and Usolye massifs with the area of 2, 1,4 and 269 km, respectively, are singled out. They are differentiated by the degree and magnitude of manifestation of aeolian processes, and by the morphology of landforms. The Belaya massif is characterized by narrow gully-low ridge topography. The initial fluvial relief is moderately modified because of the isolated location of the area in the spur of the incised meander and its boundedness by the slope of the narrow segment of the valley. In the Kholmushino massif located in the zone of contact of the segment of the incised channel and the broadening of the valley, aeolian forms were able to evolve fully but they occur only along narrow terraced surfaces of the rectilinear segment of the valley. The more favor able conditions emerged for the evolution of the Usolye massif. The broad-floodplain type of Belaya channel promoted accumu lation of significant volumes of sandy material and its free transport in the process of aeolian morphogenesis. The most intense aeolian accumulation was observed in the lower reaches of the Belaya at the interface of the Late Glacial and Holocene (from 13,1 kyr BP) and was proceeding throughout the Early Holocene until 8,9 kyr BP when there occurred a decrease in activity of the aeolian processes and an intense soil formation began. The landscape-climatic conditions of the Atlantic period were favor able for the attenuation of aeolian activity and for a gradual fixation of sands by vegetation. The intensification phases of the aeolian processes were replaced by stages of a decrease in activity of the aeolian morphogenesis and soil formation in the inter vals 9,3-8,6; 6,7-6; 3,5-2,6 and 1,2-0,9 kyr BP. The pedogenesis stages coincided with an increase in heat and moisture availability. Analysis of the findings suggests the rhythmic behavior in the evolution of the region’s natural environment in the Late Glacial with the manifestation of aeolian phases every 4-5 ka and phases of intense soil formation every 1,9-2,5 ka.



16.
THE AGE OF THE PATOMA CRATER: DENDROCHRONOLOGICAL AND BIOGEOCHEMICAL INVESTIGATIONS

V.I. VORONIN1, V.S. ANTIPIN2, V.A. OSKOLKOV1, A.M. FEDOROV2,3
1Siberian Institute of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, 664033, Irkutsk, ul. Lermontova, 132, Russia
bioin@sifibr.irk.ru
2Vinogradov Institute of Geochemistry, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, 664033, Irkutsk, ul. Favorskogo, 1a, Russia
antipin@igc.irk.ru
3Irkutsk State University, 664011, Irkutsk, ul. Nizhnyaya Naberezhnaya, 6, Russia
sashaf@igc.irk.ru
Keywords: formation of the Patoma crater, dendrochronological and X-ray fluorescence analysis

Abstract >>
According to data of dendrochronological investigations of larch trees that had grown on the Patoma crater (Irkutsk oblast, Bodaibinskii district) and near its base, the initial period of the formation of the crater can be dated back to the late 15 th - early 16 th centuries. In 1841-1842, the trees under investigation recorded in annual rings a catastrophic event which caused a disturbance to their root systems, damage to tree stems, and the formation of compression wood. It is obvious that the event is associated with the time of formation of a late circular wall on which sparse larch trees are 93-101 years of age, and on the middle mound emerging upon completion of the formation of the Patoma crater the age of the oldest tree is 71 years. Thus den drochronological investigations confirm a long-lasting and multievent formation of the Patoma crater. In some periods, the de position cone was evolving with a different intensity, sometime showing an explosive character. X-ray fluorescent analysis revealed a double Sr enrichment of larch wood at the time of significant activity of crater formation (1852-1859) when plutonic fluids from the igneous source were able to enter the upper horizons of the Earth’s crust at the time of magma intrusion into water-containing rocks. The fluids were enriched with CO2 and transported significant amounts of Sr, as a result of which the 87 Sr/ 86 Sr ratios in carbonate and terrigenous rocks assumed higher values in sandstone and slatestone on the early circular wall of the Patoma crater. The findings, coupled with geological data, suggest that the Patoma crater emerged as a result of a phreatic explosion that occurred either at the time of magma intrusion into water-containing rocks or s a consequence of the fault and decompression of heater water-containing rocks.



