Baikal Region Research Articles

Планово-высотная параметризация типов рельефа для диагностики опасных гравитационных процессов

The authors present the results of a comprehensive geomorphological analysis of the mountain relief types in the middle part of the Verkhnyaya Angara basin (lake Baikal region) for geoinformation diagnostics of dangerous gravitational processes. The relevance of the study is due to the increasing importance of the Baikal-Amur Mainline; the novelty lies in the fact that a high-precision plane-and-height assessment of the Baikal basin northern part’s hard-to-reach areas. The physical and geographical characteristics of the studied territory are given, tectonic and geological features of the relief formation are indicated. For the metric assessment and subsequent mapping of the terrain in the Arc GIS software environment, a digital model of the studied territory and raster coverings of morphometric parameters of slope and exposure were created based on isolines and elevation marks of the topographic base scale 1:100000. In the process of analyzing the model and geomorphological decoding of the arch-block mountains, the planned-altitude metric parameters of relief types with their characteristic forms and elements, morphometric properties with determining factors of formation and development of gravitational processes were established. High-mountain erosion-exaration-, denudation-erosion-; medium-mountain erosion-denudation-, denudation-erosion- and low-mountain denudation relief types are distinguished. For geomorphometric analysis and diagnostics of slopes, reference polygons characterizing the types of arch-block mountains relief, possessing certain geophysical properties and features were selected. To visualize each polygon, slope mapping-and-exposure was performed, as well as a satellite image was presented. As a result of the conducted research, a typical set of dangerous gravitational processes was identified for each type of relief, as well as their possible intensity, which can create risks of economic activity in mountainous areas. The results of the study can be used in design work for the modernization of the Baikal-Amur Mainline and the development of new mineral deposit

First record of <i>Canthocamptus (Canthocamptus) microstaphylinus</i> Wolf 1905 (Harpacticoida, Copepoda) from a shallow coastal area of Lake Baikal

Female and male specimens of the Palearctic species, Canthocamptus (Canthocamptus) microstaphylinus Wolf 1905, were found in the coastal zone of Lake Baikal, Siberia. This was the first record of the species in Lake Baikal and the Baikal region. A general description and brief morphological characteristics were made using scanning electron microscopy. The authors compared the principal diagnostic morphological traits of C. (C.) microstaphylinus from Lake Baikal and some water bodies from the European part of Russia (within the Syktyvkar City, Republic of Komi). As a result, specimens from Lake Baikal and the Syktyvkar area were shown to be similar in the structure of their thoracic appendages and caudal rami.

Укореняемость черенков хвойных видов дендрофлоры Прибайкалья

The active development of production has a negative impact on the environment. Millions of cubic meters of forest are cut down annualy for production needs. These volumes need to be restored. Therefore, research in the field of reforestation is relevant and important. The aim of this study has been to evaluate the technology of rooting coniferous trees during summer grafting. Various terms of green cuttings of coniferous trees of the Pinaceae family were considered, common representatives in the region (Pinus sylvestris L., Picea obovata Ledeb., Picea obovata var. coerulea Malyschev, Pinus sibirica Du Tour) have been considered. The cuttings have been harvested in four terms, starting from the 3rd ten-day-period of June to the end of July. The grafting has been carried out in different conditions: in a green house with a fog plant and a climate chamber with manual watering. Several methods have been used to prepare the cuttings for planting: with and without needle removing on the lower part of the cutting. Before planting, the tested cuttings have been treated with the root formation preparation “Kornevin” (control grop – without treatment). As a result of the study, the optimal time for grafting coniferous trees for the Baikal region has been determined as the 3rd ten-day-period of June and July. The minimum rooting period for the cuttings has been figured out as 155 days. It has been noted that the cuttings whose lower part needles have not been removed, have taken root faster. Their rooting share is 10 % higher. The best rooting rate has been recorded in cuttings obtained from the plants Picea obovata Ledeb. and P. obovata var. coerulea Malyschev – 22–30%. The cuttings from Pinus sylvestris L. and P. sibirica Du Tour have a very low rooting share – less than 1 %. To determine the quality of rooting, biometric indicators of the formed roots have been obtained. The cuttings planted in the 3rd ten-day-period of June in cultivation beds with regulated fogging are characterized by powerful roots.

