Northeast Part Research Articles

Integrating habitat suitability, disturbance, and biotic interactions into the ecological restoration of the saguaro (Carnegiea gigantea) in drylands of the southwest of the United States and northern Mexico

This study proposes a combined approach encompassing habitat suitability, biotic interactions, and disturbance to identify high‐value restoration areas (HVRA) for the saguaro (Carnegiea gigantea, Cactaceae)—that is, areas with high habitat suitability for the saguaro and species that favor its establishment, growth, and dispersal (hereafter associated species), which were damaged by wildfires. We used species distribution modeling to produce habitat suitability maps for the saguaro and associated species (four nurse‐plants and 63 animals). We used Hot Spot Spatial Analysis to estimate hotspots of habitat suitability for the saguaro (HSS), nurse species (HNS), and associated animal species (HAS), and Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer to identify burned (disturbed) areas. Finally, we estimated the overlay across habitat suitability hotspots and burned areas to identify HVRA. Overall, HSS, HNS, and HAS were mostly distributed across the northeast part of the Sonoran Desert. Results also indicated a strong overlay among HSS, HAS, and HNS. For the first time, this study provides distributional maps using biotic and bioclimatic variables for the giant saguaro cactus. Beyond saguaro conservation, our study can assist conservationists and managers in planning and implementing post‐fire regeneration strategies (e.g. monitoring the spread of exotic invasive grasses across burned areas). HVRA can also aid managers in preserving undisturbed priority areas, managing burned landscapes, prioritizing restoration activities, and evaluating post‐fire vegetation responses.

Investigating the impacts of climate variations and armed conflict on drought and vegetation cover in Northeast Syria (2000–2023)

Over the last decades, The Northeast part of Syria (NES) has been significantly affected by multiple drought events, which are exacerbated by armed conflict and climate variations. In this study, the spatiotemporal effects of climate fluctuations on drought episodes and agricultural areas in NES from 2000 to 2023 were examined by utilizing diverse meteorological parameters combined with the normalized difference vegetation index. The relationships between the change in climatic variables and vegetation cover alterations were determined by performing different statistical methods, such as the Pearson correlation coefficient and Mann-Kendall trend analysis. The results indicated a significant decrease in the agricultural area, especially in recent years, accompanied by a notable increase in the precipitation levels. Moreover, there has been a substantial increase in temperatures, particularly in the minimum temperatures. The results also indicate that drought severity and frequency have increased since the armed conflict despite the area receiving higher precipitation amounts, highlighting the role and impacts of violence. Therefore, we recommend further research on how different vegetation species have been affected by climate change and armed conflict, defining specific growing seasons for each vegetation species, and creating land use land cover maps to understand the spatial alteration of these types better.

Mineral Chemistry and In Situ LA-ICP-MS Titanite U-Pb Geochronology of the Changba-Lijiagou Giant Pb-Zn Deposit, Western Qinling Orogen: Implications for a Distal Skarn Ore Formation

The giant Changba-Lijiagou (Ch-L) Pb-Zn deposit is in the northeast part of the Xicheng ore cluster, Western Qinling Orogen. The ore genesis remains controversial; it could be either a sedimentary exhalative genetic type or an epigenetic hydrothermal genetic type. Here, in situ titanite U-Pb dating for the two kinds of titanite is presented, yielding ages of 212.8 ± 3.0 Ma in the mineralized skarn ore and 214.6 ± 5.1 Ma in the host rock. These ages conform to the previously reported magmatic zircon age (229–211 Ma) based on the in situ zircon U-Pb dating of plutons in this district and the time of large-scale magmatic–hydrothermal activities in Western Qinling Orogen (229–209 Ma). Titanites occurring in mineralized skarn and those that are calcite-hosted are similar to hydrothermal-origin titanites in major element characteristics. The Eu anomalies in the two types of titanite record oxidizing conditions during the mineralization process. A mineral assemblage of garnet, pyroxene, riebeckite, biotite, and potash feldspar, replacing the albite, is well-developed in the deposit. The mineralogical and geochronological characteristics indicate that the Ch-L Pb-Zn deposit is a distal skarn deposit and the result of intensive tectonomagmatic processes in the Xicheng ore cluster during the process of the Late Triassic orogeny.

