Plain Territories Research Articles

Methodological approaches to assessing the risks of water resources depletion in the context of climate change (using plain territories of Ukraine as an example)

The relevance of the work is determined by the necessity of quantitative assessment of the risks of water resources changes occurring in the early 21st century due to the greenhouse effect and corresponding climate changes. To evaluate climate risks the authors used a probabilistic approach which involves multiplying the indicator of water resource reduction by the probability of such event occurrence. Reduction of water resources caused by warming characterizes their "depletion". The study utilized the results of calculations of the average long-term annual "climate" runoff, determined through the "climate-runoff" model based on meteorological data of the averaged model trajectory of the EURO-CORDEX project for the climate change scenarios RCP4.5 and RCP8.5. The calculation period extends from 2021 to 2050, while the baseline period continues from the beginning of observations until 1989. The comparison of the calculated climatic runoff and the baseline runoff was performed across meteorological stations. The assessment of the changes was carried out by calculating the relative deviation between the baseline and calculated runoff values. The probability of the "depletion" stage for water resources was determined as the ratio of the number of meteorological stations (grid nodes) where changes reached certain magnitudes to the total number of stations considered. The threshold indicators for the degree of depletion of water resources included changes exceeding 10% (statistically significant changes in water resources), 50% (water resources destruction), and 70% (irreversible destruction of water resources). The objective of the study consists in developing criteria for calculating climate risks and establishing the risks of formation of a tense, critical, and catastrophic state of water resources, taking Ukraine as an example. A detailed examination of the intervals of changes in water resources showed that the highest risk of their depletion over the period from 2020 to 2050 will be observed in the range from -20 to -40% (tense state) for the RCP4.5 scenario and from -30 to -60% (tense state) for the RCP8.5 scenario. It was established that the climate risks of depletion and irreversible depletion of water resources for the territory of Ukraine from 2020 to 2050 remain quite small, which is confirmed by the low probability of their occurrence. However, the risk values increase by 1.5 to 2.0 times for the RCP8.5 scenario compared to the RCP4.5 scenario. Additionally, for calculating the climate risks, it was proposed to use a relative area subject to depletion as an indirect indicator of losses (a larger area implies higher costs of restoration). This approach allowed for having more differentiated risk assessments. The developed methodology for assessing the climate risks of water resources depletion in the context of global warming can be applied for various models and countries.

STUDYING THE DEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL OF TOURISM INDUSTRIES IN THE SOUTH ALTAI BY HYDROLOGICAL, CLIMATIC, GEOMORPHOLOGICAL WAY AND VISUALIZATION USING GIS

The article conducts a study of the current state of development of the natural and recreational potential of th e Southern Altai. The problems that currently hinder the development of tourism sectors in this territory are considered and ways to solve them are proposed. With the accelerated growth of global tourism and recreation, demand for certain regions of Kazakhstan is increasing. The assessment of the natural and recreational potential of Southern Altai was carried out taking into account the bioclimatic state of natural and recreational areas. When assessing the natural and recreational resources o f the study area, our study assessed the shape of the relief, bioclimate, hydrology and flora. The results of the study allow us to propose specialized and multi-thematic routes connecting the main natural and cultural attractions of the main recreation areas for international and domestic tourists, as well as for educational and educational field programs and research trips. The study of the territorial and recreational potential of a mountainous region has its own characteristics, since, compared with plain territories, its knowledge is insufficient.

Radioecological situation in certain areas of the Southern Federal District

Radioecological monitoring of natural and urban areas is intended not only to assess the consequences of the operation of nuclear fuel energy enterprises, but also to ensure radiation safety of humans and the environment. This type of research allows not only to identify areas with increased background radiation, but also to reduce social tension in the population associated with radiophobia. This paper presents the results of long-term studies of the ambient dose equivalent rate (ADR) of gamma radiation within urban and rural settlements of the Southern Federal District using the example of the Krasnodar Territory. ADR measurements were carried out at a height of 100 cm from the earth's surface using dosimeters-radiometers SRP-88n, DRBP-03 and DKS-96s with a detection unit BDKS-96s using pedestrian gamma survey methods. The study regions represent different types of landscapes: steppe plain territories, the foothills of the North Caucasus and the Black Sea coast. It is shown that the arithmetic average ADR values in urban conditions are 0.11 μSv/h, and in rural settlements – 0.14 μSv/h. Similar results may be due to differences in soil and climatic conditions in different settlements. In general, differences in gamma radiation ADR may be due to a greater extent to measurement uncertainty (standard deviation), and also, to a lesser extent, to relief features and the content of radionuclides in the soils of a given region. The radiation situation in the Krasnodar Territory at the time of the study complies with the requirements of SanPiN 2.6.1.2612-10. The gamma radiation equivalent dose rate values are within the limits of natural background fluctuations characteristic of the Russian Federation.