The key results of studies of benzo(a)pyrene in natural and man-made environments of the Southern Baikal region (2016–2024)

The study aims to provide a retrospective review of the results of studies of benz(a)pyrene in the natural and man-made environments of the Southern Baikal region. The study was conducted with staff, students, and postgraduates at the Department of Industrial Ecology and Railways of the Institute of Subsoil Use of Irkutsk National Research Technical University in 2016-2024. The article is devoted to the 75th anniversary of the department. The atmospheric air in the cities of Irkutsk and Krasnoyarsk regions was assessed based on the results of monitoring of the content of benzо(a)pyrene. Its carcinogenic risks to public health were determined. The results of the systematic study of the sources of emissions into the atmosphere of benzо(a)pyrene and its analogues of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons were analyzed. Anthropogenic and man-made (aluminum production, low-power heat sources, highways) and natural (forest fires) sources of benzо(a)pyrene release were identified by assessing its mass load. The indicators of sources of atmospheric pollution - snow cover, soils, plants - were identified. Correlations between atmospheric air pollution and health (neoplasms) of the Irkutsk region population were determined found. The distribution of benzо(a)pyrene in the systems of conjugated objects of the biosphere was studied: “source of emissions - atmospheric air - snow cover”, “soil - plant”, “water - hydrobionts”. Patterns indicating a new source of atmospheric pollution with carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons - natural fires, which can affect the morbidity of the population of the Southern Baikal region - were obtained.

EARLY DIAGENESIS GEOCHEMISTRY OF BOTTOM SEDIMENTS IN THE PLEISTOCENE CORE OF LAKE KOTOKEL (Eastern Baikal Region)

Chemical composition of bottom sediments and pore waters of organic-mineral sediments (sapropel) of Lake Kotokel (Eastern Baikal region) has been studied, based on long drilling cores, 14.5 and 16.5 m. A reduction type of diagenesis has been established, during which destruction of organic matter, transformation of the chemical composition of pore waters and the formation of authigenic minerals occur. Even in the uppermost intervals of sapropel, organic matter is being profoundly transformed and differs significantly in composition from that of bioproducers (plankton). The major role in diagenetic transformations of organic matter belongs to different physiological groups of microorganisms, primarily heterotrophic, amonifying and sulfate-reducing bacteria. During diagenesis, the basic chemical composition of pore waters (HCO3–, SO42–, Cl–, Ca2+, Mg2+, K+, Na+) changes, trace elements (Fe, Mn, Sr, Ba, Pb, As, Co, Ni) redistribute, concentrations of HCO3–, NH4+, PO43− and Si increase; this is caused by destruction of organic matter. In the process of bacterial sulfate reduction in pore waters, the concentration of SO42– decreases along the depth of the section, and in the sediment the proportion of reduced forms of sulfur increases and the isotopic composition of sulphur δ34S changes. Transformation of chemical composition of pore waters and the activity of microorganisms leads to the formation of authigenic pyrite, rhodochrosite, and barite.

Factors associated with uterine fibroids in women of reproductive age: A cross-sectional study

