Polar Urals Research Articles

«Другие» протестанты — смена религиозной идентичности

In this article, the author attempts to reveal some aspects related to the transformation of the confessional identity of members of Protestant religious organizations operating in the Southern, Middle and Polar Urals and identifying themselves as representatives of “other” ethnic groups that are not widespread in Russia. The article presents data on the confessional identity of the respondents and on the factors that contributed to their adoption of Protestant Christianity. The research materials allow us to conclude that the religious identity (or lack of it) of the respondents before coming to Protestantism is close to that of the respondents from the general sample in the Urals; most of all among the “other” Protestants were atheists or non-denominational theists who “simply” believed in God. Most of all, both among “other” Protestants and among believers from the general sample of those who came to Protestantism with the assistance of close people who enjoy the greatest trust: friends, parents, relatives and spouses. Domestic and foreign missionaries, as well as members of religious communities personally unknown to the respondent, played an insignificant role in the religious choice of the respondents from both samples. The data presented in the article demonstrate that the confessional affiliation (or lack of it) of the respondents before they adopted Protestantism, as well as the factors contributing to the acquisition of their religious identity by Protestants, do not depend on ethnic identity.

Diversity of diatoms in biological soil crusts of the northern region of the Urals on the basis of morphological and metagenomic approaches

We studied the diversity of diatoms in biological soil crusts which formed on cryogenic soils in the mountain tundras of the Polar, Subpolar and Northern Urals. We used the permanent Elyashev's medium and DNA metabarcoding for diatom species diversity. In total, 58 diatoms taxa (rank below the genus) identified based on morphological and metagenomic data analysis. The most diverse genera are Pinnularia, Eunotia, and Nitzschia.

Assessment of Past Decadal Dynamics of Tree Stands in Forest–Tundra Transition Zone on the Polar Ural Mountains Calibrated Using Historical and Modern Field Measurements

Altitudinal forest limits are typically climatically dependent, such that increasing temperatures connected to global warming are causing upslope shifts in treeline ecotones worldwide. However, at the local and regional levels, the degree of such a response is dependent on differences in climate, topography and soil features. In recent decades, attempts have been undertaken to estimate tree stand dynamics with remote sensing methods, but their resolution is still too coarse for a precise assessment of stand structural changes, and requires ground-truthing, which is not possible without historical data collected on a single-tree level. We used aerial photos (1962) and satellite images (2021) in combination with historical inventory data to investigate changes in open forest positions at different spatial scales at the eastern macroslope of the Polar Urals over the past 60 years. Additionally, obtained remote sensing data were validated on a single-slope level using tree crown size estimations. Our investigations showed that since 1960 up to present day, the total crown coverage increased from 6.9 to 22.1% within the test polygon. A highly spatially variable upslope advance in an open forest boundary was identified from 1.7 up to 7.1 m in altitude per decade. We revealed that the rate of tree stand transformations was to a great extent depended on the stand density in the 1960s, soil substrate type, moisture regime, slope aspect and inclination. Our results highlighted the necessity to consider the abovementioned factors when trying to predict climate-induced tree distributional responses in subarctic mountain regions.

New records of true bugs (Heteroptera) from the Urals (Russia)

Fifteen species of true bugs from the families Corixidae, Saldidae, Microphysidae, Anthocoridae, Miridae, Lygaeidae, Berytidae and Pentatomidae are recorded for the first time from the Urals. The studies cover the Polar, Subpolar, Northern, Middle and Southern Urals. For each species, collection data in the Urals and information on distribution in Russia and the world are given.

Условия формирования опасных отложений зернистой изморози на Полярном Урале

Synoptic conditions for the formation of high-intensity hard rime accretion on the territory of the Polar Urals are considered. A leading role of mesoscale processes primarily related to the terrain features in the formation of hard rime is revealed. Numerical experiments are implemented to reproduce the cases of hard rime formation on the territory of the Rai-Iz mountain range using the WRF-ARW mesoscale model. The simulation results and the methods used to interpret them made it possible to obtain detailed fields of meteorological parameters necessary for the correct assessment of the probability and intensity of the hard rime formation. It was also shown that it is reasonable to use model spatial steps of not more than 2 km for successful modeling of ice accretion in the form of hard rime. Keywords: severe weather events, ice accretion, icing, rime, hard rime, numerical weather prediction, WRF-ARW

Two Stages of Assembly of the Pangea Supercontinent in the Polar Urals: The First U/Pb (LA-ICP-MS) and 40Ar/39Ar Dating of the Yarkeu Complex

