Foothill Areas Research Articles

Geotechnical Justification for Designing Landslide Prevention Measures

Abstract When designing anti-landslide measures, slope stability assessment is an important factor and is determined by conducting comprehensive engineering and geological studies on a slope with potential landslide risks. The results of correct engineering and geological justification for the design of anti-landslide measures lead to the preservation of the structure and safe operation of infrastructure facilities. Our experience shows that to eliminate the negative effects of landslide processes, it is necessary to accurately determine the engineering and geological conditions of the slope, including the stability of the slope, taking into account natural dynamic phenomena (seismicity of the territory and tectonic processes) and, if possible, to see the complete elimination of the causes that lead to landslide processes when developing anti-landslide measures. To achieve these goals, the geotechnical justification of the design is the only correct solution. Geotechnical justification of protective measures intended to protect the structural elements of the Baku-Russian Federation State Border highway, which is part of the north-south transport corridor and passes through the foot of a potentially landslide-hazardous slope west of the city of Shabran, is one of the most important conditions that increase the effectiveness of these measures. On a slope located 1500 meters southwest of the current research area, the results of our scientific research were not properly utilized and many of our warnings were not heeded, resulting in a landslide during construction, leading to serious damage to the road's structural elements (Fig. 1) and additional costs. This event once again confirms that landslides are the most common natural and man-made processes that pose a threat to the safe operation of infrastructure facilities, civil and industrial construction in mountainous and foothill areas (Shiraliyev et al., 2024)

Determining the Stability of a Potentially Dangerous Landslide Slope

Abstract Due to the acceleration of construction of civil, industrial and infrastructure facilities in our republic and the expansion of their area, the construction of many facilities is carried out in mountainous, and foothill areas with complex relief and geomorphological conditions, which in most cases are potentially dangerous landslide slopes. To protect these facilities from the negative impact of dangerous geological, natural-technogenic, and anthropogenic processes, to assess the risks arising from the impact of these processes on building structures, to promptly prevent negative phenomena and dangerous situations, to assess the engineering and geological conditions of the construction area to determine the stability of the slope, conducting research in these areas is of great practical importance. Mountainous regions are characterized by the complexity and diversity of geological, hydrological, hydrogeological, and tectonic conditions. Landslides are the most common natural and man-made processes that pose a threat to the safe operation of infrastructure facilities, civil and industrial construction in mountainous and foothill areas. In addition to infrastructure facilities, landslides can destroy vegetation, destroy the habitat of fauna, and also destroy fertile soils located in the area of their activity (Nikolic, 2015; Krivoguz & Bespalova, 2020). The main objective of this article is to apply the results of practically implemented and verified studies in other territories of our republic with similar geomorphological structure and engineering-geological conditions, to correctly assess the negative manifestations caused by landslides and other man-made and anthropogenic impacts, as well as to calculate the stability of the slope and scientifically and technically substantiate measures for engineering protection against landslides.

Pasture lands and food supply in the Mangistau region of Kazakhstan under drought conditions: searching for compromises, recommendations

starvation of livestock in drought conditions resulting from pasture degradation. Methods - analysis and generalization of the legislation of Kazakhstan in the field of agriculture and land reclamation, Land Code based on data on the number of livestock in dynamics and share of regions in the overall country indicator. Results - issues of accessibility of pasture lands for grazing and food supply for animals in the Mangistau region were considered, facts of their death due to dystrophy caused by malnutrition were revealed. According to statistics, in 2022 there were 22.8 thousand heads of cattle, which is 4.2% less than in 2021, about 85.7 thousand heads of camels (increase by 6%), 120.5 thousand heads of horses (increase by 6.3%). Due to desertification and deterioration of pastures, the number of abandoned pastures is increasing. Conclusions - Innovative approaches are needed to address sustainable land management challenges, implementing strategies such as rotational plot systems that promote restoration of rangelands, allowing vegetation to rest between grazing periods in mountainous and foothill areas, which in turn maintains soil fertility and contributes to conservation of biodiversity. It is also necessary to grow drought-resistant forage desert plants adapted to climate change, this increases the availability of forage crops, balances livestock diets and reduces the load on ecosystems. The article proposes plans to expand pasture areas and their use, and develop projects in the field of feed production.

