Southern Part Of West Siberia Research Articles

Hydrogeological conditions and hydrogeochemistry of the Kamenskoye hydro-radon occurrence, Novosibirsk, Russia

Hydrogeological and hydrogeochemical conditions, the concentrations of major and some minor ions and 222Rn were determined in the Kamenskoye hydro-radon occurrence in the Southern part of West Siberia. Two different aquifer systems were revealed in the hydrogeological section: the Quaternary sediments with pore waters and the Upper Paleozoic granites including the waters of regional fracturing zone and fracture-vein waters. They are located in a common mixing area and are affected by flooding and anthropogenic pollution. Mineral radon fracture-vein waters in granites, not affected by anthropogenic impact, have been revealed in two boreholes. These waters are cool, fresh (TDS 613.4 to 689.9 mg/L) and Si4+ content within a range from 10.3 to 13.6 mg/L. The pH of these waters is neutral to weakly alkaline (6.9–7.8), the gases dissolved in the waters are oxygen and nitrogen. The determined activity of 222Rn varies within the range from 1101 to 1570 Bq/L; 238U concentration varies between 5.6·10−3–6.5·10−3 mg/L, while 226Ra ranges from 2.7·10−9 to 1.8·10−8 mg/L. The relative fractions of cations (Mg2+, Ca2+, Na+, Sr2+, Ba2+) decrease with an increase in TDS value due to the formation of poorly soluble carbonate and sulphate compounds. The forms of Fe(II) are represented by Fe2+, FeHCO3+, FeCO30, and Fe(III) migrates in the forms of hydroxo complexes Fe(OH)2+ and neutral species Fe(OH)30. Manganese migrates mainly as a cation, while other forms (MnHCO3+, MnCO30) are less abundant, and MnSO40, MnCl+, MnOH+ are minor. The chemical forms of nickel and copper migration are free cations, as well as hydrocarbonate and carbonate complexes. Copper, as well as beryllium, also migrate as hydroxo complexes. The forms in which chemical elements migrate and their migration coefficients provide evidence that the equilibrium minerals become more complicated when passing from surface waters (greenalite, siderite, and ferrihydrite and greenalite) to the fracture-vein waters in the Upper Paleozoic granites saturated with dolomite, calcite, talc, magnesite and rhodochrosite.

Ups and Downs of the Italian Locust (Calliptamus italicus L.) Populations in the Siberian Steppes: On the Horns of Dilemmas

The Italian locust is a common species and one of the most important pest in the steppes, semi-deserts, and deserts of Central and Southwestern Asia and also in the Mediterranean Region. The aim of this paper is to discuss some problems arising from studies of eco-geographical distribution and long-term dynamics of this species, especially in the southern part of West Siberia, and their consequences for management of pest species and rare forms. Peculiarities of the Italian locust populations’ distribution and long-term dynamics are discussed for the north-eastern part of the species range (south-eastern West Siberian Plain, North-East and, partly, East Kazakhstan). Notable differences between local populations are revealed. Some issues arising from results of insecticide experimental treatments (mainly effectiveness of barrier applications with different compounds in variable environment) and ecological association between the Italian locust and rare Orthoptera are also discussed. Some suggestions as to requirements for improved monitoring, supervision, control, and forecasting of the Italian locust populations’ distribution and dynamics are also provided.

Hydrogeological conditions and hydrogeochemistry of radon waters in the Zaeltsovsky–Mochishche zone of Novosibirsk, Russia

Hydrogeological and hydrogeochemical conditions, the concentrations of major and some minor ions, and 222Rn were determined in the Zaeltsovsky–Mochishche field in the southern part of West Siberia. The water abundance of sediments varies within a broad range, and water discharge yields of the wells are 25–110 m3/day. Waters are fracture-related, cold with the temperature of 6–10 °C, occurring at a depth of 50–200 m. All the wells penetrating granites and near-contact hornstones were tested for 222Rn content in groundwater. The type of groundwater in the zone is Ca HCO3 and Ca–Na HCO3 with total dissolved solids 322–895 mg/l. The concentrations of 238U and 226Ra do not exceed 0.098 mg/l and 1.9∙10–9 mg/l, respectively. The concentration of 222Rn in the groundwater of the Zaeltsovsky–Mochishche field is 11–801 Bq/l. The forms of uranium occurrence in radon waters are represented mainly by the uranyl-carbonate complexes of calcium Ca2UO2(CO3)3(aq) (61–75%) and CaUO2(CO3)32− (25–36%).