Variety of forms of phytoliths of Kulunda soils and their phytocenotic affiliation

Phytoliths are an important component of soil and vegetation cover. Thanks to phytolith analysis, it is possible to identify vegetation cover after a long time. There is practically no information about the transition of amorphous silica in the form of phytoliths from plant mass to soil. This very important stage in the formation of the soil phytolith spectrum was considered in the works of N. K. Kiseleva. When studying the phytolith spectra of dominant grasses and sedges, she calculated the coefficient of their participation for the Mongolian steppes, and further she proposed the concept of “phytolith spectrum" In this work, we made an attempt to assess the correlation of the set of phytolith forms and their ratio in the upper soil layer with the modern composition of vegetation. For this purpose, the phytolith spectra of soils and vegetation of three ecosystems were analyzed, and the phytolith spectra of modern soils were compared. We also applied the approach of Nina Kiseleva and the results we obtained of taxonomic diagnosis of plant species based on the forms of their phytoliths. The research was carried out on the territory of the North Kulunda lacustrine-alluvial plain. The phytolith complex of the surface layer of soils of the forb-fescue with wormwood steppe is characterized by the predominance of two groups of phytoliths: truncated cone-shaped (RONDEL) phytoliths and trapezoidal wavy plates (CRENATE). In the soils of the bushy feather-grass-forb steppe and solonetzic steppe with a cereal-licorice community, trapezoidal polylobed plates (CRENATE) and bilobed particles (BILOBATE) are added to them. Other indicator forms are presented in small quantities. Calculation of the soil phytolith complex allows one to diagnose the coenotic composition of cereals of the phytolith spectrum.

Zooplankton in brackish water bodies of the plain territory of the Altai territory in the vegetation season of 2022

The zooplankton of three small brackish lakes (Bulatovo, Korostelevskoye and Markovskoye) located in the plain territory of Altai Krai was studied in 2022. Data on the main characteristics of the zooplankton habitat are presented. An assessment of the ecological state of lakes is given based on qualitative and quantitative indicators of zooplankton. The taxonomic composition and main quantitative characteristics of zooplankton in the spring, summer and autumn periods are characterized. Seasonal dynamics of quantitative indicators and changes in the taxonomic composition of zooplankton were noted. The lowest quantitative indicators of zooplankton development were noted in the spring season (April). All identified representatives of zooplankton were cosmopolitans. Common to all lakes are 5 taxa of crustaceans and rotifers (Keratella quadrata, Filinia longiseta, Daphnia magna, Cyclopidae ind., Diaptomidae ind.). In the spring and autumn seasons, copepods dominated in abundance and biomass, reaching 99.9% of the zooplankton population. Differences in the composition of the dominant taxa in the summer season were noted between the lakes. In the lake Bulatovo was dominated in numbers by rotifers due to Brachionus quadridentatus, and in biomass by cladocerans due to Daphnia magna. In the lake Korostelevskoe, the dominant taxonomic group in terms of numbers was copepods, the basis of which were Diaptomidae ind., in terms of biomass — cladocerans due to Diaphanosoma brachiurum. Only in the lake In Markovskoe, copepods — Diaptomidae ind. — dominated in numbers and biomass. The zooplankton of the studied lakes was characterized by a poor species composition, but high summer numbers and biomass (from 342 thou. eq./m3 and 7.13 g/m3 in Lake Markovskoe to 1895 th. eq./m3 and 33.7 g/m3 in Lake Bulatovo). In the summer season, the zooplankton biomass of the lake. Markovskoye belonged to reservoirs of the α-eutrophic type, lakes Bulatovo and Korostelevskoye were of the polytrophic type. The majority of noted species (60%) were indicators of β-mesosaprobic conditions.

