CONTENT 2 (3) 2010

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PREFACE

Abstract:
For three centuries, the main task of geography in Russia was gathering information about the geographical features of the country. The unique image of the Russian Geographical Society (RGS) is largely due to its expeditionary activities. The RGS Kamchatka Complex Expedition of 1908-1910 was to explore and examine the flora and fauna of the Kamchatka peninsula, mainly in the area of volcanoes. The expedition to Kamchatka played a significant role in promoting science in the Russian Far East. Important scientific and public institutions were founded in this region as a result of this endeavor. Two institutions directly associated with the expedition are the Kamchatka branch of the RGS and the Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Far Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences). These institutions are important members of the Russian scientific community and are well known around the world.

GEOGRAPHY

Yevgeniy A. Zolotarev

Senior scientist of the Laboratory for Remote Sensing Methods, Department of Cartography, Faculty of Geography, M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University

Yevgeniy G. Kharkovets

Research Associate of the Laboratory for Remote Sensing Methods Department of Cartography, Faculty of Geography, M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University
E-mail: e_x@mail.ru
Corresponding author

Abstract:
Changes in the area and volume that have been occurring from the middle of the XIX century within the largest in Europe Elbrus glaciation were studied using lichenometry and digital cartography methods. There were cyclical, approximately 55 years long, frontal fluctuations of glaciers Bolshoi Azau (the largest Elbrus glacier) and Dzhankuat (which is representative of all Central Caucasus glaciation).
Quantitative data on changes in the area and volume of the Elbrus glaciation indicated that the greatest rates of its retreat coincided with the 1850–1887 period. Beginning in 1887, the area reduction was occurring practically evenly through time while the decrease in its volume has even slowed down. These facts suggest that global climate warming, which alternated with short-term cooling periods, began in the middle of the XIX century after the end of the Little Ice Age. The warming was most likely due to natural rather than anthropogenic causes.
Key words: Elbrus glaciation, global warming, digital mapping

Institute for the Environment, Brunel University, Kingston Lane, Uxbridge UB8 3PH (West London), UK
E-mail: suzanne.leroy@brunel.ac.uk

Abstract:
A review of pollen, spores, non-pollen palynomorphs and dinocyst analyses made in the last two decades is proposed here. Building on spare palynological analyses before 1990, a series of new projects have allowed taking cores in the deeper parts of the Caspian Sea, hence providing access to low-stand sediment. However, still nowadays no complete record exists for the Holocene. The first steps towards quantification of the palynological spectra have been taken. Some of the most urgent problems to solve are the uncertainties related to radiocarbon dating, which are especially acute in the Caspian Sea.
Key words: Caspian Sea, pollen, dinocysts, Lateglacial, Holocene, climate, sea level

Professor, Faculty of Geography, M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskie Gory, 1, 119991, Moscow, Russia
Phone: +7-495-9392215

Abstract:
Results of statistical processing and physical analyses of the historical and recent hydrographic data set are presented. Seasonal thermohaline (hydrographic) variabilities of the Black Sea main baroclinic layer (0–200 m) are considered. In the upper 50-m layer, seasonal thermohaline variability is generated mainly by the heat and freshwater fluxes across the sea surface. In the main pycnocline between depths of 50 and 200 m it is caused by the flux of the wind-stress relative vorticity. Thermohaline effects of these processes are described.
Key words: The Black Sea, temperature, salinity, seasonal variability

ENVIRONMENT

Natalia E. Kosheleva

Doctor of Science (geography), Leading Research Scientist, Laboratory for Recent Sediments and Pleistocene Paleogeography, Faculty of Geography, M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University
E-mail: natalk@mail.ru
Corresponding author

Nikolay S. Kasimov

Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Head of the Department of Landscape Geochemistry and Soil Geography, M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University
E-mail: secretary@geogr.msu.ru

Dechingungaa Dorjgotov

Academician of the Mongolian Academy of Sciences, Director, Institute of Geography of the Mongolian Academy of Sciences

Sergey N. Bazha

Ph.D. (biology), Senior Research Associate, A.A.Severtsov Institute of Problems of Ecology and Evolution of the RAS
E-mail: sbazha@inbox.r