Background. Uterine fibroids is a benign monoclonal tumor originating from the smooth muscle layer of the uterus. Non-modifiable risk factors for the development of uterine fibroids, such as age, ethnicity, age at menarche, etc, have been studied quite extensively, while the role of many controllable factors remains debatable.The aim of the study. To identify the main modifiable factors associated with uterine fibroids in women of reproductive age living in the Baikal region, including certain ethnic groups.Materials and methods. We carried out a multicenter cross-sectional study in 2016–2019 in institutions of Irkutsk and Bokhan (Irkutsk region) and Ulan-Ude (Republic of Buryatia). The subjects of the study were women to have annual workplace medical examination. The study included 1,347 participants of reproductive age (34.33 ± 6.37 years) who met the inclusion criteria. Among all women included in the study, there were 867 (64.37 %) Caucasians, 361 (26.80 %) Asians, and 119 (8.83%) women of mixed (Caucasian-Asian), ethnicity. The research methods included a questionnaire, general clinical and gynecological examination, and pelvic ultrasound examination.Results. According to our study, the main non-modifiable factors associated with the presence of uterine fibroids were: Asian ethnicity; age at menarche 12–13 years; age of the study participant 40–44 years; menopausal symptoms; adenomyosis. The “controllable” factors included: city residency; body mass index over 40 kg/m2; history of abortions and miscarriages; metabolic syndrome; using combined oral contraceptives; lack of sexual activity; smoking; presence of anumber of occupational hazards.Conclusion. Our study identified the main controllable factors associated with the presence of uterine fibroids in a multiethnic population of women of reproductive age.

Two cases of introducing Lipoptena fortisetosa Maa (Diptera: Hippoboscidae) into Europe through different deer species

ABSTRACT The study of specimens of Lipoptena fortisetosa Maa, 1965 from various populations of its modern range revealed the presence of two forms that differ morphologically and genetically. Form A corresponds to the original description; form B is distinguished by the presence of a prescutellar suture and 4–5 acrostichal, 4–6 postalar setae. We hypothesise that initially these forms were associated with different hosts and were separated geographically. The L. fortisetosa species was introduced to Europe at least twice from different places and with different hosts. Later, both forms were able to move to other hosts. Now form A lives in Western Europe, Kazakhstan, and the south of the Russian Far East, and form B lives in Eastern Europe, the Sayan Mountains and the Baikal region.

Features of Temporal Variability of the Concentrations of Gaseous Trace Pollutants in the Air of the Urban and Rural Areas in the Southern Baikal Region (East Siberia, Russia)

This article presents the results of the automatic monitoring of the concentrations of gaseous impurities of sulfur and nitrogen oxides in the ground-level atmosphere of the urban and rural areas in the Southern Baikal region (East Siberia, Russia). The study was conducted from 2020 to 2023 at the urban Irkutsk station and the rural Listvyanka station located at a distance of 70 km from each other. We calculated the main statistical characteristics of the variations in the concentrations of nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide in the ground-level atmosphere and determined a nature of variability in their concentrations on various time scales: annual, weekly, and daily. Annual variabilities of gaseous pollutants in the ground-level atmosphere above the Irkutsk city and the Listvyanka settlement were similar and showed the highest values in winter and the lowest in summer. The daily and weekly dynamics of the nitrogen oxide concentrations in the urban area clearly depended on the increase in the road traffic during rush hours (morning and evening). In the rural area, there was no such dependence. In this area, the daily and weekly variability in the concentrations of nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide mainly depended on natural meteorological processes. The work systematizes the meteorological parameters at which the largest amount of anthropogenic impurities enters the air basin of Lake Baikal. The maximum values of acid-forming gas concentrations were observed when the air masses were transferred from the northwest direction, which corresponds to the location of sources in the territory of the Irkutsk–Cheremkhovo industrial hub—the largest concentration of anthropogenic objects in the Irkutsk region.

Quasilinear Earthquake Chains in Groups of Seismic Events Baikal Rift System

Identification of a large number of quasi-linear chains of earthquakes in the epicentral seismicity field of the Baikal region and their study showed that among these chains there may be not only chains of “migration” earthquakes, but also chains formed during a random spatio-temporal distribution of earthquakes. In this work, using a statistical analysis of the distribution of distances between epicenters, the possibility of forming chains of “migrations” within groups of seismic events is shown and their distribution is studied. It is noted that chains in groups of earthquakes are distinguished not only by the distribution of distances, but also by the time between them. The formation of chains of earthquakes was established in the areas of the following groups of earthquakes: Busiyingol and 1976 and 1991. in the same area, the South Baikal, Kyakhtinsky, Kichersky earthquakes of the Tompudinsky series, Oldongsinsky and Charudinsky groups. It is shown that these chains were formed during the implementation of these groups. In the identified areas of concentration of chains of grouping seismicity, a connection can be traced between the location and direction of the chains with the strike of fault zones, near-fault cracks and the orientation of nodal planes in earthquake sources.

