Extreme Northeast Research Articles

Eneolithic and Bronze Age of the Forest Zone of Eastern Europe: disharmony of archaeological periodization

The results of the study of the discrepancies problem between regional cultural and chronological schemes in the context of the modified "system of three centuries" are presented. The study is based on the materials of the Garino and Chirki cultures, which sites are located in the extreme northeast of Europe, and on the results of radiocarbon dating of the Eneolithic and Bronze Age complexes of the Eastern European Plain forest zone. The disharmony of the archaeological periodization is expressed in the presence of both populations of the culture attributed to the Late Bronze Age and the Eneolithic culture in the studied region. As a result, it was determined that the sites with Chirkovsko-Seiminskiy or Fatianoid pottery types including the complexes of the Atamannur culture, are synchronous with the Garino culture within the Eneolithic or the 2nd half of the 3rd millennium B.C. However, the main arguments in favor of the Eneolithic of the Chirki culture are the use of pure copper artefacts together with intensive flint knapping with a developed bifacial industry. Therefore, it is predicted that existing ideas about the periodization of early metal sites in north-eastern Europe will be corrected. The comparison of radiocarbon dates showed that complexes with porous and asbestos pottery with sparse decoration (Orovnavolok XVI and Pelya types) are generally older than the pottery of the Garino (Choinovty) culture. This complicates the problem of the origin of the latter, since it is likely that its ceramic traditions originated to the west of the extreme north-east of Europe.

Discovery Phenolic Profiles and in vitro Antioxidants, Neuroprotective, Anti-diabetic Activities of Extracts from of Algerian Plant: Calendula monardii Boiss. & Reut

Abstract: The present study examines the potential effect of Calendula monardii (Boiss. & Reut.) on inhibiting various enzymes involved in many diseases. Background: Calendula suffruticosa subsp. monardii (Boiss. & Reut.) Ohle, a medicinal plant from the Mediterranean region and, more precisely, from the extreme northeast of Algeria, is characterized by its wide use in the traditional medicine of the local population. This is what prompted us to investigate some pharmacological benefits such as anti-diabetes and Alzheimer's activities, in addition to antioxidant activity. The effects of extraction methods and solvents on the amount of phenolic profiles and the biological activity of the different parts of this plant were studied, where the aim was to obtain a high extraction yield of bioactive compounds and consequently high biological activities. Methods: In vitro standard procedures were used to assess enzyme inhibitory activity (AChE, BChE, α- Amylase and α-Glucosidase) of Calendula monadii, and the antioxidant activity was assessed using the DPPH, ABTS, CUPRAC, Reducing power and Ferrous ions assays. Results: When using ultrasound, a significant increase in the amounts of (TPC, TFC and TFlas) and antioxidant activity (DPPH, ABTS, CUPRAC, Reducing power and Ferrous ions cheating assay) in addition to the inhibitory activity of enzymes (AChE, BChE, α-Amylase α-Glucosidase) was found, compared to the results of conventional extraction. Furthermore, the aqueous solvent of ethanol 70% is the very effective solvent for extraction compared to methanol 70% aqueous solvent. Conclusion: Based on these results, it can be said that this plant contains important biological activities, so it can be used in phytotherapy.

Deer in the extreme north-east of Russia: Koryak ecotype (Rangifer Tarandus L.)