STUDIES OF MACROZOOBENTHOS IN THE UPPER OB RIVER CATCHMENT

The paper presents a review of studies of macroinvertebrates dwelling in waterbodies and watercourses of the Upper Ob catchment (southern part of West Siberia). Major periods of zoobenthos studies were distinguished depending on the scope and goals of the activities performed. Studies have focused on determining the taxonomic diversity, quantitative indicators and conditions for the formation of benthic communities influenced by natural and anthropogenic factors. Studies of the Upper Ob zoobenthos fall in four periods: before 1925, 1925–1977, 1977–1995, and since 1995 onwards. In the first period, the research was mainly of a reconnaissance nature, aiming to identify the species composition of aquatic ecosystem inhabitants. The second period differed from the previous one in having well-organized scientific expeditions. During that period, general information on the hydrology and biology of key river catchments and lakes of the Upper Ob was gathered, and an in-depth study of the ecology, biomass and seasonal dynamics of benthic invertebrates began. The third period was marked by the construction of hydraulic engineering facilities, wherefore research mostly concentrated on studying benthic invertebrates’ response to changes in their habitat. In the ongoing (fourth) period, studies of large waterbodies in the Upper Ob catchment continue, the amount and spectrum of research has broadened, with studies of local benthic communities moving to the foreground. Much attention is given to the state of the environment as indicated by characteristics of benthic invertebrates. Because of the large size of the Upper Ob catchment and inaccessibility of some sites, the level of hydrobiological research is highly variable across the catchment.

Role of water-rock interactions in the formation of the composition of radon waters of the Zaeltsovsky field (the southern part of West Siberia)

Results of thermodynamic calculations of the interactions of radon waters from the Zaeltsovsky field with the minerals of host rocks are presented for the first time. It was established that waters under study are supersaturated with respect to calcite and siderite, and to a smaller extent with respect to magnesite and dolomite. No saturation of radon waters with respect to primary aluminosilicate minerals (albite, anortite, microcline, ferrosilite) is observed. The points are located in the fields of stability of clayey minerals (kaolinite, Ca- and Mg-montmorillonite, Fe-sepiolite), gibbsite and leptochlorite. In the evolution of the water-rock system, they correspond to the siallite type of interaction with rocks.

Microelements in Radon Waters of The Zaelsovsky field (The Southern Part of West Siberia)

The results of the studies of the mechanisms of microelements accumulation in the radon waters of the Zaeltsovsky field (the southern part of West Siberia) are presented for the first time. The key role of the water-rock system in these processes is shown. The radon waters of calcium hydrocarbonate and calcium-sodium hydrocarbonate composition with total mineralization ranging from 322 up to 895 mg/dm3 (222Rn = 11-801 Bq/dm3) are prevailing in the field. Metal species such as Ag+, Ba2+, Zn2+, Ni2+, Mn2+, Sr2+, Fe2+ are represented by free ions, and Be2+, Fe3+, Zr4+, Ti4+ by hydroxide complexes. Calculations reveal that the waters are saturated with carbonate (modifications CaCO3 and CaMg(CO3)2, MnCO3, FeCO3, PbCO3), silicate ((Fe2+, Fe3+)2 – 3Si2O5(OH)4), hydroxide (FeOOH and MnOOH) and oxide minerals (modification SiO2, TiO2, Mn2+Mn23+O4). Radon waters are unsaturated with some compounds of zircon, zinc, barium, molybdenum, iron, copper, strontium: ZrO2, Zn(OH)2, BaCO3, CaMoO4, FeMoO4, CuO, CuMoO4, Cu3(ÑÎ3)2(ÎÍ)2, Fe(OH)2, Cu(OH)2, SrSO4, SrCO3, 3MgO2SiO2·2H2O etc. In some samples, the observed saturation of water is relatively rare phosphate minerals (Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2, Fe3(PO4)2·8H2O, MnHPO4), chlorargyrite (AgCl) and lead molybdate (PbMoO4). The concentrations of some elements (namely Sr, Pb, Zn Mo, Be) in the radon waters of the Zaeltsovsky field are at the level of their concentrations in rocks.