Epidemiological Characteristics and Spatiotemporal Clustering of Pulmonary Tuberculosis Among Students in Southwest China From 2016 to 2022: Analysis of Population-Based Surveillance Data.

Pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB), as a respiratory infectious disease, poses significant risks of covert transmission and dissemination. The high aggregation and close contact among students in Chinese schools exacerbate the transmission risk of PTB outbreaks. This study investigated the epidemiological characteristics, geographic distribution, and spatiotemporal evolution of student PTB in Chongqing, Southwest China, aiming to delineate the incidence risks and clustering patterns of PTB among students. PTB case data from students monitored and reported in the Tuberculosis Information Management System within the China Information System for Disease Control and Prevention were used for this study. Descriptive analyses were conducted to characterize the epidemiological features of student PTB. Spatial trend surface analysis, global and local spatial autocorrelation analyses, and disease rate mapping were performed using ArcGIS 10.3. SaTScan 9.6 software was used to identify spatiotemporal clusters of PTB cases. From 2016 to 2022, a total of 9920 student TB cases were reported in Chongqing, Southwest China, with an average incidence rate of 24.89/100,000. The incidence of student TB showed an initial increase followed by a decline, yet it remained relatively high. High school students (age: 13-18 years; 6649/9920, 67.03%) and college students (age: ≥19 years; 2921/9920, 29.45%) accounted for the majority of student PTB cases. Patient identification primarily relied on passive detection, with a high proportion of delayed diagnosis and positive etiological results. COVID-19 prevention measures have had some impact on reducing incidence levels, but the primary factor appears to be the implementation of screening measures, which facilitated earlier case detection. Global spatial autocorrelation analysis indicated Moran I values of >0 for all years except 2018, ranging from 0.1908 to 0.4645 (all P values were <.05), suggesting strong positive spatial clustering of student PTB cases across Chongqing. Local spatial autocorrelation identified 7 high-high clusters, 13 low-low clusters, 5 high-low clusters, and 4 low-high clusters. High-high clusters were predominantly located in the southeast and northeast parts of Chongqing, consistent with spatial trend surface analysis and spatiotemporal clustering results. Spatiotemporal scan analysis revealed 4 statistically significant spatiotemporal clusters, with the most likely cluster in the southeast (relative risk [RR]=2.87, log likelihood ratio [LLR]=574.29, P<.001) and a secondary cluster in the northeast (RR=1.99, LLR=234.67, P<.001), indicating higher reported student TB cases and elevated risks of epidemic spread within these regions. Future efforts should comprehensively enhance prevention and control measures in high-risk areas of PTB in Chongqing to mitigate the incidence risk among students. Additionally, implementing proactive screening strategies and enhancing screening measures are crucial for early identification of student patients to prevent PTB outbreaks in schools.

A geospatial approach to delineate lineaments on the granite gneissic terrain of Mpwapwa district, Dodoma, central Tanzania

The study sought to utilise Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Remote Sensing, and a blend of manual and automatic techniques to delineate and analyse the spatial distribution and orientation of lineaments within the terrain of Mpwapwa District. The study employed various techniques, including the Optimum Index Factor (OIF), Band Combination, Principal Component Analysis (PCA), and Directional Filtering on the Landsat 8 imagery, and Hill Shading technique was used on Shuttle Radar Topography Mission Digital Elevation Model (SRTM DEM). These techniques were employed in the processing steps for both manual and automatic lineament extraction, utilizing various software tools. Lineament control and validation were executed using digitized geological maps, topographical maps, and Google Earth images.The results revealed lineaments with a total length of 2060.6 km, non-uniformly distributed and predominantly present in hard rock lithologies, such as migmatitic granite, migmatitic biotite gneiss, biotite gneiss, granitoid gneiss, and porphyroblastic gneiss. The findings further indicate that NE-SW and NW-SE are the dominant lineament trends. Additionally, the study revealed that areas with medium, high, and very high lineament density and intersection are primarily located in the southwest and northeast parts of the Mpwapwa District. Meanwhile, regions with low lineament density are spread through the entire district.In this study, GIS and remote sensing emerged as valuable tools for identifying and mapping lineaments within a challenging hydrogeological setting. Findings from this study will serve as a foundational framework for subsequent geological and hydrogeological investigations in the area of study.