Purpose: the study of economic and significant indicators of the Koryak ecotype of the northern deer.Materials and methods. The model for the study of the Koryak ecotype was the livestock of animals in agricultural enterprises for breeding the northern deer in the Kamchatka Peninsula during the stable development of the industry, with a total number of more than 125 thousand individuals. The entire number of deer was contained in 86 herds, on average in one herd, up to 1,400-1500 animals fell. Zootechnical information was taken from annual reports of deer farms. In the study of farms, indicators used in the reindeer husbandry industry were taken: the number of deer at the beginning of the year; the uterus in the structure of the herd (the number of important and heels in % to the total number of deer); offspring - received living calves at the end of the hotel per 100 uterus, %; DWT - a business exit of calves at the end of the year per 100 uterus, %; SVP - the safety of the adult number of deer at the end of the year, %; Production of meat in live weight, taking into account growth per 100 January deer, in C; Live weight of sexual age groups, kg.Results. The reindeer husbandry of the territory was distinguished by high quality indicators. The specific gravity of the uterus in the structure of the herd was maintained at 60 % and higher. The deer of this ecotype has good reproductive properties, on average at the end of the hotel there were more than 86 calves per 100 queens. The business yield of young animals at the end of the year on average ecotip was 80.6 % with fluctuations from 73 to 86.5 %, which confirms the high reproductive properties and viability of the young deer group of the northern deer. The safety indicator of the adult livestock at the end of the year was at the level of 93.9 % with fluctuations in individual populations from 90.4 % to 96.5 %. The production of meat in live weight, taking into account the growth of 100 deer according to individual scope, was flukes from 28 to 31.5 c, with an average ecotype value over 29.2 c. In terms of live weight of the Koryak ecotype deer, they exceeded the analogues of the sexual age groups of deer in the Chukotsk AO by 1.0-7.7 %, which confirms their high household chores. When crossing the deer of the Koryak ecotype and the Chukotka breed, a manifestation of heterosis was noted, since the estates significantly exceeded both initial parental forms in live weight, the preservation of the livestock, the business exit of young animals increased, and the production of meat increased. The identification of highly productive ecotypes and the creation on their basis of in -breed structures will increase the productivity of the northern deer.

Chukotka as a Portal for the Rabies Introduction into Kamchatka (Systematic Review)

The aim of this review was to assess the peculiarities of distribution and epidemiological risk of rabies in the extreme northeast of Asia. The systematic review was prepared through synthesizing publications on rabies over 1860–2022 (n=22) and previously unpublished data for 2009–2023. From the late 19th century until the 1980s, rabies epizootics were consistently observed in Chukotka and Kamchatka. A correlation was found between the time of occurrence of rabies in those territories with a lag period of 1–2 years (r=0.349; p=0.054). In 2009–2023, 24 animal rabies cases were confirmed in Chukotka; rabies has not been registered in Kamchatka since 1981. Until 1982, 5 confirmed human rabies cases were described in Chukotka, as well as 4 lethal cases presumably due to rabies (Chukotka – 3, Kamchatka – 1). The similarity of the spatial distribution of epizootics in different periods of time was established. Rabies was detected mainly in the area of the permanent polar fox (Vulpes lagopus) habitation, in the coastal tundra from the mouth of the Kolyma River to the Anadyr Gulf. Outside this territory (the valleys of the Anadyr and Penzhina Rivers, the Kamchatka Peninsula), rabies was reported in red foxes (Vulpes vulpes). At present, the importance of the polar fox in the spread of rabies in Chukotka has decreased, while the significance of the red fox has increased substantially. Due to vaccination, rabies among dogs is recorded sporadically. Rabies virus isolates from Chukotka belong to the Arctic genetic lineage (Arctic-3 group), which has a circumpolar distribution. The possibility of independent circulation of the rabies virus in the Kamchatka Peninsula is doubtful because of the limited size of the red fox population. Based on the mapping, possible directions for the introduction of rabies to Kamchatka from Chukotka have been identified. Barrier oral rabies vaccination of foxes is recommended during the years of high abundance of red and polar foxes in Chukotka.

The Construction of Russian Orthodoxy in Chukotka: Ministering to the People and Marking the Territory in an Arctic Border Zone

Over the last two decades, the Russian Orthodox Church has commissioned the construction of churches and other religious monuments throughout Russia, marking the land as Orthodox. Chukotka, a region located at the extreme northeast of the country, is no exception to this general rule. Still, the extent of the construction and of other activities sponsored by the Orthodox Church in Chukotka is remarkable for a number of reasons, including the specificities of the colonial history of the region, its remoteness, sparse population, and fierce climatic conditions, and its proximity to the United States. Based on fieldwork in 2018 and on long-term experience in Chukotka since 1993, this article documents the socio-historical, ethnographic, and geopolitical aspects of the presence of the Russian Orthodox Church in the region, focusing on the specific challenges encountered there by agents of the church. In Chukotka, the Russian Orthodox Church pursues goals that are simultaneously missionary and political. However, given the combination of difficulties that limit the church’s impact locally, its commitment to establishing its presence in Chukotka is best understood in terms of the strategic importance of the region.

