Adjacent Water Areas Research Articles

Multiannual oceanographic studies in the coastal area of Karadag Nature Reserve and Koktebel Bay (northern Black Sea) in 2004–2021

The study presents the results of the first multiannual oceanographic monitoring in the coastal area of Karadag Nature Reserve and adjacent water areas in May and September in the period from 2004 to 2021. Significant and unprecedentedly high increasing trends were detected for salinity in May. Increasing trends in nitrate concentration in Koktebel Bay were noted both for May and for September. The five-day biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5), ammonium and phosphate concentrations demonstrated mostly negative trends for the measurements in May and positive trends in September. Significant decreasing trends in phytoplankton biomass were noted in September, which fit in the range of the larger-scale phytoplankton trends reported in the literature. The position of the extrema of nutrients in the long-term-average and trend slope maps was confined to the areas of increased hydrodynamic and anthropogenic activity. Multivariate analysis showed significant negative correlations of the quantitative phytoplankton characteristics with salinity, which were explained by the effect of the freshened and nutrient-enriched Azov plume. The absence of significant correlations with nutrients was attributed to the non-conservative and stochastic character of the nutrient inflow on the yearly scale and time lag between the nutrient supply and the phytoplankton growth. The large percentage of occurrences of low BOD5 values at any station indicates the unpolluted status of the area under research, which is confirmed by the low trophic index values and appearance of probability distributions of the nutrient concentrations.

РЕЗУЛЬТАТЫ НАУЧНЫХ ЭКСПЕДИЦИОННЫХ ГЕОЛОГО-ГЕОФИЗИЧЕСКИХ ИССЛЕДОВАНИЙ ПОЛЕЗНЫХ ИСКОПАЕМЫХ МОРЕЙ ДАЛЬНЕВОСТОЧНОГО РЕГИОНА РОССИЙСКОЙ ФЕДЕРАЦИИ И ТИХОГО ОКЕАНА (ПРОЕКТ «ГЕОМИР»)

The paper presents a brief overview of the results of integrated geological, geophysical and oceanographic studies for the period 2017–2023, for which interregional generalizations were made on some promising areas of study of underwater mineral resources and the environment. The data on geological underwater objects, in particular, manganese ores of the Sea of Japan and the Sea of Okhotsk and adjacent water areas; rare-earth ores of the Tomtor ore cluster, ancient and modern coastal-marine placers of the Laptev Sea coast are presented; barite ore occurrences “Barite Hills” (in the Sea of Okhotsk); ferromanganese formations of the Eastern Arctic shelf of Russia; coastal marine placers of the shelf and coast of the Far Eastern seas, including gold-bearing placers. including gold-bearing placers of the shelf zone of the south of Primorye and north of Sakhalin, titanomagnetite placers of the Kuril Islands, gold-bearing placers of the North Sakhalin Plain and others. Direct signs of hydrocarbons were obtained in areas previously considered unpromising (including the South China Sea), gas hydrate accumulations were mapped and studied in the Sea of Okhotsk and the Sea of Japan, prospecting for gas hydrates in the Bering Sea was prepared, and comparative studies of hydrate-bearing capacity of the marginal seas of the NW Pacific and the Indian Ocean were carried out. The main features of the distribution of lithologic and gas-geochemical indicators of hydrocarbon gases in bottom sediments of the southwestern sector of the East Siberian Sea, which is the least studied in terms of oil and gas content, were studied. Based on the data of gas-geochemical studies, the prospects of oil and gas content of the eastern shelf of the Arctic were assessed. The results of geomicrobiological studies in the seas of the Far East region are described. In some cases deepsea sediments themselves (peloid-like sediments, etc.) appear to be a separate huge mineral resource. At present, the “continent-ocean” transition zone and neutral waters can become the most important source of replenishing the mineral resource base of these mineral components. The presented research corresponds to the main objectives of the GEOMIR project of the national action plan within the UN Decade of Ocean Sciences for Sustainable Development (2021–2030) and was carried out mainly in accordance with the directions of the state assignment. Studies of gas hydrates were carried out within the framework of the WESTPAC working group “Gas hydrates and methane fluxes in the Indo-Pacific region” (CoSGas, 2021–2024), established on the initiative and under the leadership of Russia.

