Siberia Research Articles

Compound climate extremes over the globe during 1951–2021: Changes in risk and driving factors

Compound climate events may include concurrent drought and hot events (compound drought-hot events, CDHEs) or consecutive pluvial and hot events (compound pluvial-hot events, CPHEs). The impacts of compound climate extremes can be reduced by developing adaptation strategies which require reliable monitoring of compound climate events and determining the variability and drivers of their risk. The CDHEs can be characterized by leveraging compound indices, such as Standardized Compound Event Indicator (SCEI), Standardized Dry and Hot Index (SDHI), and Blended Dry and Hot Events Index (BDHI), and the CPHEs can be represented via Blended Pluvial and Hot Events Index (BPHI). When Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) and Standardized Temperature Index (STI) series are divided into different subseries, based on a specific threshold 0, the dependence paradox occurs, i.e., an opposite dependence is exhibited in comparison of the whole SPI-STI series with the segmented SPI-STI subseries. As BDHI considers the dependence between diverse SPI and STI subseries, it can provide more reliable monitoring for CDHEs than SCEI and SDHI over global land masses during the warm season in the 1951–2021 period. Compared with the period of 1951–1986, the frequency, severity, and spatial extent of CDHEs and CPHEs have exacerbated in the period of 1987–2021 over many regions, e.g., western North America, northern South America, western and central Europe, Africa, and eastern Siberia. The risks of CDHEs and CPHEs are intensified by changes in the SPI-STI dependence and high temperature. Moreover, the contributions of drought and pluvial events (i.e., precipitation changes) to risk variations between CDHEs and CPHEs showed complementary spatial patterns. Our findings emphasize that policymakers and stakeholders need to develop more powerful adaptation strategies to mitigate the intensified risks of compound climate extremes.

Assessing the Amount of Force Necessary to Pick off Cones from Siberian Larch, Scots Pine and Siberian Pine Trees

The article presents the results of studies conducted in Eastern Siberia, dedicated to determining the amount of force required for detachment of Siberian larch, Scots pine and Siberian pine cones, which is one of the main indicators that determines the parameters of cone collecting machines and mechanisms for coniferous species. The pick-off force for the cones was measured at different collection times in the upper, middle, and lower parts of the crown and at different angles of pull-off force direction. The limits of these forces variability are: for the Scots pine – 23.5–48.1 N, for the Siberian larch – 27.5–42.2 N; for the Siberian pine – 3.9–7.8 N. The data obtained can serve as a basis for calculating the parameters of cone collecting mechanisation tools for the aforementioned species. When designing machines and mechanisms for collecting the coniferous trees’ cones, it is necessary to have initial data that determine the parameters of the working bodies. One of these parameters is the amount of effort required to separate the cones from the branches. The forces of detaching cones from trees in the European part of Russia were determined by a number of researchers. According to I.M. Zima with co-authors (1966), the force of detachment of cones in Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) is 41.2 N. According to I.A. Lavrov (1970), pine cones can be torn off with a force of 21.1 N, and the cones of Siberian larch (Larix sibirica Ledeb) – with a force of 39.2 N. In Siberia, studies on the cones detachment were first carried out in 1970 by the laboratory of mechanization of the forest seeds collection and processing of the ASRIM forestry enterprise (Orlovsky et al., 2016). The detachment of Siberian larch, Scots pine and Siberian pine cones was studied in the forestry enterprises of the Krasnoyarsk and Altai regions and in the Republic of Tyva. The pull-off forces of Scots pine and Siberian larch cones were measured in the lower, middle, and upper parts of the crowns using dynamometers with a 0.1 N division value and with a maximum force recording device. The measurements were carried out along the branch, at an angle of 40°–50° and at an angle of 90° to the branch.

THE FIRST DATA ON MICROTURBELLARIANS (PLATHELMINTHES, RHABDITOPHORA) OF THE BOGUCHANSKY RESERVOIR. 2. THE FAMILIES MACROSTOMIDAE, MICROSTOMIDAE AND PROVORTICIDAE, WITH THE DESCRIPTION OF <i>BAICALELLIA NASONOVI</i> SP. N.