Updating the distribution data of the Red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris Linnaeus, 1758) in the province of Málaga (southern Spain)

Between 2019 and 2022 we carried out a survey to update the distribution data of the red squirrel in the province of Málaga. Fifteen years after the last elaboration of the distribution atlas, it was likely that this forest species had expanded in step with the increase in forest mass in the province. The results show that the species has expanded in the province, increasing its distribution range between 24.8% and 27.7% and almost tripling the number of UTM grid squares. The species has colonised the region of Antequera, the mountains of the Arco Calizo Central and the banks of the Genil River in the north of the province. To the south it has expanded towards the urban environments of the city of Málaga and has begun its expansion towards the west. In the extreme northeast, the species has made less progress, colonising some new areas just beyond the limits of the Sierra Tejada, Almijara and Alhama Natural Park. Most of the new populations are geographically closer to the population at Montes de Málaga, which seems to have served as the main source population. In the eastern area, subtropical crops seem to function as a barrier limiting further expansion. We propose and discuss a series of hypotheses regarding the origin of the population and the need to undertake future studies of historical, genetic, and epidemiological distribution models.

Changes and Transformations on the Coast Using the Example of Roses (Alt Empordà, Catalonia)

This article aims to show the transformation of the coast in the extreme northeast of the Iberian Peninsula. It is focused on the Ciutadella de Roses. Data were integrated from the digital elevation model (LIDAR), a geomorphological analysis, and lithostratigraphic and chronological correlations based on eight geological boreholes and twelve radiocarbon datings, along with historical data and archaeological remains found in the surroundings of the Ciutadella. This enabled a hypothesis to be established on the palaeolandscape around the site. The evolution of the shoreline from Ancient Greek times to the modern period is detailed, and evidence of its form at different chronological moments is presented. To sum up, the article defines the evolution of the palaeolandscape in the territory and links it to the historical evolution of the site. In addition, the evolution of the relationship between river courses, the sea and the sea level is explained.

Seasonal and spatial contamination of trace elements in sediments and fish tissues (Mugil Chephalus) from Annaba gulf (North East of Algeria)

This research is devoted to assessing the pollution within a Mediterranean Sea area in the East coast of Algeria, which is known for its port and industrial activities. This study aims to assess the health status of the Gulf of Annaba located in the extreme North-East of Algeria by examining the contamination level by trace elements (Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd, Hg) in the sediments and muscles of Mugil cephalus fish. The obtained results manifest significant variations in metal levels in the sediments throughout the stations and the sampling seasons. The contamination by (Zn, Cu, Pb, Cd) of Joannonville and Sidi Salem stations is observed during both seasons whereas at the Chapuis station occurs only during the summer. The contamination indices are higher than 3, hence classifying the sediments of these three stations as “sediments at risk”. Joannonville station manifests high levels of Hg only during the summer. For the muscles of M. cephalus, the contamination levels are found to be dependent on the species and the studied station. The fish inhabiting Joannonville and Sidi Salem show higher levels of (Zn, Pb, Cd) compared to the FAO/WHO standards, whereas the Pb level at Chapuis exceeds the standard during summer. Accordingly, the consumption of fish from Joannonville, Sidi Salem and Chapuis stations presents a serious threat regarding the toxicological risks based on the observed levels of contamination.