Zonal features of the spread of bovine leukemia virus in Dagestan

Relevance. A contagious disease widespread in economic damage among cattle (cattle) is viral leukemia, registered in the Dagestan province since the 60s of the XX century. The region has distinctive features due to the natural and climatic conditions of the area. In this regard, the analysis of the zonal features of the spread of the cattle leukemia virus (VLCRS) remains an urgent task in the further study of the epizootic process and the development of a comprehensive program of health measures.Methods. The object of serological research was livestock, kept on the territory of agricultural formations of all forms of ownership. In order to study the zonal features of the manifestation and persistence of the occurrence of VLCRS infection, a set of data was used, such as the number of identified, rehabilitated and disadvantaged points remaining on the end of the year, the number of seropositive animals in the immune diffusion reaction (AGID), reflected in the reporting documents of the Veterinary Committee of the Dagestan Republic for 2022.Results. The results of monitoring studies determined the difference in the epizootic situation on viral leukemia, due to the zonal classification of rural areas and urban districts of the region. In particular, out of 138 leukemia-affected localities, found during the analyzed period, 134 (97,1%) were officially registered on the plain territory. Of these, 65 are in the mountainous and high-altitude zones, 4 is in the foothills. In the foothill province of Dagestan 4 (2,9%) points were noted. Consequently, the mountainous and high-altitude zones are free from leukemia infection and do not pose an epizootic danger.

Качество древесного опада как информативный индикатор функциональной классификации лесов

Relevance and goals. In the context of global climate change, the climate-regulating function of forests deserves special attention. There is still no functional classification of forests according to the effectiveness of carbon accumulation function. The aim of this paper is to discuss an approach to such classification based on the assessment of tree litter quality. Objects and methods. To test the approach to the identification of functional types of forests based on the quality of tree litter, taking into account the location in the geochemically linked landscape and the mechanical composition of soil-forming rocks, data on soils and vegetation obtained at 23 testing sites in the subzone of coniferous-broadleaf forests of the European part of Russia on the territory of Bryansk Polesie and Moskvoretsko-Okskaya plain were used. For indirect (Landolt’s ecological scales using the SpeDiv program) assessment of differences in the soil richness in forests belonging to different functional types, the species composition at 160 geobotanical plots in forest sites in the Moscow, Bryansk, Smolensk, Kostroma Regions, Krasnodar Territory, and the Republic of Adygea (Northwestern Caucasus) were analyzed. Results. Examples of functional forest types for coniferous — broad-leaved forests of the European part of Russia are given. The differences in soil carbon stock between forests belonging to different functional types were found, and a preliminary assessment of the influence of the location in the geochemically linked landscape and the mechanical composition of soils on the accumulation of carbon in soils in the same functional forest types is given. Conclusion. Based on the quality of the tree litter, 15 functional forest types were identified, which are confirmed by examples of forests in the subzone of coniferous-broad-leaved forests of the European part of Russia and in the belt of coniferous-broad-leaved forests of the Northwestern Caucasus. The validity of identification of functional forest types for the efficiency of carbon accumulation in soils based on the quality of tree litter, taking into account the influence of “external factors” (the location of forests in the geochemically linked landscape and the mechanical composition of soil-forming rocks), was confirmed by data obtained at 23 sites. Using this approach allowed us to reveal differences in the soil carbon stock and related characteristics of soil fertility estimated on an ecological scale between the functional forest types, identified on the base of tree litter in the mixed, coniferous-broad-leaved forests at the same location in the geochemically linked landscape. Differences in soil carbon stocks in forest ecosystems of the same functional forest types formed on clay loam and sandy loam soil-forming rocks were also revealed. Differences in soil carbon stocks in forests belonging to the same functional type, but formed at different locations in the geochemically linked landscape, have been confirmed: soil carbon stocks were higher in forests at the transit landscapes compared to those in autonomous ones.

