Northern Territories Research Articles

What people remember, but history does not see. Resettlement of Carpathian Roma during Operation Vistula

This article pertains to the resettlement of the Carpathian Roma during Operation Vistula and their successive relocation to the Western and Northern Territories of post war Poland. The story of their displacement is absent from narratives regarding the sub-deportation social landscape in post-1947 Poland, just as there is very little information about their subsequent resettlement in the present-day Podkarpackie Voivodeship.

Post-COVID-19 immune homeostasis among 50–60 years old men with comorbidities living in the Аrctic region

BACKGROUND: The Northern and Arctic territories are known for their harsh natural and climatic conditions. It is important to prioritize the health of the population in these regions, as people are the primary resource for the Russian Federation’s long-term plans for the development of the Arctic. One unique aspect of immune regulation in the relatively healthy residents of the Arctic region is a decrease in adaptive immunity activity, particularly in the humoral link (HLA-DR+, IgE), alongside heightened cell-mediated cytotoxicity (CD8+). The COVID-19 pandemic has affected all districts of the Arkhangelsk region, further highlighting the importance of health in these remote areas. In addition to common regional pathologies such as upper respiratory tract diseases, inflammatory gastrointestinal pathologies are also prevalent in the Arctic region. AIM: To study cellular immune response in 50–60 years old men with a history of gastrointestinal diseases(erosive gastritis), who have survived the COVID-19 in the Arctic region. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An immunological examination was conducted on 26 men aged 50–60 from Arkhangelsk, who had a history of chronic erosive gastritis in long-term remission and had experienced mild cases of COVID-19. The examination included the determination of leukocytes, lymphocytes, and their phenotypes (CD5+, CD8+, CD10+, CD95+). RESULTS: In men 6–11 months after COVID-19 infection, the adaptive immune response was marked by a deficiency of CD3+ T-cells in 88.5% of cases, elevated concentrations of CD10+ cells in 23.1%, increased levels of leukocytes, lymphocytes, and neutrophils (by 15.4%, 34.6%, 30.8%, respectively), eleveted CD8+ cell-mediated cytotoxicity (65.4%), and an increase in CD95+ cells in 38.5% of the cases. CONCLUSIONS:The cellular immune response observed in the study is characterized by a 65.4% increase in cytotoxicity (CD8+), a significant deficiency of T-lymphocytes (CD3+) in 88.5% of cases, and a low level of phagocytic protection in 38.5% of individuals. These findings indicate a poor prognosis for the recurrence of chronic diseases.

The Rise of the ‘Impenetrable Hedge’: African Intermediaries and the Legacy of Colonial Wars in Northern Ghana, 1896–1920

AbstractThis article sheds light on the effects that the unrest created by early twentieth-century colonial wars had on the increasing power of African colonial intermediaries in the Northern Territories of the Gold Coast. By managing interpretation processes as well as developing a monopoly on the use of violence, interpreters, soldiers, clerks, and chiefs created what the officers called an ‘impenetrable hedge’. Analyzing how these different figures deployed their power, the article argues that there was historical continuity in the formation of the intermediaries and the methods employed by them between the years of the colonial wars and the later British administration. Despite their institutional role, however, precariousness remained a central facet of these agents’ experiences. The article shows that they were continually challenged at a grassroots level, and suggests that it was only through the use of coercion that they were able to maintain their position.

Weight and linear growth of the skeleton of domestic reindeer of the Nenets breed

Reindeer are one of the most widespread and adapted representatives of the northern territories of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation. Features of skeletal development are an important ontogenetic feature that reflects the level of development of the animal and the degree of realization of its genetic resource in the phenotype. The purpose of the presented research is to study the characteristics of the growth and development of the skeleton of the Nenets reindeer breed, taking into account the sex and age of the animals. Data were obtained on the peripheral and axial growth of skeletal bones from birth to the end of growth of males and females. Based on the studies conducted, it was possible to establish that in the postnatal period, the axial part of the skeleton of male and female reindeer grows faster than the peripheral part. Linear bone growth in deer ends earlier than weight growth. Females, compared to males, are characterized by more intense weight and linear growth of the skeleton, which confirms the relatively earlier completion of the growth and development of the body of females in relation to males of the same age. The growth rate of the reindeer skeleton is inferior to the rate of increase in live weight, which increases mainly due to the active growth of other tissues and organs. The greatest increase in skeletal mass and linear growth is observed during the milk period. Consequently, the first six months of a reindeer’s life are of great importance for the formation of physique, physiological precocity and the level of future meat and labor productivity. The revealed patterns of skeletal growth for reindeer of the Nenets breed do not exclude the possibility of extending them to reindeer of other breeds.