SPECIES STRUCTURE AND NUMBER OF BIRDS OF THE LOWER TYLIGUL ESTUARY IN THE SPRING OF 2019–2023

The aim of the work is to assess the dynamic characteristics of hydrophilic birds in the spring period of 2019–2023. Methods. In the open area, bird counts were carried out from a car with numerous stops to inspect territories and water areas using 10×, 12× binoculars and a 30–60× telescope. Observations were conducted on foot in areas with tree-shrub vegetation and along small water bodies. Registration of species was carried out both by visual observations and by the sounds of birds. Main results. 99 bird species of 13 orders were registered. Representatives of theorders Anseriformes, Gruiformes, Charadriiformes and Passeriformes dominated. Conclusions. Within the relatively little-changed natural complexes and in the adjacent territories and water areas of the region, relative stability of species diversity of birds and their quantitative characteristics has been observed in recent years. The population dynamics observed in some ecological groups of birds do not go beyond the normal fluctuations that are naturally inherent to them. Signs of an increase in the number of some species within the studied region in recent years can be associated with an increase in the level of danger in the eastern part of the Azov-Black Sea region in connection with military events.

Results of Transect Observations of Marine Mammals in the Tatar Strait and During Passages within Adjacent Water Areas in the Fall of 2018

Results of Transect Observations of Marine Mammals in the Tatar Strait and During Passages within Adjacent Water Areas in the Fall of 2018

Conceptual model of global plants entrapping plastics

Aquatic plants, seagrasses, macrophytes, mangroves, and riparian vegetation are responsible for some of the most important ecosystem services provided on the Earth. Given their role in trapping plastics along rivers, we propose a new ecosystem service of plastic entrapment by global plants. Although research started recently to study vegetation trapping plastics, little is known about the global patterns of plastic retention and remobilization by vegetation through different habitats. Given those gaps, we synthesize global data on plastic entrapment in plants providing a conceptual model to describe processes for plastic retention by vegetation. Our results demonstrate how vegetation has a pivotal role in entrapping plastics across spatial and temporal scales, finding the higher density of plastics on plants rather than in the adjacent water area. Furthermore, we proposed a conceptual model (i.e., Plant Plastic Pathway) of plants entrapping plastics, highlighting spatial and temporal scales of plastic retention and release processes in different habitats. Thus, we anticipate our conceptual model to be a starting point for more sophisticated future studies, putting effort into looking at plastic–vegetation dynamics. Our conceptual model may have a crucial effect if applied to plastic hotspot area detection with clean-up and mitigation actions in riverine ecosystems.

Review of amphipods of the family Pleustidae Buchholz, 1874 (Amphipoda) from the coastal waters of Sakhalin Island (Far East of Russia). III. Subfamily Pleustoidinae Bousfield & Hendrycks, 1994.

The taxonomic analysis of subfamily Pleustoidinae Bousfield & Hendrycks, 1994 is performed. A review of subfamily Pleustoidinae from the shelf of Sakhalin Island and adjacent water area based on all literature and own data is provided. The diagnoses of the subfamily Pleustoidinae and the genus Pleustoides Gurjanova, 1972 have been clarified. Based on new material, the new species Pleustoides tridens sp. nov. is described from the shelf of Sakhalin Island. The species P. ochoticus Gurjanova, 1972 is re-described and its status is clarified. A key to the amphipod of the genus Pleustoides is given.

К вопросу экологического сознания населения Хабаровского края

The paper presents the relevance of environmental problems in modern society. In particular, the urgent environmental crises of the Khabarovsk Territory are analyzed. The study considers the pollution of the shores of all water bodies of the region and adjacent water areas with household garbage. The paper provides information on the measures taken by the Ministry of Natural Resources of the Khabarovsk Territory to form ecological awareness of the population. An overview of the quantitative indicators of the campaign «Water of Russia» for three years in the Khabarovsk Territory is provided. The paper also includes other environmental actions carried out within the framework of the regional Eco-marathon. We are also talking about the fact that environmental safety is one of the five subsystems included in the national security system of the Russian Federation. The need to turn public consciousness towards environmental friendliness is justified, the level of consciousness being characterized by high responsibility for actions concerning the environment. Different approaches to the concept of «ecological consciousness» are considered, clarifying the meaning of the term. The indicator of the formation of ecological consciousness is the participation of citizens in eco-volunteer activities. The authors believe that constant work can help to form environmentally responsible public consciousness. The study is feasible in an educational, scientific, campaigning and business environment. It is important to provide information support and promotion of eco-volunteer actions, as well as stimulating and encouraging events. The apper uses methods of analysis, synthesis, systematization, generalization. In conclusion, voluntary environmental public associations create the basis for the formation of sustainable environmental awareness, not only among young people, but also in the professional sphere.