17.
ASSESSING THE MAXIMUM POSSIBLE WATER DISCHARGE OF THE ZEYA RIVER ON THE ZEYA HPP SITE

M.V. BOLGOV, M.D. TRUBETSKOVA, M.K. FILIMONOVA, M.A. KHARLAMOV
Water Problems Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119333, Moscow, ul. Gubkina, 3, Russia
bolgovmv@mail.ru
Keywords: rainfall floods, permafrost, probable maximum flow, maximum probable precipitation, Bayesian method

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The problem of estimating the probable maximum values of the inflow to the Zeya reservoir on the basis of determining maximum probable precipitation and results from simulating the flood runoff formation is considered. The maximum probable daily precipitation amounts were determined by the hydrometeorological method using the data of eight-term station-based me teorological observations of dew point temperature and precipitation amounts. Maximum daily precipitation values were con verted to those for the travel time of the flood wave via the channel system (seven days for the Zeya basin) using the transition coefficient obtained by a statistical processing of precipitation amounts of different durations. To calculate the possible maximum flood, a rain graph with 1-day sampling intervals was constructed according to the type of change in precipitation intensity dur ing the maximum flood observed in 2013. Precipitation was recalculated to the runoff in terms of the deterministic model devel oped by the Hydrologic Engineering Center (USA) with due regard for the formation characteristic of heavy floods in the settings of permafrost. The calculated limiting value of the inflow was refined using the Bayesian method of constructing a probability curve taking into account the upper limit of the distribution and the specified determination error of the desired characteristic. The values obtained for the maximum flow of the Zeya are compared with its estimates available to date.



18.
THE MINERALS POTENTIAL OF FAR EASTERN REGION AND TRANSPORT LIMITATIONS OF ITS DEVELOPMENT

Yu.A. ARKHIPOVA1, A.B. BARDAL2
1Mining Institute, Far Eastern Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, 680000, Khabarovsk, ul. Turgeneva, 51, Russia
arhipova@igd.khv.ru
2Economic Research Institute, Far Eastern Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, 680042, Khabarovsk, ul. Tikhookeanskaya, 153, Russia
bardal@ecrin.ru
Keywords: Russian Far East, mineral resources, raw mineral resources, transport complex, transport accessibility of deposits

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We examine the conditions for transport accessibility of the key deposits of raw mineral resources of the Far East and the directions of its further development. The characteristics of the raw mineral base of the region are considered in terms of the reserves and volumes of extraction of separate kinds of mineral resources. The key problems of developing mineral resources at the present stage are discussed. We demonstrate the development prospects for the raw mineral sector on the basis of creating processing facilities and switching over from the extraction of raw materials to obtaining the product with a high degree of pro cessing and added value. A significant importance of the transport factor is emphasized for development of the deposits in the Far East which is most clearly pronounced in the northern regions. An unevenness of development of the region’s transport in frastructure, its poor quality (incompliance with the normative requirements of motor roads, and a limitation of railroad capac ity) are highlighted. An analysis is made of the limiting influence of the poor transport accessibility on the raw mineral complex. The characteristics of the formation of transport schemes are outlined according to the location and volumes of transported re sources. The study revealed a high demand of the enterprises of the extractive sector for the transport infrastructure which is not satisfied by the State. Examples of the development of the transport infrastructure elements by private companies on the terri tory of the Far East are investigated. The role of the Northern Sea Route as an important transport route in the medium- and long-term future is characterized. The efforts made to develop further this direction are pointed out: hydrographic investigations in the sea area, change in the institutional conditions of the functioning, and development of the icebreaker fleet of Russia. China’s interest in using the arctic sea routes for cargo transportation is shown. It is concluded that of strategic importance is an active exploitation of the Northern Sea Route by Russian companies for economic development of the deposits in the Sakha (Yakutia) Republic and Chukotka Autonomous Okrug.