Characteristics of cryogenic calcite from cave Grandioznaya (V. A. Anufrieva), Southern Ural
O. I. Kadebskaya, Y. V. Dublyansky
Section: Monitoring of anthropogenically disturbed areas
Cave Grandioznaya, discovered in 1999 in Republic Bashkortostan is one of the largest natural caves in Ural Mountains.Speleological research of the cave is conducted by the Salavat club of speleologists (Republic of Bashkortostan).Unusual calcite formations were found in the cave in 2016, as on large blocks, and on a clay bottom in free space were discovered. Using the temperature data logger HOBO Water Temp Pro v2, it was found that stable positive temperatures are observed throughout the year in the grotto where calcite was found (fluctuations do not exceed 0.5 оC). On the basis morphological, chemical and stable isotope studies, as well as the 230Th/234U dating, this calcite was found to be of cryogenic origin. Crusts are aggregates (up to 6 cm in size) of differently oriented calcite crystals with clay primers. The color tone of the crusts depends on the amount of clay particles. Finding of such calcite, formed on the transition from Younger Dryas to the Preboreal stage of the Holocene epoch is indicative of the presence of degrading permafrost in this part of
Ural at the time. During this, rather sharp, warming of the climate, an active thawing of the permafrost existed, which is a prerequisite for the formation of cryogenic calcite in caves. Methods of identification of cryogenic calcite, as well as other speleothems that remained after disappearance of underground ice, developed by the authors allows assessing the extent of ancient permafrost and its effect on karst ecosystems in the study region.
Article published in number 2 for 2018 DOI: 10.25750/1995-4301-2018-2-038-044/1
Views: 11
Identification of the thickets of Heracleum sosnowskyi using Earth remote sensing data
E. V. Tovstik, T. A. Adamovich, V. V. Rutman, G. Ya. Kantor, T. Ya. Ashikhmina
Section: Research methods. Models and projects
Sosnowsky’s hogweed (Heracleum sosnowskyi Manden.) is one of the most dangerous invasive plant species,common in the European part of Russia and some European countries. Its spread threatens the biological diversity of natural ecosystems. The danger of H. sosnowskyi for the human health lies in its ability to cause skin burns. Large populations of H. sosnowskyi can be found in uncultivated fields, meadows, on the banks and in the vicinity of watercourses and reservoirs, on the outskirts of forests, and along roads. Currently in Russia, in connection with the massive
spread of H. sosnowskyi, the question is raised about the need to create a special federal target program to control this dangerous species. The data of the Earth remote sensing can provide essential assistance in planning the measures to control the spread of H. sosnowskyi. Satellite imagery provide information about localization and areas of plant communities in large areas. To monitor the distribution of H. sosnowskyi, it is possible to use multispectral as well as monochrome satellite images of high and medium resolution. In our study we used images from the Sentinel-2 satellitewith a resolution of 10 m. The detection of the foci was carried out on the territory of certain districts of the Kirov region of Russian Federation. The populations of Sosnowsky’s hogweed are well recognized visually on synthesized
color images using either three channels of the visible range (blue, green, red), or two visible (blue and green) and near infrared channel. Both variants give very close results, providing reliable identification of thickets of the hogweed.
Article published in number 2 for 2018 DOI: 10.25750/1995-4301-2018-2-035-037
Views: 23
A multi-factor model as the basis for the environmental quality management of urban аreas
E. V. Sokolskaya, B. I. Kochurov, Yu. A. Dolgov, V. A. Lobkovsky
Section: Research methods. Models and projects
The article considers mathematical approach to environmental quality management to improve the ecological comfort of living for the population. The problem of environmental management is described using a multi-factor model of quality
of the environment with the weight coefficients of the importance of its components: atmospheric air, acoustic impact, soil, water resources, and green spaces, accessibility of natural and recreational areas. The values of weight coefficients of importance of influencing factors for environmentally comfortable living are determined by the method of expert assessment.
A multi-factor model is used for detailed assessment of the ecological quality of the urban environment. The proposed quantitative approach also allows to compare the environmental comfort of the different residential districts or to study the dynamics of environmental comfort of specific urban area.
Much attention is paid to scientific and methodological principles of management and the formation of the concept of «environmental quality». The strategy of environmental management with ecological foundation of various practical
solution is shown. The plan of measures on organization of optimal management of quality of the environment to improve comfort of living for the population of the residential microdistrict of Tiraspol is presented. Graphical scheme
of the results of integral analysis of various environmental indicators and assessments for improving the comfort of the environment is given.
Realization of environmental quality management of the urban areas on the basis of a multi-factor model contributes to the gradual change of dangerous ecological conditions of environmental factors, to increase a comfort of the territory
taking into account the real preferences and needs of the population.
Article published in number 2 for 2018 DOI: 10.25750/1995-4301-2018-2-026-034
Views: 51
Analysis of Kramer’s coral-reef food web model
M. Solomonovich, I. Bica, L. Gao, А. Hailu
Section: Research methods. Models and projects
The model of a coral reef ecosystem, proposed by D.B. Kramer and published in Ecology and Society in 2008, explored the implications of changes in biological parameters and changes in economic and social interaction variables governing the fishing behaviour of anglers targeting the two fish species included in the model, herbivore and piscivore fish. This model is parametrized based on evidence provided in the literature. The recognition of multiple species in the model as well as the inclusion of adaptive harvesting behaviour may supposedly allow to explore policy or management options. This paper reviews, extends and sharpens the analysis undertaken in original article, and reveals both mathematical and interpretational mistakes in it. We use analytical and numerical methods to show that, contrary to the assertion in discussed article, some of the equilibrium outcomes are independent of the parameter values that were identified as important in this paper.
At the same time the model is highly sensitive to the setting of some parameter values as well as to the structures representing interactions in the model. We suggest ways in which the model can be modified so that it would become interpretable.
Article published in number 2 for 2018 DOI: 10.25750/1995-4301-2018-2-016-025
Views: 14
Genetic engineering in solving “unsolvable” problems of soil remediation
A. A. Gulevich, E. N. Baranova, I. G. Shirokikh, A. A. Shirokikh
Section: Theoretical problems of ecology
Many centuries of cultivation of plants allowed human civilization to significantly increase the population of the planet. However, as a result of economic activity, many areas have turned into waterless deserts, salt heaths, dumps and waste pits that remain after mining. Classical technology has been developed for many decades, but this has not led to an effective solution of the problems that have arisen, and humanistic values do not allow for the reduction of the population.
In this review, new approaches are considered that can significantly improve the efficiency of remediation. The solution involves combining biotechnologies: genetic engineering of plants, fungi and microorganisms; in the compartment with
the application of nanotechnology recultivation and creation of artificial analogues of soil and new materials of geoplastics for the creation of an artificial landscape. The principal possibility of creation of plant complexes and microbes-rescuers
on the basis of potentially resistant organisms capable of effective interaction is considered. The review deals with the genetic modification of plant and bacterial organisms that allow to accelerate in principle the formation of biogenic matter
on disturbed and remediated soils, including man-made soils. This can restore the ecology of the abandoned lands destroyed by mankind over the centuries of its existence.
ISSN 1995-4301
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