Molecular & genetic characteristics of Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains circulating in the southern part of West Siberia.

Background & objectives:A complicated epidemiological situation characterized by significantly high tuberculosis (TB) morbidity is observed in West Siberia. This study was aimed to investigate the genetic characteristics of Mycobacterium tuberculosis circulating in the southern part of West Siberia (in the Omsk region).Methods:From March 2013 to January 2015, 100 isolates of M. tuberculosis were obtained from patients with pulmonary TB living in the Omsk region. Drug susceptibility testing was performed on Lowenstein-Jensen medium (absolute concentration method). Genetic typing of isolates was carried out by variable number tandem repeats of mycobacterial interspersed repetitive units (MIRU-VNTR) typing and polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) analysis. The genetic types and characteristics of cluster strains were determined using 15 MIRU-VNTR loci.Results:Thirty six VNTR types were found. Twenty six (26.0%) isolates had a unique profile, and the remaining 74 were grouped in 10 clusters containing from 2 to 23 isolates. The Beijing genotype was found in 72 isolates, 61 (85.0%) of which were part of five clusters that included two large clusters containing 23 isolates. Other genetic families, such as Latin-American Mediterranean (LAM, 11.0%), S family (2.0%) and Haarlem (4.0%), were also detected. The genetic family of 11 isolates could not be determined. Six different VNTR profiles were found in these non-classified isolates. Only 16 per cent of isolates were sensitive to anti-TB drugs. The katG315 (94.8%) and rpoB531 (92.2%) mutations were identified in 77 multidrug-resistant M. tuberculosis isolates.Interpretation & conclusions:This study showed that the M. tuberculosis population in the Omsk region was heterogeneous. The Beijing genotype predominated and was actively spreading. The findings obtained point to the need for the implementation of more effective preventive measures to stop the spread of drug-resistant M. tuberculosis strains.

A process-based model of methane consumption by upland soils

This study combines a literature survey and field observation data in an ad initio attempt to construct a process-based model of methane sink in upland soils including both the biological and physical aspects of the process. Comparison is drawn between the predicted sink rates and chamber measurements in several forest and grassland sites in the southern part of West Siberia. CH4 flux, total respiration, air and soil temperature, soil moisture, pH, organic content, bulk density and solid phase density were measured during a field campaign in summer 2014. Two datasets from literature were also used for model validation. The modeled sink rates were found to be in relatively good correspondence with the values obtained in the field. Introduction of the rhizospheric methanotrophy significantly improves the match between the model and the observations. The Q10 values of methane sink observed in the field were 1.2–1.4, which is in good agreement with the experimental results from the other studies. Based on modeling results, we also conclude that soil oxygen concentration is not a limiting factor for methane sink in upland forest and grassland ecosystems.

First records of sub-fossil insects from Quaternary deposits in the southeastern part of West Siberia, Russia