Two Stages of Assembly of the Pangea Supercontinent in the Polar Urals: The First U/Pb (LA-ICP-MS) and 40Ar/39Ar Dating of the Yarkeu Complex

Forecast of the morphology and occurrence conditions of complex chromite ore bodies (on example of Labogeyskoe-2 site, Polar Urals)

Background. Chromium ores are confined to stratified massifs of basic and ultra-basic composition. The Voikaro-Sinyinsky massif is part of the main hyperbasite belt of the Urals. Inside the hyperbasites of this massif, at the boundaries of tectonic flakes in particular, ultra-basic metamorphites are developed, constituting the zones of sharply variable thickness. During survey routes, a mechanical halo of scattering of ore fragments was found. When studying the ore stockpile, ditches opened the Labogeyskoe-2 chromite ore body, which belongs to the Pogureysky block of the Voikaro-Sinyinsky massif. In the ore occurrence area, harzburgites are predominantly developed with thin striped dunite aggregates in a small volume and individual dunite bodies of low thickness. Chromium ores are densely impregnated, medium- to coarse-grained. The amount of chromospinelides in the composition of ores сonstitutes 90—95%, the serpentine of irregular shape as well as the relics of olivine and emerald-green uvorovite grains, along with the single grains of pyrrhotite and magnetite are found in the interstitia (2—5%). Ores are massive, often cataclazed. The experience of studying this ore occurrence can serve as an analogue for a more effective study of similar ore occurrences. Aim. Evaluation of the Labogeyskoye-2 ore occurrence for the application of the information obtained and methods of its study in the study of a similar Levopayersk ore body, which will help save time and finances in the design and more efficient exploration.Materials and methods. During the filming routes, a mechanical halo of scattering of ore fragments was detected. During the study of the ore collapse in 1966, the KM22—KM25 ditches were passed and the Labogeyskoye-2 chromite ore body was uncovered by the KM24 ditch. In 2013, during geological exploration at Labogeyskoye-2, 3 ditches (K50—K52) were passed and detailed gravimagnetic studies of Institute of Mineralogy, Geochemistry and Crystal Chemistry of Rare Elements in 2011—2012 were performed.Results. The Levopayerskoe ore body is probably the closest analogue of the Labogeyskoye-2 ore occurrence among the 24 ore occurrences, for which geological plans and calculation sections were compiled based on the results of mining and drilling operations.Conclusions. The closest analogue of the Labogeyskoye-2 ore occurrence is probably the Levopayerskoye ore body. Therefore, further geological and exploration work at the Labogeyskoe-2 site should be carried out taking into account the conditions of occurrence of the similar Levopayerskoe ore body.

Sm/Nd and 40Ar/39Ar Isotope–Geochronological Studies of Amphibolite of the Khanmeikhoi Formation of the Kharbei Metamorphic Complex (Polar Urals)

Sm/Nd and 40Ar/39Ar Isotope–Geochronological Studies of Amphibolite of the Khanmeikhoi Formation of the Kharbei Metamorphic Complex (Polar Urals)

Рынок баритового сырья и перспективы освоения месторождений Республики Коми.

Barite is an important raw material used in various industries, which causes great interest in the raw material base, the prospects for its development and the involvement of new deposits in the industrial circulation.The purpose of the research is to analyze the current state and development trends of the barite raw material market and to assess the possibilities of resuming barite production in the Republic of Komi. It has been shown that the consumption of barite for many years is mainly associated with the drilling of exploration and production wells for oil and gas. At the same time, the use of barite in the chemical and other industries is increasing. Despite the development of a number of deposits in Russia, a significant amount of barite is imported from Kazakhstan, China, Netherlands and other countries, which necessitates an increase in the volume of mining operations and the involvement of new deposits in the industrial circulation. The characterization of the Khoilinsky barite deposit located in the Polar Urals in the Republic of Komi, is given. This deposit possesses significant reserves of high quality barite ores suitable for obtaining concentrates for various purposes. It has been concluded that the Khoilinsky deposit can be considered as one of the most promising. Its development will significantly increase the production of barite ores in Russia, reduce imports and meet the needs of the oil and gas, chemical and other industries, and increase export supplies.