Plasmodium Ovale Malaria-A Case Report from Tertiary Care Centre Central Kerala

Abstract Background: According to World Malaria Report 2019, 3% of the global malaria cases are reported from India. Most cases of malaria in India are due to infestation by Plasmodium falciparum (65%) and Plasmodium vivax (35%). Only a few thousand cases of Plasmodium malariae has been reported from foothill areas in Orissa. Malaria due to Plasmodium ovale is not very common in India and till date only 9 cases have been reported. We are reporting a case of P. ovale malaria which was diagnosed and treated at Government Medical College, Thrissur, Kerala, in a patient who had returned from Uganda. Diagnosis was made with the specific morphological features of these parasites like oval shape of parasitised RBCs, fimbriation of RBCs and very prominent shuffners dots. Interpretation & Conclusion: This is the first case of Pl. ovale reported from central Kerala. This case of plasmodium ovale malaria could be an isolated imported case and there are no reported cases of local transmission so far following detection of this case. Keywords: Malaria, Plasmodium ovale, fimbriation.

Classification of geologic materials used in the Sukhothai Historical Park of Thailand using a portable X-ray fluorescence analyzer and petrographic analysis

The Sukhothai Historical Park, designated as a world heritage site in Thailand, encompasses the remnants of the Sukhothai Kingdom and serves as a valuable locus for geological and geoarchaeological investigations. Situated in the Sukhothai province, the region is characterized by diverse lithologies, including slate, phyllite, and laterite, as well as red bricks (synthetic materials), utilized in the construction of various ancient structures. Petrographic analysis using polarized light microscopy reveals the phyllites as the primary dimension stones, exhibiting foliated and mylonitic textures with small quartz augen. A portable X-ray fluorescence analyzer was employed for geochemical analysis and the analysis of major oxides and trace elements. The resulting data facilitated the classification of protoliths and comparison with rocks from an abandoned quarry near Saritphong Dam in the western part of the historical park. Notably, phyllites utilized in several prominent structures within the park; Wat Saphan Hin, Wat Pa Daeng 2, Wat Thap Sakae, Wat Chetuphon, Wat Sri Chum, and Wat Mangkorn Temples, exhibited similar characteristics to those in the Wat Khao Noi old quarry, as confirmed by Rubidium (Rb) and Strontium (Sr) values. The SiO2/Al2O3 and FeO/K2O ratios were pivotal in identifying the protoliths of the studied phyllites as shales. In summary, the primary dimension stones for Sukhothai Historical Park originated from the western mountain within the park, with laterites sourced from foothill areas. The presence of quartz pebbles in red bricks suggests local sediment utilization, and quartz additions were employed to enhance structural strength. This comprehensive geoarchaeological study sheds light on the geological composition of the Sukhothai Historical Park, providing valuable insights into the selection and utilization of construction materials in this historically significant site.

ТИПИЗАЦИЯ ЗИМ В ИЛЕ АЛАТАУ ПО СНЕЖНОСТИ И ЛАВИННОЙ АКТИВНОСТИ

Snow avalanches affect human economic and recreational activities in the mountains. In some avalanche-active winters, they cause significant damage and loss of life. As a result of many years of research, it was found that avalanches strongly depend on the meteorological and synoptic conditions of each individual winter. The main indicator of the danger of the current season is the total and maximum volumes of avalanches in a particular river basin. It strongly depends on the height and water content of the snow cover and the amount of precipitation. The correlation coefficients are 0.36...0.66. In some avalanche-prone winters (1965...66, 1986...87, 2016...17) in the river basin. In Kishi Almaty, the total volume of avalanches reaches 300...500 thousand m3, and in non-avalanche-hazardous winters it does not exceed 20...30 thousand m3. During the years of minimal solar and cyclonic activity in the studied avalanche basin, the highest snow cover heights and avalanche activity are observed. This is probably due to the fact that winter cyclones produce precipitation in the foothill areas in cold years. And the increase in snowfall and avalanche activity is more associated with spring warming and the beginning of snow melting. Studying the meteorological conditions of avalanche formation helps assess the potential danger of the current season. This is of practical importance for planning the work of tourist sites and operational rescue services in the mountains.