Data are presented on species composition in Bun'kovo taphocoenosis at the Chik River, Novosibirsk, Russia (55°03′46″ N, 82°29′50″ E) with conventional radiocarbon dating ca 11,550 ± 125 14C BP. The entomofauna complex is unique by species composition. 90 species of Coleoptera from 15 families, 4 species from 3 families of Hymenoptera (Pamphiliidae, Formicidae, Sphecidae) and pupae of Diptera are recorded. Amongst Coleoptera the most numerous is Curculionidae represented with 41 species, especially Otiorhynchus – 10 species and Stephanocleonus – 8 species, Carabidae – 21 species and Chrysomelidae – 7 species. Among the species recorded, Otiorhynchus karkaralensis (Curculionidae) predominates with 250 specimens present. 80% of the species are not known for this territory at the present time. Species typical of open landscapes such as boggy tundra, cold northern and warm southern steppes are included in the taphocoenosis. Forest species are rare, and humid thermophilic species are completely absent. The Bun'kovo taphocoenosis is closely related to entomofaunal complexes found in older deposits (28,000–24,000 BP) in central part of West Siberia and the Urals based on species composition, but differs in the abundance of Stephanocleonus. Similar-age taphocoenosis from central and northern parts of West Siberia are contrasted with Bun'kovo, highlighting the absence of xerophilic species. Based on the beetle species composition, cold and dry climate conditions (at least 4–5 C° cooler than present) and prevalence of dry tundra-steppe landscapes are re-constructed at Bun'kovo. This conclusion is reinforced by palynological data from nearby sites in the southern part of West Siberia. Analysis of modern distribution ranges of the species found in the taphocoenosis shows that species have shifted dramatically from the late Pleistocene to present time because of increasing warmth and humidity during the Holocene. The contemporary distributions include shifts to the north in meso-hygrophilous and mesophilous species, to the east or south in xerophilous species, and to northern, eastern or southern directions in hygrophilous species.

Seasonal variability as a source of uncertainty in the West Siberian regional CH4 flux upscaling

This study compares seasonal and spatial variations in methane fluxes as sources of uncertainty in regional CH4 flux upscaling from the wetlands of West Siberia. The study examined variability in summertime CH4 emissions from boreal peatlands, with a focus on two subtaiga fen sites in the southern part of West Siberia (Novosibirskaya oblast). We measured CH4 flux, water table depth, air and peat temperature, pH and electric conductivity of peat water during three field campaigns in summer 2011 (9–12 July, 26–28 July and 20–21 August). Fluxes were measured with static chambers at sites chosen to represent two of the most widespread types of wetlands for this climatic zone: soligenous poor fens and topogenous fens. In both sites the water table level acts as the primary control on fluxes. For the poor fen site with good drainage, water table controls CH4 fluxes on the seasonal scale but not on a local spatial scale; for the fen site with weak drainage and microtopographic relief, the water table controls fluxes on the local spatial scale, but does not drive seasonal variations in the flux magnitude. This difference in hydrology shows the necessity of including detailed wetland type classification schemes into large-scale modeling efforts. From these three measurement periods, we estimated the relative seasonal variation in CH4 emissions as 8% for the fen site and 26% for the poor fen site. These results were compared to estimates of other sources of uncertainty (such as interannual variation and spatial heterogeneity) to show that quantifying seasonal variability is less critical than these other variations for an improved estimate of regional CH4 fluxes. This research demonstrates and ranks the challenges in upscaling measured wetland CH4 fluxes across West Siberia and can guide future field campaigns.

Invasive species in the biocenosis of the cooling reservoir of Belovskaya power plant (Southwest Siberia)

The invasion of species unusual to the biocenoses of the southern part of West Siberia was caused by a constant long-term input of discharge water from the Belovskaya thermal power plant. Crustaceans (Gmelinoides fasciatus Steb.), mollusks (Pomacea canaliculata Lamarck), and macrophytes (Vallisneria spiralis L.) were found in the areas of the heated water discharge. These species presumably entered the cooling reservoir from aquariums, and their distribution was limited to the areas of maximal and moderate water heating.

Palynostratigraphy of Oligocene-Miocene continental deposits in Southwestern Siberia

Data on spores, pollen, and dinoflagellate cysts studied in composite section of Oligocene-Miocene deposits in southern part of West Siberia are presented. Eleven biostratigraphic units distinguished in the section are ranked as palynozones and beds with palynological assemblages. Palynological data substantiate age of deposits and specify ranges and boundaries of palynozones. Based on dinocyst assemblages first studied in sediments of the Zhuravka and Abrosimovo horizons (upper Oligocene, lower Miocene), the Pseudokomewuia Beds are included into local stratigraphic scheme. According to results of comparative analysis, similar and distinctive features of Oligocene-Miocene dinocyst assemblages from West Siberia, China and North America are elucidated. Based on palynological data, the local stratigraphic scheme of higher resolution is suggested for subdivision of Oligocene and Miocene deposits in southern part of West Siberia (Baraba and Kulunda lithofacies regions).