Dmitryi L. Golovanov

Ph.D. (geography), Senior Instructor, Department of Landscape Geochemistry and Soil Geography, M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University
E-mail: dm_golovanov@mail.ru

Olga I. Sorokina

Post-graduate student, Department of Landscape Geochemistry and Soil Geography, M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University

Sandag Enkh-Amgalan

Ph.D, Senior Research Associate, Institute of Geography of Mongolian Academy of Sciences
E-mail: amgalan1969@yahoo.com

Abstract:
This paper presents qualitative and quantitative assessment of technogenic anomalies of heavy metals in urban soils of Ulaanbaatar, Darkhan, and Erdenet (Mongolia), including the assessment of background geochemical conditions of the study area and technological specialization of the cities. The research efforts concentrated on identifying spatial geochemical heterogeneity of urban soils depending upon their functional identity. The ecological status of the urban soils was evaluated based on standards accepted in Mongolia.
Key words: heavy metals, technogenic anomalies, pollution, urban soils, Mongolia

Chultem Dugarjav

Laboratory of Forestry, Institute of Botany, Mongolian Academy of Sciences 210351, Jukovin gudamj, 77. Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Phone: +976-11451837
Fax: +976-11451837
E-mail: ibot@mongol.net

Peter D. Gunin

Laboratory of Arid Territories Ecology, A.N. Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution, RAS, 119071, Leninsky prospect, 33, Moscow, Russia
Phone: +7-499-1243313
Fax: +7-499-1247934
E-mail: monexp@mail.ru
Corresponding author

Sergey N. Bazha

Laboratory of Arid Territories Ecology, A.N. Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution, RAS, 119071, Leninsky prospect, 33, Moscow, Russia
Phone: +7-499-1243313
Fax: +7-499-1247934
E-mail: sbazha@inbox.ru

Mijidorj Saandar

MonMAP Engineering Service Co., LTD, 210232, Seoul Street, Sarora h., office 2. Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Phone: +976-11327824
Fax: +976-11327824
E-mail: msaandar@mongol.net

Abstract:
The paper presents results of eco-biological assessment of Inner Asian ecosystems using the example of Mongolia as a case study. The comprehensive environmental analysis of changes in Mongolia’s environment included approaches based on three principles: (1) formal, (2) administrative division, and (3) landscape-ecological. We analyzed ecosystems that have undergone at last three levels of alterations (moderate, heavy, and very heavy) due to anthropogenic factors. Based on our analysis of degradation processes that result in heavy and very heavy anthropogenic alteration of the natural environment, we isolated 5 groups of hazardous degradation processes: (1) rangeland overgrowth with shrubs, (2) deforestation of forest-steppe ecosystems, (3) desertification of ecosystems on light soils, (4) depletion of ecosystems of hydromorphic landscapes, and (5) narcotization of agrocenoses in modified ecosystems. The comprehensive assessment of adverse changes of natural habitats has enabled a revision of the state policy for the organization of the optimum network of wildlife reserves for conservation of floristic and faunistic diversity.
Key words: Inner Asia, Mongolia, ecosystem biodiversity, land degradation nature protection, degradation processes, ecosystem conservation

Nataliya S. Bolikhovskaya

DSc., Leading Researcher, Faculty of Geography, M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University
E-mail: nbolikh@geogr.msu.ru

Nikolay S. Kasimov

Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Head of the Department of Landscape Geochemistry and Soil Geography, M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University
E-mail: secretary@geogr.msu.ru

Abstract:
The results of the palynological analysis and ¹⁴C dating of the most complete sequences of the Holocene sediments were used for a detailed reconstruction of multi-cyclic alternations of climate phases and zonal and intrazonal plant formations that were taking place the Lower Volga region during the last ten thousand years. Twenty-six phases in evolution of the natural environment during the Holocene were distinguished. Landscape-climatic characteristics and chronological boundaries were identified for these phases. Reconstructed paleoclimatic stages were correlated to the Holocene transgressions and regressions in the Caspian Sea region. The model developed for periodization of climatic events may serve as a climato-stratigraphical framework for future paleogeographical studies of the Holocene in the Northern Caspian region.
Key words: the Lower Volga region, Holocene, pollen assemblages, 14C dating, vegetation and climate reconstructions, paleo-environments, transgressions and regressions of the Caspian Sea