All-Russian scientific conference with international participation “Vegetation of the Baikal Region and adjacent territories” (Ulan-Ude, October 26–27, 2023)

Information on All-Russian scientific conference with international participation “Vegetation of the Baikal region and adjacent territories” is presented. The conference was held on October 26–27, 2023 in Ulan-Ude, at the Dorzhi Banzarov Buryat State University.

Efficient technology for manufacturing electrical ceramics from low-iron diopside rocks

Relevance. The use of natural diopside CaMgSi2O6 in the production of ceramic dielectrics was implemented at two enterprises in the Chelyabinsk region in 1985 on the basis of comprehensive studies of diopside rocks of the Southern Baikal region by the team of the Department of Silicate Technology of Tomsk Polytechnic University. Natural diopside was used as an additive to the charge of electrical porcelain. In addition, ceramic dielectrics with a diopside crystalline phase were manufactured for exploitation at the frequencies of 106 Hz. Currently, the need for ceramic dielectrics in Russia is covered by imports. Though, the development of new technologies for ceramic dielectrics from domestic raw materials is relevant. Aim. To develop an efficient technology for ceramic dielectrics with a diopside crystalline phase from natural low-iron diopside rocks. This technology includes the production of compacts of unfired products by moulding aqueous suspensions of compositions of nonplastic components. Object. The technology of ceramic dielectrics with a diopside crystalline phase, including the firing of compacts formed from aqueous suspensions of diopside concentrate compositions with perlite as flux. Methods. The suspension was obtained by grinding the components in an aqueous environment in a ball mill with uralite balls at humidity of 20±2%. Compressive and bending strength, electrical strength, dielectric constant of the samples were determined according to the SS 24409-80, water absorption was measured according to the SS 26093-84. X-ray phase analysis was carried out on a DRON-3M diffractometer (Burevestnik, Russia), structure analysis was implemented on a JSM 6000 electron microscope (Jeol, Japan). Results. A distinctive feature of the proposed technology is the use of nonplastic components only to prepare the suspension and the exclusion of clay components. This makes it possible to reduce the humidity of the castings and stabilize the formation of the ceramic structure during firing. The authors have obtained ceramic dielectric with a diopside content of 70±2 wt % by firing products molded at 1130–1150°C. The bending strength reached 85–90 MPa with an electrical strength of 35–38 k V/mm2.

Does the distribution of Wormian bone frequencies across different world regions reflect genetic affinity between populations?

BackgroundWormian, or sutural bones, are additional, irregularly shaped bone fragments that can occur within cranial sutures. These bones may arise due to various factors, including mechanical pressure on skull bones during early ontogenetic stages, such as during artificial cranial deformations, or due to genetic and environmental influences. This study investigates the potential genetic basis of sutural bones by comparing their frequencies across diverse global regions. It analyzed 33 craniological series, encompassing 2059 crania, to assess the frequency of sutural bones in the coronal, squamous, lambdoid, and occipitomastoid sutures among skeletal populations from regions including Aboriginal Australia, Melanesia, Southeast Asia, Siberia, Europe, and Native America. Biological distances between populations were calculated using Smith’s mean measure of divergence (MMD), with results visualized through multidimensional scaling.ResultsThe analysis identified distinct clusters of Caucasian and Siberian populations. Siberian aboriginal populations are compactly grouped, consistent with mtDNA data indicating genetic roots dating back to the Neolithic inhabitants of the Lake Baikal region. Further, differentiation within these populations is linked to the founder effect and gene flow. Notably, genetically related groups like the Inuit and Chukchi of Chukotka differ from other Siberian groups. In contrast, southern Siberian populations, such as the Buryats and Mongols, are closely positioned, aligning with genetic data. The differentiation between Southeast Asian and African regions was subtler, with their clusters largely overlapping. Yet, genetic links between populations were observed in some cases. Thus, Australians, Melanesians, and Papua New Guineans were located close to each other on the multidimensional scaling map, as were two African populations.ConclusionsThe findings tentatively suggest a potential genetic component in the expression of Wormian bones, although this hypothesis requires further empirical support, particularly through genetic studies. While genetic factors may influence the expression of Wormian bones, environmental conditions and pathological processes also play significant roles. It can be suggested that Wormian bones could potentially serve as an additional tool in kinship analysis within burials; however, their utility significantly depends on the extent of their genetic influence. If future genetic studies confirm a substantial genetic component and its dominance over environmental factors, the use of these bones in anthropological and forensic analyses would receive additional validation.