Фронтирность горных сообществ Северного Кавказа и проблемы развития туризма: вызовы и риски

The article analyzes the concept of frontier in relation to mountain communities, considers the attitude of local citizens to the development of tourism in the territory of their residence, in this context the reasoning about “risk societies” is given. As part of the present study, the concept of frontier is interpreted primarily as a natural boundary between mountainous and plain territories, which causes the emergence of certain value systems in them and creates symbolic discourses between different parts of the same entity. It is emphasized that in the Alaniya National Park it is necessary to plan, first of all, the development of ecotourism. However, this process is hampered by a number of problems, including: the lack of economic incentives for the industry development; the acute shortage of qualified specialists in the field of ecological tourism; insufficient infrastructure necessary for its development; seizure of land for individual construction, which leads to a violation of the ecological and socio-cultural balance in these areas. The necessity of taking into account these factors in the development of tourism development programs in the region is emphasized.

Modern forest climatopes and forest typological zoning of the southern part of the plain territory of European Russia

The paper considers the current status of forest typology in Russia and methods of forest typological assessment of forest climatopes and forest typological zoning. For the southern part of the plain territory of European Russia at the beginning of the 21st century, the climates of forest thermotopes, contrastotopes and hygrotopes, their spatial distribution, latitudinal and meridional stretching and zoning were determined by classical forest typological methods. Five zone of forest climatopes (three of them have latitudinal zoning), nine zone of forest hygrotopes and six zone of continentality (zones of forest contrastotopes) have been ascertained. A new, previously undescribed climate of the contrastotop of the mild (seaside) forest climate has been identified, requiring an assessment of the forest-growing effect. It has been established that the modern zones of forest thermo-, contrast- and hygrotopes have a different nature of geographical extent, and the zones of climates of hygrotopes advance the zones of thermotopes, thus forest typological zoning and allocation of forest typological areas are proposed according to three equivalent climatic regimes. The modern forest typological zoning of the southern part of plain territory of European Russia is proposed, it is established that the Krasnodar Krai and the Orenburg Region are characterized by the greatest diversity of forest typological areas. The question is raised about the assessment of the actual existence of some selected local forest typological areas as geographical ecotones.

New finds of wild grapes of the Kuban region and their environmental and geographic characteristics

This article presents the study results of new locations of wild forms of the Krasnodar Territory, Crimean region. Two populations in two locations were found in the slope and plain territories. In the course of the expeditions, the environmental and geographic characteristics of the habitats of wild grape forms were given, a complete description of the vegetation of the ecotopes under study was made, and the morphological and biological qualitative and quantitative indicators of grape wild forms have been studied in detail. When analyzing scientific literature data, it was found that there is not enough information about Kuban wild plants, feral forms and autochthons of grapes. The urgent need for this study arose. The research was carried out using route-reconnaissance, geobotanical, ampelographic, analytical methods. The variability of some indicators was detected to a greater or lesser extent, both at interpopulation and endogenous levels. Populations differ in the shape of the leaf blade, with leaves occurring pentagonal, deltoid, and rounded. The degree of leaf corrugation varies from weak to medium. The crown of the young shoot is slightly open or half open, with very rare pubescence, the depth of the upper lateral leaf clippings is from very small to medium.

Качество древесного опада как информативный индикатор функциональной классификации лесов

Relevance and goals. In the context of global climate change, the climate-regulating function of forests deserves special attention. There is still no functional classification of forests according to the effectiveness of their carbon storage function. The purpose of this article is to discuss an approach to such classification based on the assessment of the quality of tree litter. Objects and methods. To test the approach to the identification of functional types of forests (FTL) based on the quality of tree litter, taking into account the position in the landscape and the mechanical composition of soil-forming rocks, data on soils and vegetation obtained at 23 sites operating in the subzone of coniferous-broadleaf forests of the European part of Russia on the territory of Bryansk Polesie and Moskvoretsko-Okskaya plain were used. For indirect (on the ecological scale of E. Landolt using the SpeDiv program) to assess differences in the soil richness of forests belonging to different FTLS, the species composition of 160 descriptions of forest vegetation of the Moscow, Bryansk, Smolensk, Kostroma regions, Krasnodar Krai and the Republic of Adygea (North-Western Caucasus) was analyzed. Results. Examples of functional forest types (FTL) for coniferous and broad-leaved forests of the European part of Russia are given. The differences in the level of soil carbon accumulation between different FTLS are shown, and a preliminary assessment of the influence of the position in the landscape and the mechanical composition of soils on the accumulation of carbon in soils within FTLS is given. Conclusion. Based on the quality of the fall of tree litter, 15 FTL were identified, which are confirmed by examples based on geobotanical descriptions of forest communities common in the zone of coniferous-deciduous forests of the European part of Russia and in the belt of coniferous-deciduous forests of the North-Western Caucasus. The validity of the allocation of FTL for the efficiency of carbon accumulation in soils based on the quality of plant litter, taking into account the influence of “external factors” (the position in the landscape and the mechanical composition of soil-forming rocks) is confirmed by data obtained at 23 sites; estimates of the carbon reserves in the soil, as well as the soil richness estimated on an ecological scale, revealed differences between the allocated FTLS. Differences in carbon stocks in forest ecosystems in the same FTL formed on loamy and sandy loam soil-forming rocks were revealed. Differences in soil carbon reserves in forests belonging to the same FTL, but formed at different positions in the landscape, have been confirmed; in transit landscapes, soil carbon reserves are higher than in autonomous ones.