Abstract C133: The missing cancer and palliative care in displaced community in Northeast India

Abstract Introduction: Cancer is a chronic illness needing long treatment. This includes late toxicity management in case of cure and palliative care if cure is a distant possibility. Northeast part of India shares international border with Bangladesh and both sides had witnessed geopolitical uncertainty since India’s independence in 1947. Unrest and military rule in East Pakistan made the citizens to flee to India which continued even after the creation of the new country Bangladesh in 1971. However, the poor migrants are not eligible under the public health scheme due to lack of proof of citizenship. Methods: We have analyzed the public health scheme and issues of migrants in Northeast India after observing discontinuity in care. Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) is a national public health insurance scheme of the Government of India that aims to provide free access to health insurance coverage for low- income earners in the country. The scheme is applicable to Indian citizens. In 2019 Government of India passed the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) to provide Indian citizenship to the illegal migrants who entered India on or before 31st December 2014. However, the exercise to identify migrants as per the Act is a tedious process and not yet over.: Results: Until the exercise of granting citizenship under the Citizenship Amendment Act is done, the poor migrants who have no proof of citizenship cannot take benefit under AB PM-JAY scheme. Unfortunately, some internally displaced Indian citizens are lacking proof of citizenship and many of them are suffering from chronic illnesses and cancer, however neither afford to pay for treatment nor eligible to get free treatment under AB PM-JAY scheme. Conclusions: Northeast India migrant issue is a special situation where poor migrants from other country and some displaced poor Indians are not eligible to get cancer care under public health insurance scheme. The Citizenship Amendment Act provides a solution by granting citizenship. However, the tedious process is taking long time and no solution being offered in the interim period. Citation Format: Suryakanta Acharya. The missing cancer and palliative care in displaced community in Northeast India [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 17th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2024 Sep 21-24; Los Angeles, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2024;33(9 Suppl):Abstract nr C133.

The neglected giant Tchen-Ngo Liou:The enlightenment of his dynamic geobotany theory to current studies in vegetation ecology and biodiversity.

Prof. Tchen-Ngo Liou is one of the founders of China's botany, geobotany, and forest ecology. Theory of dynamic geobotany, established by Prof. Liou, can track back from his doctoral work in Alps in France, and was developed based on his long-term field works in northeast, southeast, north, northeast parts of China, India, North Korea and other regions. In the short course on dynamics geobotany in 1962, he gave a series of lectures which formed a synthesized system. The key elements of this theory are the comprehensive review and critical thinking on climax theory of vegetation science and community succession. Prof. Liou has applied this theory into the establishment of artificial vegetation, the improvement of natural vegetation, forest harvesting and regeneration, and the prevent and control of desertification in China. Here, we gave a short summary about this theory, and discussed its potential influence on important topics in vegetation ecology and biodiversity science, including mountain biodiversity, natural forest conservation, forest management, global change, and vegetation classification.

Identifying potential artificial recharge zone in an arid craton

Identifying sustainable artificial recharge zones in arid cratons is challenging due to complex geology and limited natural recharge conditions, making accurate site selection and management difficult. This study integrates Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES), the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), and Boolean analysis to identify sustainable artificial recharge zones in the arid Bundelkhand craton of India. Aquifer thickness and fractures emerged as critical determinants of groundwater recharge conditions, revealing varying degrees of suitability for recharge across the study area. Approximately 2.31% (13.36 km2) of the area along streams exhibited "very high" suitability, while 8.09% (45.82 km2) had "high" suitability. “Moderate" suitability covered 17.86% (101.66 km2), "low" suitability accounted for 38.85% (218.39 km2), and "very low" suitability represented 17.35% (98.75 km2) of the area. Recharge potential was highest in the northeast and central parts, with the middle of the watershed exhibiting the lowest potential. The study demonstrated that this integrated approach significantly improved precision from 71.40% to 85.70% and enhanced the F1 score from 0.833 to 0.923, surpassing the performance of the AHP method alone. The findings highlighted the importance of strategic selection and targeting of specific locations for artificial recharge, as only ∼18% of the study area was suitable for such efforts, despite ∼43% showing potential for groundwater. AHP with VES proves more precise and reliable than Fuzzy-AHP with VES, with AHP's conservative approach classifying 55.70% of the area as very low to low suitability compared to Fuzzy-AHP's 41.92%, ensuring only the most suitable sites are selected. VES offers cost-effectiveness, noninvasiveness, and rapid generation of a 1D subsurface model, balancing its lower detail compared to Electrical Resistivity Tomography. When combined with the AHP, VES enhances adaptability to changing conditions, emphasizing ecological preservation and climate change resilience. This approach effectively addresses water challenges in arid regions, contributing to sustainable water resource management.

