Aries River Research Articles

ОЦЕНКА И ПРОГНОЗ МЕСЯЧНОГО СТОКА БАССЕЙНА РЕКИ АРЫС МЕТОДОМ КАНОНИЧЕСКОГО РАЗЛОЖЕНИЯ

The article considers the possibility of using the results of joint modeling of runoff and runoff- forming factors to assess and forecast the water resources in the Arys River basin. To solve this problem, the canonical decomposition method was used, which allows us to characterize a random process (river runoff) by a set of independent random variables and non–random functions. The method is optimal in the class of linear transformations, decomposition was carried out according to natural orthogonal components. Monthly, annual and vegetative hydrograph of the Arys River runoff were predicted for 2030, 2040 and 2050, according to two scenarios, RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5. The results of the study showed that changes in river runoff by 2030, 2040, and 2050 fluctuate around the climatic norm of 1974–2019, both downwards and upwards. The use of the canonical decomposition model based on the dependence of runoff on climatic characteristics is fully justified by the results obtained.

Water Tales from Turkistan: Challenges and Opportunities for the Badam-Sayram Water System under a Changing Climate

The Badam River, a tributary to the Arys River located in the Syr Darya basin, is a crucial natural resource for ecological, social, and economic activities in the semi-arid region of southern Kazakhstan. The river basin is heavily influenced by manmade water infrastructure and faces water scarcity, particularly during summer, highlighting the importance of understanding its hydrological processes for effective water resource management. In this study, a semi-distributed conceptual hydrological model of the Badam River was implemented using the RS MINERVE hydrological software to evaluate the impacts of climate change on hydrology and to test the resilience of the water system. Connected HBV models were implemented for each of the hydrological response units that were defined as altitudinal zones. The hydrological model was calibrated using daily time steps between 1979 and 2011, and the resulting flow exceedance curves and hydrographs were used to assess the potential impacts of climate change on the basin, using CMIP6 precipitation and temperature scenarios. Future climate scenarios for the 2054 – 2064 period demonstrate that the peak discharge will be shifted to spring/late spring compared to the current early summer with no significant decrease in average discharge per day of the year. The insights gained from this hydrological-hydraulic model can be used to effectively manage the water system and inform future hydropower design decisions and serve as a blueprint for similar studies in the region and elsewhere.

Dynamics of the snow cover in the Arys River basin in conditions of climate change

Dynamics of the snow cover in the Arys River basin in conditions of climate change

Transformation of urban centers in the middle reaches of the Arys river after the Arab conquest (Southern Kazakhstan)

The cities of the Arys River valley have undergone major changes in their topography over the past two thousand years. Medieval urban centers in the south of Kazakhstan are the result of urbanization processes in the second half of the 1st millennium – the beginning of the 2nd millennium AD. The article presents data on the geography of the studied region, which is the middle reaches of the Arys River. The research methods are mainly related to the determination of morphological features of cities and urban centers of the high Middle Ages. The article also presents a brief analysis of the emergence of urban centers and the features of urbanization processes after the Arab conquest, namely changes in the topography of cities, the emergence of new structural elements. Special attention is paid to the topography of urban centers in the middle reaches of the Arys River – in the largest cities of the region, characteristic morphological elements of infrastructure appear in the form of mosques, bazaars and baths. At this time, fortification is becoming more developed, the largest cities are being surrounded by walls, and an attack warning system is functioning. In the high Middle Ages, due to the growth of the population and the cities themselves, production is divided and complex.

Dragonflies (Odonata) of the Syrdarya Karatau and the Arys River valley (southern Kazakhstan) with notes on seasonal latitudinal and altitudinal migrations

Dragonflies (Odonata) of the Syrdarya Karatau and the Arys River valley (southern Kazakhstan) with notes on seasonal latitudinal and altitudinal migrations