Height differentiation of valley-river landscapes of the right-bank Ukraine

The aim of the article. To analyze the peculiarities of height differentiation of valley-river landscapes and to study their current structure taking a model region as an example – a plain territory of the Right-bank Ukraine. Methods. The study is based on the ideas of F. M. Milkov on anthropogenic landscapes and their vertical (height) differentiation. In the process of research the constructive-scientific landscape approach and the principles of complexity and natural-anthropogenic combination were used. The main research methods, in addition to field, are methods of theoretical generalization, historical and landscape, the leading factor, zoning, modeling, analogy and more. Scientific novelty. The main focus of scientists is only on the impact of vertical zonation on mountain landscapes. Height differentiation of valley-river landscapes has not been given due attention. This is especially true of river valley landscapes that have been transformed as a result of economic activity. Practical value. Previous experience in the optimization of anthropogenic landscapes shows that taking into account their height differentiation is a necessary condition for the development of various projects and schemes of environmental management. Given the growing anthropogenic pressure on the environment, such studies will help to better understand the course of negative man-made processes and contribute to the optimization, conservation and protection of modern valley and river landscapes. In the long run, this may be the basis for similar research in river valleys around the world. Research results. The development of height differentiation within the boundaries of valley-river landscapes of the Right-bank Ukraine was considered based on the earlier experience. 2 height-landscape levels (“young” accumulative and “typical” accumulative-denudation) and 4 tiers were singled out in river valleys. Bridges, dams, causeways, derivative HES, “water” mills, anthropogenic islands, ponds of a riverbed type or meliorative canals – all these are typical for a lower tier of a “young” accumulative height-landscape level. A middle tier is represented with water-economic and agricultural landscapes. An upper tier is formed with residential and mining-industrial landscapes. In river valleys a “typical” accumulative-denudation height-landscape level has one lower tier which is formed with two natural types of localities: sloping and canyon-like. This tier is characterized with a good preservation (up to 35%) of natural landscapes. Anthropogenic landscapes are represented mainly with forest-cultural, residential, agricultural and road landscape complexes. The conclusion has been made that with further anthropogenization of river valleys it is expedient to make designs of anthropogenic landscapes, distributing them on height-landscape teirs evenly and thoughfully. Within the boundaries of a “young” accumulative height-landscape level it advisable to carry out the restoration and optimization of water-economic landscape-technical systems which are at the “aging” stage. To preserve valley-river landscapes it should be forbidden to take any economic measures except for the optimization ones.

Methodology for Analyzing the State of the Natural Environment of the Plain Territories of the Arctic Zone of the Russian Federation

The purpose of the study is to develop a methodology for integrated geoecological zoning of the northern plain territories of the Russian Federation based on digital elevation models. Geomorphometric elevation parameters have been calculated to take into account: a) exogenous factors; b) endogenous factors – the coefficient of discrete- ness and energy intensity, fault density and the function of crushing the Earth’s crust. Such an integrated approach has no analogues and allows taking into account the impact on the state of the environment of exogenous and endogenous, climatic and other natural factors at the global, regional and local levels. As a result, a methodology for integrated geoecological zoning of the northern plain territories of the Russian Federation was developed on the basis of modern digital elevation models using GIS technologies and maps of geoecological zoning.