Zoning and forecasting as the basis for sustainable spatial development (on the example of the territories of the Republic of Karelia)

abstractPurpose: is to develop a methodology for zoning and socio-economic forecasting of the state of the northern and arctic territories in order to produce a conceptual framework to ensure their sustainability.Methods: the work is based on the statistical indicators and rating scores of the spatial development of the territories of the Republic of Karelia, indicators of financial statements of companies operating in the region, and other public information about them for 2010-2021. A number of methods of multivariate statistics, in particular, cluster and regression analysis, mapping method and scenario approach were used to analyze the data.Results: the study shows the importance of zoning and forecasting in the design and implementation of sustainable spatial development policy, as well as the need to update and adapt existing tools to new challenges and characteristics of the regions. The methodology of zoning of territories, based on the existing economic relations between actors and the role of human capital in sustainable development was developed. The methodology of mediumand long-term forecasting of socio-economic space, taking into account the mutual influence of adjacent territorial units, was proposed. The methods have been tested for the Karelian Arctic and economically connected territories of the North; a dynamic zoning model has been built. The forecast of mediumand long-term development of this space was carried out with the use of institutional innovations and overcoming of "bottlenecks" by the subjects of management.Conclusions and Relevance: the results obtained can become the basis for the policy of regional development. The paper proposes a conceptual framework of sustainable development strategy for the territories of the Republic of Karelia under consideration. It is shown that one of the fundamental problems of the majority of the northern territories is low human capital characteristics; in this connection a number of institutional changes, in particular, affecting the methodology of calculating social deductions for personal income tax and issuing referrals for targeted training, is proposed. This determines the practical signifi e of the study. The continuation of the work will be the detailing of the policy of sustainable development of Karelia.

People in the North: Guidelines for Social Policy of the Soviet State in the Arctic (1920s — 1930s)

The article examines the social problems of the development of the Arctic in the early Soviet period. The features of the social policy of the Soviet state in relation to the indigenous peoples of the northern territories are shown. The contradiction between the desire of the Soviet state to introduce the principles of socialism into the daily life of aborigines and the real level of socio-economic development of the indigenous peoples of the North is revealed. The living conditions of the non-indigenous population in the territories adjacent to the Northern Sea Route are considered. It is concluded that the solution of the problems of the social policy of the Soviet state in the process of developing the Arctic was subordinated to the main task of launching and operating the Northern Sea Route.

The Role of Non-Arctic Powers in the Arctic Geopolitical Space

The Arctic region is increasingly emerging as a pivotal factor in the geopolitical landscape of international relations. It serves as an arena where the interests of major global powers converge, encompassing vast mineral reserves, territorial disputes, and the ongoing development of the Northern Sea Route. Arctic nations are establishing frameworks for cooperation and regional development, resulting in the creation of international organizations such as the Arctic Council and the formulation of comprehensive programs for the sustainable development of northern territories. This article aims to assess the involvement of non-Arctic powers in the development of the Arctic. Notable emerging actors include the People’s Republic of China, India, South Korea, Japan, and the European Union. Our examination reveals their significant contributions to economic development, the establishment of scientific centers focused on ecological research and climate change, as well as mineral exploration. Furthermore, this research raises important questions regarding the legal status of the Arctic seas, particularly those through which commercial vessels navigate. In the foreseeable future, potential scenarios involve further modifications to the institutional governance of the Arctic region, an expansion of the Arctic Council’s authority and membership, and the negotiation of new international legal agreements to facilitate cooperative interstate development in the Arctic based on effective and trust-based partnerships.

Об итогах и уроках председательства России в Арктическом совете (2021–2023 гг.)