Medicinal Mushrooms of Southwest Siberia

As of today, there are more than 1500 known species of macromycetes that are grown in various plant cooperatives in southwest Siberia. Approximately 250 species of macromycetes are edible. The list of poisonous mushrooms contains approximately 50 species. Many edible and poisonous mushrooms have become the subject of research for the purpose of investigating their bioactive substances. According to corresponding literature, in the southern part of West Siberia there are more than 150 species of Basidiomycetes with medicinal properties. Of these, the most well known in Siberian folk medicine are Amanita muscaria (L.:Fr.) Hook., Boletus edulis Bull., Inonotus obliquus (Pers.:Fr.) Pilát, and Fomes officinalis (Vill.:Fr.) Bond. et Singer.Medicinal and stimulating effects of Inonotus obliquus (Chaga) have been known from time immemorial. It is scientifically proven that the chaga mushroom increases the immune system of ill people and activates the circulation of brain tissue elements, thus increasing bioelectric activity of the brain’s cortex. The Siberian population actively uses Chaga’s infusion. In practical medicine, Befungin was the first manufactured Chaga product, which has been confirmed by Russian scientists. The chemical composition and biosynthetic activity of this mushroom were researched by the many scientists. There is confirmed information of the use of Befungin to cure psoriasis. Pharmacies in the city of Novosibirsk offer a broad selection of manufactured products that contain Chaga: dried chaga, chaga infusions, chaga syrup, tea, and lotions-balsams to cure arterial and joint diseases as well as in the healing of wounds.The Center of Fungi-therapy, which was created in St. Petersburg’s suburbs, actively uses chaga, along with shiitake mushroom (Lentinus edodes (Berk.) Singer), in cancer therapy. Lately, there has been a lot of information about medicinal products made from Cordyceps militaris (L.) Link. In natural environments of southwest Siberia, there have been only isolated discoveries of this particular type in the mountainous Altai and Kemerovskaya province. To the class of rare medicinal mushrooms in Siberia, the following species should be added: Sarcosoma globosum (Schmidel:Fr.) Rehm, Sparassis crispa (Wulf.:Fr.) Fr., Ganoderma lucidum (W.Curt.: Fr.) P. Karst., Dictyophora duplicata (Bosc) E. Fisch., Phallus impudicus L., Grifola frondosa (Dicks.:Fr.) S.F. Gray, Hericium coralloides (Scop.:Fr.) Pers., Pleurotus calyptratus (Lindbl.) Sacc., Polyporus umbellatus (Pers.:Fr.) Fr., Lyophyllum decastes (Fr.:Fr.) Singer, Oudemansiella mucida (Schrad.:Fr.) Höhn., and Suillus bovines (Pers.:Fr.) Kuntze. In this region, it is very popular to use as food products such edible types as Kuehneromyces mutabilis (Schaeff.:Fr.) Singer et A.H. Sm., Armillaria mellea (Vahl:Fr.) P. Kumm., Flammulina velutipes (W. Curt.:Fr.) Singer, Leccinum aurantiacum (Bull.) S.F. Gray, L. scabrum (Bull.) S.F. Gray, L. versipelle (Fr. et Hök.) Snell, Suillus granulatus (L.:Fr.) Snell, S. grevillei (Klotzsch:Fr.) Singer, S. luteus (L.:Fr.) S.F. Gray, Cantharellus cibarius Fr.:Fr., Pleurotus ostreatus (Jacq.:Fr.) P. Kumm., P. pulmonarius (Fr.:Fr) Quel., Lactarius deliciosus (L.: Fr.) S.F. Gray, L. torminosus (Schaeff.:Fr.) S.F. Gray, and representatives of genus Russula, the majority of which produce a good harvest in favorable (salubrious) weather conditions in birch-pine, deciduous, and taiga woods in valleys and mountainous areas. Unfortunately, people still use Paxillus involutus (Batsch:Fr.) Fr. for food, even though it has been acknowledged as a poisonous type. Among the common forest s species there are also Laccaria laccata (Scop.:Fr.) Fr., Lepista nebularis (Fr.) Harmaja, L. nuda (Bull.:Fr.) Cooke, Lycoperdov perlatum Pers.:Pers, L. pyriforme Schaeff.:Pers., Fomes fomentarius (L.:Fr.) J.J. Kickx, Fomitopsis pinicola (Sw.:Fr.) P. Karst., Piptoporus betulinus (BuIl.:Fr.) P. Karst., Ganoderma applanatum (Pers.) Pat., Laetiporus sulphureus (Bull.:Fr.) Murrill, Schizophyllum commune Fr.:Fr., and several others. In the valleys and meadows of Novosibirskaya province, the Altai Region, and Mountainous Altai, Agaricus arvensis Schaeff.:Fr., Calvatia lilacina (Berk, et Mont.) Lloyd, Handkea excipuliformis (Scop.) Kreizel, H. utriformis (Bull.:Pers.) Pers., as well as the less common Langermannia giganta (Batsch.:Pers.) Rostk. and Pleurotus eryngii (DC.:Fr.) Quél. are commonly found. In various habitats, it is possible to find Coprinus atramentarius (Bull.:Fr.) Fr. and C. Comatus (O.F. Müll.:Fr.) S.F. Gray, but their harvest is rarely abundant.