Shale Oil Generation Conditions and Exploration Prospects of the Cretaceous Nenjiang Formation in the Changling Depression, Songliao Basin, China

Low-maturity shale oil predominates in shale oil resources. China’s onshore shale oil, particularly the Cretaceous Nenjiang Formation in the Songliao Basin, holds significant potential for low-maturity shale oil, presenting promising exploration and development prospects. This study delves into the hydrocarbon generation conditions, reservoir characteristics, and oil-bearing property analysis of the mud shale from the Nen-1 and Nen-2 sub-formations of the Nenjiang Formation to pinpoint favorable intervals for shale oil exploration. Through the integration of lithology, pressure, and fracture distribution data in the study area, favorable zones were delineated. The Nen-1 sub-formation is widely distributed in the Changling Depression, with mud shale thickness ranging from 30 to 100 m and a total organic content exceeding 2.0%. Type I kerogen predominated as the source rock, while some samples contained type II kerogen. Organic microcomponents primarily comprised algal bodies, with vitrinite reflectance (Ro) ranging from 0.5% to 0.8%. Compared to Nen-1 shale, Nen-2 shale exhibited less total organic content, kerogen type, and thermal evolution degree, albeit both are conducive to low-maturity shale oil generation. The Nen-1 and Nen-2 sub-formations predominantly consist of clay, quartz, feldspar, calcite, and pyrite minerals, with minor dolomite, siderite, and anhydrite. Hydrocarbons primarily reside in microfractures and micropores, including interlayer micropores, organic matter micropores, intra-cuticle micropores, and intercrystalline microporosity, with interlayer and intra-cuticle micropores being dominant. The free oil content (S1) in Nen-1 shale ranged from 0.01 mg/g to 5.04 mg/g (average: 1.13 mg/g), while in Nen-2 shale, it ranged from 0.01 mg/g to 3.28 mg/g (average: 0.75 mg/g). The Nen-1 and Nen-2 sub-formations are identified as potential intervals for shale oil exploration. Considering total organic content, oil saturation, vitrinite reflectance, and shale formation thickness in the study area, the favorable zone for low-maturity shale oil generation is primarily situated in the Heidimiao Sub-Depression and its vicinity. The Nen-2 shale-oil-enriched zone is concentrated in the northwest part of the Heidimiao Sub-Depression, while the Nen-1 shale-oil-enriched zone lies in the northeast part.

Prehistorical and historical occurrence and range dynamic of the Eurasian Spoonbill (Platalea leucorodia) and the White Stork (Ciconia ciconia) in Europe

AbstractThe Eurasian Spoonbill (Platalea leucorodia) and the White Stork (Ciconia ciconia) are emblematic birds of high conservation interest. This article examines their range history in Europe since the end of the last Glacial by analyzing subfossil bone finds of both species, mostly from archaeological excavations. It is shown that two thousand years ago, White Storks occurred exclusively in the territory of the Roman Empire, i.e. the northern border of their distribution ran along the Rhine and Danube rivers. The north-east part of the continent, with its high population density today, was only colonized in the last few centuries. The Spoonbill’s patchy occurrence in Europe today appears to be a typical distribution pattern for this species. The subfossil findings also do not indicate a large, closed distribution area for any phase of the last 10,000 years. Some of its distribution islands (e.g. those in the Netherlands) have existed for thousands of years.

Decentralized Development: Impact of Autonomous Councils in the Development of Assam

In regions with distinct cultural and linguistic identities, autonomous district councils (ADCs) in India serve as exceptional examples of decentralized governance. In Assam, part of India's northeast where numerous tribal communities have historically been marginalized and endured social, political, and economic isolation, ADCs have been established. This innovative system for local self-governance and decision-making has contributed to promoting inclusive development and empowering indigenous communities in Assam. However, the effectiveness of ADCs in Assam is influenced by various factors, including the degree of autonomy granted to the councils, the strength of regional institutions, and the accessibility of resources. This essay aims to provide a comprehensive examination of the formation of ADCs in Assam, their institutional structure, and their role in advancing social justice, democratic governance, and inclusive development. Additionally, the challenges faced by ADCs in Assam, such as the need for greater financial and administrative autonomy, the difficulties in building local institutional capacity, and the potential for political interference, will be discussed.

