Balaklava Bay Research Articles

Modern Methods of Survey of Berthing Structures (for the Balaklava Bay as an Example)

Modern Methods of Survey of Berthing Structures (for the Balaklava Bay as an Example)

Psammophaga secriensia sp. nov., a New Monothalamid Foraminifera (Protista, Rhizaria) from the Romanian Black Sea Shelf

Based on molecular and morphological characters, we describe a new species of monothalamous foraminifera, Psammophaga secriensia sp. nov., that was sampled from two coastal locations (48 m and 53 m depth) on the Romanian Black Sea continental shelf. Molecular data further confirm its presence in the northeastern part of the Black Sea (Balaklava Bay, 5–10 m depth). Specimens of Psammophaga secriensia sp. nov. are characterized by an elongate to broadly pyriform test and a simple rounded aperture. The wall is translucent and the cytoplasm contains mineral grains of different sizes. The genus Psammophaga, including Psammophaga simplora and several undetermined morphotypes, has been reported from different areas of the Black Sea. Previous research using an integrative taxonomic approach has identified two additional species (Psammophaga zirconia; Psammophaga sp., Gooday et al., 2011) occurring in the Black Sea. Monothalamids are an important part of the meiobenthos in the Black Sea and our results increase the knowledge of foraminiferal diversity in this marginal sea.

Survey methods for seaport waterworks on the example of the Balaklava Bay objects

Survey methods for seaport waterworks on the example of the Balaklava Bay objects

Taxonomic Composition of Polychaeta in Balaklava Bay (the Black Sea, Crimea)

Taxonomic Composition of Polychaeta in Balaklava Bay (the Black Sea, Crimea)

Hydrocarbons composition of sea bottom sediments (Balaklava Bay, Black Sea)

Hydrocarbons composition of sea bottom sediments (Balaklava Bay, Black Sea)

First finds of sessile ciliates (Ciliophora) in artificial and natural caverns on the Crimean coast of the Black Sea

The article presents sessile ciliates (Ciliophora) found during first studies of biological diversity of the underwater part of the artificial canal, created in the middle of the 20th century on the western shore of the Balaklava Bay (Sevastopol, the Black Sea), and the natural coastal Catherine Grotto (Cape Aya, the Black Sea). In total, 4 species of ciliates were found, one of which Cothurnia ovalis Kahl, 1933, is new not only for Balaklava Bay, but for the Black Sea. Description of the species, their systematic position, morphometric characteristics and information about their distribution are given.

Osobennosti nakopleniya makro- i mikroelementov v donnykh otlozheniyakh pribrezhnykh akvatoriy Kryma (Chernoye more) s razlichnoy intensivnost'yu vodoobmena po dannym RFA

The paper analyzes content and spatial distribution peculiarities of macro- and microelements in the bottom sediments of Sevastopol bays, Feodosiya Gulf and Kerch Strait. Bottom sediment sampling was performed from 2005 to 2008 as well as in 2015, 2016, and 2018. Concentrations of macro- (Ti, Fe, Mn) and microelements (As, Pb, Zn, Cu, Ni, Co, Cr, V, Sr) were studied by X-ray fluorescence analysis using Spectroscan MAKS-G spectrometer. The maximal content of Cr, Co, Ni, Zn, Pb, Sr exceeding the geochemical background was found in the water areas with difficult water exchange, which include bays of the Sevastopol region under intense anthropogenic influence: the Yuzhnaya Bay, Gollandiya Bay and Kilen-Bay. In the Kazachya Bay, the least polluted in the Sevastopol bay system, the content of Cr, Co, Ni, Zn, Pb, As, Sr also exceeded their geochemical background. As illustrated by the Balaklava Bay, the paper shows the influence of local pollution sources (the Balaklavka River runoff and municipal waste water) on the microelement distribution. Sevastopol bays are characterized by high concentrations of the studied elements in the bottom sediments. In the water areas with active water exchange, i. e. Feodosiya Gulf and Kerch Strait, concentration of the studied elements, except for Ni, Zn and Cr, did not exceed on the average the geochemical background of the open Black Sea shelf areas.