Results of the Excavation of the Tostagan Necropolis

The burial place, conventionally named “the Tostagan necropolis”, is located 9 km south of thesettlement of Shytty, Otyrar district. The burial ground was discovered by S. Sh. Akylbek and K. M Baipakovduring exploration work. In the 2010, the Necropolis consists of 122 mounds. Most of the moundsare circular. Mounds with a spreading embankment are oval in shape. The diameter of the burial moundsin the general burial ground is 10-25 m, the height is about 0.30-0.70 m. Unfortunately, until now noarchaeological research at the necropolis has been carried out dating the burial mounds, the methodsof burial, the features of the structure of the mounds and the belonging of the burials were unknown. In2020, one burial mound was excavated in this burial ground. As a result, it was discovered that the formof burial is cremation. This is the first time such a custom has been registered in the Otrar region. Thesedata were compared with other archaeological studies carried out on the banks of the Syr Darya andwere preliminary generalized as belonging to the Turks.Key words: Shaulder, Otrar, Arys river, burial traditions, grave, burial ground, cremation

Spatial Variation of Water Chemistry in Aries River Catchment, Western Romania

This study aims to investigate the quality and vulnerability of surface water (Aries River catchment) in order to identify the impact of past mining activities. For this purpose, the pollution and water quality indices, Piper and Durov plots, as well vulnerability modeling maps were used. The obtained results indicate that the water samples were contaminated with As, Fe, Mn, Pb and have relatively high concentrations of SO42−, HCO3−, TDS, Ca, K, Mg and high values for the electrical conductivity. Possible sources of the high content of chemicals could be the natural processes or the inputs of the mine drainage. Generally, according to the pollution indices, which were correlated to high concentrations of heavy metals, especially with Pb, Fe and Mn, the water samples were characterized by heavy metals pollution. The water quality index classified the studied water samples into five different classes of quality, namely: unsuitable for drinking, poor, medium, good and excellent quality. Similarly, medium, high and very high vulnerability classes were observed. The Durov and Piper plots classified the waters into Mg-HCO3− and Ca-Cl− types. The past and present mining activities clearly change the water chemistry and alter the quality of the Aries River, with the water requiring specific treatments before use.

A hydromorphic reevaluation of the forgotten river civilizations of Central Asia

The Aral Sea basin in Central Asia and its major rivers, the Amu Darya and Syr Darya, were the center of advanced river civilizations, and a principal hub of the Silk Roads over a period of more than 2,000 y. The region's decline has been traditionally attributed to the devastating Mongol invasion of the early-13th century CE. However, the role of changing hydroclimatic conditions on the development of these culturally influential potamic societies has not been the subject of modern geoarchaeological investigations. In this paper we report the findings of an interdisciplinary investigation of archaeological sites and associated irrigation canals of the Otrār oasis, a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage site located at the confluence of the Syr Darya and Arys rivers in southern Kazakhstan. This includes radiometric dating of irrigation canal abandonment and an investigation of Arys river channel dynamics. Major phases of fluvial aggradation, between the seventh and early ninth century CE and between 1350 and 1550 CE coincide with economic flourishing of the oasis, facilitated by wet climatic conditions and higher river flows that favored floodwater farming. Periods of abandonment of the irrigation network and cultural decline primarily correlate with fluvial entrenchment during periods of drought, instead of being related to destructive invasions. Therefore, it seems the great rivers of Central Asia were not just static "stage sets" for some of the turning points of world history, but in many instances, inadvertently or directly shaped the final outcomes and legacies of imperial ambitions in the region.

Ecological Mapping in Assessing the Impact of Environmental Factors on the Aquatic Ecosystem of the Arys River Basin, South Kazakhstan

Assessment of the water quality of the Arys River basin based on the spatial distribution of richness of phytoperiphyton communities and abiotic variables was given for the first time. Altogether, 82 species were revealed in phytoperiphyton, including Bacillariophyta of 51, Cyanobacteria of 20, Chlorophyta of 7, and Charophyta of 4. Cluster analysis revealed the uniqueness of the composition of periphyton communities related to the abiotic conditions. The environmental preferences of the algae indicated fresh organic pollution in the lower reaches of the Arys River and weak or moderate levels of organic pollution in the rest of the basin. The ecological mapping of chemical data generally confirmed this conclusion. According to the maps, the highest water quality was revealed in the upper stream of the basin. The middle part of the river basin had the lowest water quality in terms of transparency, nitrite-nitrogen, and nitrate-nitrogen. The downstream of the Arys was characterized by a secondary deterioration in water quality according to the Aquatic Ecosystem State Index (WESI) index. We revealed the complicated interaction between natural and anthropogenic factors that caused changes in water quality in the Arys River basin.