The article summarizes the results of Russia’s chairmanship in the Arctic Council (AC, Council) in 2021–2023, analyzes the relationship with the state national and international policy, and systematizes the key results. The authors identify four main periods of Russian chairmanship. The article presents general logical, theoretical, and empirical research methods. It is noted that due to the boycott of a number of Western countries because of the events in Ukraine, the Russian Federation focused its efforts in the Arctic direction on the northern territories of the country and was able to achieve certain successes. Russia has carried out most of the planned activities related to economic and social development, climate change, ecology, human capital, indigenous peoples’ activities, tourism, and prevention of emergency situations in the Arctic. The “Arctic Youth” direction well represented, and a large number of projects for youth events and career guidance were launched. The conclusion is made: during the 2-year period the government paid special attention to improving the functioning of the Northern Sea Route, socio-economic development of the Arctic regions of the Russian Federation, but due to the geopolitical situation Russia failed to fully realize its plans. The authors note that the course of the chairmanship was internally incomplete, especially during the recent periods. The remote transfer of the chairmanship of the Arctic Council to Norway raises many questions. It is hoped that the full status and composition of the AC will be restored. Russia still proceeds from the fact that the pressing problems of the Arctic region can be solved only through balanced and mutually beneficial international co-operation.

Genetic resources and genetic technologies for the development of the Northern Territories: on the results of the Second Conference (March 13–15, 2023)

A series of events in honor of the centenary of the Polar Experiment Station of VIR founded by Nikolay Ivanovich Vavilov, was opened by the Second Scientific Conference “Genetic Resources and Genetic Technologies for the Development of Northern Territories”, which took place on March 13-15, 2023. The objective of the Conference was to provide a regular platform for the exchange of experience, consolidation of efforts and development of interdisciplinary approaches between specialists – geneticists, resource scientists and biotechnologists, as well as specialists from related areas of biology, medicine and other sciences, whose joint efforts are aimed at increasing the demand for bio-resource collections and the role of genetic technologies in the development of the northern regions of the country. The Conference was organized by the Federal Research Centre the N.I. Vavilov All-Russian Institute of Plant Genetic Resources (VIR), the Vavilov Society of Geneticists and Breeders (VOGiS), the Russian Geographical Society (RGS), Scientific Council on Genetics and Breeding of the RAS, Scientific Council of RAS for the Studies of the Arctic and Antarctic, and the Russian Botanical Society (RBS). The Conference was held online. The program of the Conference included three sections: “Effective Development of Northern Agriculture: Genetic Resources of Agricultural Plants and Microorganisms, Genetic Technologies and Interdisciplinary Research”; “Farm Animals, Marine Mammals and Commercial Fish in the Far North: Conservation and Study of Genetic Resources, Breeding and Interdisciplinary Research”; “Health and Longevity of the Population in Northern Territories: Genetic and Interdisciplinary Studies (Including Model Organisms)”, as well as a Round Table “Expeditionary Research in the Arctic and Northern Regions of Russia: Experience of Young Scientists”. Altogether, five plenary presentations, one evening lecture and 23 section reports were made. Genetic, genomic and omics research using valuable genetic resources of plants, animals and microorganisms, as well as human biomaterials, including bio-resource ex situ collections from regions with extreme nature and climate conditions is the basis for acquiring knowledge, creating a set of tools and developments that contribute to socio-economic development and security in the Arctic, addressing health-saving issues, improving the quality of life of the population and partial food self-sufficiency of the regions of the North and the Arctic. The development of these aspects is important for the implementation of the State scientific and technical policy of the Russian Federation, considering the Presidential Decrees 164 of March 5, 2020, and 645 of October 26, 2020. The article presents the main trends announced at the Conference and publishes the Resolution adopted by the Conference.