This is the second contribution in series devoted to the study of the microturbellarian fauna (Plathelminthes, Rhabditophora) of the Boguchansky Reservoir, lower section of the Angara River, eastern Siberia. It provides information on the taxonomy, the structure of the male copulatory organ, and zoogeography of one species each from the families Provorticidae Beklemischev 1927, Macrostomidae Benden 1870, and Microstomidae Luther 1907. The faunas of these worms in the Angara River and Lake Baikal are still poorly studied. Three species from these families were recorded and described more than 90 years ago from the Angara River before our study, but the original descriptions were accompanied by highly schematic and non-informative sketches which do not allow us to perform exact species identifications and comparisons, as a rule. In the research process of the lower section of the Angara River, we found representatives of further three species: Macrostomum johni Young 1972, Microstomum rogozini Timoshkin et Krivorotkin 2023, and Baicalellia nasonovi Timoshkin et Krivorotkin, sp. n. The stylets of M. johni from the Angara River and Lake Baikal were revealed to be almost identical in structure and size to those of specimens of the type series from Great Britain. M. rogozini is one of the most common species of Microstomidae that inhabits the coastal zone of Lake Baikal. The stylet structure of Baicalellia species resembles that of Baicalellia baicali Nasonov 1930 and Baicalellia nigrofasciata Nasonov 1930, but their available descriptions do not allow us to make reliable comparisons with the species found. Therefore, we propose to consider both these names as nomina nuda and attribute those individuals to B. nasonovi, a species new to science. Despite rhe significant geographic isolation, the stylets of Baikal and Boguchan specimens are identical in structure and size. Similarly to Kalyptorhynchian species (see contribution 1), the discovery of provorticids and microstomids of Baikal origins in such a remote section of the Angara River considerably expands their distributions and demonstrates their capacities to colonize water bodies hydrographically connected to Lake Baikal. Illustrated descriptions of Boguchan and Baikal specimens of M. johni, M. rogozini and B. nasonovi, comparisons with the most similar species and zoogeographic information are given. In addition, a complete checklist of the Angara River microturbellarian fauna known so far, one currently including 35 species from nine families, is presented.

New Data on Distribution of <i>Pleurotus abieticola</i> (<i>Pleurotaceae</i>, <i>Agaricales</i>, <i>Basidiomycota</i>) in Russia

Here, we present information about the findings of Pleurotus abieticola in the territory of the northeast of the European part of Russia and the western macroslope of the Northern Urals within the borders of the Komi Republic (Russia). P. abieticola is a rare species found in Europe (Czech Republic, Finland, Poland, Russia), Asia (China, Eastern Siberia, Far East, Korea) and North America (Alaska). In Russia, several locations are known in the Leningrad Region, Krasnoyarsk and Primorye Territories. Comparison of the ITS nucleotide sequences of several collected specimens of P. abieticola with the data deposited in the GenBank database showed 98.2–100% similarity with P. abieticola specimens from other parts of the range (Southern Siberia, Far East, China). The article presents a description of basidiomata, photographs of microstructures, clarified features of morpho-logy, and provides information on the distribution and ecology of this species.

Sustainability and Resilience of Indigenous Siberian Communities under the Impact of Transportation Infrastructure Transformation

Transport provision in remote territories is one of the most important factors in maintaining the sustainability of socio-economic and ecological systems. Indigenous peoples of Siberia have always been mobile using diverse traditional ways across the taiga. During the Soviet period, the transition to settled life, along with technological development and the emergence of new modes of transport, such as off-road cars, snowmobiles, and motor boats, significantly affected the level of population mobility, including remote areas where people are engaged in traditional nature management. With the collapse of the Soviet Union, there were significant changes and reductions in the subsidies of transportation systems for remote terrains that made them isolated. Transport connectivity has been realized through rare plane flights (once a month or less) or by cars on dirt roads (actually off-road) that take several days of travel. Siberian territories rich with natural resources, low population density, and weak infrastructure might be attractive for mining companies. Being difficult to access not only for the local population, but also for industrial companies, the territories imply the allocation of a significant share of road construction and transport costs in the cost items of miners and processors. The problems of sustainability and resilience of the indigenous peoples of Siberia require special attention when restructuring transport communications, but they have practically not been studied before. Methods of in-depth and group interviews with local residents were used. Based on comparative geographic and statistical analysis and generalization of data, network and problem approaches applied for various sources and field materials (including in-depth and group interviews), the factors of sustainability and resilience, which the indigenous communities of three remote Siberian territories pin their hopes on in the context of the transformation of transportation infrastructure, have been identified. If geographic remoteness remains an unchanged fact, the expansion of desired transport accessibility (mainly due to investments by industrial companies) is associated by locals with the possibility of additional income related to provision of services, the emergence of new types of employment of the population that have not been observed before, and the implementation of new transport modes to support traditional activities.