Distribution of 137Cs and 40K in the Bottom Sediments of the Balaklava Bay (the Black Sea)

Purpose. The aim of the work is to study spatial variability of the 137Cs and 40K concentrations in the bottom sediments of the Balaklava Bay, and to estimate the sedimentation rate and relative content of the biogenic fraction. Methods and Results. The results of the 137Cs and 40K concentration measurements in 5 columns of the bottom sediments sampled in various parts of the Balaklava Bay are represented. Activity of 137Cs and 40K in the samples was determined by the gamma spectrometric analysis. Based on the measurement data, spatial variability of the 137Cs and 40K concentration fields in the bottom sediments was studied, and the sedimentation rate was quantitatively estimated. Application of the balance equation provided quantitative estimates of the relative biogenic fraction content; its spatial variability was described. Quantitative estimates of the relationship between the biogenic fraction estimates resulted from use of the direct and indirect methods are represented. Conclusions. According to the obtained results, the 137Cs and 40K concentrations in the upper 5 cm layer of bottom sediments varied in space from 11 to 62 and from 155 to 562 Bq/kg, respectively. The maximum radionuclide concentrations were characteristic of the northern part of the bay, the minimum ones – of its southern part. The sedimentation average rate was 0.51 ± 0.06 cm/year. Relative biogenic fraction content in the sediments varied in space from 30 to 89% and averaged 46 ± 25%. The maximum values were observed in the southern part of the bay, the minimum ones – in the northern part.

Raspredeleniye 137Cs i 40K v donnykh otlozheniyakh Balaklavskoy bukhty (Chernoye more)

Purpose. The aim of the work is to study spatial variability of the 137Cs and 40K concentrations in the bottom sediments of the Balaklava Bay, and to estimate the sedimentation rate and relative content of the biogenic fraction. Methods and Results. The results of the 137Cs and 40K concentration measurements in 5 columns of the bottom sediments sampled in various parts of the Balaklava Bay are represented. Activity of 137Cs and 40K in the samples was determined by the gamma spectrometric analysis. Based on the measurement data, spatial variability of the 137Cs and 40K concentration fields in the bottom sediments was studied, and the sedimentation rate was quantitatively estimated. Application of the balance equation provided quantitative estimates of the relative biogenic fraction content; its spatial variability was described. Quantitative estimates of the relationship between the biogenic fraction estimates resulted from use of the direct and indirect methods are represented. Conclusions. According to the obtained results, the 137Cs and 40K concentrations in the upper 5 cm layer of bottom sediments varied in space from 11 to 62 and from 155 to 562 Bq/kg, respectively. The maximum radionuclide concentrations were characteristic of the northern part of the bay, the minimum ones – of its southern part. The sedimentation average rate was 0.51 ± 0.06 cm/year. Relative biogenic fraction content in the sediments varied in space from 30 to 89% and averaged 46 ± 25%. The maximum values were observed in the southern part of the bay, the minimum ones – in the northern part.

Mathematical Modeling the Dynamics of the Bottom Sediments Granulometric Composition in the Balaklava Bay Affected by the Wind Waves