Neoproterozoic to early Paleozoic crustal growth, recycling, and the changing geodynamics of North Gondwana

Understanding crustal growth, reworking, and geodynamics of the northern continental margin of Gondwana during Ediacaran to Silurian times plays an important role in Gondwana's paleogeographic reconstruction. This study uses a combination of bulk-rock geochemistry, magmatic and detrital zircon geochronology, zircon trace element, and O-Hf isotope data to evaluate the Ediacaran-early Paleozoic magmatic history of northern Gondwana. Our detrital zircon data from Ediacaran to Ordovician sedimentary successions of central Iran show that the 620–500 Ma detrital zircon likely originates from the erosion of the Cadomian arcs in Iran and Anatolia. This zircon shows variable εHf(t) and δ18O values and Nb/Yb, U/Yb, and U/Nb, resembling arc rocks. The Cryogenian (1000–620 Ma) detrital zircon with juvenile εHf(t) and mantle-like δ18O values could have been supplied from erosion of the juvenile crust of the ANS. The youngest age peaks of 488–450 Mafor detrital zircon, in upper Cambrian-Ordovician sedimentary rocks, are considered to show the rifting of Gondwana and Paleotethys opening. Abundant unrounded 2.5 Ga detrital zircon from Ediacaran sandstones probably shows uplift and exhumation of a local source, i.e., the Archean crust of Iran. The Neoproterozoic igneous rocks formed firstly during the subduction of oceanic lithosphere (Mozambique Ocean) beneath northern Gondwana around 880 Ma to form the ANS juvenile crust. Later, the magmatism moved from the ANS toward the northern territories of Gondwana, with peak magmatism at 570–525 Ma. In Cambrian to Ordovician, the Cadomian magmatic arc was uplifted and eroded, and the geodynamic setting switched into juvenile magmatism following rifting of northern Gondwana.

Standalone power system with photovoltaic and thermoelectric installations for power supply of remote monitoring and control stations for oil pipelines

During the operation of oil pipelines, accidents with oil spills may occur, which can cause severe damage to the ecological situation in the region and disrupt many processes in nature. The oil pipeline’s remote monitoring and control systems (RMCS) are used to prevent such situations. In areas remote from the centralized power supply, it is necessary to use a standalone power system (SPS) to provide electricity to RMCS facilities. Examples of such facilities are remote monitoring and control (RMC) stations, including systems for monitoring the state of the oil pipeline and its parameters, leak detection systems, and the pipeline’s cathodic protection. The paper proposes a methodology for sizing SPS with a photovoltaic plant, an on-pipe thermoelectric generator, and batteries for the power supply of the RMC station. The idea of the work is to use energy sources that are most efficient at opposite seasons of the year. Particle swarm optimization is used to optimize the sizing of SPS components. The technical optimization criterion is the loss of load probability. The economic optimization criterion is the levelized cost of electricity. The impact of the oil temperature at the point of the RMC station on the efficiency of the thermoelectric generator is estimated. The calculations carried out in this work were made for the climate region of the Vankorsk oil and gas field in the north of Russia. The methodology proposed in this paper can also be used for northern territories, such as Canada, Norway, and the USA.

Pre-Mesozoic sediments of the Tunguska sedimentary basin complicated by the products of intrusive trap magmatism: Hydrocarbon potential, development issues and their solutions

The sedimentary basin examined in this paper is the largest of the three main basins of the Siberian Platform: the Tunguska (S > 1.2 million km2), the Irkutsk (S = 825 thousand km2) and the Pre-Verkhoyansk-Vilyui (according to various estimates, from 280 to 350 thousand km2). Meanwhile, in the Tunguska sedimentary basin area (as of 01.01.2023), only seven hydrocarbon fields have been discovered (quite insignificant in terms of reserves), which is a fairly modest result in comparison to the other two above-mentioned sedimentary basins (much smaller in area) and cannot be explained by the fact that the Tunguska sedimentary basin is poorly studied in terms of oil and gas geology prospecting criteria. Despite the considerable amount of information on the geological structure of the Tunguska sedimentary basin obtained during geological surveying, prospecting and thematic works; special studies devoted to detailed structural and facies analysis and the history of formation of the Permian–Triassic intrusive stratum, all of the above is clearly insufficient. The correlation of the northern and southern types of sections of this stratum is also insufficiently developed, considering the role of facies substitution of the tuffs from the southern part of the Tunguska sedimentary basin by the lavas of its northern territories. Regional studies concerning the identification of magmatic activity centers and determination of the main types of natural mechanisms that initiated the global process of trap magmatism are insufficiently presented. The appearance in recent years of the new data on the little- studied areas of the Putorana Plateau in the north of the sedimentary basin made it possible to create a more comprehensive picture and begin to study the history of the formation of the volcanic strata of the entire sedimentary basin. Thus, despite the relatively poor geological study of the Tunguska sedimentary basin and the presence of traps (reservoir and transgressive intrusions) in the section, the oil and gas prospects of this sedimentary basin can be assessed rather optimistically. Most of the predicted and potential hydrocarbon resources are associated with the Vendian–Lower Cambrian and Riphean complexes.