A Reflective Practice of Intensive Teaching of EFL to Non-English Majors in a Hybrid Mode: Insights from an EFL Class from Eastern Siberia

The article discusses the intensive English language training for non-English major students at the North-Eastern Federal University, Russia’s Far East region. This study checks out the efficacy of an intensive hybrid teaching model in undergraduate students. The intensive method of teaching is aimed at creating an activating environment for the concurrent development of English skills in non-English major students. The theory of the intensive methodology in the EFL field has been studied in Russian and international research. The intensive hybrid training model combining digital and face-to-face instruction is presented in this article. During the intensive training, 100 undergraduate non-English major students took part in experimental learning. Placement test for students was conducted at the start of the academic year and the final test upon completion of the academic year. The results of the test in the control and experimental groups are also presented. Moreover, the problems in using the intensive hybrid training model are identified.

Possible Scenarios for the Development of the Activities of the Irkutsk Region Timber Industry Complex

The purpose of the study is to compile a medium-term forecast of the performance indicators of the Irkutsk region timber industry complex, taking into account the proposed recommendations for improving the management mechanism of the timber industry complex of Eastern Siberia. The main objectives of the study are: to check whether there is a relationship between two economic indicators: the volume of goods shipped and investments in the fixed capital of the enterprises of the Irkutsk region timber industry complex. The research method is econometric methods: correlation and regression analysis. According to the results of the correlation analysis, a strong relationship was established between two indicators: the volume of goods shipped and investments in fixed assets. The author has compiled a medium-term forecast of these indicators, according to it, under a negative scenario, the volume of shipped goods of woodworking and logging enterprises will increase to 251,9 billion rubles, inertial — to 269,91 billion rubles, target — 286,99 billion rubles. Thus, the construction of a linear regression model made it possible to calculate the effectiveness of the introduction of industrial symbiosis within the industry, which ultimately will allow it to switch to a new technological structure in the shortest possible time.

Halle – Stockholm – Tobolsk and Back, Stronger Than Ever.

The article examines Curt Friedrich von Wreech’s book Wahrhafftige und umständliche Historie (1725/28) as a document of a particular situation of religious contact that is inaugurated by military conflict. It analyzes the repercussing dynamics displayed by Pietist ideas being imported to Russian Siberia by Swedish Prisoners of War during the Great Nordic War (1700–1721), and being brought back to Sweden after the release of the prisoners in 1721. Pietism in Siberia consolidated by contact with Orthodox Christians, Muslim Tartars and ‘pagan’ religious traditions as practiced by the Khanty. Via a long-distance transmission of religious ideas and practices, Pietism in Sweden gained momentum that evoked severe countermeasures by the Orthodox Lutheran church. The case of Carolean Pietism also shows that a predominant religious tradition (in this case the Lutheran Orthodoxy of Sweden’s state religion) might provide its heterodox counterpart with formal structures that might subversively be used as means of surviving, consolidation and even spreading.

