Scientific Station Research Articles

Joint Innovative Research Agenda for The Arctic: Programs, Projects, Success Stories

In the context of circumpolar international cooperation within the framework of the Joint Innovative Research Agenda, for the development of a systems approach, it is important to use the resources of existing platforms for multi-level mutually beneficial cooperation. The Council of Barents/Euro-Arctic Region and the University of the Arctic are unique examples of interaction and cooperation between the regions of the Arctic states. The Northern Dimension policy is also an important platform for such cooperation between Russia, the European Union, Iceland and Norway. Cross-border cooperation is integral to international relations, which stimulates the sustainable development of regions, creates growth points for innovative projects, and is focused on the evolution of international economic relationship. Universities and research institutes, as holders of expertise, and centers for studying good world practices and transferring excellence, occupy leading positions in the development of advanced ecosystems and the use of complex technologies, the training of highly qualified personnel for the Arctic, the creating of end-to-end digital technologies, the transforming of priority sectors of the states’ economies, and in the social sphere. This article discusses international project activities as one of the most effective tools contributing to the development of these issues. The authors provide examples of successful practices aimed at solving common challenges in the Arctic region, and conclude that “Arctic fever”, and the intensification of Arctic scientific partnerships through programs to support the introduction of technologies and innovations and the advancement of scientific stations in the Arctic, directly affect the development of local territories, give impetus to economic progress, and create new models of cooperation.

The Effectiveness of Scientific Stations in Teaching Science on Academic Achievement and on the Development of Visual Thinking and Academic Self-efficacy among Second Grade female Students in Makkah

The Effectiveness of Scientific Stations in Teaching Science on Academic Achievement and on the Development of Visual Thinking and Academic Self-efficacy among Second Grade female Students in Makkah

Peer review declaration

All papers published in this volume of IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science have been peer reviewed through processes administered by the Editors. Reviews were conducted by expert referees to the professional and scientific standards expected of a proceedings journal published by IOP Publishing.• Type of peer review: Single-blind • Conference submission management system: The submission processing had no a software system. Call-for-paper was placed on the Conference web page, the papers were submitted via e-mail. The reviews were asked and received via e-mails.• Number of submissions received: 118• Number of submissions sent for review: 104• Number of submissions accepted: 93• Acceptance Rate (Number of Submissions Accepted / Number of Submissions Received X 100): 79%• Average number of reviews per paper: 1.9• Total number of reviewers involved: 1,433• Any additional info on review process: The consideration of the submitted manuscript included independent peer review process. At least two reviewers gave their view and remarks for each paper. All reviewers were asked to provide a detailed review with comments for authors and editors and evaluate paper taking into account the questions list (Is this work novel? Is this work scientifically correct (the experimental procedure and sequence)? Does the subject significantly advance research in the fields of research? Does it have high scientific quality? Does this work have significant proof to verify the primary hypothesis? Is this work incremental? Is the paper clearly written, concise and understandable? Should the English be improved? Is the paper scientifically sound and not misleading?). All reviewers also were asked to provide their recommendations about paper acceptance (to publish the paper “as is”; to publish the paper after minor revision; to publish the paper after major revision; to reject the paper).• Contact person for queries:Dr. Anna Godymchuk, Tobolsk Complex Scientific Station, godymchuk@tpu.ru Prof. Svetlana Morkovina, Vice-rector of Voronezh State University of Forestry and Technologies named after G.F. Morozov, Russia prorektor_nauka@vgltu.ru

VARIABILITY OF CLIMATICALLY ACTIVE ATMOSPHERIC IMPURITIES BASED ON THE RESULTS OF 40 YEARS OF OBSERVATIONS ON THE BASIS OF THE ISSYKKUL RESEARCH STATION (42.62N; 76.98E; 1640M) AND ON SATELLITES (SBUV)

Based on the results of forty years of monitoring of climatically active constituents of the atmosphere at the Issyk-Kul scientific station, a bank of experimental data was obtained, which made it possible to identify specific features in the variability of the ozone layer, greenhouse gases and aerosol components of the atmosphere over the mountainous region of Central Asia. The research results are used to correct existing and develop new models of the atmosphere, which make it possible to predict the state of the ozone layer and climate change, taking into account inland mountain effects that make a significant contribution to the thermodynamic processes of the troposphere-stratosphere.