Patterns of genetic differentiation imply distinct phylogeographic history of the mosquito species Anopheles messeae and Anopheles daciae in Eurasia.

Detailed knowledge of phylogeography is important for control of mosquito species involved in the transmission of human infectious diseases. Anopheles messeae is a geographically widespread and genetically diverse dominant vector of malaria in Eurasia. A closely related species, An. daciae, was originally distinguished from An. messeae based on five nucleotide substitutions in its ribosomal DNA (rDNA). However, the patterns of phylogeographic history of these species in Eurasia remain poorly understood. Here, using internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) of rDNA and karyotyping for the species identification we determined the composition of five Anopheles species in 28 locations in Eurasia. Based on the frequencies of 11 polymorphic chromosomal inversions used as genetic markers, a large-scale population genetics analysis was performed of 1932 mosquitoes identified as An. messeae, An. daciae and their hybrids. The largest genetic differences between the species were detected in the X sex chromosome suggesting a potential involvement of this chromosome in speciation. The frequencies of autosomal inversions in the same locations differed by 13%-45% between the species demonstrating a restricted gene flow between the species. Overall, An. messeae was identified as a diverse species with a more complex population structure than An. daciae. The clinal gradients in frequencies of chromosomal inversions were determined in both species implicating their possible involvement in climate adaptations. The frequencies of hybrids were low ~1% in northern Europe but high up to 50% in south-eastern populations. Thus, our study revealed critical differences in patterns of phylogeographic history between An. messeae and An. daciae in Eurasia. This knowledge will help to predict the potential of the malaria transmission in the northern territories of the continent.

Five Years of Youth Engagement with Kids Help Phone Canada (Part 1): Phone, Chat, Text, and Peer-to-Peer Service Usage Nationally, Provincially, and Over Time.

Background: Child and youth mental health problems represent a substantial burden of illness in Canada, with appropriate services only inconsistently available. Charitable organizations, such as Kids Help Phone (KHP), are, therefore, crucial to filling system gaps by offering 24/7 phone, chat, texting, and peer-to-peer services. Methods: We describe the services provided by KHP, the volume of use for each service, and compare usage across Canada's provinces and territories for a 5-year period from January 2018 to December 2022. Trends seen during the COVID-19 pandemic are highlighted. Results: More than 1.5 million total number of conversations were held across texting, chat, and phone services over 5 years. Considerable growth is demonstrated between 2018 and 2022, and many of the highest peaks in volume occurred in March or April of 2020, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The highest proportional volumes were consistently from the northern territories. Discussion: KHP cannot provide specialized or repeat services, nor can it alone meet the scale of unmet youth mental health needs across the country. Nonetheless, KHP plays a pivotal role in the Canadian mental health system. Efforts to understand the role that KHP and other e-mental health services like it play within the national mental health landscape should be intensified to aid in understanding unmet needs, identify system gaps, and make needed enhancements.

U-Pb (LA-ICP-MS) age of detrital zircons from sandstones of the crater part of the V. Grib kimberlite pipe and KL-01 magmatic object, Arkhangelsk diamondiferous province (north of the East European Platform)