The Oldest Swallow (Aves: Passeriformes: Hirundinidae) from the Upper Lower Miocene of Southeastern Siberia.

A new genus and species of fossil swallows, Miochelidon eschata gen. et sp. nov., are described from the Lower Miocene of the Baikal region. This is the only Miocene representative of Hirundinidae and the oldest fossil record of the group. The coracoid of Miochelidon combines generalized and specialized features, suggesting a basal position in the family for the genus. The ulna has a more advanced morphology, like in modern swallows. The find indicates a widespread distribution of basal swallows in the Early Miocene.

Accumulation of microplastics by the Siberian frog Rana amurensis (Anura, Amphibia) in the West Baikal region

Accumulation of microplastics by the Siberian frog Rana amurensis (Anura, Amphibia) in the West Baikal region

SEISMOGENIC ZONE OF CAPE SHARTLAY (LAKE BAIKAL): SPECIFIC FEATURES OF STRUCTURE, DISPLACEMENTS AND RUPTURE GROWTH

Seismogenic deformations of Cape Shartlay represent a very young fault system on the northwestern coast of Lake Baikal. Their study is providing an important opportunity to measure earthquake magnitudes, to identify areas where earthquakes are more likely to occur, and to estimate the probability of earthquake occurrence as applied to seismically active Baikal region. In this connection, the present work was aimed at characterizing in detail the structure, displacements, and reconstruction of the rupture propagation model. The study is based on photogrammetric processing and interpretation of the unmanned aerial survey data, as well as on morphostructural analysis of the displacement profiles and georadiolocation (GPR) data. It has been found that seismogenic ruptures of Cape Shartlay formed under prevailing extension conditions during no less than two earthquakes with magnitudes Mw≥7.0, Ms≥7.2. Seismic rupture propagation was primarily northward. The main rupture with displacement amplitude of more than 2 m contributed 39 to 93 % to the total surface displacement depending on the amount of dislocations on the transverse profile. It is shown that the length of a certain rupture increased almost instantaneously, then displacements along some of the ruptures stopped. A significant elongation of ruptures is primarily due to their merging. The present-day seismogenic zone is highly permeable. According to the tectonophysical model of formation of inner structure of the fault zone, the development of the seismogenic rupture system of Cape Shartlay corresponds to the late disjunctive stage. This means that the rupturing process in this segment of the North Baikal fault may not have stopped yet, and the lack of large earthquakes in the instrumental record implies the accumulation of stress in its southern part. The obtained results provide an opportunity to reconstruct the development of large fault zones by studying the displacement profiles and, therefore, to localize more precisely the places where future earthquakes may occur.