Analysis of the Fauna and Bird Population of Urup Island and Adjacent Water Areas (Greater Kuril Chain)

Analysis of the Fauna and Bird Population of Urup Island and Adjacent Water Areas (Greater Kuril Chain)

ANALYSES OF THE AVIFAUNA AND BIRD POPULATIONS OF THE ISLAND OF ITURUP, GREAT KURIL ISLANDS

Ecological patterns in the formation of the avifauna and bird populations of the Iturup Island were analyzed. Route counts were used along transects of unlimited width. As many as 116 bird species were registered, including 36% revealed to be ubiquitous, another 34% local and further 26% highly local. 71 species were shown to nest. The taxonomic structure of the avifauna, represented by species from 15 orders, corresponded to the zonal and landscape features of the island’s territories located at the eastern margins of northern Eurasia. Passeriformes (37%), Charadriiformes (22%), Anseriformes (9%), Procellariiformes (8%) prevailed. The zoogeographic peculiarity of the local avifauna was a combination of elements of the Far Eastern island, Pacific, Siberian and Chinese faunistic complexes, some Siberian-American and widespread species, as well as Japanese island endemics. The avifauna around the Iturup Island, formed by a system of general zonal-landscape and altitudinal-belt patterns, united ecological groups of marine and land species, including montane ones (n = 9). Local avifauna in coastal marine habitats included 41 species, vs 55 in forests, 37 in light forests, and 46 in tall grasses, the population density being 607, 785, 968, 518 individuals/km2, respectively. The similarity coefficients for the populations of forest habitats were 19–48%, vs 22% for light forests, 20–37% for tall grasses, while in the sea coast and adjacent water areas they amounted to 21–52%. The populations of terrestrial habitats were dominated by the Oriental Turtle-dove, the Pacific Swift, the Siberian Rubythroat, the Japanese Bush-warbler, the Marsh Tit, the Coal Tit, the Eurasian Nutcracker, the Oriental Greenfinch, the Eurasian Siskin, the Long-tailed Rosefinch, the Masked Bunting, and the Grey Bunting. The populations of the coast and adjacent sea area were dominated by the Japanese Cormorant, the Rufous-necked Stint, the Slaty-backed Gull, the Black-tailed Gull, and the Black-backed Wagtail. In open sea areas, the most common were the White-winged Scoter, the Black-footed and Laysan albatrosses, the Northern Fulmar, and the Short-tailed Shearwater.

Diversity and Transformation of the Freshwater Planktonic Protist Community Along the Estuarine Tributary Zone of the Large Plainland Reservoir: 18S RRNA Gene Metabarkoding

The first data on the composition and diversity of summer planktonic protist community in the Usinsky Bay and the adjacent water area of the Kuibyshev Reservoir, obtained using high-throughput sequencing of the 18S ribosomal RNA gene, are presented. In the structure of the protist community, 1150 OTUs were found, among which representatives of the SAR supertaxon (Stramenopiles-Alveolata-Rhizaria) predominate. In the jointed library, OTUs are dominated by Stramenopiles, represented, in descending order, by Chrysophyceae (8.5%), Opalozoa (8.3%), Diatomea (4.7%), and Oomycetes (Peronosporomycetes) (3.7%), and by the number of sequences, by Alveolata (62.0%) and, first of all, Ciliata (56.9%). Four interconnected communities of protists were distinguished: the river section, the bay itself, the mouth zone, and the reservoir outside the influence of the bay (above the mouth). The most contrasting were the communities of the river area and the area of the reservoir above the mouth. In general, the studied estuarine system has the features of both an ecocline and an ecotone. The development of the phototrophic component of eukaryotic plankton is mainly influenced by competitive relationships with cyanobacteria. Cyanobacterial “bloom” also affects the structure of the heterotrophic part of the community, although this effect is less pronounced. The development of Archaeplastida, Rhizaria, and minor groups of protists positively correlates with the proportion of Metazoa sequences in samples, which reflects the intensity of metazooplankton pressure. Some of the obtained sequences belong to taxa rarely found in freshwater, such as Bolidophyceae and Rhodelphida. These finds expand the biogeography of these groups, which have so far been found in very few freshwater reservoirs.