БАЗА ДАНИХ ПАЛЕОҐРУНТОЗНАВЧИХ ДОСЛІДЖЕНЬ ГОЛОЦЕНУ В МЕЖАХ РІВНИННОЇ ЧАСТИНИ УКРАЇНИ НА ОСНОВІ ГІС-ТЕХНОЛОГІЙ

Today, the study of the development of Holocene nature and its individual components within the territory of Ukraine is quite active. The research results are reflected in dissertations and monographs as well as in numerous publications. But there is no separate generalizing scientific work linking all the available information. The aim of our work was the creation and maximum filling of the spatial database according to the results of paleosoil study of Holocene deposits of the plain territory of Ukraine on the basis of the conducted researches and to highlight perspectives of the development of such database. In the course of work an unified database of paleosoil researches of Holocene deposits of the territory of Ukraine was created. We used Opensource programs for the database creation. Some criteria for the implementation of the modern paleogeographic databases have been established. The attributive structure of the main paleosoil characteristics of the Holocene period has been formed and substantiated. The following blocks have been identified to characterize the paleosoil section as an object of study: 1) spatial reference (administrative, physical-geographical, geographical coordinates); 2) information about the study of the object (the name of the scientist and the year of study); 3) characteristics of the section (used research methods, type of modern and buried soil, thickness of the soil profile); 4) dating of deposits (paleogeographic and archaeological) 5) graphic materials; 6) references. The created database made it possible to determine the current state of paleosoil studies of the Holocene of the plain part of Ukraine in the territorial and chronological context, and also determined further perspectives for its development.

Zoning of the Southern Buh River Basin Under the Conditions of Spring Flood Formation

The Southern Buh river basin is located in three natural zones of Ukraine and is heterogeneous in terms of physical and geographical conditions of river runoff formation. Purpose. Carry out hydrological zoning of the Southern Buh river basin with the allocation of areas with the same conditions for the spring floods formation by a set of morphometric characteristics of rivers and their basins and hydrometeorological and agrometeorological factors. Methods. Using a statistical model of factor analysis (R-modification) the most significant factors from the totality of all features were identified. There are two factors – the first describes 38% of the total variance of all factors (latitude of catchment centers, average height of catchments, wetlands, water reserves in the snow cover, precipitation of snowmelt and maximum depth of soil freezing), and the second – 21% (river length, catchment area and the amount of precipitation that fell after snowmelt). Factor loads were used for further grouping of basins using the method of cluster analysis. Results. As a result of territory zoning, two hydrological districts with sub-districts (district I and district II with sub-districts IIa, IIb, IIc) were identified. Area I covers the area from the source to hydrological post on the Southern Buh river basin – Trostyanchik village. Downstream and to the river mouth, the territory covers area II, which is divided into three sub-areas (sub-area IIa, IIb, IIc). Data from small rivers between the Dniester and the Southern Buh are involved in the hydrographical network. The boundaries of hydrological districts in the Southern Buh river basin were drawn along the watersheds of rivers, taking into account the physical and geographical zoning of the territory and involving in the analysis of maps of soil cover and vegetation in the basin. The hydrological zoning of the Southern Buh river basin under the conditions of spring flood formation is in good agreement with the zoning of the plain territory of Ukraine, which was performed by different authors over time. Conclusions. The use of statistical methods in the work allowed to clarify the boundaries of existing districts and identify new sub-districts in the Southern Buh river basin. The analyzed natural conditions have shown that within the limits of hydrological zoning they have certain features of spring floods formation. Such features will be used in the substantiation of the regional method of long-term forecasting of the characteristics of spring flood in the Southern Buh river basin.