Integrated assessment of groundwater quality dynamics and Land use/land cover changes in rapidly urbanizing semi-arid region

Rapid urbanization worldwide, poses numerous environmental challenges between escalating land use land cover (LULC) changes and groundwater quality dynamics. The main objective of this study was to investigate the dynamics of groundwater quality and LULC changes in Sargodha district, Punjab, Pakistan. Groundwater hydrochemistry reveals acceptable pH levels (<8) but total dissolved solids (TDS), electrical conductivity (EC) and HCO3− showed dynamic fluctuations by exceeding WHO limits. Piper diagrams, indicated dominance by magnesium and bicarbonate types, underscoring the influence of natural processes and anthropogenic activities. Major ion relationships in 2010, 2015, and 2021 showed a high correlation (R2 > 0.85) between Na+ and Cl−, suggesting salinization. whereas, the poor correlation (<0.17) between Ca2+ and HCO3− does not support calcite dissolution as the primary process affecting groundwater composition. The examination of nitrate contamination in groundwater across the years 2010, 2015, and 2021 was found to be high in the municipal sewage zone, suggesting a prevailing issue of nitrate contamination attributed to urban activities. The Nitrate Pollution Index (NPI) reveals a concerning trend, with a higher proportion of samples classified under moderate to high pollution categories in 2015 and 2021 compared to 2010. The qualitative assessment of nitrate concentration on spatiotemporal scale showed lower values in 2010 while a consistent rise from 2015 to 2021 in north-east and western parts of district. Likewise, NPI was high in the north-eastern and south-western regions in 2010, then reduced in subsequent years, which may be attributed to effective waste management practices and alterations in agricultural practices. The health risk assessment of 2010 indicated Total Health Hazard Quotient (THQ) within the standard limit, while in 2015 and 2021, elevated health risk was observed. This study emphasizes the need to use multiple approaches to groundwater management for sustainable land use planning and regulations that prioritize groundwater quality conservation.

DISTRIBUTION OF THE LEAF KATYDID ELIMAEA FALLAX (ORTHOPTERA: TETTIGONIIDAE: PHANEROPTERINAE) IN THE COUNTRIES OF THE JAPAN SEA BASIN

The general patterns of distribution of Elimaea fallax in the Russian Far East and the Korean Peninsula are described. Several models of the distribution of this species in the north-east part of its range were generated and compared. It has been shown that the most favorable habitats for E. fallax in the Sea of Japan basin are and will be located primarily on the Korean Peninsula.

Transport Characteristics and Potential Source Areas of PM2.5 in Yangquan City Under Different Pollution Levels

Based on the PM2.5 monitoring data, NCEP data, and the meteorological data of the weather situation analysis at the corresponding time in Yangquan City from 2020 to 2022, using the HYSPLIT4 backward trajectory model, multi-station potential source contribution factor analysis （MS-PSCF） and trajectory density analysis （TDA） were introduced to study the differentiation and classification of PM2.5 transport channels and potential sources in Yangquan City. The results showed that： ① The PM2.5 pollution in Yangquan was mainly concentrated in Yangquan and Pingding, whereas the pollution in Yuxian was relatively light. The proportion of days with different pollution levels and the average and maximum values of PM2.5 concentration in Yangquan and Pingding were significantly higher than those in Yuxian, and the distribution characteristics of PM2.5 were closely related to the local special terrain. ② The amount of PM2.5 pollution and the concentration of PM2.5 in different pollution levels were the highest in light wind weather. The influence of east-west regional transport on PM2.5 pollution times and PM2.5 concentration of Yangquan and Pingding was obvious, and the contribution of east wind was significant. The influence of local pollution sources was the main factor in the moderate pollution weather in Yuxian County. ③ There were four main ground conditions for the generation and maintenance of moderate or above pollution weather： warm low pressure type （22%）, high pressure front （bottom） type （54%）, high pressure back type （14%）, and pressure equalization field （10%）. High pressure front （bottom） type was the main ground situation causing the increase in PM2.5 concentration. There were two types of upper air conditions, namely, flat westerly flow type （78%） and northwest flow type （22%）. The upper westerly flow type was the main upper air condition that caused the increase in PM2.5 concentration. ④ The results of transport channels and potential source areas of PM2.5 with different pollution levels obtained by MS-PSCF and TDA were consistent. The main transport channels of PM2.5 were the northeast, southeast, and northwest channels, whereas the northeast and southeast channels were short-distance transport routes, which were the main routes causing the increase in PM2.5 concentration. The northwest channel was consistent with the northwest dust transport channel, belonging to long-distance transmission. The main potential source areas of PM2.5 pollution were located in the central and western parts of Hebei and the southeast part of Hebei, the northeast part of Henan and its junction with the southwest part of Shandong, and the southeast part of Shanxi.