SOME ASPECTS OF THE FORMATION OF THE CONFESSIONAL IDENTITY OF PROTESTANTS - CARRIERS OF THE FINNO-UGRIС LANGUAGES

This paper examines the religious identity of the speakers of the Uralic languages before their adoption of the Protestant Christianity, as well as the determining factors under the influence of which the respondents came to Protestantism (the impact of people - relatives, friends, church members, missionaries, etc.). It was found that Finno-Ugric peoples living in an industrial (urban) society, according to these indicators, practically do not differ from the main body of respondents - Protestants, more than 60.0 % of whom are Russians. Among the Protestants - the indigenous peoples of the North and Siberia - Nenets and Khanty, there is a significant number of former carriers of traditional religions. The article uses materials from fieldworks conducted by the Institute of Ethnological Research named after RG Kuzeeva UFIC RAS in 2013 - 2015 in the South, Middle and Polar Urals, as well as in the Surgut region of the Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Okrug (KhMAO) - Yugra. The materials presented in the work can be used by teachers, students and graduate students of specialized educational institutions, scientists, specialists in the field of state - confessional relations.

Горно-геологическая и экономическая характеристика месторождений свинцово-цинковых руд в российской Арктике

The article analyzes the possibilities for prospecting, evaluation, exploration and extraction of zinc and lead deposits in the Arctic. The reserves and resources of zinc and lead deposits and ore occurrences on the Novaya Zemlya archipelago, on Vaygach Island, in the Polar Urals and in the Northern Timan are cal-culated on the territory of the Russian Arctic. The predominant reserves are represented by the Pavlovskoye deposit, which is being prepared for development by JSC First Mining Company of the Rosatom State Corporation. In 2019, the design of a mining enterprise was initiated, no lead and zinc mining has been carried out within the Arctic zone. A promising object is the Saureyskoye deposit in the Polar Urals. The problem is the remoteness of the site from transport highways. It is necessary to plan the construction of a dirt road from the deposit to the railway. Cargo can then be sent to the ports of the Gulf of Ob or to the port of Indiga when it is put into operation. Lead and zinc deposits on the island of Vaygach and on the Arctic coast near Amderma were previously developed. It is necessary to reassess their reserves and to determine possible development options. The extracted ore will be transported through the port of Amderma. In the Northern Timan, reassessment of non-ferrous metal ores should be carried out in a complex (lead, zinc, molybdenum, copper, nickel). Ore mining may be appropriate in connection with the construction of the deep-water seaport of Indiga. The purpose of this article is to study the mining, geological and economic characteristics of lead-zinc ore deposits and the spatial organization of marine communications for the development of the mineral resource complex of the Arctic zone of Russia. Mining facilities in the Arctic have an important strategic importance for strengthening national security of the country.

AGE RESTRICTIONS OF THE UPPER PRECAMBRIAN SUBPOLAR AND POLAR URALS: ON THE QUESTION OF THE TIMING OF THE FORMATION OF THE TIMAN PASSIVE MARGIN

An analysis of U-Pb datings of detrital zircons from Upper Precambrian basal deposits of the Subpolar and Polar Urals is given. The presented material, taking into account the available data for other regions of the north of the Urals, as well as Timan, indicates that, in contrast to the Southern Urals, where the complete Riphean section is known, the Timan-North Urals Upper Precambrian begins with deposits bordering in age between the Middle and Late Riphean, most likely Late Riphean. This indicates the Late Riphean time of the Timan passive margin. It has been suggested that in Pre-Late Riphean times, the northeast of Baltica was located in the inner part of the fragment of Columbia, which avoided destruction until the entry of Baltica into Rodinia.

Сохранение геологического материала и история открытий карстовых образований Печоро-Североуральского спелеологического района и прилегающих территорий

The paper describes the history of discovery and study of karst formations of the European North of Russia. More than 100 karst formations have been identified. The main periods in the history of exploration of caves and grottoes of the Pechora Urals are reflected. The first caves descriptions which were made by travellers and scientists in the 18th19th centuries are given. During that period the most famous caves were Uninskaya and Kaninskaya caves. The main karst formations were discovered and described at the beginning of the 20th century. Geologist V.N. Mamontov discovered 4 caves on the Pervokamennaya River. Systematic geological studies by V.A. Varsanofyeva in the Northern Urals allowed her to discover small karst formations in the upper reaches of the Pechora on the Ilych and Unya rivers. In 1960, B.I. Guslitzer discovered the largest cave in the Northern Urals — the Medvezhya Cave. Promising and little-studied areas of karst are the Bolshezemelskaya Tundra, the Polar and Nether-Polar Urals, Pai-Hoi and Timan. Only a few small caves and grottoes are known on these territories. Most of the karst is located in specially protected areas. The caves are unique paleontological monuments of nature. The funds of the A.A. Chernov Geological Museum of the Institute of Geology contain 12 monographic collections of paleofaunistic material with a volume of more than 30 thousand storage units. The remains of vertebrate caves consist of bones of mammoth fauna and small mammals.