SUSTAINABILITY

Vyacheslav V. Dolotov

Senior scientist, Shelf Hydrophysics Department, Marine Hydrophysical Institute of National Academy of Science of Ukraine, Sevastopol, Ukraine, Kapitanskaya, 2, 99011
Phone: +38-0692-442622
E-mail: vdolotov@mail.ru
Corresponding author

Vitaly A. Ivanov

Academician of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Head of the Department of Shelf Hydrophysics, Director of the Marine Hydrophysical Institute, Sevastopol, Ukraine, Kapitanskaya, 2, 99011
Phone: +38-0692-542528
E-mail: vaivanov@alpha.mhi.iuf.net

Abstract:
One of the important steps towards sustainable development of territories is the assessment of the reserves and rate of consumption of natural resources. Such assessments are also supported at the international level. The recreational resources represent the most important type of natural resources for the coastal zone of Crimea. They are the basis for recreational tourism and, therefore, determine the economic status of the peninsula as a whole. Currently, however, the coastal zone of Crimea is being developed quite chaotically. The need for a specialized information system capable of timely reflecting natural and manmade changes in the coastal zones is widely recognized.
The paper presents a system that was developed using ESRI ArcGIS formats capable of not only capturing changes occurring in the environment, but to also identifying options for a more efficient use of the recreational resources of the peninsula. The approach and unique algorithms developed by the authors of this paper were applied to four Crimean beaches.
Key words: cadastre, beaches, recreational resources, geographic information systems

News and Reviews

Abstract:
The InterCarto conferences are thematically organized to target one of the most pressing problems of modern geography—creation and use of geographical information systems (GISs) as effective tools for achieving sustainable development of territories. Over the years, from 1994 to 2009, 1872 participants from 51 countries and 156 cities, who made 1494 reports, attended the conferences. There were 1508 participants from 49 regions of Russia making 1340 presentations. The conferences hosted 31 different sections, most popular of which were Environmental GIS-Projects: Development and Experience, Sustainable Development and Innovative Projects, GIS: the Theory and Methodology, Projects for Russia and Regions, and GIS-Technologies and Digital Mapping. The next annual InterCarto-InterGIS conference will take place in December 2011. The Russian component of the conference will be held in the Altay Kray followed by another meeting on Bali, Indonesia

Abstract:
On October 14–16, 2010, the Faculty of Geography organized the International Conference on “The Caspian Region: Environmental Consequences of the Climate Change”. Scientists from all countries of the Caspian region—Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Russia and Turkmenistan, along with Great Britain, Canada, the Netherlands and Ukraine, participated. Specialists on different areas of expertise—climatologists, hydrologists, oceanographers, marine geologists, geomorphologists, cartographers, paleogeographers, geochemists, biologists and others—addressed fundamental and applied questions associated with sustainable development of the Caspian region. As a whole, approx. 180 participants presented 102 reports. By the beginning of the conference the volume of abstracts “The Caspian Region: Environmental Consequences of the Climate Change” was published. (http://media.geogr.msu.ru/Caspian_2010/caspian_conference_2010.pdf)

Abstract:
Nearly 220 scientists from Russia, Mongolia, Germany, Israel, the USA, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan participated in the conference. About 80 reports were made during the plenary sessions and the conference sections on six most important areas: 1) Ecological-social problems of the natural environment pollution; 2) Environmental problems of aquatic and wetland ecosystems of the Baikal Lake basin; 3) Causes and effects of centennial climate dynamics; 4) The present condition of the network of especially protected natural territories and prospects of its development; 5) Ecological risks in anthropogenic (agricultural and forest) ecosystems; 6) Floristic, faunistic, and biogeocoenological diversity in the ecotone zone of Southern Siberia and Central Asia. The materials of the conference can be found on the website of the RAS Institute of Ecology and Evolution: http://www.sevin.ru/menues1/index_rus.html.