Blood Parasitic Diseases of Cattle in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic of Azerbaijan

The result of a study on the distribution of parasitosis in cattle in the Nakhichevan Autonomous Republic of Azerbaijan is presented. In a study of 422 heads of cattle, parasite carriage reached 73%. Increased infestation is observed in lowland and foothill areas. The most common species are Theileria annulata(65.6%) and Anaplasma marginale(14.9%). To combat blood-parasitic diseases in the Republic, it is necessary to determine the type of blood-parasitic diseases, study the species composition of ixodid ticks and seasonal periods of parasitism, the reasons for the spread of ticks. In conclusion, a number of practical measures for the prevention of blood parasitic diseases are proposed.

Spatiotemporal drought characteristics during growing seasons of the winter wheat and summer maize in the North China Plain

The North China plain (NCP) is an important production base for winter wheat and summer maize in China. Severe droughts seriously restrict agricultural production in this region, threatening food security. Based on the standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index (SPEI), this study explored the spatial and temporal drought characteristics during the winter wheat and summer maize growing seasons in the region. The study found that: 1) From 1980 to 2013, the drought trend of the winter wheat growing season in the NCP has intensified, with Huang-Huai Plain agricultural area (HH_P) showing the most significant drought trend. However, the summer maize growing season has become wetter, with the Shandong hilly agricultural and forestry area (SD_Q) showing the most significant wetting trend. 2) After the year 2003, the results from Mann-Kendall trend analysis revealed that the drought trend of HH_P during the winter wheat growing season became particularly pronounced, but the wetting trend of SD_Q and HH_P during the summer maize growing season became more evident. 3) The dominant spatial patterns observed in the NCP during the growing seasons of winter wheat and summer maize were marked by a consistent distribution of drought and wetness conditions. For winter wheat, the southern regions of the foothill plain area of Yanshan and Taihang Mountains (YT_P) and the low-lying plain area of Hebei, Shandong, and Henan (JLY_P) were more sensitive to the changes of drought and wet conditions. For summer maize, SD_Q was more sensitive to the changes of the drought and wet conditions. The results of this study could provide references for the formulation of drought relief strategies of winter wheat and summer maize in the NCP.

Epizootological Features and Prevention of Fascioliasis in Sheep on the Julfa District Territory

The article reflects the epizootological features of fascioliasis in sheep kept in various individual and farm enterprises on the territory of the Julfa district, and the results of studies aimed at studying preventive measures against helminthiasis. As a result of the studies, carried out, it was found that both types of fascioles parasitize in animals in farms: Fasciola hepatica Linnaeus, 1758 and Fasciola gigantica Cobbold, 1855. According to the results of examination of internal organs (liver and gallbladder) of 194 head pf sheep, in which an incomplete helminthological autopsy was performed, the intensity of invasion (II) was 1.1 helminth/animal, and the extensiveness (IE) was 37.6%. When analyzing the intensity of the spread of invasion depending on the altitude zones of the terrain, in 2023, during the helminthological examination of the internal organs of animals in mountainous and foothill areas, fascioles were not detected. And when examining during the autopsy of the internal organs of animals in farms located near swampy areas in the lowland zone, helminths were observed. Since that year the air temperature was higher than the annual norm, which led to the drying of stagnant water in many areas, the intermediate host organisms of fascioles died, as a result, this led to a decrease in the percentage of infection.