Purpose. Based on the mathematical modeling methods, influence of the wind waves on redistribution of the sand fractions in the semi-closed estuary-type water area is estimated using the Balaklava Bay as an example. Methods and Results. A two-dimensional version of the XBeach model with a constant grid spacing 10 m was used. The characteristics of wind waves were preset using the JONSWAP spectrum. The calculations were carried out for a storm event lasting about 12 hours once a year. The in-situ data on the particle size distribution in the bottom sediments resulted from the monitoring observations in the Balaklava Bay region was used in the numerical experiments. Conclusions. The results of modeling showed that the basic determining factors regulating the sediments movement were the depth and the bottom slope. It is noted that changing of the bottom inclination angle between the isobaths 6–7 and 7–8 m leads to deposition of the large and medium fractions, and in the area between the isobaths 9–10 and 10–12 m – to accumulation of fine sand. It was revealed that in the Balaklava Bay water area, the main redistribution of sand material caused by the storm waves took place within the southern basin, as well as at the bay exit in the coastal zone of the Megalo-Yalo Gulf. This is primarily determined by the features of the Balaklava Bay coast orography, namely, the knee-shaped narrowness separating the northern and southern basins. Nevertheless, in the isolated northern part of the Balaklava Bay being affected by the storm waves, insignificant dynamics of sand material was observed. The fractions of bottom sediments are redistributed from the western coast to the central part of the basin and to the eastern coast of the bay.

Matematicheskoye modelirovaniye dinamiki granulometricheskogo sostava donnykh otlozheniy Balaklavskoy bukhty pod vozdeystviyem shtormovogo volneniya

Purpose. Based on the mathematical modeling methods, influence of the wind waves on redistribution of the sand fractions in the semi-closed estuary-type water area is estimated using the Balaklava Bay as an example. Methods and Results. A two-dimensional version of the XBeach model with a constant grid spacing 10 m was used. The characteristics of wind waves were preset using the JONSWAP spectrum implying fixed height, wave period and various combinations of the wave direction. The calculations were carried out for a storm event lasting about 12 hours once a year. The in-situ data on the particle size distribution in the bottom sediments resulted from the monitoring observations performed by the Marine Hydrophysical Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, in the Balaklava Bay region was used in the numerical experiments. Conclusions. The results of modeling showed that the basic determining factors regulating the sediments movement were the depth and the bottom slope. It is noted that changing of the bottom inclination angle between the isobaths 6–7 and 7–8 m leads to deposition of the large and medium fractions, and in the area between the isobaths 9–10 and 10–12 m – to accumulation of fine sand. It was revealed that in the Balaklava Bay water area, the main redistribution of sand material caused by the storm waves took place within the southern basin, as well as at the bay exit in the coastal zone of the Megalo-Yalo Bay. This is primarily determined by the features of the Balaklava Bay coast orography, namely, the knee-shaped narrowness separating the northern and southern basins. Nevertheless, in the isolated northern part of the Balaklava Bay being affected by the storm waves, insignificant dynamics of sand material was observed. The fractions of bottom sediments are redistributed from the western coast to the central part of the basin and to the eastern coast of the bay.

Osobennosti vetrovogo volneniya v Balaklavskoy bukhte v ekstremal'nykh vetrovykh usloviyakh

Wind waves in bays and harbors have a significant impact on the safety of navigation and operation of the coastal infrastructure. The purpose of this work is to study the characteristics of wind waves in the Balaklava Bay (Crimean Peninsula) under different wind conditions. The study was carried out on the basis of a numerical spectral SWAN wave model using a sequence of nested grids. Specific calculations of waves in the Balaklava Bay are carried out for constant winds of different directions and for an extreme storm emerged in the Black Sea in November 2007. It was found that in the southern part of the bay the most intense waves are formed with southerly winds. At the bay entrance, at wind speeds, which can occur once a year and once every 25 years, the maximum values of the significant wave height hs amount to 3 and 5.4 m, respectively. In the northern part of the bay, the maximum values hs with winds, which can occur once a year and once every 25 years, respectively, are equal to 0.25 and 0.46 m. It was defined that the storm waves penetrating into the southern part of the bay quickly attenuate as they spread through the narrowness to the northern part of the bay. Thus, the local wind field is the determining factor affecting the intensity of waves in the northern part of the Balaklava Bay.