ПРОБЛЕМЫ ВОЗРАСТНОЙ И ГЕНЕТИЧЕСКОЙ ДИАГНОСТИКИ ЧЕТВЕРТИЧНЫХ ОТЛОЖЕНИЙ В ДОЛИНЕ СРЕДНЕГО ТЕЧЕНИЯ Р. ЕНИСЕЙ (ЕНИСЕЙ-НИЖНЕАНГАРСКИЙ СТРАТИГРАФИЧЕСКИЙ РАЙОН И РАЙОН МИНУСИНСКИХ КОТЛОВИН)

The article is devoted to the state of stratigraphic exploration maturity of the Eopleistocene – Neo-Рleistocene Quaternary deposits on the boundary of mountain and plain territories in the non-glacial area. The material analysis shows an inadequate rationale of the existing stratigraphic schemes, according to which the ladder of alluvial terraces of these territories was formed sequentially during the Eopleistocene, Neo-Pleistocene and Holocene. The revising of representative sections was carried out, the provision of them with geochronological data, the accuracy of age and genetic diagnostics were evaluated.

Geochemical differentiation of atmospheric aerosols in natural zones of European Russia

Climate and environmental changes on Earth have become modern challenges to humanity. The main factor affecting the landscapes of Russia is an increase in air temperature and a decrease in precipitation. Because of these processes, the amount of aerosols in the near-ground atmosphere of the landscapes of the ETR (European territory of Russia) increases. The aim of the study is to determine the atmogeophysical and atmogeochemical indicators that reveal the interaction of the atmosphere and the diversity of natural landscapes in European Russia. Landscape-geochemical research methods make it possible to study geosystems with the participation of all landscape components and actual migration processes, especially the atmospheric migration of chemical elements. To determine the modern atmogeochemical existence, field comprehensive studies of the potential emission of matter in all natural zones of the ETR were carried out submeridionally - in the landscapes of the steppe, forest-steppe, forest and tundra zones of the ETR. The research results show that in the submeridional profile, the mass concentration of aerosols decreases regularly from south to north, the minimum concentrations of atmospheric aerosols are observed in the forest zone, in the tundra there was a slight increase due to anthropogenic landscapes and the influence of the sea. Analysis of the chemical composition of aerosols revealed that, among the elements of global importance, aluminosilicates naturally increase to the south of the ETR as elements of clay minerals that are widespread in the Russian Plain. The maximum phosphorus content occurs in the residential area with agricultural landscapes. Sulfur concentrations are confined to the semiarid zone of the ETR, then decrease in the forest zone and increase again in the technogenic regions and the tundra belt of the Kola Peninsula, surrounded by the sea. The concentrations of chemical elements of regional and local distribution in atmospheric aerosols are more differentiated on the ETR and depend on the natural and technogenic features of each region. Thus, heavy metals are more common in the Plain territories of the forest-steppe and forest zones of the ETR and are confined to the bedrock and technogenic sources. High concentrations of calcium and strontium are associated with areas of weathering of carbonate rocks. In general, increased concentrations of atmospheric aerosols with an increased content of anthropogenic elements are observed during the western and southern transport of air masses. At the same time, the amount of rainstorm precipitation increases when these aerosols act as condensation nuclei. To assess the current state of the atmosphere at the ETR, it is necessary to continue field measurements and organize European annual and seasonal geochemical monitoring at stationary observation points.

Synopsis of the order Juncales (Liliopsida) in Ukraine

Juncales is an order of vascular plants with cosmopolitan distribution. Two families of Juncales are present in flora of Ukraine: Juncaceae and Cyperaceae. Through 1985–2021, we conducted comprehensive revision of Juncales in Ukraine. The aim of this research was to compile a checklist of Juncales species in the flora of Ukraine. Our research is based on herbarium materials, literature data and field trips. We collected data in many herbariums of Ukraine and other countries. Our understanding of the taxa was further supplemented by field observations in mountainous (Carpathians and Crimea) and plain territories of Ukraine. Also, we collected information about Juncales species from numerous literature sources. For each taxon, we provided nomenclatural citation and basic synonyms. According to our data, the order Juncales in the flora of Ukraine contains 188 species, belonging to 19 genera. Lists of Juncales species can be found in many thorough publications. For a long time, Checklist of Mosyakin & Fedoronchuk (1999) was the main list in the nomenclature of vascular plants in Ukraine. To date, many nomenclature and taxonomic changes have been accumulated. For example, we accept genera Schoenoplectiella and Oreojuncus here. Researchers have found many new species for the territory of Ukraine. This information can be found in numerous publications, but is fragmented. Therefore, we have compiled an updated summary of the Juncales species. In Ukrainian territory, Juncales species are considered both widespread and rare. We refer to the rarest species Carex alba, C. bicolor, C. bohemica, C. brunnescens, C. buxbaumii, C. depauperata, C. fuliginosa, C. globularis, C. heleonastes, C. lachenalii, C. loliacea, C. obtusata, C. pediformis, C. rupestris, C. strigosa, Cyperus longus, Eleocharis multicaulis, E. oxylepis, Fimbristylis bisumbellata, Juncus acutiflorus, J. soranthus, J. subnodulosus, Isolepis setacea, Luzula spicata, Schoenoplectus pungens, Trichophorum alpinum, T. cespitosum. Also, the following species are rare: Bolboschoenus yagara, Carex chordorrhiza, C. davalliana, C. dioica, C. hostiana, C. pauciflora, C. secalina, C. vaginata, Cladium mariscus, Eleocharis carniolica, Juncus capitatus, J. castaneus, J. littoralis, J. sphaerocarpus, J. thomasii, J. triglumis, Luzula alpinopilosa, L. sudetica, Schoenoplectiella mucronata, Schoenus ferrugineus.