BIOCLIMATIC AND HYDROMINERAL COMPONENTS OF NATURAL RECREATIONAL POTENTIAL OF THE CARPATHIAN REGION OF UKRAINE

Among the components of the natural recreational potential of the Carpathian region of Ukraine, a special place is occupied by bioclimatic and hydromineral resources, therefore the purpose of the work is to assess their features. The bioclimatic component of the natural recreational potential of this region determines the comfort (discomfort) of human sensations and well-being, so it is important to identify possible positive and negative impacts of various climatic factors and their dynamics in mountain and foothill areas during different seasons of the year. The bioclimatic component of the natural recreational potential is assessed from the point of view of the comfort of climatic conditions for the body of a healthy person. The work is based on the results of modeling the average daily values of air temperature (t), wind speed (v) and relative humidity (f) according to the RCP4.5 scenario (trajectory of changes in the average level of greenhouse gases concentration) from 2021 to 2050 and data from the climate cadastre of Ukraine (1961-1990) at three stations (Dolyna, Rava-Ruska, Uzhgorod) in the foothill areas of the region. There was conducted a study of the possible bioclimatic potential of the Carpathian region of Ukraine and trends of its dynamics until 2050. The article analyzes the features of mineral healing waters of four national nature parks of the Ukrainian Carpathians.

Research of floods in the mountains and foothill areas of Uzbekistan

The article examines the rising frequency of extreme weather events linked to global climate change, particularly noting an increase in flash floods and peak flow rates over the last decade. To conduct the analysis, mathematical and statistical techniques were employed, followed by field data collection and comparative calculations of the measurements obtained. The findings reveal a clear correlation between the rise in flooding incidents and global climate change. In Uzbekistan, the mudflow-active watersheds cover an area of 53,770 km², representing 12% of the nation’s total land area. There are 709 mudflow-active waterways, and 858 national and other economic structures are situated within flood-prone zones. Additionally, the impacts of climate change and natural disasters extend across borders and are influenced by the management of natural resources. Flood-related damages tend to be substantial, but they can be significantly mitigated through well-organized flood control measures based on scientific principles, such as assessing flood hazards in developed mountainous areas and implementing effective preventive and warning measures, including the establishment of flood hazard warning services. Thus, to effectively prevent disasters, it is essential to establish cross-border monitoring and early warning systems.

Evaluation of Microbiological and Chemical Properties of Soils as a Result of Anthropogenic Denudation

Excessive agricultural intensification adversely affects soil quality, particularly in hilly terrain, leading to increased erosion. Anthropogenic denudation, intensified by tillage erosion, results in the displacement of soil material from hilltops and shoulders to their bases. The research hypothesis posits that tillage erosion adversely affects the microbiological and chemical properties of soils, especially at the hilltops of intensively cultivated areas. The study aimed to assess the microbiological and chemical properties of Luvisols cultivated under conventional plowing in the moraine region of the Southern Krajna Lakeland, Poland. The evaluation focused on the results of soil sample analyses taken from the hilltops and foothills of eroded mounds. Microbiological investigations included determining the abundance of actinomycetes, filamentous fungi, heterotrophic bacteria, cellulolytic microorganisms, copiotrophs, and oligotrophs. Additionally, pH values and the contents of phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, total organic carbon, and nitrogen were determined. A higher abundance of bacteria, actinomycetes, and copiotrophs was observed at the foothills. Statistically significant differences due to slope effects were noted for all chemical parameters, with higher concentrations of organic carbon, nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus found in the foothill areas. Understanding denudation processes can contribute to sustainable soil resource use and agrocenosis conservation.

The Transition of Forest Cover and Its Cultural Values in Shrine/Temple Forests in the Mountainous and Foothill Areas of Kyoto City: A Study Based on Topographic Maps and Aerial Photos

There is growing interest in the diverse roles of forests in addressing climate change and biodiversity goals. Recent studies have indicated a disregard for the cultural values of forests that have been formed in close association with human activities. This may potentially lead to the loss of cultural characteristics, traditional forest knowledge, and biodiversity. This study explores historical forest dynamics and their unique cultural values from the end of the 19th century in 15 shrine/temple forests located in the mountainous and foothill areas of Kyoto city. Using geographical information systems (GIS) based on topographic maps and aerial photographs, this study investigates the forest composition in the 1890s, 1980s, and from 2010. The results indicate that approximately half of the targeted shrine/temple forests were composed of low Pinus densiflora forests and coppice forests in the 1890s. Between the 1890s and 1910s, coniferous forests were planted in these areas with the intention of land conservation and timber production. This distinctive forest cover became a typical characteristic for shrine/temple forests until the 1980s. However, from the 1980s, a decrease in the cultural value of shrine/temple forests was observed due to the lack of human activities in these forests. As a result, the distinction between shrine/temple forests and the surrounding forests has become blurred. This could potentially cause the homogenization of cultural characteristics. This study aims to inform readers of the cultural value associated with the historical landscape and biodiversity found in shrine/temple forests.