Climate Change Projections of Potential Evapotranspiration for the North American Monsoon Region

We assessed and quantified future projected changes in terrestrial evaporative demand by calculating Potential Evapotranspiration (PET) for the North American Monsoon region in the Southwestern U.S. and Mexico. The PET projections were calculated using the daily Penman–Monteith equation. The terrestrial meteorological variables needed for the equation (i.e., minimum and maximum daily temperature, specific humidity, wind speed, incoming shortwave radiation, and pressure) were obtained from the North American–CORDEX initiative. We used dynamically downscaled projections of three CMIP5 GCMs for RCP8.5 emission scenarios (i.e., HadGEM2-ES, MPI-ESM-LR, and GFDL-ESM2M), and each was dynamically downscaled to ~25 km by two RCMs (i.e., WRF and regCM4). All terrestrial annual PET projections showed a statistically significant increase when comparing the historical period (1986–2005) to future projections (2020–2039 and 2040–2059). The regional spatial average of the six GCM-RCM combinations projected an increase in the annual PET of about +4% and +8% for 2020–2039 and 2040–2059, respectively. The projected average 20-year annual changes over the study area range for the two projection periods were +1.4%–+8.7% and +3%–+14.2%, respectively. The projected annual PET increase trends are consistent across the entire region and for the six GCM-RCM combinations. Higher annual changes are projected in the northeast part of the region, while smaller changes are projected along the pacific coast. The main drivers for the increase are the projected warming and increase in the vapor pressure deficit. The projected changes in PET, which represent the changes in the atmospheric evaporative demand, are substantial and likely to impact vegetation and the hydrometeorological regime in the area. Quantitative assessments of the projected PET changes provided by this study should be considered in upcoming studies to develop resilience plans and adaptation strategies for mitigating the projected future changes.

Using Heavy Metals Pollution Index (HPI) and Metal Index (MI) for Assessing quality of drinking water in Bardarash-Akre basin in Duhok governorate northern Iraq

A total of forty-four groundwater samples were collected from several groundwater wells located at diverse depths and locations throughout the Kre-Bardarash basin in the Duhok governorate. The sample program began in May 2023 and includes the examination of several heavy elements, including but not limited to (As, Cd, Cu, Pb, Va, Ni, Zn, Bo, Cr, Co, Li, Mn, Se, and Ag)The essential goals of this research are to find that the samples have concentrations within the acceptable limits as prescribed in Iraqi drinking water standards. The average Heavy metal Pollution Index (HPI) concentration is 955, which is considerably less than the crucial index value of 100. The percentage of groundwater samples that exceeds the 100-index value is 5%, indicating that the water is completely unsuitable unfit for drinking, while 90 percent are rang from excellent to very poor quality according to HPI. The MI concentration was 0.16 with 88.6 % percent of groundwater samples were found to be very pure water class. The results show that the groundwater in the Akre-Bardarash basin of wells 1,2, and 3 is highly polluted in the northeast part, and wells 22 and 30 are also highly polluted in the south-east part. All of the wells mentioned above are unfit for human consumption. The impact of human activity and industrial activity on the study area has played an important role in the pollution of groundwater quality in the northeast and southwestern parts of the Akre-Bardarash Basin. According to the findings of the current study, it can be concluded that the water can be used safely for drinking without any negative effect on human health, except wells 1,2, and 3 in the northeast part and wells 22 and 30 in the southwest part.