ABOUT ONE WAY OF ORGANIZATION UNIFIED SYSTEM FOR REGISTRATION OF SPACE RAYS

At present, at the high-mountain scientific station for the study of the physics of cosmic rays, various, independently operating unique experimental installations are used. The article discusses the ways and methods of combining these installations into a single system, which includes networks of scintillation detectors of the "carpet" type for registration of the electron-photon component, ground and underground monitors for registration of neutron components, calorimeters, Cherenkov detectors, a scintillation spectrometer and a number of other subsystems. The newly created unified system for registering cosmic rays based on the achievements of modern technology and scientific thought will have a high resolution, with a common databank with synchronization in time of operation of separate, independently operating experimental installations. The solution to this problem will make it possible to perform a detailed analysis of the recorded events from a single position, to carry out complex calculations of the spatial distribution, mass composition, and also the energy structure of cosmic rays with a high degree of accuracy.

Accounting for meteorological effects in the detector of the charged component of cosmic rays

Abstract. In this paper, we discuss the influence of meteorological effects on the data of the ground installation CARPET, which is a detector of the charged component of secondary cosmic rays (CRs). This device is designed in the P.N. Lebedev Physical Institute (LPI, Moscow, Russia) and installed at the Dolgoprudny scientific station (Dolgoprudny, Moscow region; 55.56∘ N, 37.3∘ E; geomagnetic cutoff rigidity (Rc = 2.12 GV) in 2017. Based on the data obtained in 2019–2020, the barometric and temperature correction coefficients for the CARPET installation were determined. The barometric coefficient was calculated from the data of the barometric pressure sensor included in the installation. To determine the temperature effect, we used the data of upper-air sounding of the atmosphere obtained by the Federal State Budgetary Institution “Central Aerological Observatory” (CAO), also located in Dolgoprudny. Upper-air sounds launch twice a day and can reach an altitude of more than 30 km.

Peer review declaration

All papers published in this volume of IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science have been peer reviewed through processes administered by the Editors. Reviews were conducted by expert referees to the professional and scientific standards expected of a proceedings journal published by IOP Publishing.• Type of peer review: Single-blind• Conference submission management system: The submission processing had no a software system. Call-for-paper was placed on the Conference web page, the papers were submitted via e-mail. The reviews were asked and received via e-mails (Mrs. Lubov Mitrofanova: zeekmarina@gmail.com)• Number of submissions received: 25• Number of submissions sent for review: 17• Number of submissions accepted: 15• Acceptance Rate (Number of Submissions Accepted / Number of Submissions Received X 100): 60%• Average number of reviews per paper: 1.8• Total number of reviewers involved: 218• Any additional info on review process: The consideration of the submitted manuscripts included independent peer review process. At least two reviewers gave their view and remarks for each paper. All reviewers were asked to provide a detailed review with comments for authors and editors and evaluate paper taking into account 1) Quality Criteria (originality, motivation of research, repetition of results, and length), 2) Presentation Criteria (title, abstract, diagrams, figures, tables and captions, text and mathematics, and conclusion), and 3) Technical Criteria (scientific merit, clarity of expression; readability and discussion of concepts, suitable referencing, and level of English). All reviewers also were asked to provide their recommendations about paper acceptance (to publish the paper “as is”; to publish the paper after minor revision; to publish the paper after major revision; to reject the paper). Contact person for queries:Dr. Anna Godymchuk, Tobolsk Complex Scientific Station, Russia, godymchuk@tpu.ruDr. Dmitry Ganin, Nizhny Novgorod State Engineering and Economic University, Russia, ganin@ngieu.ru

High-Throughput Griess Assay of Nitrite and Nitrate in Plasma and Red Blood Cells for Human Physiology Studies under Extreme Conditions.