Interaction among local flows, UHI, coastal winds, and complex terrain: Effect on urban-scale temperature and building energy consumption during heatwaves

Extreme heat aggravates thermal stress and electricity shortage in urban areas. This study investigates the (circulating) winds in Hong Kong during a heatwave. Unprecedentedly, the collective effect of coastal winds, complex terrain, and local flows on urban temperatures and air-conditioning load intensity (ACLI) is examined using the mesoscale Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model. Three representative wind patterns, including urban-accelerated channel wind, channel-wind-induced heat advection, and urban-mountain-stagnated sea-breeze, are analyzed. Our results show that the mountain blockage in foothill areas would increase 2-m temperatures (T2) and ACLI by 1 °C to 2 °C and 5 W/m2, respectively. ACLI in compact high-rise areas (LCZ 1) is most sensitive to extreme heat. Moreover, the urban heat island (UHI) downstream is crucial that would accelerate channel flows by 1.66 m/sec (50.26 %). On the other hand, terrain-induced channel winds augment heat advection, increasing downstream T2 (0.7 °C) and ACLI (2.62 W/m2). UHI-induced local flows interact with hilly slopes, stagnating the sea breeze on mountain leeward side. Subsequently, the winds would be slowed down by 0.81 m/sec while the temperature T2 would be increased by 0.9 °C in downstream urban areas. Eventually, the daytime ACLI could be raised as much as 6.41 W/m2.

Evaluation and Error Source Analysis of Convection‐Permitting Forecasts for Localized Nocturnal Rainfall Over a Complex Mountainous Region in Pearl River Delta, South China

AbstractThe concave mountainous area of Pearl River Delta (PRD) is a summer rainfall hotspot of South China due to the presence of warm‐moist monsoon flow and complex orography. This study evaluated the performance of a convection‐permitting Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model in forecasting nocturnal rainfall in this area, focusing on days with low level southwesterly winds during the summers of 2013–2015. Results showed that the nocturnal rainfall exhibited two centers, one located along the large‐scale northern mountains and the other along the small‐scale Huadu Hill. WRF demonstrated superior performance in predicting rainfall over the northern mountainous region. In contrast, WRF significantly underestimated nocturnal rainfall both near local Huadu Hill and in the foothill area of northern mountains, which were strongly influenced by local forcings. Using high‐resolution analyses from Variational Doppler Radar Analysis System (VDRAS) and Automatic Weather Stations observations, we firstly identified the sources of forecast errors in triggering a typical localized nocturnal convection. Results revealed that WRF severely underestimated thermal contrast between the Guangdong‐Hong Kong‐Macao Greater Bay Area urban agglomeration and the concave mountains, leading to the absence of the northeastern/northern inflows toward the cities. Consequently, low level convergence and updrafts near the convection initiation position were too weak to lift air parcels above the severely overestimated level of free convection, thereby failing to trigger the convection. VDRAS‐based sensitivity experiments, with a specific focus on assimilating surface temperature, validated the crucial role of urban‐mountain thermal contrast on local winds that triggered the nocturnal convection.