SEDIMENTS DYNAMICS IN EVPATORIA BAY

Results mathematical modeling of wind waves, wave currents and streams of deposits for the region of the Evpatoriysky bay and the adjacent water area are considered. Distinctions in their characteristics in a situation before pier construction in port in 1979 and are shown after. The spectral SWAN model is used.

Paleotectonic and paleogeographic criteria for forecasting hydrocarbon accumulations in the water area of the Sakhalin shelf

Background. The article considers paleotectonic and paleogeographic criteria for forecasting hydrocarbon accumulations and determining the sites of priority exploration on the Sakhalin shelf.Aim. To determine the priority objects of geological exploration on the Sakhalin shelf based on paleotectonic and paleogeographic criteria.Materials and methods. Generalization and statistical processing of available data, fieldwork materials, reference literature, and scientific publications. Modeling of the tectonic evolution of the Cenozoic sedimentary basin in the studied section of the Sakhalin shelf and its individual sections. The formation and evolution of hydrocarbon systems in the waters of the Sakhalin shelf occurred in the process of geodynamic evolution of the West Okhotsk megabasin covering modern Sakhalin and the adjacent water area. The PetroMod (Schlumberger) and Qgis software packages were used.Results. The developed paleotectonic and paleogeographic criteria are suitable for both determining the sites of priority exploration and developing appropriate recommendations. Schemes with the allocation of areas that meet the developed criteria were constructed. For all three license areas, the stage of prospecting and evaluation of the oil and gas deposits is required, along with the completion of the exploration and production stage at already discovered fields. Within the license areas, the most promising structures were identified and boreholes were outlined.

Geophysical study of the Earthʼs crust (Northern regions of Russia and the Arctic sea shelf)

Research subject. The results of the geological and geophysical study of the Earth’s crust on the territory of two regions are presented: the northwestern part of the East European Platform and the adjacent water area, as well as the waters of the East Siberian, Chukchi Seas and the Russian eastern sector of the Arctic Ocean, including the Lomonosov ridge and the Mendeleev–Alpha rise. The research is focused on mapping the Moho, the thickness and type of the Earth's crust necessary to substantiate the outer boundary of the continental shelf.Materials and methods. The authors’ original materials obtained during the processing of gravimetry and magnetometry data in the VECTOR system were used. Based on the relationship between gravity anomalies and density variations of rocks, the shape, size of the studied objects, and their deep mutual position are characterized.Results. The constructed schemes and profiles of the deep structure of the Earth's crust, obtained using the VECTOR method, were tested using the European Moho global seismic model. The positive forms of the Moho section and the raised parts of the shelf surface correspond to the positive anomalies of the transformed gravitational field. The spread of the structure of the field of continental anomalies in the Pevek–Anadyr area to the marine part of the territory under consideration can indirectly confirm the belonging of the Lomonosov Cr., the Mendeleev and Alpha ridges to the continental type of crust.Conclusion. Global, i.e., related to the territory of the globe, three-dimensional models of Moho allow us to expand and deepen the amount of knowledge about the features of the shelf structure. Geopotential fields in the VECTOR system display the tectonics of the studied environment systematically and comprehensively compared to is representation according to the scheme of profile seismic studies.

Parametrization of Eddy Mass Transport in the Arctic Seas Based on the Sensitivity Analysis of Large-Scale Flows

The characteristics of eddy mass transport are estimated depending on the values of the parameters of a large-scale flow that forms under the conditions of the shelf seas in the Arctic. For this, the results of numerical simulation of the Kara Sea with a horizontal resolution permitting the development of mesoscale eddies are used. The multiple realizations of eddy mass flux resulting from a numerical experiment are considered as a statistical sample and are analyzed using methods of sensitivity study and clustering of sample elements. Functional dependencies are obtained that are closest to the simulated distributions of quantities. These expressions make it possible, within the framework of large-scale models, to evaluate the characteristics of the cross-isobathic eddy mass transport in the diffusion approximation with a counter-gradient flux. Numerical experiments using the SibCIOM model showed that areas along the Fram branch of the Atlantic waters trajectory in the Arctic as well as the shelf of the East Siberian and Laptev seas with adjacent deep water areas are most sensitive to the proposed parametrization of eddy exchanges. Accounting for counter-gradient eddy fluxes turned out to be less important.