The metabolism of nitric oxide plays an increasingly interesting role in the physiological response of the human body to extreme environmental conditions, such as underwater, in an extremely cold climate, and at low oxygen concentrations. Field studies need the development of analytical methods to measure nitrite and nitrate in plasma and red blood cells with high requirements of accuracy, precision, and sensitivity. An optimized spectrophotometric Griess method for nitrite–nitrate affords sensitivity in the low millimolar range and precision within ±2 μM for both nitrite and nitrate, requiring 100 μL of scarcely available plasma sample or less than 50 μL of red blood cells. A scheduled time-efficient procedure affords measurement of as many as 80 blood samples, with combined nitrite and nitrate measurement in plasma and red blood cells. Performance and usefulness were tested in pilot studies that use blood fractions deriving from subjects who dwelt in an Antarctica scientific station and on breath-holding and scuba divers who performed training at sea and in a land-based deep pool facility. The method demonstrated adequate to measure low basal concentrations of nitrite and high production of nitrate as a consequence of water column pressure-triggered vasodilatation in deep-water divers.

Sources and composition of chemical pollution in Maritime Antarctica (King George Island), part 2: Organic and inorganic chemicals in snow cover at the Warszawa Icefield

The study area is located on King George Island, where 90% of the area is permanently glaciated. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the inorganic and organic chemistry of snow cover in the icefield and a comparison against previous results obtained in fresh water. Snow samples were collected in the summer of 2017 in the Warszawa Icefield area. Sampling points are located along two transects: between the Arctowski Polish Polar Station and the Carlini Base (N = 4), and from the forefield to the upper part of Ecology Glacier (N = 5). In the snow samples, (1) basic ions, (2) major trace metals and metalloids (and B), and (3) polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were detected and quantified. Additionally, the parameters of pH, specific electrolytic conductivity (SEC25) and total organic carbon (TOC) were determined. The results show a low concentration of inorganic elements (<30 mg/L), TOC (<1 mg/L) and PAHs (0.11–1.4 ng/L) in collected snow samples. A slight increase in PAHs and heavy-metals concentration has been observed at the marginal parts of the icefield, which suggests the impact of scientific stations. Based on this result there is a need to conduct research on pollutant levels in ice cores on King George Island to assess the risk associated with rapid glacier thawing and pollution remobilisation.

Solar cell research at an altitude of 3340 meters above sea level

Providing electricity to consumers in the mountainous regions is one of the urgent problems of power engineers. Laying and maintenance of power lines is expensive because of the difficult terrain and climatic conditions. Providing a heating system for heating boilers, requires the acquisition and delivery of large quantities of combustible material. The heating season in the highlands lasts up to nine months. Considering all the costs of electricity consumption and heating, it becomes necessary to conduct research and evaluate the economic efficiency of using solar power plants, focused on providing electricity to consumers in mountain regions. In order to create a scientific basis for solving innovative problems in solar energy at the Tien Shan high-mountain cosmic ray scientific station (TSHSS), located at an altitude of 3340 m above sea level, initiative work is underway to create a solar power station (SPS), assess its effectiveness, safety, environmental friendliness and reliability in work. At the moment, a solar power station has been created at an altitude of 3340 m above sea level. A comparative analysis of the results of generating electricity from the same type of solar power stations located at altitudes of 800 and 3340 m above sea level was carried out. It is shown that the amount of electricity generated by a solar power station at an altitude of 3340 is 20 percent more than at an altitude of 800 m.

A TRAINING PROGRAM BASED ON THE STRATEGY OF SCIENTIFIC STATIONS FOR DEVELOPING KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS FOR SOLVING ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS OF EMPLOYEES OF THE CENTRAL AGENCY FOR ORGANIZATION AND ADMINISTRATOR

The current research's purpose is develop knowledge and skills for solving environmental problems by designing a program based on the strategy of scientific stations and measuring its effectiveness. A list of some knowledge and skills for solving environmental problems has been prepared that are suitable for their development among the employees of the Central Agency for Organization and Administrator. Ten training sessions, and an environmental knowledge test consisting of (32) items has been designed, in addition to a scale of environmental problem-solving skills consisting of three axes. The first axis is the axis of defining the environmental problems and consists of (17) items. The second axis is the axis of organizing information and data which consists of (17) items and the third axis is a proposal axis for solutions to problems that consists of (17) items. A Pre/application of the measurement tools was administered, then the training program was applied to an experimental group consisting of (32) male/female employees from the Central Agency for Organization and Administrator, and then a post-measurement tools were applied. The results indicate a statistically significant difference exists between the average scores of the experimental group regarding the pre/post application on the Test of Environmental Knowledge, in favor of the post application at (0.01) significance level. There is also a statistically significant difference between the average scores of the experimental group regarding the pre/post application of the scale of environmental problem-solving skills at (0.01) significance level. The research recommends that the training program should be included in the training plan presented to employees of the state’s administrative apparatus.