A micro scale study of Mahananda river bank erosion and temporal Land use land cover scenario with special reference to natural forest in the foothills of Darjeeling Himalaya, West Bengal, India

Bank erosion is an inevitable vestige of past to evident fluvial dynamics in relation to its discharge and velocities and work-load in view of its load washed or unwashed. The central idea is best suited to study the case of River Mahananda alias Mahanadi within the Upper Mahananda River basin area having similar kind of attestation of facts. The present study needed extraction of satellite imageries of Landsat from USGS sites associated with its processing and ultimately to frame out the temporal scenes through NDVI technique to visualize if the forest cover is at all influenced by bank erosion or not or for specific scales whatever is the reality. The inference registered heavy scouring along the hugging banks with temporal avulsions and bed aggradation. The rates of change of foothill forest areas and variation of cultivable areas for a period of 30 years initiating from 1990 is addressed to study here.

EFFECTIVENESS OF PRECISION AGRICULTURE ELEMENTS IN POTATO PRODUCTION IN THE WESTERN SIBERIAN FOREST-STEPPE

Theresultsofcomprehensiveresearchconductedin 2020-2022 usinggeoinformationtechnologies in potato cultivation at ZAO Plemzavod "Irmens" in the Ordynsky District of the Novosibirsk Region, located in the forest-steppe zone of Western Siberia, are presented. Potatoes require specific environmental factors to achieve high yields with good product quality. Using satellite navigation systems ensures an increase in potato yield and product quality. The research aims to develop elements of potato cultivation technology using innovative satellite navigation systems. The experiments were conducted in the soil and climate zone of drained forest-steppe in the northern forest-steppe area of the Priobye foothills. The soil of the experimental plots is alkaline black soil with a humus content of 6.32%, total nitrogen content of 0.28%, phosphorus content of 0.23%, and potassium content of 1.19%. The concentration of quickly hydrolysable nitrogen was 10.3, exchangeable phosphorus was 20.7, and exchangeable potassium was 14.4 mg/100 g of soil, with a pH of Early potato varieties Gala and Riviera were cultivated in the experiments. During the research period, aggregated data were obtained, and regression equations between yield indicators, the sum of productive soil moisture reserves, and precipitation in interphase periods of potato varieties were calculated. Correlation coefficients were determined for specific interphase periods. The dependence of potato yield on precipitation indicators in interphase periods was established. The significance of precision agriculture elements in ensuring early potato varieties' high product and quality was noted.

Фотограмметрическая оценка деформационных процессов на оползневых склонах при обеспечении устойчивого развития территорий Кавказа

Introduction. Sustainable development of geo-resources in modern realities is a priority for ensuring sustainable development of the territories of the Russian Federation. In the absence of real mechanisms for its implementation, the territories most sensitive to climate change (the subtropical zone of the Caucasus) will be exposed to increased risks of an increase in dangerous hydro meteorological phenomena. At the same time, the issues of improving methods for assessing deformation processes on landslide slopes become particularly relevant. Materials and methods. The object of the study was a slope located near the “Winter Theater” (Sochi) on the road surface of the descent to the sea where a system of cracks was observed. The area under study was photographed point by point with a Nikon D3100 camera, after which the photographs were depixelized to obtain PNG ASCII files. After this file, standard smoothing processed the containing data arrays and three-dimensional interpolation procedures to obtain regression models that were presented in the software «gnuplot». Results. As a result of completed stage of research, a methodology for determining the deformation processes of slope systems using the photometric method, which is based on the processing of a high-precision raster image (photo) by analytical methods, was adapted and formed. In our case, there would be a series of values only for the line of sites (n = 9) for all pickets (N from 11 to 23). When analyzing only this series, we could conclude that ε varies nonlinearly from 12 (N= 23 m) to the first local maximum of 20 mm (N= 21 to 22 m). Afterwards there is a decline to 17 mm (N = 20 m) and so on, but in general, they do not exceed 23 mm. While when using the photometric method, we can observe in certain areas (segments) that the amount of deformation of the asphalt road reaches up to 40 mm. Discussion. Compared to most similar studies (geo-statistical methods for processing satellite images, classical geodetic methods, methods of geophysics, the photometric method for identifying fractured structures, as well as assessing their development, is more accurate and less labor-intensive in conducting field experiments. Conclusion. To ensure sustainable development of the Caucasus territories, it is necessary to significantly improve the quality of monitoring of road surfaces located in foothill and mountain areas (especially in the presence of serpentine roads). As a result of the completed stage of research, a methodology for determining the deformation processes of slope systems using the photometric method, which is based on the processing of a high-precision raster image (photo) by analytical methods, was adapted and formed. Future research should focus on the methodology for transitioning to displacement rates and considering the response spaces of crack profile dynamics. Resume. The article presents the results of studies of deformation processes of slope systems in a dangerous landslide zone (Winter Theater of Sochi) of the Eastern Black Sea region. It has been established that the width of the walls of crack No. 2 on the road section under study in 2022 increases nonlinearly according to a polynomial law, while the absolute values of deformations can vary from 3 to 40 mm. In addition, a methodology for using the photometric method to assess the degree of cracking in slope systems is presented. The results of the study can be used in the development of a methodology for geoecological monitoring of the condition of road surfaces of highways in mountainous areas. The proposed methodological approaches to processing raster data sets can be used to develop algorithms for managing natural and technical systems in the mining industry.