How indigenous australians try to preserve themselves

The article discusses personal and collective life ways of native people residing in remote settlements of the Cape York Peninsula, Australia, and offers a number of observations on the native population of Central Australia. It is drawn on the authors’ field materials collected in 2005, 2007-2009, 2015, and 2022. If set against the backdrop of the likewise framed project exploring the Evens and Evenkis of Eastern Siberia, the situation in faraway settlements of Australian Aboriginal people manifests both substantial similarities and important differences. Neither in the past when the colonization began to unfold, nor in the present did the Aboriginal people, for the most part, willingly join the commercial and entrepreneurial activities of the Australian mainstream circles or get involved in trade and economic relationships with the newcomers. They rather resisted, and still do, the authorities' and entrepreneurs' attempts at getting them involved in such relationships. We argue that the underlying reason behind that is the very character of the local traditional culture, the key aspects of which are consciously and resiliently preserved - even if sometimes in a transformed or deviant manner - by the native people.

Chronozonal Structure of the Mangazeya Superhorizon in Eastern Siberia and Its Place in the Global Ordovician Scale

Abstract —The chronozonal structure of the Mangazeya Superhorizon of Eastern Siberia, which includes the Listvyazhny and Baksan horizons and their chronozones, is considered. Their volumes and stratotypes are given and their place in the regional and global stratigraphic structure is shown, where Mangazeya occupies the middle parts of the Kuzmovsky regional complex and the Caradocian stage of the Upper Ordovician. Proper names for the Lower Dolbor Horizon (Amutkansky) and the Upper Dolbor Horizon (Cherlechinsky) are introduced for the first time.

Two new species of silica-scaled chrysophytes (Chrysophyceae, Synurales) Mallomonas kicherica and M. sibirica water bodies of Eastern Siberia, Russia

Two new species of Chrysophytes, Mallomonas kicherica and M. sibirica (order Synurales) were described in several water bodies in Eastern Siberia based on the ultrastructure of silica scales. These species belong to section Striatae. M. kicherica is characterised by scales with labyrinth-like reticulation on the dome and transverse ribs connected by short ribs-jumpers. This species is most similar in scale ultrastructure to M. striata var. balonovii. M. kicherica was found in the mouth of Kichera River, a tributary of Lake Baikal. M. sibirica is characterised by scales with a well-developed secondary layer on the shield in which rounded depressions are located. This species is most similar in scale ultrastructure to M. pechlaneri. M. sibirica was registered in different waters of Eastern Siberia under various ecological parameters—in the mixing zone of the Yenisei River and the Kara Sea, Lake Baikal, and in lakes Ulu, Vorota and Labynkyr (Yakutia).

Typification of hydrogeological conditions in mineral deposits by system analysis method

The paper presents a non-standard approach to the typification of mineral deposits in Eastern Siberia (Russia) according to hydrogeological conditions under insufficiency and unevenness of the initial information. The most rational way to solve this problem at initial research stages is to identify a number of easily determined indirect indicators that determine the selection of sites promising for drilling hydrogeological wells. The author uses the method of system analysis including two main stages of analysis and synthesis, which result in the typification of the objects under study in accordance with the assigned tasks. The developed methodology is used for various purposes: structural hydrogeological zoning of the Ilim-Lena plateau with associated main iron ore deposits of Eastern Siberia, typification of alluvial deposits of the Lena gold ore region according to the complexity degree of engineering hydrogeological conditions, identification of the sites with high water abundance in the oil and gas fields of Eastern Siberia.

Some historical aspects of education and research in Russia and Mongolia

The article describes the history of the origin and development of friendly relation in Russian-Mongolian cooperation in the fields of higher education and science on the example of Irkutsk National Research Technical University (former Irkutsk Polytechnic Institute, Irkutsk State Technical University) Irkutsk, Russia and the Mongolian University of Science and Technology (former Mongolian State University, Mongolian Polytechnic Institute) Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. The author analyzes basic scientific interests of the teaching staff of these universities of Eastern Siberia and Mongolia, which are geographically the closest neighbors. Based on archival materials and published works, a detailed description of training scientific and pedagogical personnel for Mongolia at the Irkutsk university from 1960 to 2022 is given as well as the thematic scope and the nature of field and research work are described. Moreover, the activity results of the Kerulen International Geological Expedition, which was the result of many years of friendly relations between Russia and Mongolia in the field of education and science are presented. The conducted work clearly demonstrates an example of specific achievements in the fields of geological surveying, research and teaching activities of the academic staff of higher educational institutions of the two countries.