ИСТОРИЯ НОВОРОССИЙСКОЙ БИОЛОГИЧЕСКОЙ НАУЧНО-ИССЛЕДОВАТЕЛЬСКОЙ СТАНЦИИ (1920–1970 гг.)

The article deals with the history of the creation and activity of the Novorossiysk Biological Scientific Station from the moment of the project's inception in 1920 to the transition to the management of the Kuban State University in 1972. The first years of its work were very difficult. The station did not have its own accommodation, equipment was poor. There were only two employees on the staff. It was almost impossible to work in such conditions. Thanks to the painstaking work of Professor V.M. Arnoldi, as well as his followers, scientists V.A. Vodyanitsky and N.V. Morozova-Vodyanitskaya, scientific research was carried out at the Station from the first days.In the following years, the content of the material and technical base changed qualitatively, which allowed scientists to conduct research in the field of phycology, ichthyology, zoology, botany, hydrology, and meteorology. The names of scientists are associated with the history of the Station: S.M. Malyatsky, N.M. Knipovich, E.A. Poteryaev, E.I. Drapkin, E.S. Zinova, A.A. Kalugina-Gutnik, S.G. Kryzhanovsky, S.K. Troitsky, V.L. Komarov and many others.The paper explains the sequence of subordination of the Station to various organizations in the historical perspective. Finally, it is concluded that scientists of the Novorossiysk Biological Station from the first days of its foundation were engaged in research in two main areas: academic and applied. Despite the fact that during certain periods of the Station's operation, the solution of practical problems in order to optimize economic activity in the sea area was considered primary, fundamental research never stopped.

Low levels of PAHs and organotin compounds in surface sediment samples from a broad marine area of 25 de Mayo (King George) Island, South Shetland Islands

The Northern region of the Antarctic Peninsula constitutes the area with the highest human presence in West Antarctica. The human presence, with all the activities associated such as logistic, scientific and tourism operations, represents a potential risk of chemical pollution with both, organic and inorganic contaminants. Under these conditions knowledge about the presence and levels of the main persistent organic pollutants (POPs) is essential to evaluate the environmental status of this ecologically relevant and sensitive area. In this work, which complements our previous study regarding trace elements, we performed the first regional-scale monitoring of 24 PAHs (16 of them included in EPA list of primary pollutant), and organotin compounds (OTCs:TBT, DBT and MBT) in surface sediment from 68 sites comprising six different areas in Maxwell Bay, southeast coast of 25 de Mayo (King George) Island. POPs were quantified in surface sediment samples (20–30 m depth) obtained during two summer Antarctic expeditions by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). The two most anthropized areas (South Fildes and Potter Cove) showed moderated evidence of pollution for PAHs and OTC. In some sampling sites the concentration of total PAHs was higher than 100 ng/g dw, while TBT was detected in only five samples, two of them located in Potter Cove (ranged between 14 and 18 ng/g dw), and three, located in South Fildes area (ranged between 118 and 416 ng/g dw). Although POPs contamination was evidenced in some samples close to scientific stations, a pollution pattern was not clearly identified.

Formation of Stanley Patch volcanic cone: New insights into the evolution of Deception Island caldera (Antarctica)