Content of Heavy Metals in the Lichens of Winter Reindeer Pastures of the Timan and Bolshezemelskaya Tundras

This article is devoted to the study of the contents of zinc, cadmium, copper, and lead in lichen in the pastures of reindeer studs in the Timan and Bolshezemelskaya tundras. These areas are located in the Arctic part of Russia, to the west of the Polar Urals. These are areas where carbonate and sandstone rocks of the Permian–Mesozoic age dominate under the soil cover, as well as older deposits located in the western part of the research area (dated to the Cambrian–Devonian period). In these rocks, there is mineralization with metals, including copper. Research carried out in 2018 showed that in the surface layer of lichens, the concentration of metals was assessed differently in the upper, middle, and lower parts of the hill. On this basis, it was possible to identify clean and contaminated pastures. The high copper content in some pastures can be explained by the migration of metal ions from the parent rock. Due to the similar ionic radius of copper and the higher electrocativity in relation to zinc, the metal was probably displaced in the lichen. The observed concentrations can cause high levels of metals in the tissues and organs of deer. A high content of metals in lichens was found in samples collected near industrial enterprises, as well as at a considerable distance from them. At the same time, lichens at some locations near boiler houses or oil rigs are quite pure. In this regard, it has been suggested that the source of pollutants can be either natural factors (copper-bearing sands) or the ingress of metals from a remotely located source.

НЕКОТОРЫЕ СОЦИАЛЬНЫЕ И РЕЛИГИОЗНЫЕ ИДЕНТИЧНОСТИ ПРОТЕСТАНТОВ-УКРАИНЦЕВ УРАЛЬСКОГО РЕГИОНА

This work is devoted to revealing the ranking of the components of social and religious identities according to the degree of importance among Ukrainians - members of Protestant religious organizations operating in the Southern, Middle and Polar Urals. Ukrainians are the largest group of Protestants in the studied regions, having a "foreign" origin. The materials are presented in comparison with data on the general sample of believers. It was found that the systems of identities in the representatives of both control groups are similar; the most important are religious and family identities, the last place in terms of importance is occupied by ethnic identity. At the same time, the results of the research showed that for Ukrainian respondents, religious and family identities are of greater importance, while civil and ethnic identities are of less importance, compared to respondents from the general sample. The greater commitment of Ukrainians to biblical values may be due to the fact that evangelical Christianity historically has more rooted traditions in Ukraine than in Russia; believers who were born and lived for some time on the territory of Ukraine realize evangelical paradigms more fully in their lives.

Some results of the research of mammals and birds inhabiting the Polar Ural Mountains foothills

This paper describes some results of the research of mammals and birds fauna and population structure as ecosystem condition indicators, and provides an investigation of flora and soil to establish habitats structural peculiarities. The research covered an area of a future road from Kharp Village through a ski resort to the Snowflake International Arctic Station (Priuralsky District, Yamal-Nenets Autonomous Okrug, Russia). Our study aims at assessing the environmental impact of the project. In the areas typical habitats, we registered two small mammal species (Clethrionomys (= Myodes) rutilus, Sorex araneus), 25 bird species, traces of three medium and large mammal species presence (Lepus timidus, Vulpes vulpes, Rangifer tarandus). Micromammals show very low abundance, low indices of small mammal communities diversity and sustainability, Cl. rutilus being an absolute dominant. The bird species show a relatively low level of abundance. The composition and structure of animal and bird communities are in line with natural and climate conditions of the Polar Urals foothills. The investigation results revealed low resource capacity, sustainability and biotic communities vulnerability to any impact. The study materials suggest that the future road from Kharp Village to the Snowflake International Arctic Station will not significantly harm mammal and bird population of the area, and will provide facilities for recreational and tourist activities, and will mitigate risks of anthopogenic impact on these vulnerable ecosystems.

Elemental composition of the oligotrophic peat soils in Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous District (Western Siberia)

The research aimed to evaluate the specifics of the elemental composition of oligotrophic peat soils (Cryic Histosols) in Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous district. The content of 32 chemical elements was analyzed in the soil samples using CHN Elemental Analyzer and the atomic emission method. The soil density, ash and organic carbon content were measured along with elemental composition. The ratio of TC/TN (total carbon to total nitrogen) and the degree of pedogenic maturity (degree of organic matter intramolecular oxidation) were calculated. The research shows that the elemental composition of the oligotrophic peat soils of flat-mound frost bogs in Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous District varies widely, and it is closely connected with organic matter features. The content of Ca, Cd, Pb, and Zn correlates negatively (ρ are from -0.71 to -0.63) with the total carbon content. Accordingly, the same elements interconnect with the degree of pedogenic maturity (ρ are from 0.66 to 0.74). Still, there is no dependency between the organic carbon content and the elemental composition of the peat soils. The following factors may result in this: residual eutrophication; the release of elements trace from permafrost sediments and their involvement in local hydrogeochemical fluxes; local geochemical features (for example, the proximity of the Polar Urals).