Research subject. Detrital zircons from sandstones that contain no admixtures of magmatic material, sampled from the crater parts of the highly diamondiferous V. Grib kimberlite pipe and KL-01 magmatic object. Both objects are located in the north of the East European Platform, within the Arkhangelsk diamondiferous province, at a distance of ≈100 km from each other. Aim. To obtain the first data on the composition of the U-Pb isotope system of detrital zircons from sandstones of magmatic objects of the Arkhangelsk diamondiferous province in order to evaluate the ages of their sources and reveal correlations with known tectono-thermal events in the continental crust of the region. Materials and methods. Using the LA-ICP-MS method, data were obtained on the composition of the U-Pb isotopic system of 52 zircon grains from the sandstones of the V. Grib pipe and 143 zircon grains from the KL-01 sandstones. Results. Sources of various ages from Archean to Neoproterozoic were established for the studied zircons. However, the majority zircons have Mesoproterozoic age, namely 63 and 65% of grains from the V. Grib pipe and KL-01 object, respectively. The sandstones of the V. Grib pipe contain a larger amount of Meso- and Neo-Archean zircons (≈15%) and a smaller amount of Paleoproterozoic grains (≈14%) compared to those from the KL-01 object ≈7 and 20%, respectively. The population of zircons with the U-Pb ages of 900-700 Ma is absent in the two objects. The minimum age of zircons from sandstones of the crater of the V. Grib pipe (557 ± ± 9 Ma) and KL-01 object (609 ± 9 Ma) is consistent with that of formation of the Vendian sandstones in the area of the pipes of the Arkhangelsk diamondiferous province. Conclusions. The obtained U-Pb age for the studied detrital zircons generally correlate with the previously identified stages of tectono-thermal events in the continental crust of the northern territories of the East European Platform, with the exception of the Mesoproterozoic period 1.7-1.4 and 1.3-1.0 Ga ago, which corresponds to the predominant part U-Pb age values of the studied zircons.

Ninteenth-Century Shipwrecks and the Maritime Cultural Landscape of the Gulf of Mexico

The Gulf of Mexico shifted from a colonial backwater to an active center of increasingly global maritime trade and commerce in the nineteenth century. This was due to the acquisition of the Gulf’s northern territories by the United States as a result of the Louisiana Purchase and the transition of the region and the seas surrounding it into an American territory and economic center. The shipwrecks and maritime infrastructure of the Gulf from that period are a cohesive maritime cultural landscape. That landscape, however, also includes elements and sites that are non-American, but which relate to the other groups and nationalities in the region, as well as shipwrecks associated with Gulf trade that wrecked or were lost outside the geographic boundaries of the Gulf of Mexico while in active trade.

Censorship and autocensorship: Some considerations on the editorial history of the <i>Parhaego</i>

In this article, we have examined some aspects of the editing of the <i>Parhaego</i> (<i>Reflections on Parhae</i>). First of all, we have tried to contextualize the work within the panorama of late Chosŏn historiography. In this sense, we have remarked that the work is part of a gradual reshaping of the story of Parhae, rearticulated within the narrative of Chosŏn history. Yu Tŭkkong’s major contribution was not to revolutionize the historical narrative of Korea nor the perception of the Parhae kingdom, but rather to collect all the sources then available for reconstructing the history of the kingdom, enjoying his privileged position within the Kyujanggak (the Royal Library). In considering this, we have observed that despite the apparent liberalism of the Chŏngjo reign, publishing and scholarship were actually under strict surveillance. During this period, the king imposed a ban on the import of books from the Qing Empire and also forced several scholars to correct their literary style. Amid this climate of control and censorship, the editing of the <i>Parhaego</i> took place－a work that had a rather unusual and troubled genesis, being subjected to numerous alterations and corrections since its publication in 1784. Reconstructing the genesis of this book, albeit only partially, may also provide a starting point for further reflections on authorship during this crucial phase of the Chosŏn period, when the book was exposed to possible corrections, rewritings, and expansions, even without the full consent of the original author. This process is particularly evident in the Parhaego, which was not merely historical work, but also highly political as a manifesto giving voice to the policy of reconquering the Northern Territories that was in vogue in those years.

Multidisciplinary Evaluation of Vulnerabilities: Communities in Northern Mexico

This article takes a holistic view of vulnerabilities within several communities in northern Mexico. The authors use a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative and qualitative data collection methods to capture different dimensions of vulnerability. Using the multidimensional vulnerability framework (MVI), they analyze socioeconomic indicators, including poverty rates, income inequality, access to essential services, and economic well-being in the Mexican state of Chihuahua. Environmental factors such as water scarcity, pollution levels, and natural resource degradation are also included to understand the ecological challenges those communities face, and political factors, including governance structures and policies, determine their influence on vulnerability and resilience. The result indicates that the community prioritizes ecological indicators over social ones. However, in each community this is heterogeneous. In both cases, the ecological and social indicators selected allow for a multidisciplinary approach to vulnerability. By identifying and understanding these issues, policy makers, researchers, and community leaders can work collaboratively to design strategies to mitigate the impacts of these vulnerabilities. In addition, architects and urban planners can offer specific interventions to benefit these communities. This research contributes to the broader field of vulnerability studies by demonstrating the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to understanding and addressing the complex web of vulnerability faced by communities in northern Mexico and territories that share similar characteristics.