Deception Island (South Shetland Islands) is one of the most active volcanoes in Antarctica, with more than 20 explosive eruptive events registered over the past centuries. Recent eruptions (1967, 1969, and 1970) and volcanic unrest episodes (1992, 1999, and 2014–2015) demonstrate that volcanic activity is likely occurring in the future. This is of special concern for scientists, logistic personnel, and tourists, since the South Shetland Islands are an important tourist destination and host numerous year-round and seasonal scientific stations and base camps. Significant efforts have been made to understand the complex magmatic and volcanic evolution of Deception Island with special interest on its subaerial part. However, studies on submerged volcanic cones within Port Foster, the sea-flooded part of Deception Island's caldera depression, are comparatively scarce. Here, we provide a full characterization of Stanley Patch volcano, the largest of these volcanic edifices. Estimated morphometric parameters based on new multibeam bathymetric data, supported by petrographic and chemical observations from rock samples collected on the crater rim, reveal that Stanley Patch volcano grew in a subaerial environment. This result, combined with previous findings and new sedimentological evidence from our ultra-high resolution seismic profiles, allow to further detail the island's geologic evolution since the caldera collapse. We conclude that the complete flooding of Port Foster could have only occurred after the formation of Stanley Patch volcano, i.e. during the last ~2000 years, and in a time period of a few days or less.

فاعلیة الدمج بین استراتیجیتی المحطات العلمیة وحدائق الأفکار فی تنمیة التفکیر المنتج وحب الریاضیات لدى تلامیذ المرحلة الإعدادیة The effectiveness of combining the two strategies of scientific stations and gardens of ideas in developing productive thinking and a love of mathematics among prep school students.

هدف البحث إلى قياس فاعلية الدمج بين استراتيجيتي المحطات العلمية وحدائق الأفکار في تنمية التفکير المنتج وحب الرباضيات لدى تلاميذ المرحلة الإعدادية، وقد استخدم البحث المنهج التجريبي؛ حيث تکونت عينة البحث الأساسية من عينة قوامها (76) من تلاميذ الصف الأول الإعدادي، مقسمين إلى: مجموعة تجريبية (ن = 39)، ومجموعة ضابطة (ن = 37). ولتحقيق أهداف البحث تم إعداد مواد وأدوات البحث المتمثلة في: دليل المعلم، وأوراق عمل التلميذ، واختبار التفکير المنتج في الرياضيات، ومقياس حب الرياضيات؛ وتم تطبيق أداتي البحث قبليا وبعديا على مجموعتي البحث الضابطة والتجريبية. وبعد المعالجة التجريبية واختبار صحة الفروض أظهرت النتائج: تفوق تلاميذ المجموعة التجريبية على تلاميذ المجموعة الضابطة في اختبار التفکير المنتج في الرياضيات ککل (ولکل بعد من أبعاد الاختبار على حدة)، وأيضا تفوق تلاميذ المجموعة التجريبية على تلاميذ المجموعة الضابطة في مقياس حب الرياضيات ککل (ولکل بعد من أبعاد المقياس على حدة)؛ لذا أوصى البحث بضرورة إعداد دورات تدريبية، وورش عمل لمعلمين الرياضيات؛ لتدريبهم على کيفية التدريس بإستخدام المحطات العلمية، وحدائق الأفکار، وعلى کيفية الدمج بينهما The aim of the research is to measure the effectiveness of combining the two strategies of scientific stations and gardens of ideas in developing productive thinking and a love of mathematics among prep school students. The research used the experimental method; where the main research sample consisted of a sample of (76) students of the first year of middle school, divided into: an experimental group (n = 39), and a control group (n = 37). To achieve the research objectives, research materials and search tools were prepared: the teacher’s guide, the student’s worksheets, the productive thinking test in mathematics, and the mathematics love scale; The two search tools were applied before and after on the control and experimental groups. After the experimental treatment and testing the validity of the hypotheses, the results showed: the students of the experimental group outperformed the students of the control group in the test of productive thinking in mathematics as a whole (and for each dimension of the test separately), and also, the students of the experimental group outperformed the students of the control group in the measure of love of mathematics as a whole (and for each dimension of the test). dimension of scale dimensions separately); Therefore, the research recommended the necessity of preparing training courses and workshops for mathematics teachers; To train them on how to teach using scientific stations and gardens of ideas, and how to combine them.