Synopsis of the order Juncales (Liliopsida) in Ukraine

Juncales is an order of vascular plants with cosmopolitan distribution. Two families of Juncales are present in flora of Ukraine: Juncaceae and Cyperaceae. Through 1985–2021, we conducted comprehensive revision of Juncales in Ukraine. The aim of this research was to compile a checklist of Juncales species in the flora of Ukraine. Our research is based on herbarium materials, literature data and field trips. We collected data in many herbariums of Ukraine and other countries. Our understanding of the taxa was further supplemented by field observations in mountainous (Carpathians and Crimea) and plain territories of Ukraine. Also, we collected information about Juncales species from numerous literature sources. For each taxon, we provided nomenclatural citation and basic synonyms. According to our data, the order Juncales in the flora of Ukraine contains 188 species, belonging to 19 genera. Lists of Juncales species can be found in many thorough publications. For a long time, Checklist of Mosyakin & Fedoronchuk (1999) was the main list in the nomenclature of vascular plants in Ukraine. To date, many nomenclature and taxonomic changes have been accumulated. For example, we accept genera Schoenoplectiella and Oreojuncus here. Researchers have found many new species for the territory of Ukraine. This information can be found in numerous publications, but is fragmented. Therefore, we have compiled an updated summary of the Juncales species. In Ukrainian territory, Juncales species are considered both widespread and rare. We refer to the rarest species Carex alba, C. bicolor, C. bohemica, C. brunnescens, C. buxbaumii, C. depauperata, C. fuliginosa, C. globularis, C. heleonastes, C. lachenalii, C. loliacea, C. obtusata, C. pediformis, C. rupestris, C. strigosa, Cyperus longus, Eleocharis multicaulis, E. oxylepis, Fimbristylis bisumbellata, Juncus acutiflorus, J. soranthus, J. subnodulosus, Isolepis setacea, Luzula spicata, Schoenoplectus pungens, Trichophorum alpinum, T. cespitosum. Also, the following species are rare: Bolboschoenus yagara, Carex chordorrhiza, C. davalliana, C. dioica, C. hostiana, C. pauciflora, C. secalina, C. vaginata, Cladium mariscus, Eleocharis carniolica, Juncus capitatus, J. castaneus, J. littoralis, J. sphaerocarpus, J. thomasii, J. triglumis, Luzula alpinopilosa, L. sudetica, Schoenoplectiella mucronata, Schoenus ferrugineus.

Biodiversity of the Abyiskaya lowland (northeast of Yakutia) and the issues of its study and conservation

For the first time, general data on the study of the composition of vascular plants and plant community’s characteristic of the sparsely populated northern taiga plain territory in the Indigirka River’s middle reaches are presented. The well-known visual methods of studying the vegetation cover have been used. These methods are effective when studying remote little or completely unexplored regions, especially in the north of Russia. As a result, new data were obtained on the composition of this territory’s flora, the state, and the diversity of its vegetation cover. Five species included in the Red Book of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) have been identified. The issues of protection measures for territories with non-unique sets of plants and their communities, typical for a wide range of northern taiga and forest-tundra regions, are presented.