Variation in Runoff of the Arys River and Keles River Watersheds (Kazakhstan), as Influenced by Climate Variation and Human Activity

Runoff formation is a complex meteorological-hydrological process impacted by many factors, especially in the inland river basin. In this study, long-term (1960–2015) river runoff and climate data in the Arys and Keles River watersheds (Kazakhstan) were gathered to analyze the impacts of climate variation and human activity on runoff. The non-parametric Kendall test and the Pettitt test were used to identify trends and change points in the time data series. It was found that both watersheds had significant upward trends in temperature and potential evapotranspiration data, and insignificant upward trends in the runoff. Change points in annual runoff were identified around the year 1973. The hydrological sensitivity method was employed to evaluate the impacts of climate variation and human activity on mean annual runoff based on precipitation and potential evapotranspiration. It was found that the decline in annual runoff over both catchments can be mainly attributed to human activity, the reduction percentages due to human activities range from 59% to 99%. The results of this study can provide a reference for the development and water management of the regional water resources.

Morphometric differences of Spirlin, Alburnoides Bipunctatus Bloch 1782 from the Major Catchements of Transylvania

Spirlin (Alburnoides bipunctatus) is found in great numbers in most Transylvanian rivers. The species has an important role in the ecosystems in which it is found in terms of feeding and habitat occupation. The morphmetric characthers of this species vary between different habitats, outlining morphometric plasticity. Morphometric profiles were made for different populations of Spirlin, to evaluate differences in body shape. Considering that different environmental conditions influence the morphology of Spirlin populations, morphometric characteristics were determined. In order to assess differences in spirlin body shape, specimens from the four major Transylvanian catchments were collected by angling techniques. The specimens were preserved and transported to the University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Cluj-Napoca, where morphometric measurements and weight determinations were conducted in the Physiology of Aquatic Organisms Laboratory. Spirlin from Mures, Somes, Cris and Viseu catchments were studied, as it follows: 21 specimens from Aries River (Mures catchment), 61 specimens from the river Crisul Repede (Cris catchment), 21 specimens from Somesul Mic River (Somes catchment) and 20 specimens from Viseu River. A number of 39 determinations were made. The obtained results reflect the morphometric differences among populations of Spirlin from some Transylvanian main rivers.

Diversity and Ecology of Periphytonic Algae in the Arys River Basin, Kazakhstan

Diversity and Ecology of Periphytonic Algae in the Arys River Basin, Kazakhstan

Some Researches about the Soils Quality in the Aries Lower Corridor

The studied area is presented as a depression called Aries Lower Valley, represented a contact unit, located between the Transylvanian Plain and Plateau MAƒhAƒceni , being a part of a wider close to the mountains area called Alba Iulia Aiud- Turda Valley. Taking place on approximately 50 km long, at the exit of the Aries River at MoldoveneE™ti-Buru Gorges, east of TrascAƒu Mountains, with a width of 9-10 km, this territory is bounded on the west by the Mesozoic magmatic rocks of Piatra Secuiului area (Pop, 2001) and limestone strip of TrascAƒu Mountains. The Aries Lower Valley represents a complex geographical unit located in a geomorphological contact area, with own geographical traits, were local natural factors influenced the suitability for the different forms of land-use. The orographic features resulting from the combination of elements like climate, hydrology, vegetation and soils cover gave a kind of coherence and unity for this geographical region.

Temporal variability of fauna and the importance of sampling frequency in the hyporheic zone

Sampling of the hyporheic zone along a polluted stretch of the Aries River (Romania) showed contrasting biodiversity and abundance patterns at different time scales. The species considered in this study were Crustacea and Oligochaeta and only the more frequently occurring species were included in the analyses. Monthly composition of these species showed a little correlation with physical and chemical parameters. In contrast, when subsets of the monthly samples of the two most abundant species, Microcharon sp. and Diacyclops languidoides, were analyzed, there were strong correlations with at least some of the major physical and chemical parameters (temperature, flow rate, Al, and Fe) in each of the three possible seasonal series. However, correlations between seasonal series were sometimes contradictory and appeared to be artifacts related to sparse data. It is suggested that monthly or more frequent sampling is required for the complete assessment of biodiversity and processes in the hyporheic zone and to study the relationship between the hyporheos and the surface river ecosystem.