Alumina Hosts in Fe- and Al-Rich Metapelites from Transangaria (Yenisey Ridge, East Siberia): Distribution, Composition, and Mining Potential

Fe- and Al-rich metapelite from the Transangarian segment of the Yenisey Ridge (East Siberia, Russia) is a potential new source of high-alumina refractories. The rocks have relatively high average contents of Al2O3 (20 wt%) and Fe2O3 (7.91 wt%), moderate K2O (3.44 wt%), and low CaO (0.74 wt%). Their dominant mineral assemblages are andalusite + muscovite + margarite + chlorite + biotite + quartz or staurolite + kyanite or/and andalusite + chlorite + muscovite + biotite + quartz with ±garnet and ±plagioclase. Al2SiO5 polymorphs occur as up to 1.5 cm andalusite porphyroblasts and partial or complete pseudomorphs after andalusite (kyanite and staurolite). Accessories include abundant Fe–Ti oxides and sporadic REE-, Y-, Ca-phosphates; sulfides are negligible. The composition of Al2SiO5 concentrates obtained in laboratory by heavy-media and magnetic separation from ≥0.06 mm fractions meet all requirements for raw material of this type: >56 wt% Al2O3, <42 wt% SiO2, <1 wt% Fe2O3, <1.2 wt% TiO2, and <0.2 wt% (CaO + MgO). The andalusite, kyanite, and mixed ores yield 0.7–4.1 wt%, 0.7–2.2 wt%, and 1.9–6.0 wt% of concentrate, respectively. The best-quality ores rich in Al2SiO5 polymorphs reside in zones of contact and/or dynamic metamorphism superimposed over regional metamorphism of Al-rich rocks.

Seed productivity of pea samples of various origins from the VIR collection in the conditions of Eastern Siberia

One of the first stages of classical breeding work is the search for sources to include in subsequent hybridisation, with VIR being the leading supplier of such resources. In the Siberian region, crop samples must be adapted to local adverse environmental conditions while maintaining high seed productivity. It makes the research relevant, aiming to find sources for inclusion in the breeding process. It makes the research suitable, seeking sources for inclusion in the breeding process. The authors studied 120 pea samples from the VIR collection in the conditions of the Krasnoyarsk Forest steppe from 2017 to 2022. Three sets of examples of different origins were learned over three years in different periods: 2017–2019, 2018–2020, and 2020–2022, with the number of samples examined in these periods being 35, 42, and 43, respectively. The authors evaluated seed mass per plant, the number of seeds per plant, and pod wrinkling to analyse seed productivity. The average hands of "seed mass per plant" for all sets (in all study periods) were below the standard: the standard was 5.01, 6.10, and 7.88 g, while the average value of seed mass per plant was 3.90, 4.34, and 5.49 g, with a 95% confidence level of 0.41, 0.45, and 0.35, respectively. Among the studied samples from the VIR collection in the region, when grouping pieces by origin, representatives from Ukrainian selection and the Voronezh region stood out in terms of the "seed mass per plant" indicator. However, some samples exhibited better hands in samples that showed negative results. Considering seed productivity among the studied pieces from the VIR collection, along with their technological characteristics, it is recommended to use the samples Glance (k-9636) from Ukraine and SH-95-66 (k-10010) from Bulgaria as sources for breeding work in the conditions of Eastern Siberia.

Demographic History of Khakassia

The monograph is devoted to the study of the formation of the population of Khakassia from the end of the 19th century to modern times. The article notes that rapid population growth was associated with periods of industrial development of the region, primarily with the beginning of the creation of the Sayan territorial-production complex and its industrial hubs. Population dynamics show that the formation of the population was mainly due to the migration flow from the regions of Eastern Siberia. The author analyzes the age-sex structure of the population and notes a constant decrease in the number of men. The article pays much attention to the issues of the natural movement of the population of Khakassia, stating the low birth rate and high mortality rate of the population. Based on numerous statistical data, the author examines the problems of migration of the population of the republic, including in recent decades, and analyzes the sources of the migration process of population growth. In the finale, the author raises the question of the demographic security of the republic and proposes the use of individual indicators to assess its level.