NEW GROUP OF TOURNAISIAN ADVANCED <em>SIPHONODELLA</em> (CONODONTS, LOWER CARBONIFEROUS)

A new morphological group of advanced Siphonodella with diagonal or/and longitudinal ribbed ornamentation on the upper side of the platform of the P1 elements was identified and described based on the author's paleontological material from the Polar Urals and published data from East European, Central, and Northeast Asian successions. The group includes two valid species Siphonodella nandongensis Li and Siphonodella vladimirovi Plotitsyn nom. nov. Due to the low representativeness of the paleontological material, eight taxa are described in an open nomenclature under the species names Siphonodella sp. A-H. Siphonodella vladimirovi is described as a nomen novum in accordance with the recommendations of the International code of zoological nomenclature (previously identified species appeared under the invalid species names Siphonodella diagonalica Pazukhin or Siphonodella zeravshanica Bardasheva). It is assumed that the species Siphonodella nandongensis Li, Siphonodella vladimirovi Plotitsyn, and Siphonodella sp. A-H came from morphologically similar species from the cosmopolitan group or as descendants of the East European group.

Lacustrine diatom oxygen isotopes as palaeo precipitation proxy - Holocene environmental and snowmelt variations recorded at Lake Bolshoye Shchuchye, Polar Urals, Russia

The diatom oxygen isotope composition (δ18Odiatom) from lacustrine sediments helps tracing the hydrological and climate dynamics in individual lake catchments, and is generally linked to changes in temperature and δ18Olake. Lake Bolshoye Shchuchye (67°53′N; 66°19′ E; 186 m a.s.l) is the largest and deepest freshwater reservoir in the Polar Urals, Arctic Russia. The diatom oxygen isotope interpretation is supported by modern (isotope) hydrology, local bioindicators such as chironomids, isotope mass-balance modelling and a digital elevation model of the catchment.The Bolshoye Shchuchye δ18Odiatom record generally follows a decrease in summer insolation and the northern hemisphere (NH) temperature history. However, it displays exceptional, short-term variations exceeding 5‰, especially in Mid and Late Holocene. This centennial-scale variability occurs roughly contemporaneously with and similar in frequency to Holocene NH glacier advances. However, larger Holocene glacier advances in the Lake Bolshoye Shchuchye catchment are unknown and have not left any significant imprint on the lake sediment record. As Lake Bolshoye Shchuchye is deep and voluminous, about 30–50% of its volume needs to be exchanged with isotopically different water within decades to account for these shifts in the δ18Odiatom record. A plausible source of water with light isotope composition inflow is snow, known to be transported in surplus by snow redistribution from the windward to the leeward side of the Polar Urals. Here, we propose snow melt variability and associated influx changes being the dominant mechanism responsible for the observed short-term changes in the δ18Odiatom record. This is the first time such drastic, centennial-scale hydrological changes in a catchment have been identified in Holocene lacustrine diatom oxygen isotopes, which, for Lake Bolshoye Shchuchye, are interpreted as proxy for palaeo precipitation and, on millennial timescales, for summer temperatures.

Backthrust play of the Chernyshev swell, Timan-Pechora Basin: Reentry into a legacy exploration site based on multidisciplinary study

We have developed a new interpretation of the Povarnitsa High, located in the southern part of the transition zone between the Chernyshov swell and the Kosyu-Rogov trough in the Polar Urals foreland. Petroleum exploration in this area took place in the 1980s and resulted only in an uneconomical oil deposit. Reprocessing and reinterpretation of vintage data and a newly acquired 3D seismic survey along with nonseismic geophysical data provided new insight into the geologic setting of the area. It found a subthrust extension of the Povarnitsa High, overlain by a backthrust sheet floored by upper Ordovician evaporites. This backthrust sheet interpretably resulted from the squeezing of the salt diapir during the late Permian contraction. Stratal patterns of the Silurian-Carboniferous section adjacent to the salt structures suggest early precontraction initiation of the halokinetic deformation, which influenced the distribution of reservoirs such as reefs and oolites. We consider the salt-cored subthrust structural culmination a principal hydrocarbon prospect. It includes multiple reservoir-seal pairs in the Silurian-Permian section at depths ranging from 1 to 4 km. The updated structural model of the Povarnitsa High area suggests that the vintage wells penetrated prospective intervals at the periphery of the closure approximately 1 km downdip from the subthrust crest of the prospect.