فاعلیة برنامج مقترح قائم على المحطات العلمیة المدمجة فی تنمیة مهارات التفکیر التأملی والبراعة الریاضیة والاتجاه نحو مهنة التدریس لدى الطلاب المستجدین بکلیة التربیة شعبة الریاضیات The Effectiveness of A Proposed Program Based on Blended Scientific Stations in Developing Reflective Thinking Skills, Mathematical Proficiency and Attitude towards th

هدف البحث الحالي إلى استقصاء فاعلية برنامج مقترح قائم على المحطات العلمية المدمجة في تنمية مهارات التفکير التأملي والبراعة الرياضية والاتجاه نحو مهنة التدريس لدى الطلاب المستجدين بکلية التربية شعبة الرياضيات، ومن خلال الاطلاع على الأدبيات التربوية والدراسات السابقة المرتبطة بمجالات البحث تم إعداد إطار نظري عنها، وبناء قائمة بمهارات التفکير التأملي وأخرى بمکونات البراعة الرياضية التي ينبغي تنميتهما لدى الطلاب المستجدين بکلية التربية شعبة الرياضيات، وتصميم البرنامج المقترح بکافة عناصره وأدواته، وإعداد أداوت البحث وتمثلت في اختبار مهارات التفکير التأملي وآخر للمکونات العقلية للبراعة الرياضية ومقياس للرغبة المنتجة نحو الرياضيات وآخر للاتجاه نحو مهنة التدريس لدى الطلاب المستجدين بکلية التربية شعبة الرياضيات. وتم الاستعانة بمنهج البحث المختلط والذي أتاح الدمج بين استخدام المنهج التجريبي ذو التصميم شبه التجريبي القبلي بعدي لمجموعتين تجريبية وضابطة، والمنهج الوصفي التحليلي، وتکونت عينة البحث من (86) طالب وطالبة بالفرقة الأولى بشعبة الرياضيات عام بکلية التربية جامعة مدينة السادات، تم توزيعهم عشوائيا على مجموعتين أحداهما مجموعة تجريبية وعددها (42) طالب وطالبة، ومجموعة ضابطة وعددها (44) طالب وطالبة، وأظهرت نتائج البحث تحسن مهارات التفکير التأملي ومستويات مکونات البراعة الرياضية وأبعاد الاتجاه نحو مهنة التدريس لدى طلاب المجموعة التجريبية بالمقارنة بنتائج المجموعة الضابطة، مما أشار إلى تحقق فاعلية البرنامج المقترح وأهمية التوصية بتعميم مواده التعليمية وأدواته وتصميمه المنهجي على الطلاب المستجدين بکليات التربية شعبة الرياضيات The current research aimed to investigate the effectiveness of a proposed program based on blended scientific stations in developing reflective thinking skills, mathematical proficiency and attitude towards the teaching profession of faculty of education freshmen at Mathematics section. Through reviewing the educational literature and previous studies related to the fields of research, a theoretical overview was prepared about it, and a two lists of reflective thinking skills that should be developed for faculty of education freshmen at Mathematics section, and the design of the proposed program with all its elements and tools, and the preparation of research tools, which consisted of a test of reflective thinking skills, another for the mental components of mathematical proficiency, a scale of productive desire in mathematics, and another for attitude towards the teaching profession of faculty of education freshmen at Mathematics section. The mixed research approach was used, which allowed combining the use of The quasi-experimental pre-posttest with the descriptive analytical approach. The research participants were 86 first year, general Mathematics section students at Faculty of Education, University of Sadat City. The participants were assigned into two groups: an experimental group (No= 42) and a control group (No= 44). The results of the research revealed that there were a development in reflective thinking skills, mathematical proficiency components levels and the dimensions of attitude towards the teaching profession of the participants of the experimental group compared to the results of the control group. Thus, it was concluded that the proposed program was effective and it was recommended to generalize the program's educational materials, instruments and design to Faculties of Education Freshmen at Mathematics Section.

Geological and Geomorphological Characteristics of High-Priority Landing Sites for the Luna-Glob Mission

The geomorphological and geological analysis of the surface of three primary and ten secondary landing ellipses (15 × 30 km) for the Russian Luna-Glob automated scientific station (Luna-25) is presented. The earlier selected landing ellipses are found in the sector of 65°–85° S and 0°–60° E of the lunar southern hemisphere. The geological characteristics of the ellipse include the analysis of the surface age and the identification of the material sources. The analyses of water equivalent hydrogen concentration in the sector of landing and rock content on the surface are also carried out. The constraints, such as the surface inclination and the characteristic of the spacecraft’s flight path are used for prioritization of the ellipses from an engineering-technical perspective. According to the results of the study, landing ellipses 1, 3, 4, 6 and 8 are determined as high-priority, while ellipses 5, 7, 9, 10, 11, as well as B1 and B2 are found the least favorable.