Potential Sunda Strait tsunami hazard due to the current deformation of Anak Krakatau

Abstract The tsunami Sunda Strait event at 2018 is a prove that volcanic activity may trigger a devastating and unpredictable tsunami. Several findings indicate that this catasrophe generated by flank collapse caused by the instability of Gunung Anak Krakatau (AK). Other processes of volcanic activity that cause tsunamis include pyroclastic flows, subaerial and submarine landslides, underwater explosions, blasts, and caldera collapse. In the 1883, Krakatau Mount produced the largest tsunami event, and it is apparent that AK is one of threats in Sunda Strait that may potentially produce tsunami in the future since it is still active until now. Some latest research shows there are two submarine landslide threats near Gunung Anak Krakatau; in the northeast part of AK and an elliptical landslide source in the west part of AK with the estimated landslide volume about 0.014 km3 and 0.6 km3, respectively. Those threats will be simulated by shallow water equation model to obtain the tsunami wave height near the source and at crucial areas along Sunda Strait as well as its tsunami time arrival. The first scenario is sourced from a new deposit from the 2018 eruption, and the latter is a change of slopes bathymetry due to volcanic or seismic activity. It is observed that the highest elevation of tsunami from the first scenario reached only 2.5 cm at Tanjung Lesung, Banten and 80 cm at the nearest island, Panjang Island. The second scenario has the height of 50 cm at Labuan, Banten and 70 cm at Panjang Island. The tsunami time travel at the surrounding islands is ranging between 0.6 - 5.8 minutes (scenario 1) and 0.7-4.9 minutes (scenario 2). Both scenario reached the inexpensive device of sea level monitoring at the east side of Rakata after 5 minutes and the height is 30 cm and 1.6 cm respectively for scenario 1 and 2.

Ecological problems of the plant cover of the northeastern slope of Great Caucasus (within Azerbaijan)

Highlight the purpose. Plant cover of our republic, especially forest ecosystems, has lost its original state as a result of the influence of natural and anthropogenic factors. The study of the impact of these factors on biodiversity has been the focus of many experts. The settlement of the studied area since ancient times and the good development of agriculture have caused the degradation and erosion of the forest cover that covers large areas, as well as the vegetation that replaces each other in the altitude zones here. For this reason, the issues of protection and protection of vegetation are distinguished by their relevance. The main goal of our research is to protect the vegetation of forests that have changed their initial state. Objectives. Mountain geosystems of the northeastern slope of the Greater Caucasus are bordered by the Russian Federation to the north, northwest, and west, the Samur-Devachi plain to the east, and the watershed line of the Greater Caucasus Range and Atachay to the south and southeast. Methods. Field studies were organized to solve the issues raised during the research period. Short-term visual observations of the existing geoecological conditions were carried out, from topographic maps and other maps (landscape, vegetation, etc.) of various scales, as well as from 1:25000 scale aerial and space images in the fund of the Institute of Ecology of MAKA, “Google” and “Bing” space images with a resolution of 1 meter in the funds, taken in the visible zone of the spectrum, obtained from various satellites in 2020-2023 and based on the application of SASPlanet, ArcGIS processing programs were used. With the help of these materials, the vegetation degradation and erosion processes of the research area were studied. Results. The northeast part of the Great Caucasus differs from the other mountainous regions for its appropriation features. For a long time appropriation of the investigated zone by the various farming areas caused a serious change in the natural geosystems. Thus, the zones where a hypsometric height of 200-500 m are mainly replaced by agro-complexes, the parts within 500-1800 m turned into a life and rest objects together with the arable and pastures, an irregular use from the summer pastures in cattle-breeding in the zones higher than 1800 m was completed by exposing of the plant cover to transformation. During assimilation, activation of ecological problems like decreased plant productivity, intensification of the erosion process, acceleration of degradation, and so on activates a problem of rational use. Defining importance, sensitiveness of plant cover, and rational use ways as protection, refusal of usage, extensive use of protection, development, extensive use, improvement, and development were determined.