<span>First researches of the underwater ecosystem communities of an underground channel built in 1950s (Balaklava bay, Sevastopol)</span>

The results of the first studies of the ecosystem state of the underwater part of the channel, artificially created in the middle of the 20th century on the western shore of the Balaklava Bay (Sevastopol) as a naval base of the Black Sea Fleet for the submarines repair, are presented. Channel's ecosystem is determined by uniqueness of anthropogenic formation and considered as analogue of natural Black Sea cave. Hydrospelological survey of the channel and biological studies allowed assessing its current state, the nature of biofouling of its walls and anthropogenic and technical pollution of the bottom. Macrofauna of the channel wall biofouling is represented by the Mytilaster lineatus community, which has a high level of species abundance (about 80 species have been registered) and quantitative development. Both in taxonomic diversity and in quantitative terms, this community is comparable to the rocky substrate community near open Crimean coasts, but with a smaller share of crustacean group development. Due to weakened hydrodynamics, well developed fauna of bryozoans forming plurannual crusty structures and single sponges is observed on the channel's walls. In contrast to the channel walls biofouling, its bottom macrofauna has relatively lower quantitative and qualitative composition. Meiobenthos in the channel’s wall biofouling is represented by 18 higher taxa (type, class, order) of Protozoa and Metazoa with predominance of harpacticoids by abundance. Meiobenthos of the soft bottom of underground channel is represented by 15 higher taxa with predominance of free-living nematodes and harpacticoids by abundance. Average density of meiobenthos in the channel’s bottom sediments is comparable with similar parameters of its development in open water areas and Sevastopol bays.

ПОЛИЦИКЛИЧЕСКИЕ АРОМАТИЧЕСКИЕ УГЛЕВОДОРОДЫ ПОВЕРХНОСТНОГО СЛОЯ ДОННЫХ ОТЛОЖЕНИЙ В БАЛАКЛАВСКОЙ БУХТЕ

The contamination level of sea bottom sediments with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the Balaklava Bay (the Black Sea) was estimated depending on sediments particle size distribution. The total content of these pollutants in the studied water area was averagely 2459,58 ng/g. The increased concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are confined to the eastern coast and the central part of the bay. Fourteen polyaromatic hydrocarbons were totally identified in 2018, four of which (naphthalene, 2-methylnaphthalene, fluorene, anthracene) had a trace content. Four- and fivecyclic aromatic hydrocarbons made the main contribution to the pollution of sea bottom sediments. In particular, it was chrysene (40,1 %), fluoranthene (17,5 %), benz(b)fluoranthene (15,1 %). The concentration of benz(a)pyrene in bottom sediments of the Balaklava bay ranged from 0,05 - 121,0 ng/g. Its increased concentrations are confined to the central part of the bay in the eastern coast. The amount of polyarenes correlated with the part of silt fraction (0,05 - 0,1 mm)...

АНАЛИЗ ТУРИСТСКО-РЕКРЕАЦИОННОГО ПОТЕНЦИАЛА ПРИОРИТЕТНОГО ИНВЕСТИЦИОННОГО ПРОЕКТА РАЗВИТИЯ РАЙОНА БАЛАКЛАВСКОЙ БУХТЫ

The structural transformation of the economy and the achievement of socio-economic recovery of the country are largely determined by investment trends in the state. The implementation of a well-thought-out investment strategy and the active desire of the state to create attractive conditions for investors contribute to the development of the regions. The article presents an analysis of the implementation of the priority investment project for the development of the Balaklava Bay (Sevastopol). The project involves a holistic approach of restructuring the social infrastructure of the territory and form the basis of the tourism product, followed by increasing the flow of investment to fill it.