Evaluation of the Carbohydrate Composition of Crabapple Fruit Tissues Native to Northern Asia.

A comprehensive comparative analysis of the carbohydrate composition (soluble sugars and pectins) of fruit tissues of Malus baccata, Malus mandshurica, Malus chamardabanica, and Malus sachalinensis, characteristic of the vast territory of Eastern Siberia and the Far East, was carried out. It was shown that a large part of the soluble carbohydrates of the studied species were represented by transport sugars-sorbitol and sucrose. These compounds also provided the main variability in the carbohydrate composition of fruits in the studied material. The polymers pectins and protopectins isolated from the studied fruits were highly methoxylated (up to 60-70%), and their content averaged about 6% of dry weight. The greatest length of pectin polymers was found in the fruit tissues of M. chamardabanica and M. sachalinensis. Data on elemental analysis of fractions of pectins and protopectins of all studied species showed the absence of potentially toxic concentrations of heavy metals. Of note is the rather high content of calcium in both polymer fractions of the four studied species, while its content in protopectin is significantly higher. In addition, in all cases, the presence of low-molecular-weight oligosaccharide molecules with a low-dispersed linear structure was revealed in the tissues of the fruits. It is worth noting that the high content of ascorbic acid was observed in the fruits of all studied species. In addition to being of fundamental interest, information about the carbohydrate composition of the wild Malus species can be useful for apple breeding when choosing sources of genes underlying useful traits.

Xylogenesis, Photosynthesis and Respiration in Scots Pine Trees Growing in Eastern Siberia (Russia)

Xylogenesis, Photosynthesis and Respiration in Scots Pine Trees Growing in Eastern Siberia (Russia)

ИЗМЕНЕНИЯ ГИДРОТЕРМИЧЕСКИХ УСЛОВИЙ НА ЮГЕ СИБИРИ В 1950-2020 ГГ. И ИХ СВЯЗЬ С КРУПНОМАСШТАБНЫМИ ЦИРКУЛЯЦИОННЫМИ ПРОЦЕССАМИ

The paper presents the dynamics of the hydrothermal coefficients characterizing agroclimatic resources on the territory of Siberia within the coordinates of 50°-65° N, 60°-120° E during modern climate change. The intensity, frequency, and duration of adverse weather phenomena for agriculture (the atmospheric droughts and moisture excess conditions) are analyzed. The Ped’ drought index ( S ) and the standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index (SPEI) calculated from the data of 134 weather stations and the ERA5 reanalysis are used as an indicator. In Eastern Siberia and in the west of the analyzed territory, there is an increase in aridity (a trend is 0.2-0.5 per decade). Northern regions of Kazakhstan, the Sayan Mountains, and the West Siberian Plain were characterized by a relative stability of hydrothermal conditions in 1950-2020 (statistically significant changes are not revealed). A direct linear dependence of hydrothermal conditions on large-scale circulation processes have been not detected for most cases. The greatest number of statistically significant correlation coefficients has been obtained for the drought index S and the SCAND (Scandinavia teleconnection pattern) index.

PLANT MICROBIAL FUEL CELLS: THE CURRENT STATE AND POTENTIAL APPLICATIONS

Phyto-treatment engineering structures have recently found wide application in the biotechnology of wastewater treatment. Currently, it is important to study and use the possibility of bioelectric power generation, as well as develop energy-efficient hybrid technologies based on plant-microbial fuel cells. The purpose of the study is to summarize information on the ability of plant organisms to generate bioelectric potentials and to create plant-fuel cells as a component of an integrated phytotechnology for wastewater treatment in Eastern Siberia. The article shows applications of phytotechnologies for wastewater treatment using a system of algae, higher aquatic vegetation, microorganisms in different climatic zones, including the Arctic. These technologies have been implemented in China, where dozens of such facilities are annually built. The article describes the designs of plant-microbial fuel cells (PMFC), the electrogenic activity of s plants and microorganisms, promising areas for the use of microbial fuel cells, PMFC as power sources for small devices, sensors for early detection of water pollution. Design solutions for creating RMFC batteries for the neutralization of soils contaminated with antibiotics are presented.