Norwegian Border Research Articles

Effects of acidification due to emissions from the Kola Peninsula on fish populations in lakes near the Russian border in northern Norway

In this paper we document the effects of acidification on fish populations in lakes in Sor-Varanger near the Russian border in northern Norway. We used questionnaires in order to assess the current status and distribution of different fish species, and conducted test-fishing to determine relative abundance (CPUE-T) and age structure. Acidification of surface waters in this area is due to emissions of SO2 from smelters on the Kola Peninsula in Russia (Nikel and Zapoljarnij) between 10 and 30 km from the Norwegian border. Sulphur deposition in Sor-Varanger ranges from 0.6 to 2.0 g S m-2 yr-1, which is similar to levels in the most acidified areas in southern Norway. However, a dominant fraction of the acidic deposition reaches the ground in particulate form during summer and autumn. Coastal areas in Sor-Varanger receive small amounts of precipitation; the annual mean is 580 mm. We obtained fish status from 401 lakes, about 40% of all lakes larger than 3 ha, which were inhabited by 236 and 293 populations of Arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus) and brown trout (Salmo trutta), respectively. The extent of fish damage was small as only three populations of Arctic charr were lost, while three populations of Arctic charr and eight populations of brown trout were at various stages of reduction. Damaged and lost fish populations were identified in smaller lakes at relatively high elevations (172–349 m) in six areas in the Jarfjord Mountains, covering a land area of 30.0 km2. Most of the damage probably occurred during the 1970s and 1980s. In lakes that supported or had supported Arctic charr and brown trout, we found a significant relationship between CPUE-T, and acid neutralizing capacity (ANC) and pH, and also between alkalinity and the concentration of inorganic Al for brown trout. In both species, the catch of fish in age groups 1+ and 2+ (CPUE-R) increased significantly with CPUE-T. Affected populations typically exhibited irregular age composition, and age-classes were missing, indicating that reductions in fish populations were due to recruitment failure. The limited fish damage is related to relatively good catchment resistance to acidic inputs, small amounts of wet deposition as well as precipitation. These conditions result in low accumulation of acidic compounds, producing less acidic run-off waters and few episodes of unfavourable water quality.

Atmospheric deposition of trace elements in Norway: Temporal and spatial trends studied by moss analysis

The atmospheric deposition of sixteen trace elements, as inferred by their concentration in moss samples collected in 1985 from 500 sites in Norway, is compared with data from a similar survey in 1977. The deposition patterns of V, Zn, As, Se, Cd, Sb, and Pb are substantially influenced by long-range transport from other parts of Europe, but a general decline is evident from 1977 to 1985, most strongly for Pb. For Cr, Fe, Co, Ni, and Cu the deposition patterns are largely determined by contributions from point sources within Norway and on the Kola peninsula close to the Russian/ Norwegian border. The moss data for Br, I, and partly Se reflect airborne supply from the marine environment, whereas Al and Sc serve as indicators of contributions from soil dust. Contributions to the trace element concentrations in moss from sources other than atmospheric deposition are identified and discussed.

Deep geoelectrical studies in the Finnmark and the Pechenga area by means of the ‘Khibiny’ source

As part of the Soviet-Norwegian programme in geology and geophysics, an investigation of electroconductivity in the upper part of the Earth's crust was carried out in 1989–1991. The measurements were performed using an electrical dipole source, ‘Khibiny’, which is situated on the Kola Peninsula, close to the Norwegian border. A 26 kW car generator supplied square pulses with a peak to peak current of 100 A in the ‘Khibiny’ cable; at a frequency of 0.125 Hz. The distance between the source and the measuring points varied from 60 to 130 km. A stacking technique was applied to identify the weak electromagnetic signals. All the measurements were conducted using a six-component digital automatic station, ZAIS, produced at the Institute of Fundamental Physics of the USSR Academy of Science. As a result of the studies, several conductive current channels in the Pechenga structure on the Russian side of the border were traced into the Pasvik area in Norway. Detailed information on the deeper parts of the electroconductive structures in this area was obtained.

Distribution of Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., in freshwater bodies of Europe

Data are presented on the current geographic distribution of Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., in freshwater bodies of Europe. They dwell in 14 hydrological systems, including basins of U lakes and three rivers. Nine of the lakes (Ladoga, Onega, Kuito and others) arc located in Russia, one in Finland (Saimaa) and one in Sweden (Vänern). All the rivers inhabited by freshwater salmon flow within Norwegian borders. Most of the lakes and rivers have good connection with the Baltic, White or Norwegian Seas. Over the past 20 years the freshwater salmon stock in Lake Imandra (the Kola Peninsula) has completely disappeared as a result of heavy human impact. The situation with such non-migratory salmon, which used to be important to fishing and trade, is also critical in all other water bodies. It is necessary, therefore, to elaborate effective measures for protecting and restoring freshwater salmon in the lakes and rivers of Europe.

Cardiovascular Risk Factor Characterisation of Women in the Community of Strömstad, Sweden, Compared With Other Female Populations

Statistics on the community level have revealed an increased mortality from cardiovascular diseases, especially stroke, among women in the community of Strömstad situated in the northern part of the County of Göteborg and Bohus near the Norwegian border. Based on prevalence data from a population study in Strömstad, to which all women aged 45-64 were invited and 86% attended, it was, however, concluded that history of cardiovascular diseases including stroke were not more common in Strömstad than in Gothenburg and Copenhagen. Traditionally accepted risk factors could not explain an increased mortality from these diseases in Strömstad, as these factors did not differ between Strömstad and a number of other communities, with which Strömstad was compared. It seems reasonable also to take other factors into consideration in order to explain the increased mortality, e.g. socio-economic factors and softness of the drinking water.