Linking sedimentary provenance, climate and tectonics in the Neoproterozoic Seridó Belt, Borborema Province (NE Brazil)

The Seridó Belt, at the extreme northeast of Brazil, is one of the several Neoproterozoic mobile belts related to the Brasiliano/Pan-African Orogeny in Western Gondwana. The lithostratigraphy of the Seridó Belt comprises basal quartzites and metaconglomerates (Equador Formation) overlain by hornblende-bearing paragneisses, calc-silicate rocks and marbles (Jucurutu Formation) and biotite-schists (Seridó Formation). We investigated the sedimentary provenance of these rocks based on an integration of compiled whole-rock geochemistry, Sm-Nd isotopes, U-Pb detrital zircon ages and a new set of whole-rock trace elements analyses. Equador Formation quartzites have major and trace elements patterns that resemble cratonic sandstones, with a typical felsic provenance consistent with the isotopic composition of plutonic Archean to Paleoproterozoic basement rocks. Geochemical proxies suggest that these rocks were deposited in fresh waters under anoxic conditions and moderate to intense weathering conditions (CIA = 58–79). A shift in provenance led to an increase in intermediate-mafic sources during the deposition of the Jucurutu and Seridó formations. Trace elements from rock types in these units are nearly identical, yet they differ on the contents of some high field-strength elements (e.g., Sc, V and Ni), which are higher in the Seridó Formation than average pelites. Geochemical proxies show similar depositional environments, with brackish to marine conditions for the Jucurutu and Seridó formations under anoxic to euxinic conditions. Weathering conditions are consistently lower in the Jucurutu Formation (CIA = 58–66) in comparison with the Seridó Formation (CIA = 60–88). Compiled U-Pb data suggest maximum depositional ages of 633 ± 11 Ma and 633 ± 6 Ma for Jucurutu and Seridó formations, respectively, suggesting deposition following the ca. 645–635 Ma Marinoan glaciation. We compared the geochemistry of the Seridó Formation schists with currently exposed basement rocks and showed a strong affinity with Neoproterozoic arc-related intermediate rocks, which is in agreement with their slightly radiogenic signature (average εNd(630Ma) = –1.68). When comparing with other pelitic sequences on the western Borborema Province, most of them fit the same sources and weathering conditions of the Seridó Formation schists and Jucurutu Formation paragneisses. We propose that the Seridó Belt represents an intracontinental rift basin (Equador Formation) that was overlain by fine-grained magmatic arc-related sediments (Seridó and Jucurutu formations) during the post-Marinoan deglaciation and sea level rise. Similar pelitic deposits in western Borborema Province suggest a large marine-influenced continental depositional system that was mostly sourced from magmatic arcs of the West Gondwana Orogen.

Sustainability of tunas and swordfish exploitation in the equatorial tropical Atlantic Ocean

Fishing is important as it generates employment, income, high-quality food and livelihoods for native communities in many parts of the world. However, when poorly managed, it can cause irreversible overfishing impacts on the ecology of communities. The present study aimed to construct models to estimate the presence probability of young specimens of Thunnus albacares, Thunnus obesus and Xiphias gladius in the Western Equatorial Tropical Atlantic Ocean (WETA) using oceanographic, temporal, and spatial variables. The data used were generated by monitoring the fishing operations of vessels of the pelagic longline fleet in the extreme northeast of Brazil. The Generalized Additive Model was used to estimate the effect of different factors and covariates (oceanographic, temporal, and spatial variables) on the juvenile probability of the presence of the species T. albacares, T. obesus and X. gladius. The capture of juveniles becomes graver in the results obtained annually, for T. albacares ranged between 12.4% and 50.5%, T. obesus ranging from 27.5% to 36.4% and X. gladius from 0% to 13.8% immatures. Models established indicated that water temperature, year, longitude, chlorophyll-a and the interactions between moon phases and latitude, as well as the interactions between quarters and latitude, are statistically significant, influencing the distribution of juveniles of these resources. More efforts and attention should be directed to investigating the distribution of juvenile presence in the WETA, mainly in the southern hemisphere. We want to initiate here a broad discussion and campaign for establishing studies aiming at the constant monitoring of juvenile levels captured.

Mitogenomics of the Koryaks and Evens of the northern coast of the Sea of Okhotsk.