Северо-восточный текст русской геоисториософии, геопоэтики и сакральной географии

This article presents the results of the author’s research in the field of sacred geography, geosophy and mythopoetics, as well as semiotics of the cultural space of the North and the Arctic, which can be used in the process of elaborating the value-semantic and symbolic aspects of modern regional programmes and projects for the spatial development of the northern territories. The methodological basis for the study is the semiotic approach and hermeneutics of the texts of the traditional Pomor culture and works included in the mythopoetic space of the Northern text of Russian geophilosophy as well as written and oral literature. Primary attention in the study is paid to the analysis of the geohistoriosophical discourse of “Russian northerness”, interpretation of the symbolism of the “north-eastern orientation” and geocultural identity of Rus’ (Russia) as the “East in the North” in sacred-geographical, geophilosophical and mythopoetic texts. The paper defines the semiotic status of the Pomor wind rose as an axial, pilot symbol, which marked the directions of the “God’s way” for wandering sailors in the Arctic Ocean and in the depths of the “sea of life”. It has been established that in the sacred meteorological sailing directions of the Pomors, set out in the “nautical books”, a special fateful, providential significance was attached to the northeast “midnight” wind, which erupted from the frightening numinous depths of the “high-latitude” Pomor “otherness”. An important part of the article is the presentation of the religious (providential, eschatological) foundations of the traditional Russian image (paradigm) of the exploration of the North and Siberia. Further, the mechanisms of cultural-semiotic transfer (transmission) of the Russian exploratory tradition, rooted in the patristic depths of the zemstvo (sobor) system of “ancient piety”, are described. In addition, the significant role of the creators of the Silver Age of Russian culture in the actualization and expansion of the North-Eastern text of Russian geosophy and geopoetics is noted. The research conducted allows us to draw a conclusion about the dominant, key role of the north-eastern sacred orientation in predetermining and foreshadowing the geocultural and geohistorical destinies of Russia.

NEW DATA ON THE DISTRIBUTION AND ISOTOPIC CHARACTERISTICS OF WOOLLY MAMMOTH REMAINS, <i>MAMMUTHUS PRIMIGENIUS</i> (PROBOSCIDEA, ELEPHANTIDAE), IN THE LATE PLEISTOCENE OF THE MINUSINSK DEPRESSION (SOUTH SIBERIA)

Radiocarbon dating of woolly mammoth remains from the Minusinsk Depression allows for the patterns of its distribution in southern Siberia in the Late Pleistocene to be specified. In the south of Siberia, mammoths are shown to have been most abundant in cold periods, the species having reached its maximum abundance in LGM. So far, there is no single mammoth record that would confidently refer to the warm time interval. During the warm intervals of the Late Pleistocene, the environment in southern Siberia could possibly have not favorable for the permanent habitation of the species Mammuthus primigenius. In general, the mammoths from the Minusinsk Depression retain species-specific features of the content of carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes (δ13C and δ15N) in bone collagen compared to other large herbivores. They show the highest δ15N values with the lowest δ13C, vs reindeer that, on the contrary, demonstrate the lowest δ15N values and a high δ13C. The isotopic signal of other herbivorous mammal species lies between the values of mammoths and reindeer. A comparison of the obtained data on carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes (δ13C and δ15N) of the woolly mammoth remains from the Minusinsk Depression with similar parameters in animals from the north of eastern Siberia reveals significant differences. One of the possible reasons may lie in differences in the diet of animals of the Minusinsk Depression from mammoths of other populations. However, similar trends, i.e. a relatively lower δ15N and higher δ13C content in the Late Pleistocene, are characteristic of both reindeer and woolly rhinoceroses of the Minusinsk Depression. This suggests that the differences in the carbon and nitrogen isotope composition in the Minusinsk Depression mammoths from those from the northern territories are due not only to the type of food, but also to a slightly different isotopic background of the region, associated with the local environment.