Biogeochemistry of Peat Deposits of the Holocene Section of the Vydrino Bog (Southern Baikal Region)

Biogeochemistry of Peat Deposits of the Holocene Section of the Vydrino Bog (Southern Baikal Region)

Time-dependent variations of groundwater radon: Insights from a twelve-year study in the Baikal region, East Siberia, Russia

Time-dependent variations of 222Rn concentration (Q) in groundwater have been monitored for twelve years (2012–2023) at eight sites of groundwater discharge within the Baikal region in East Siberia, Russia. The concentrations of radioactive gas at different sites vary from 30% to 60% of average values (Qav). The sampled waters are of three groups with Qav ≈ 15 Bq/l (I), ≈30 Bq/l (II1), and ≈50 Bq/l (II2). Cluster analysis shows closest linkage between the two subgroups of group II due to similarity in the discharge mechanisms. Fourier analysis of periodic 222Rn behavior reveals major cycles of 365, 180, 126, and 30 days correlated with variations of air temperature and pressure, as well as with the patterns of groundwater discharge. In addition, radon anomalies are related with seismicity. Earthquakes are reflected in the radon field as three distinct anomaly types, occurring either subsequent to or prior to the seismic event. The anomalies responding to earthquake nucleation can be considered as precursors and used in earthquake prediction. The revealed trends make basis for a model designed to predict Q variations in groundwater of the area to 80% average efficiency. The external and internal factors that affect the concentration of radioactive gas in groundwater are linked in a hierarchic system and are classified according to the degree and type of their influence.

Sm‒Nd Age of Sviatonossites of the Svyatoi Nos Peninsula (Eastern Baikal Region)

Sm‒Nd Age of Sviatonossites of the Svyatoi Nos Peninsula (Eastern Baikal Region)

<i>FADS</i> gene polymorphism and the history of the formation of the indigenous populations of Siberia

The polymorphism of the rs174570, rs74771917, and rs7115739 FADS-gene loci in Siberian populations was studied. It was shown that the frequency of the rs174570-T variant marking haplotype A with a reduced level of fatty acid desaturase expression in the modern indigenous populations increases in the direction from the south to the north of Siberia. Similarly, an increase in the frequency of the TTT haplotype at the rs174570, rs74771917, and rs7115739 loci was observed in the northern direction. However, in ancient times, the populations of Eastern Siberia (its northeastern part, Baikal region, and Primorye) were characterized by an equally high frequency of the rs174570-T variant (over 80%). It was shown that the main influx of the rs174570-C allele (and the CCG haplotype) to northeast Siberia occurred relatively recently, over the past 300 years, as a result of mating contacts between indigenous populations and immigrant groups of predominantly eastern European origin. The gene flow intensity (for the rs174570-C allele) is estimated to be 1.5-4.4% per generation. The appearance of the rs174570-C variant in the population of the Baikal region has been registered since the Eneolithic epoch, which is apparently associated mainly with the advance of the Afanasievo culture tribes to the east of Siberia. Meanwhile, analysis of paleogenomic data showed that the TTT haplotype, with high frequency distributed in modern Eskimos and Amerindians, was present in the upper Paleolithic population of the Amur region, and therefore its carriers apparently took part in the formation of the ancient Beringian population.

Architectonics of residential buildings in the Baikal region as part of its geosystem

Research into the development principles of residential areas in the natural and climatic conditions of the Baikal region, taking into account various interactions within the geosystem under seismic conditions, contributes to harmonizing the constituent and interconnected geosystem components. These include natural territorial, socio-economic, and natural-public spatial systems. Such research is aimed at improving the quality of architecture of residential buildings, ensuring their sustainability and comfort for different population groups. This article investigates the multi-stage structure of a materially organized and life-supporting spatial environment considering changes in socio-economic conditions. Natural, territorial, and urban planning components that determine the formation of sustainable residential buildings meeting the modern architectural requirements were investigated. This enabled the theoretical foundations of the geosystem structure to be revealed. The historical experience of forming residential environment, residential buildings, and their complexes both in Russia and abroad was studied. The main interrelated factors in the development of the architecture of residential buildings and their complexes in the geosystem were determined. These include the dynamics of spatial and temporal development of residential buildings and their complexes, the impact of such development on the processes of component interaction, and the interrelation of residential buildings and their complexes in the geosystem structure. Conceptual directions in the formation of residential buildings and their complexes under the existing and changing conditions of the Baikal region geosystem, including those regulated and self-regulated, are outlined.