Due to the geographical proximity of the northern coast of the Sea of Okhotsk and Kamchatka Peninsula to the Beringia, the indigenous populations of these territories are of great interest for elucidating the human settlement history of northern Asia and America. Meanwhile, there is a clear shortage of genetic studies of the indigenous populations of the northern coast of the Sea of Okhotsk. Here, in order to examine their fine-scale matrilineal genetic structure, ancestry and relationships with neighboring populations, we analyzed 203 complete mitogenomes (174 of which are new) from population samples of the Koryaks and Evens of the northern coast of the Sea of Okhotsk and the Chukchi of the extreme northeast Asia. The patterns observed underscore the reduced level of genetic diversity found in the Koryak, Even, and Chukchi populations, which, along with the high degree of interpopulation differentiation, may be the result of genetic drift. Our phylogeographic analysis reveals common Paleo-Asiatic ancestry for 51.1% of the Koryaks and 17.8% of the Evens. About third of the mitogenomes found in the Koryaks and Evens might be considered as ethno-specific, as these are virtually absent elsewhere in North, Central and East Asia. Coalescence ages of most of these lineages coincide well with the emergence and development of the Tokarev and Old Koryak archaeological cultures associated with the formation of the Koryaks, as well as with the period of separation and split of the North Tungusic groups migrated northwards from the Lake Baikal or the Amur River area.

Forest Plantations in Manabí (Ecuador): Assessment of Fragmentation and Connectivity to Support Dry Tropical Forests Conservation

In many tropical regions, national forests plantation programs have been promoted. Those plantations frequently contribute to habitat changes. However, the associated effects of forest plantations on habitat fragmentation and landscape connectivity are unclear. From 2008 to 2018, we examined land use changes, plantations, and deforestation of the Manabí province (Ecuador) provided by the Ecuadorian Ministry of the Environment. Four scenarios were created: (i) land uses in 2008, (ii) land uses in 2018, (iii) land uses in 2018 without deforestation, and iv) land uses in 2018 including reforestation. Fragmentation and connectivity metrics were analyzed using ArcGisPro and Graphad 2.6 software, respectively. Puma yagouaroundi was selected as the reference species. At regional scale, forest plantations had a significant effect on land uses changes and fragmentation during the study period. Forests decreased from 33.7% to 32.4% between 2008 and 2018, although other natural land uses, mostly those involving shrubs, increased by almost double (from 2.4% to 4.6%). Most of the deforestation affected native forests during this period, and most reforested areas in 2018 covered former agricultural land. Fragmentation decreased in the number of patches and increased in the average patch size. When considering reforestation, deforestation was higher than the reforested area (58 km2 of difference), increasing the number of patches but with smaller size. Reforestation increased connectivity with a higher number of links and distance, particularly in central and extreme northeast areas of Manabí province. The scenario without deforestation also increased connectivity for Puma yagouaroundi in the west part of the Manabí province. Our findings suggest that forest plantations contribute to forest conservation by increasing the connectivity between fragmented patches.

Subsistence harvests of bowhead whales (Balaena mysticetus) at Kaktovik, Alaska (1973-2000)

Kaktovik is a small community located on Barter Island in the extreme northeast of Alaska. The bowhead whale hunt is important to the community from both an economic and cultural perspective. Harvests were generally 1-2 bowheads per year in 1973-1988 and 2-4 bowheads per year in 1989-2000. The hunt normally begins on the first Monday in September and historically 83% of harvested whales have been taken in September. In recent years, typical harvest dates have been significantly earlier even though the quota and number of whales taken have increased. The core whaling area extends from 15km west to 25km east of Kaktovik, and offshore as far as 32km. Most whales have been taken within 30km of the village and the mean distance of harvest locations from Kaktovik has not changed from the 1970s to present. Whaling captains select small whales over large whales and there has been a marginally significant decrease in the average size of whales harvested from the 1970s to the present. The size of whales harvested does not increase with date, although other data show that smaller whales become less common in the area as the season progresses. Male and female bowhead whales are harvested in very similar numbers, but females make up 67% of whales harvested early in the season and 32% late in the season.