ENSURING THE CONTINUITY OF MILITARY TRANSPORTATION IN THE EVENT OF FAILURE OF TRANSPORTATION FACILITIES

Purpose. The purpose of the work is to conduct an analysis of the organization of the continuity of military transportation in the conditions of the conduct of hostilities by the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Currently, the issue of the interaction of different types of transport in the conditions of failure of important transport infrastructure facilities is important. Methodology. To date, the Armed Forces of Ukraine have created a system of transportation of material resources, which mainly meets the needs of the troops involved in the execution of tasks in combat operations. An analysis of the organization and implementation of military transportation was carried out to find out ways to solve problematic issues related to the implementation of military transportation during the preparation and conduct of combat operations, which affect the quality of their implementation. Findings. In the case of the destruction of certain transport facilities (railway bridges), the military transport plan is refined with the dispatch of military echelons by detour routes. If it is not possible to continue transportation by rail, the military echelons are unloaded and regrouped in the assembly areas to continue moving on their own to the destination areas or to new loading areas. The basis for the development of the technological process of the TTA (temporary transshipment area) operation should be the schedule of feeding and cleaning of cargo and empty trains at the unloading (loading) station. Originality consists in solving the problem of choosing the optimal option for the transfer of military echelons and transports through the TTA. One of the most important elements of the TTA is the adjacent water area with ferry crossings (floating bridges) from river floats. Carrying out calculations for the transfer of troops and cargo through the TTA provides an opportunity to choose the option of rational use of road and pipeline transport, as well as minimal expenditure of motor resources when routing military echelons from the unloading station to the loading station. Practical value. According to the conducted analysis, recommendations were given regarding the preservation of the network of logistical support of units in a special period, specifically the survivability of transport facilities. It is possible to formulate further directions of scientific research, to create a rational system for the location of technical cover units of the most vulnerable transport objects, as well as for their rapid restoration in case of destruction.

ВСЕРОССИЙСКАЯ КОНФЕРЕНЦИЯ С МЕЖДУНАРОДНЫМ УЧАСТИЕМ «XXIX БЕРЕГОВАЯ КОНФЕРЕНЦИЯ: НАТУРНЫЕ И ТЕОРЕТИЧЕСКИЕ ИССЛЕДОВАНИЯ – В ПРАКТИКУ БЕРЕГОПОЛЬЗОВАНИЯ»

The paper provides information about the XXIX Coastal Conference, held in Kaliningrad in April 2022. The thematic directions of reports, round tables are reflected, statistical data are given on the number of speeches (232), on participating organizations (38) and cities (13). Additional events held within the framework of the conference (sessions, lectures, competitions, excursions) are described. The text is accompanied by illustrative materials – color photographs of participants taken directly during the conference. The decision of the conference notes that the practical development of new sections of the coasts, the construction of modern infrastructure facilities and the existing natural trends lead to increased coastal erosion in almost all coastal regions of Russia; that there is an urgent need to apply unified observation methods, division of work into research and monitoring and an interdisciplinary approach to jointly take into account physical, chemical and biological aspects (especially for coastal waters with limited or periodic connection with the marine area), that pollution by anthropogenic debris continues to grow, while the pollution pattern is extremely heterogeneous, and information on pollution by anthropogenic debris and microplastics of the marine environment and coasts of the Russian Federation is extremely fragmented. The conference recommends the introduction of amendments and additions to the federal and regional legislation on the regulation of the activities of nature users in the coastal zone, as well as the inventory of the natural resource potential of coastal territories and adjacent water areas with the compilation of a Coastal Registry for coastal ecosocio-economic systems of the Russian Federation. The participants highly appreciated the existing experience and results of coastal protection activities in the Kaliningrad Oblast, and also emphasized the lack of attention of the coastal community to the problems of inland waters (for example, the shores of Lake Baikal). Proposals on the venues of the conference in 2024 (Moscow) and 2026 (Lake Baikal) were announced.