Vliyaniye fiziko-khimicheskikh kharakteristik donnykh otlozheniy na raspredeleniye mikroelementov v pribrezhnykh akvatoriyakh Krymskogo poluostrova

The paper presents the results of studies of the Kalamitsky Bay bottom sediments pollution level with microelements and heavy metals (Pb, Zn, Cu, Ni, Co, Cr, V, As, Sr, Ti, Fe, Mn) in comparison with the content of these microelements and heavy metals in the Balaklava Bay sediments. The paper analyzes data obtained during expeditions on the R/V Professor Vodyanitsky in the Kalamitsky Gulf in August 2011 (seaward part) and on the R/V Rioni in September 2012 (coastal area) as well as in the Balaklava Bay in October 2018. Content of microelements and heavy metals in bottom sediments of the studied water areas was determined by the X-ray fluorescence method using Spectroscan MAX-G device. For the water area of the Kalamitsky Gulf, the features of the studied trace element spatial distribution are considered, groups of trace elements with different spatial distribution patterns are identified. The correlation analysis determined influence of physicochemical characteristics of the sediments on distribution and accumulation of trace elements. In the water area of the Kalamitsky Gulf, a statistically significant correlation was observed of nickel, iron and zinc content with the clay fraction; dependance of increased concentrations of zinc, nickel and chrome on the content of organic carbon and predominance of lead in highcarbonate sediments. For the Balaklava Bay, the maximum positive values of correlations with the pelitic-silty fraction were noted for iron, manganese, vanadium and chrome; organic carbon correlates with chrome, iron, nickel and copper, whereas carbonates correlate with strontium. Similar patterns were observed earlier in the Sevastopol region bays, Feodosiya Gulf and Kerch Strait.

Rezhim vetrovogo volneniya v rayone Balaklavskoy bukhty

Rezhim vetrovogo volneniya v rayone Balaklavskoy bukhty

Pollutants in Bottom Sediments in the Balaklava Bay (the Black Sea)

Pollutants in Bottom Sediments in the Balaklava Bay (the Black Sea)

Zagryaznyayushchie veshchestva v donnykh otlozheniyakh Balaklavskoy bukhty (Chernoe more)

Zagryaznyayushchie veshchestva v donnykh otlozheniyakh Balaklavskoy bukhty (Chernoe more)

Assessment of benthic diatoms taxonomic diversity at coastal biotopes with different anthropogenic impact (Crimea, the Black Sea)

An analysis of the taxonomic diversity of benthic diatoms was carried out for near-shore biotopes of Crimea with different content of trace metals and organic pollutants (PCBs, PAHs, DDTs). Taxonomic distinctness indices such as average taxonomic distinctness, AvTD (Δ+) and variation in taxonomic distinctness, VarTD (Λ+) were used for evaluation of the hierarchical structure of diatom taxocenes of two intact sites (Dvuyakornaya Bay and Cape Fiolent) and two heavily polluted water areas (Sevastopol Bay and Balaklava Bay). The highest similarity of species was revealed between healthy biotopes, in spite of their differences in hydrological and hydrochemical conditions. AvTD values for Dvuyakornaya Bay and Cape Fiolent (Δ+ = 79.0 and 76.7, respectively) were lower in comparison with expected average levels (Δ+ = 82.2) evaluated for the flora of benthic Bacillariophyta (1094 species) registered for the Northern part of the Black Sea (NPBS). As established, the taxonomic trees of the diatom taxocenes at pristine water areas are characterized by a moderate degree of vertical evenness and high variability of distances between neighboring clusters of species; they are mainly formed by polyspecific branches close on the genus level. The AvTD values for diatom taxocenes of the heavily polluted Sevastopol Bay (Δ+ = 83.6) and Balaklava Bay (Δ+ = 84.1) were significantly higher than the corresponding indices for undisturbed biotopes and exceeded the expected average level for the entire list of Bacillariophyta for NPBS. The upward trend of AvTD along the increasing technogenic impact can be caused by the disappearance of taxonomically close species with low tolerance from the same genus and prevalence of oligo- and monospecies branches in architectonics of the hierarchical tree. The present study shows that the application of TaxD indices can be considered an additional appropriate indicator tool for quantifying changes in the hierarchical structure of diatom taxocenes under persistent anthropogenic stress.