Forest fire area detection using Sentinel-2 data: Case of the Beni Salah national forest ‒ Algeria

Forest cover plays an important role in terms of biodiversity and the environment. The Beni Salah national forest in its part which is located in the Guelma province in the extreme northeast of Algeria is an illustrative example where forest fires represent the chronic phenomenon which weighs heavily on this forest. The present study comes after a forest fire that occurred in 2021, when 3 000 ha of this forest were ravaged by forest fires according to the conservation of forests of Guelma. The main objective of this research is to map the severity of burns and estimate the severely burned area using Sentinel-2 satellite images based on remote sensing indices such as Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Differenced Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (dNDVI), Normalized Burn Ratio (NBR), Differenced Normalized Burn Ratio (dNBR), Green Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (GNDVI), Differenced Green Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (dGNDVI), Burn Area Index (BAI) and Relativized Burn Ratio (RBR). The result obtained revealed that 28.23% of the study area represents a seriously burned area. The established burn severity map is a real decision-making tool, but it still has certain limitations.

Numerical Prediction of Foundation Settlement Resting on Peat Soil at Kafr Saad, Domiat, Egypt

Abstract The aim of this research is to predict foundation settlement resting on peat soil layer using a numerical analysis software Plaxis 2D ver. 2020. The study area located at Kafr Saad Domiat province at extreme north east Nile Delta, Egypt. Peat soil is known to be the worst foundation materials because of its compressibility and low bearing capacity. The studied building was five stories founded on a rigid raft. The foundation depth was at 1.5 m and the net pressure on soil was 50 kN/m2. The soil profile consists of soft clay layer from ground surface to depth of 3m followed by a layer of peat soil of thickness 1m, the final layer was soft to very soft clay layer till end of boring at 15 m depth. The ground water table was is at depth of 1.5m. The settlement of building was observed and recorded every 15 days up to 3 years. By comparing real field settlement observation values with that obtained by using finite element software it was concluded that the software predicted the real field settlement values. Also, to validate the results obtained by finite element software it was compared to values obtained using analytical method.

Stone Industry of the Bronze and Iron Ages Border (case study of the Oralovskoe Ozero II settlement on the Vishera River)

The authors publish the data on the stone assemblage of the Oralovskoe Ozero II settlement, 9th – 8th century B.C., the Kama River basin, Perm Krai, Russian Federation. Examination of the traces of processing on the flint artefacts made it possible to determine its basic characteristics. These are a stadial knapping; secondary bifacial thinning; heat treatment of the raw material to prepare it for knapping; leaf-shaped bifaces with a straight base – arrowheads and dart/spear points, decorated at the fnal stage with «serrated» retouching; unifacial scrapers. The search for assemblages with similar characteristics allowed to determine in the extreme north-east of Europe (the basins of the Pechora, Vychegda and Mezen rivers) a special tradition of the flint tools production of the Bronze and Iron Ages boundary. Reference stone assemblages accompany different types of pottery and their combinations: Korshak and Lebyazhskaya cultures, Ananyino cultural-historical community and ceramics with “cross-like” ornamentation. This indicates that mobile foragers established links with tundra and taiga cultures, uniting them into a single network of the Bronze and Iron Age boundary in the north-east of Europe. A detailed analysis of the identifed stone-working tradition, its naming, the search for origins and spatial and temporal variants is needed in the future.

The extreme Northeast China cold vortex activities in the late spring of 2021 and possible causes involved