The Norwegian–Swedish border 1742–45

The Norwegian–Swedish border 1742–45

Deposition of atmospheric trace metals in northern Sweden as measured in the snowpack

In late February and early March, 1984, the snowpack of northern Scandinavia, with emphasis on northern Sweden, was sampled and analyzed for trace metals (Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb and Zn) and major ions. A comparison of major ion concentrations in the snowpack and monthly precipitation samples indicates that little of the major ions have escaped from the snowpack. Presumably, this is also true for trace metals. Metal concentrations in the region decrease from the Baltic coast towards the Swedish interior. The lowest metal concentrations are found in the Swedish mountains near the Norwegian border. Concentrations in this area are comparable to concentrations found in snow in Greenland and the Euopean Arctic near Spitsbergen. The concentration of Cd, Pb, Zn and sulfate in the snowpack are highly correlated to one another, and it is concluded that the deposition of these metals in northern Sweden during winter months is due mainly to long-range transport.

Deposition of atmospheric trace metals in northern Sweden as measured in the snowpack

In late February and early March, 1984, the snowpack of northern Scandinavia, with emphasis on northern Sweden, was sampled and analyzed for trace metals (Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb and Zn) and major ions. A comparison of major ion concentrations in the snowpack and monthly precipitation samples indicates that little of the major ions have escaped from the snowpack. Presumably, this is also true for trace metals. Metal concentrations in the region decrease from the Baltic coast towards the Swedish interior. The lowest metal concentrations are found in the Swedish mountains near the Norwegian border. Concentrations in this area are comparable to concentrations found in snow in Greenland and the Euopean Arctic near Spitsbergen. The concentration of Cd, Pb, Zn and sulfate in the snowpack are highly correlated to one another, and it is concluded that the deposition of these metals in northern Sweden during winter months is due mainly to long-range transport.

The geographical distribution and the growth of the wood-boring molluscsTeredo navalisL.,Psiloteredo megotara(Hanley) andXylophaga dorsalis(Turton) on the Swedish West Coast

Abstract Teredo navalis has been found along the west coast of Sweden from the Norwegian border to Klagsharnn in the Oresund, Psiloteredo megotara also occurs along the west coast to Molle, in the northern Oresund. Between 1971 and 1975, a study was conducted at the Kristineberg Marine Biology Station on the growth of T. navalis and P. megotara. A negative correlation was noted between the population density of T. navalis and the growth of both T. navalis and P. megotara during this period. At the lowest mean specimen density, 22 per dm2, 44 per cent of T. navalis were longer than 10 mm (November 1974) whereas only 5 per cent had reached this length (December 1971) at the highest density, 268 specimens per dm2. The mean lengths of P. megotara at the corresponding times were 112 nun and 74 rnm, respectively. Over a 10-month period at the Borno Hydrographical Station Xylophaga dorsalis burrows reached a mean length of 21.1 nun and a mean diameter of 7.7 mm.

A tectonic model of the Offerdal—Olden area, Jämtland, Sweden

Abstract The geology of a narrow traverse running NW. from Offerdal towards the Swedish—Norwegian border is described. Imbrication structures consisting of slices of basement rocks, quartzites, limestones and graywackes are found in the eastern part. Similar structures, but predominantly of graywackes, appear in the central part and can befollowed to the border of the Olden massif. The author finds no support for the Follinge Nappe and the Olden Nappe. The Olden massif is found to be autochthonous in most parts. The massif, and large portions of the parautochthonous graywackes, are overridden by the Offerdal Nappe, a composite unit of meta-arkoses, schists and mylonites, with Offerdal Schist at the top, then a polymict conglomerate, sometimes with quartzites, dolomites and shales (the Offerdal Conglomerate) and a silty shale at the bottom (the Ronnofors Shale). The rocks of the Offerdal Nappe are of Precambrian age and have been correlated with the Rensjonas Group, east of the Mullfjallet basement window.

The Middle-Swedish Moraines in the Province of Dalsland, W Sweden

Abstract The large marginal deposits, situated in western Sweden between Lake Venern and the Norwegian border were formed during the stagnation period of Younger Dryas time as a part of the Fennoscandian moraines. Especially the northern belts — the end moraines on the Dalbo plain and the large glacial complexes W. of Kroppefjall — are discussed in detail. Except at Odskold, thrust moraines seem to be very rare. Dump moraines occur more often but are usually of small extent. The form (dune-like) and the composition (dense and compact till with foliation or similar structures) of the large terminal ridges seem to indicate a subglacial, gradual accretion of drift by a flowing and pressing ice margin. These end moraines may be characterized as lodge moraines. But the real, terminal lodgment has apparently occurred only towards and upon a primary foundation of till (small push or dump moraines), glaciofluvial accumulations or small rocks. Also the Marine Limit is discussed, especially as an important element ...

A New Hydro-Electric Power Scheme in Sweden

A FULL description of the hydro-electric power scheme at Krangede, Sweden, which has been in operation for six months, is given in the A sea Journal of May and June, published by the Asea Company of Vasteras. Krangede is situated in about lat. 63° N. at the site of a natural fall on the lower part of the Indalsalven, an important river in the Jamtland district of Sweden draining a large area containing many lakes and extending back to the Norwegian borders. The link with the power station lies well up in 'Norrland', and in the south consists of a high-voltage feeder carried direct down to a main substation at Horndal in South Dalecarlia. It is thus within convenient range of Stockholm and is in touch with the large supply networks of central and southern Sweden.