High-frequency fluctuation of air temperature during a heatwave event in urban environment and the physical mechanism behind

Heatwaves threaten human health and power systems. Urban climate is non-stationary and wide-spectrum, with high-frequency temperature and wind-speed variations that could overload power grids and expose people to extreme heat. In this study, Hilbert-Huang transform (HHT) was unprecedentedly used to decompose the urban-scale temperature (IMFθ1 to IMFθ6) and wind-speed (IMFW1 to IMFW6) signals during a 5-day heatwave event into 6 intrinsic mode functions (IMFs). The spatio-temporal characteristics, physical mechanism, and effective ranges of high-frequency components (IMF1 to IMF4) were unveiled. Temperature (wind speed) IMFθ1 to IMFθ4 (IMFW1 to IMFW4) had a temporal scale of 2.63 h (2.53 h), 5.88 h (5.78 h), 13.16 h (9.84 h), and 22.72 h (19.05 h); as well as a spatial scale of 2.31 km (0.99 km), 4.29 km (1.65 km), 5.94 km (2.64 km), and 6.6 km (2.97 km), respectively. The physical mechanisms of IMF1 to IMF4 were composed of turbulence and heat storage/release; disturbance induced by mountainous terrain and slope flows; land/sea breeze, together with anthropogenic heat. Besides, the peaked amplitudes of IMFθ1 were most risky in compact/open high-rise urban (1.4 °C–1.6 °C) rather than rural (0.6 °C–1.0 °C) areas. The foothill areas within 8-km coverage were susceptible to IMFθ2 (1 °C–2.1 °C). IMFθ3 (0.6 °C–3.6 °C) was effective in urban areas within 10 km from coastline. IMFθ4 (2.5 °C–3.5 °C) exhibited the most intense fluctuation in urban/suburban areas. The outcome provides references for policy makers to mitigate heat-related risks.

Гендерные маркеры погребений римского времени из могильника Опушки

This paper makes an attempt to identify the markers of various gender groups among those buried in the cemetery of Opushki, which is located in the central part of the Crimean foothill area. A total of 266 burials (167 child, 59 female, and 40 male graves) dating from the first to fourth century AD have been analysed. All these monuments belong to the Late Scythian and the Neizats archaeological cultures. The analysis undertaken indicates that neither grave construction, nor funeral rite had gender specificity. In this perspective, the composition of grave goods was more expressive. The exclusively female and child accessories were mirrors, spindle whorls, and bells; moreover, graves of children usually received only fragments of mirrors, though women’s burials got complete artefacts. Scythian arrowheads, faience amulets, and pendants made of coins and mollusc shells were predominantly children’s attributes. The finds of weapons, horse harness, and iron rod-shaped artefacts and flints, probably used to make fire, were associated with male graves only. The buckles were also concentrated mostly in male graves. Although the brooches, ornaments, vessels, knives, and whetstones appeared in the burials of all sex-and-age groups, gender specificity might be observed in minor details, i.e. quantity, frequency of occurrence, ways of usage, and so on. It is especially pronounced with the ornaments, mainly in case of the beads.