ASSESSMENT OF POLLUTANTS INPUT OF ACID MINE DRAINAGE AND DOMESTIC ACTIVITIES IN ARIES RIVER WATER, ROMANIA - A CHEMOMETRIC APPROACH

To assess the pollutants input of acid mine drainage (AMD) and domestic activities in Aries River, the water was monitored monthly, during one year, in 15 sampling points along the River. Beside the dissolved metals (Ca, Mg, Na, K, Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn), anions (SO4 2- , NO3 - and Cl - ), pH and electrical conductivity were analyzed. The obtained data were assessed against the water quality standards and using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Hierarchical Cluster Analysis. The results revealed the water contamination mainly with Fe, Mn and Cu. The PCA showed a high variability of the system and revealed the anthropogenic origin of Zn, Mn, Fe and SO4 2- associated with AMD, of NO3 - and Cl - associated with domestic activities but also the autochthonous origin of alkaline, alkaline-earth elements, Mn and SO4 2- associated with dissolution of minerals in the river bed. The cluster analysis highlighted the grouping of pollutants according to their sources and the grouping of samples according to locations of ore processing centers. Although most of the mining and ores processing activities in the area have been closed, the Aries River continues to be subjected to pollution with metals coming mostly from waste dumps.

Preliminary Investigation concerning Metals Bioavailability in Waters of Aries River Catchment by Using the Diffusive Gradients in Thin Films Technique

The paper presents the metals content and bioavailability in waters of Aries River catchment, Romania. Concentration of labile dissolved metal species measured by diffusive gradients in thin films technique (DGT), metals in colloidal and in particulate phases, and also general physical-chemical indicators of water were determined. Very high total metal concentrations were found in the tributaries that drain the mining areas. However, the influence of the polluted tributaries on the Aries River water quality was moderate, as a consequence of the tributaries low flow rate compared with that of the Aries River. Using the DGT technique the bioavailable metals fractions expressed as % of total dissolved metals concentrations were found to be 28–88% for Cu, 43–72% for Zn, 73–85% for Fe, and 33–70% for Mn. Depending on the used method for dissolved metals determination the classification of waters according to quality classes may differ. Excluding the colloidal metal fractions, DGT measures only truly dissolved metal concentrations. In cases with very high metal contamination the differences between total dissolved and DGT-labile concentrations are unimportant for waters classification. However, where the metals concentration is near the thresholds values the determination method is very important.

Climate variation and glacier response in the Bogda region, Tianshan Mountains

Under the background of global warming in recent decades, glaciers on Earth have been rapidly melting. Mountain glaciers in China have also changed dramatically. The changes in mountain glaciers have impacts on water resources in the northwestern arid area of China, and therefore monitoring change of mountain glaciers is very important. The glacier meltwater in the Bogda Peak region is a reliable source of water for the Aries River Basin, the Turpan-Hami Basins, and Basin Chaiwopu, and the scientific value of such research is also significant. This article summarizes the status of research on this subject. Based on the 1972 Landsat MSS, 1990 Landsat TM, 1999 Landsat TM, and 2013 Landsat ETM+ remote sensing data, glacier information of four time periods in the study area were extracted by using visual interpretation combined with digital processing of satellite images and analysis in GIS. The climate data in the surrounding area were analyzed using linear regression,Mann-Kendall abrupt test, and Morlet wavelet analysis. The relationship between glacier retreating and climate warming was also analyzed in this study. The main results show that:(1) The annual mean temperature and precipitation had an increasing trend, with rates of 0.19℃·10a-1and 12.4mm·10a-1; annual temperature increased since 1990, while annual precipitation increased since 1985. Morlet wavelets of annual temperature mainly had a8 to 10 year cycle, while annual precipitation cycle was not clear. The warming trend was clear in this region, but rainfall has shown little change.(2) During 1972-2013, glacier area of the study region decreased by 46.71±1.32km2, accounting for 23.87 ± 0.67% of the total. The average annual withdrawal rate was 0.66 ± 0.02%·a-1. Glacier retreat rate was low in 1972-1990, at 0.44 ± 0.03%·a-1. But this rate has increased in the last 20 years, to0.78 ±0.09 %·a-1. The retreat rates of Sigonghe No.4 glacier and Black Trench No.8 glacier have accelerated in recent years.(3) Characteristics of the spatial structure of the glaciers were analyzed based on the fractal theory and the research predicts that the ablation rate of glaciers in the study area will remain high.(4) Compared with glacier retreat in other regions of China, glaciers in the Bogda area show a similar trend of change.(5) Prior to1990, the important meteorological factors that influenced the change of Bogda region glaciers were temperature and precipitation, but temperature has played a more important role in affecting glacier retreat after 1990.