Gurnards of the Genus Lepidotrigla (Triglidae) of Nha Trang Bay and Adjacent Water Areas (Vietnam, South China Sea). Species with Short Pectoral Fins

Gurnards of the Genus Lepidotrigla (Triglidae) of Nha Trang Bay and Adjacent Water Areas (Vietnam, South China Sea). Species with Short Pectoral Fins

СЕЗОННЫЕ ВАРИАЦИИ ТЕМПЕРАТУРЫ ПОВЕРХНОСТИ ОХОТСКОГО МОРЯ И ПРИЛЕГАЮЩИХ РАЙОНОВ ПО ДАННЫМ СПУТНИКОВЫХ НАБЛЮДЕНИЙ И РЕАНАЛИЗА ERA5

Using the method of harmonic analysis and EOF decomposition of SST data for the surface of the Sea of Okhotsk and adjacent water areas (42–60° N, 135–160° E, SakhNIRO database and ERA5 reanalysis for 1998–2020), the main features of seasonal variations in thermal conditions were determined. It was revealed that the amplitude of the annual harmonic, which plays a decisive role in the seasonal variations of SST, generally decreases in the direction from west to east throughout the study area, the lowest values are in the zones of quasi- stationary upwellings. The phase increases along the northwest-southeast axis, the total shift is 24–25° (about 3 weeks). In the spatial distribution of the first mode (all values are positive), the water area of the Sea of Japan, the NWPO, and the southwestern part of the Sea of Okhotsk are characterized by high values. Its time function is characterized by a pronounced annual cycle, with a maximum in August–September and a minimum in February–March. The spatial distribution of the second mode has a nodal line running along the Kuril Islands from the Sea of Okhotsk side. The mode values vary along the northwest–southeast axis, with maximum positive values on the northwestern shelf of the Sea of Okhotsk and negative values in the remote part of the NWPO. The time function of the second mode has a positive maximum in July–August and a negative minimum in November–December. This nature of the second mode shows that, against the background of the main SST field described by the first mode, a peculiar seasonal “heat wave” is distinguished, propagating from the northwest to the southeast and passing along this axis in about three weeks, which is an important specific feature of the thermal regime of the study area.

Productive Characteristics of Benthic Phytocenoses in Some Areas of the Crimean Coast (Black Sea)

The results of studying the production potential of phytocenoses of fouling of coastal hydraulic structures (groins) and solid substrates of the adjacent water area in the southwest (Lyubimovka and Foros villages), south (Cape Martyan) and southeast (eastern embankment of the city of Alushta) of Crime are reflected. Analysis of the periphyton and benthic communities showed the production superiority of Rhodophyta in periphyton and Ochrophyta in benthos. Dominants and codominants with high absolute phytomass belong to the genera Ericaria Stackhouse and Gongolaria Boehmer. The absolute phytomass of the cenosis, the relative phytomass Ochrophyta, and the Shannon index vary without exceeding the norm established for biological objects. The absolute and relative phytomass of Chlorophyta is characterized by increased variability.

ТРАНСФОРМАЦИЯ АНОМАЛИЙ СИЛЫ ТЯЖЕСТИ В ПРЕДЕЛАХ БОЛЬШИХ ТЕРРИТОРИЙ (НА ПРИМЕРЕ КУРИЛЬСКОЙ ОСТРОВНОЙ ДУГИ)

An algorithm and a program for transformation of gravity anomalies for large territories are presented. The spherical shape of Earth is taken into account and the geodetic coordinates of measuring points are used. The calculations use the «quasi-ellipsoidal» model of V.V. Kavraisky, which allows the transition from geodesic to spherical coordinate system with increased accuracy. The algorithm is based on a source-like approximation of the field values, located in the nodes of a regular network, with the depths of the equivalent sources, depending on the latitude. To determine the source masses, the system of linear algebraic equations is solved by the fastest gradient descent method with an accelerated step calculation. The results of transformation of the gravity field in the Bouguer reduction for the Kuril island arc, the adjacent water areas and parts of land, located within 40°–54° N, 142°–162° E are presented with a total area of about 2.4 million km2. A slight difference between the recalculation results of gravity anomalies into the upper half-space using the «spherical» and «quasi-ellipsoidal» models of the Earth was experimentally established.