Interannual variations and long-term trends in total ozone over the North Caucasus

Results of analysis of variations in the total column ozone content measured at the Kislovodsk High-Altitude Scientific Station are presented. The station is located at a height of 2070 m in the North Caucasus 50 km north of the Main Caucasian Ridge and Mt. Elbrus, the highest summit in Europe. The total ozone content has been measured since 1989 with the Brewer MkII #043 spectrophotometer using standard methods. The 31-year series of observations has made it possible to analyze interannual variations and long-term trends in total ozone. The multiple regression method taking into account data autocorrelation in a wide range of time scales has been used. Seasonally dependent estimates of linear trends and interannual variations in total ozone associated with effects of the 11-year solar cycle, the quasi-biennial oscillation (QBO) in the equatorial stratosphere, the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), and the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) have been obtained. The trends in total ozone over the North Caucasus contrast in sign from the trends of zonal mean total ozone. The annual trend in total ozone at the station was positive in 1989–2002 (1.6% per decade) and negative in 2003–2020 (−1.2% per decade). The strongest trends are characteristic of spring; they reach 4% per decade (in absolute value). Changes in total ozone during the 11-year solar cycle are especially significant in summer and amount to about 4%. The QBO-related interannual variations of total ozone with amplitude of about 6% are manifested in the cold season. The total ozone variations due to the NAO are pronounced in the winter-spring period. The ENSO effect on total ozone is noticeable in summer and lags approximately a year behind variations in sea surface temperature in the Niño3.4 region so that total ozone decreases after El Niño events and increases after La Niña events. The obtained characteristics of total ozone variability point at the evidence of a special character of interannual and multiyear evolutions of total ozone over the North Caucasus.

Content of Trace Elements in Soils of Eastern Antarctica: Variability Across Landscapes.

Although Antarctica is considered one of the most pristine areas on Earth, an accelerating human presence in this remote continent, such as scientific operations and functioning of numerous scientific stations, logistics, and tourism activities, has increased the risks of environmental impacts in recent decades. During the 63rd Russian Antarctic expedition, 42 samples from topsoil horizons were collected from Larsemann Hills, Mirny station, and Fulmar Island, Eastern Antarctica. The purpose of this work was to analyze the accumulation levels 8 trace elements and to assess possible environmental risks associated with contamination of Antarctic soils. Various human activities have been found to be responsible for increase of metal levels in studied Antarctic environments. Our study also revealed a specific role of ornithogenic factor and moss cover in distribution of contaminants in severe conditions of Eastern Antarctica soils. Ornithogenic soils were characterized by higher rates of accumulation of some trace metals and metalloids (especially zinc and copper) compared with other investigated "pristine" sites without significantly visible traces of guano inputs. In general term, obtained geoaccumulation index for trace elements in all samples were under or slightly above the 0 level, indicating low to moderate pollution of the studied soils. Results of principal component analysis revealed the necessity for further detailed research on interactions of trace metals with soil organic matter for better understanding of their biogeochemistry in the Antarctic environment. Although most of contaminated sites were found in anthropogenically affected areas, accumulation of some elements in guano-derived and moss materials were associated with higher values for soil pollution indices in natural soils, as well.

Observations of the Atmospheric Composition over Russia: TROICA Experiments

Results obtained in the course of unique observations (as part of the TROICA project) of the composition and state of the atmosphere over Russia have been summarized. Scientists and engineers from different countries took part in these observations. The main task of these observations was to measure atmospheric contents of trace gases and aerosols and both meteorological and radiative characteristics of the atmosphere using a mobile laboratory designed and brought into operation specially for transcontinental observations along the network of Russian electrified railroads. A large database obtained in the TROICA experiments using the mobile laboratory, in field experiments, and at scientific stations is still under analysis. In this work, the most important results published earlier and obtained recently are discussed, which makes it possible to form a comprehensive picture of the spatial distribution and temporal variability of the atmospheric composition over northern Eurasia.