Elite of «Loufan» tribe lived on the Ordos plateau and its connections with Zhao and Qin states

In the late 20 century, archaeologists discovered some burial sites of the barbarian elite in the Ordos Plateau dated to 3rd century BC (late Warring States period). Among them Aluchaideng, Sigoupan M2 and Nalingaotu tombs contained burial goods made of precious metals in the style of Pazyryk and Sagly cultures in Altai-Sayan mountain region. There were finials with figures of an upstanding eagle and a hoofed eagle-headed deer-horned phantastic animal with bird heads at the tips of its horns (“hoofed griffin”), a torc with lying animals facing each other. Other items with ‘hoofed griffin’ images and images of a griffin with deer horns and feline body were collected here. There were also ornaments with images of a ram with the twisted body wrapped around its head, ‘swirling’ griffinheads, rooster heads, waterfowls, full-face ‘smiling’ cat heads, flame-shaped figures with ‘commas’ inside. All of the above mentioned artifacts and images have exclusive analogies in Pazyryk culture. As far back as in 1999, the author suggested that the elite of Ordos nomads of 3rd century BC constituted common religious and, possibly, ethnic unity with the Pazyryk people. New discoveries of Pazyryk culture kurgans in the south of Mongolian Altai support a idea that the Ordos part of the Pazyryk people might have connected with Mountain Altai directly via Alashan and Transaltai Gobi stony deserts bypassing foreign peoples of Mongolian Plateau and the Hexi Corridor. According to Shiji, people (or its elite) occupying the Ordos Plateau since 4th–3rd up to late 2nd centuries BC were known by the name “Loufan”, and in early 3rd century BC the Loufan people were controlled by the state of Zhao. As the written sources and archaeological evidence suggest, in the 3rd century BC, the north-east part of the Ordos Plateau (where the burials in question are located) was the area claimed by Zhao and Qin states; therefore, the barbarian tribes of the north-east of the Ordos Plateau should have been closely intertwined with these states. These relations are proven by Pazyryk-Ordos style artifacts manufactured in Qin and Zhao and found in barbarian tombs, as well as similar objects discovered in the Qin, Zhao and Yan territories. In Sigoupan M2 tomb were found such items bearing Chinese inscriptions of Zhao and Qin states. A large number of similar inscribed artifacts manufactured in Zhao found in Xinzhuantou M30 noble tomb in the Lower Capital of Yan state. It supports the theory that the Ordos barbarians were called Loufan, since as per written sources, Loufan people were included in both Zhao’s and Yan’s administrative systems. Some items identical to the M30 artifacts were found in tombs of Zhao dynasty members in Handan. In tomb of bronze caster of late Warring States period in Xi’an were found ceramic models made for casting bronze or gold decorative plaques in Pazyryk-Ordos style. However, some pictures in this style were represented on artifacts found in the tomb of Qin State Queen Dowager Xia (died in 240 BC). Artifacts with images of “hoofed griffin” are found among Qin state artifacts in Shuihude M47 and Shangwangqun M1 tombs dated to late Warring States period. Moreover, in Xi’an were also found two roof tile-ends with images of a sacred Pazyryk ‘hoofed griffin’ with twisted body. These tiles obviously belonged to luxurious mansion of Warring States period. These artifacts suggest that the Ordos Loufans did not only maintained cultural communication with the Qin state, but also became part of its people.

Climate–Growth Relationships of Mongolian Pine (Pinussylvestris var. mongholica) along an Altitudinal Gradient of Northeast China

To study the radial growth of Mongolian pine (Pinus sylvestris var. mongholica, MP) trees in response to climatic factors against the global warming background in the northeast part of the Greater Khingan Mountains (GKM), 101 tree cores were collected at contrasting altitudes (1100 and 650 m) in the Mordoga area, a tree-ring width chronology of MP was established for that region at both altitudes, and the relation between climatic factors and ring width trends at different time scales was investigated. The results revealed four major findings. (1) The ring width chronology of MP in the low-altitude area has better quality. (2) The growth of MP at high (low) altitude was mainly influenced by temperature (precipitation) factors. (3) Before a sudden change in temperature, there was a decreasing trend in the annual indices of MPs at higher altitudes. The chronological coefficients of MPs at both altitudes showed a significant upward trend after the increase in temperature. (4) The sliding analysis results showed that the stability of the relationship between MP growth and its response to climatic factors at both altitudes was also mostly similar. MP growth is relatively stable and sensitive and to climatic factors as temperatures increase.