Record-breaking numbers of Northeast China cold vortex (NCCV) occurred during the late spring (April–May) of 2021, which provided favorable background for more severe convection weather (such as hailstorm and tornado) happened and struck Jiangsu and Hubei provinces, China, causing heavy casualties and property losses. To better understand the possible causes of extremely abnormal NCCV activities, the external forcing and dynamical analysis was conducted. The results show that the extreme NCCV activity is regulated by the preceding sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies in the tropical Pacific, the snow conditions over the Tibetan Plateau, and the wave-mean flow interaction over the Eurasian continent. During the preceding autumn and winter in 2020, a moderate La Niña event occurred over the tropical Pacific, which triggered the Pacific–North America teleconnection pattern (PNA) like wave train and further dispersed the Rossby wave energy downstream along the mid-latitude westerly jet, forming a zonal wave train over the Eurasian continent. Moreover, the second minimum snow depth was recorded over the southeastern Tibetan Plateau during the boreal winter of 2020/2021, which induced a concurrent local anomalous anticyclone and a cyclone over northeast Asia in the following spring. Finally, the anomalous circulation is capable of achieving energy from the mean state through barotropic energy conversion and strengthening the downstream wave train accordingly. This study highlights the joint impacts of external forcings and internal atmospheric processes on the NCCV activity.

Use of Quality and Organic Pollution Indices in the Physico-Chemical Quality Assessment of Kébir Wadi East Surface Waters (Region of El Taref, Extreme North East Algeria)

Surface water is subject to strong anthropogenic pressures caused by the development and the extension of the agricultural activities and also by the industrial and domestic activities. Pollution is a major environmental problem due to discharges into rivers and the excessive use of agricultural fertilizers add to that the discharges from urban and industrial sources. The aim of this study is to assess the quality and the state of the organic pollution of surface water in the Kébir wadi east, based on the Water Quality Index (WQI) and the Organic Pollution Index (OPI) during six sampling campaigns carried out between April and September of the year 2011. Seven stations were studied along the Kébir wadi east downstream from the Mexa Dam. The results are visualized by the use of GIS through making thematic maps. They revealed that half of the stations show excellent to good water quality and moderated organic pollution except the stations S3, S6 and S4, that have poor water quality and high pollution at S3 and S6 respectively, and non-potable water with very high organic pollution at S4. The anthropogenic environmental deterioration recorded in the wadi is the result of the use of nitrogen and phosphate agricultural fertilizers and especially, the discharge of untreated domestic and industrial wastewater from neighbouring agglomerations. The seasonal variation remains discrete and reflects a slight tendency to the deterioration of the waters of El Tarf region during the low waters of the summer period.

Ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plant Mentha rotundifolia (L.) Huds. in El Tarf, extreme northeast of Algeria.

Ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plant Mentha rotundifolia (L.) Huds. in El Tarf, extreme northeast of Algeria.

Arctic Shelf Oil and Gas Prospects from Lower-Middle Paleozoic Sediments of the Timan–Pechora Oil and Gas Province Based on the Results of a Regional Study

The Timan–Pechora oil and gas province (TPP), despite the good geological and geophysical knowledge of its central and southern regions, remains poorly studied in the extreme northwestern part within the north of the Izhma–Pechora depression and the Malozemelsk–Kolguev monocline, and in the extreme northeast within the Predpaikhoisky depression. Assessing the oil and gas potential of the Lower Paleozoic part of the section is urgently required in the northwestern part of the TPP, the productivity of which has been proven at the border and in the more eastern regions of the province (Pechora–Kolva, Khoreyverskaya, Varandei–Adzva regions), that have been evaluated ambiguously. A comprehensive interpretation of the seismic exploration of regional works was carried out, with the wells significantly clarifying the structural basis and the boundaries of the distribution of the main seismic facies’ complexes. The capabilities of potentially oil- and gas-producing strata in the Silurian–Lower Devonian were studied. An analysis of migration routes in transit strata used for basin modeling in order to reconstruct the conditions of oil and gas formation that are common in the land and water areas of the Arctic zone of the TPP was carried out. Modeling allowed us to reach an understanding of the formation of large zones with possible accumulations of hydrocarbons, including the time at which the formation occurred and under what conditions, to establish space–time links with possible centers of generation to identify migration directions and, based on a comparison with periods of intensive generation of hydrocarbons both directly located within the work area and beyond (noting the possible migration), to identify zones of the paleoaccumulation of hydrocarbons. The body of existing literature on the subject made it possible to outline promising oil and gas accumulation zones, with the allocation of target objects for further exploration in the Lower Paleozoic part of the section.