Assessment of contamination and origin of metals in mining affected river sediments: A case study of the Aries catchment, Romania

The study presents the current status of contamination with metals (Cu, Cr, Cd, Pb, Ni, Zn, As) and their anthropogenic or natural origin in the sediments of the Aries river basin, Romania, affected by mining activities. The results indicated an enrichment of metals in sediments. Different contamination levels were identified on the Aries river and its tributaries. According to sediment quality guidelines and contamination indices, sediments from the Aries river were found to be highly contaminated with Cd, Cu, As, considerably with Zn and moderately with Pb and Ni. The right-bank tributaries were found to be more contaminated than the left-bank affluents, where only a contamination with As of geogenic origin was identified. The Principal Component Analysis allowed to identify five latent factors (86 % total variability) reflecting the anthropogenic and natural origins of metals. Arsenic, Cd and partially Pb were found to have a common anthropogenic origin, different from that of Cu. The statistical approach indicated also the geogenic origin of Pb due to its association with Ca, K, Na, Sr. Chromium and Ni were attributed to natural source following their association with Mn, Fe, Al and Mg, respectively.

Physico-chemical and biological studies on water from Aries River (Romania)

Our work was focused on physico-chemical and biological characteristics of Aries River, one of the largest rivers from Romania. Water samples were collected from 11 sites along Aries River course. We have measured de (18)O and D isotopic composition of Aries River water in these locations and correlated these data with the isotopic composition of aquatic plants and with the pollution degree. Some ions from Aries River water were also analyzed: NO(3)(-), NO(2)(-), PO(4)(3-) Cu(2+), Fe(3+). Analysis of diatom communities has been performed in order to quantify the level of water pollution of Aries River. All physico-chemical analyses revealed that the most polluted site is Abrud; the source of pollution is most probably the mining enterprise from Rosia Montana. Water isotope content increases from upstream to downstream of the locations analyzed. The structure of diatom communities is strongly influenced by the different pollution sources from this area: mine waters, industrial waters, waste products, land cleaning, tourism etc. The water eutrophication increases from upstream of Campeni to downstream of Campia Turzii.

Spatial distribution patterns of the hyporheic invertebrate communities in a polluted river in Romania

The purpose of this study was to examine the sensitivity, in a field situation, of the hyporheic fauna to pollution by heavy metals and also to test the use of oxidative stress enzymes produced by this fauna as a sensitive indicator of oxidative stress generated by chemical contamination. This was done by surveying the patterns of distribution, structure, and composition of hyporheic invertebrate communities in one of the most polluted rivers in Romania. Twelve permanent sampling stations with differing water qualities were established along a 180 km transect of the Aries River. Data on hyporheic invertebrate abundance and richness, chemistry of the surface and hyporheic water and interstitial suspended particles were analyzed via multifactorial analyses. In the downstream, more polluted stations, epigean species were less abundant and hyporheic communities, especially macrocrustaceans and oligochetes, became dominant. The higher levels of hyporheic invertebrate biodiversity in the moderately polluted stations compared to highly polluted, and the increase of the number of some hyporheos (especially macrocrustaceans) in the moderately polluted stations, suggested that the hyporheic fauna was more tolerant of heavy metal pollution than the surface water fauna of the area. However, the different richness and abundance of hyporheic fauna in sites of similar water chemistry suggested that additional factors, such as sediment structure are shaping the spatial distribution of hyporheic fauna. Strong correlations between superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in pooled tissues extracts and some chemical parameters suggest that oxidative stress enzymes may prove to be sensitive indicators of chemical pollution in hyporheic zones.