British Ornithologists’ Union Records Committee: 28th Report (October 2001)

British Ornithologists’ Union Records Committee: 28th Report (October 2001)

A phytogeographic analysis of birch woodlands in the southern part of West Siberia

A minimum variance cluster analysis of 87 species of vascular plants occurring in south Siberian birch woodlands, based on their total distribution ranges, grouped them into 9 phytogeographic elements. The main distribution patterns of each element are illustrated by means of maps obtained by automatic mapping programs, showing the joint occurrence of the species of each element on a world scale. The results indicate a predominance of Eurasiatic-temperate taxa. The south Siberian birch woodlands can be considered as the easternmost extensions of the European deciduous forest belt, which in Siberia is compressed between the taiga biome in the north and the steppe biome in the south. The marginal position of Siberian Betula stands is reflected by the persistence of plants which are ‘ecologically marginal’ with respect to true forest vegetation; most of the Eurasiatic species are typical, in Europe, of forest-meadows and forest-margins.

Soviet Plans for Irrigation and Power: A Geographical Assessment

THE remodelling of nature, and the great construction works connected with it that were undertaken to increase progressively the productivity of Soviet agriculture, are some of the most important of the measures by means of which the Soviet Government seeks steadily to raise the material and cultural level of the people. Works of this kind have been in progress for a number of years over large areas of the country, particularly important being the great construction works in the arid south of the U.S.S.R.?in the forest-steppe, steppe, semi-desert and desert regions. The chief task here is, of course, to eliminate once and for all the pernicious influence of drought. Even before the Second World War many separate irrigation systems had been built in the Lower Volga districts, in the more arid regions at the foot? hills of the Caucasus, in the Central Asian Republics, Kazakhstan, the TransCaucasian Republics, in the southern part of West Siberia and in a number of other areas. One of the largest constructions of this type was the Katta Kurgan reservoir in Uzbekistan with a holding capacity of 600 million cubic metres and the 350-kilometre Great Fergana Canal named after J. V. Stalin. At the same time a system of integrated agro-technical and reclamation measures began to be employed in the forest-steppe and steppe areas to combat drought. This problem had just begun to attract attention at the close of the nineteenth century. Such outstanding Russian investigators as the great geographer and soil scientist V. V. Dokuchayev, the plant physiologist K. A. Timiryazev, the soil scientists A. A. Izmailsky, P. A. Kostichev and W. R. Williams, the geographer and silviculturist G. N. Visotsky, and the agro-biologist T. D. Lysenko, worked perseveringly in these fields. Already in the nineteenth century, Dokuchayev had proved that the water regimen of the steppe and forest-steppe soils deteriorates gradually as a result of irrational methods of farming; and, with Timiryazev and Izmailsky, he elaborated methods for preventing the further deterioration of the water regimen of the soil. These measures consisted in retaining rain and snow water, ensuring snow retention, initiating a system of ponds and reservoirs surrounded by trees and shrubs, planting shelter-belts in the steppe, completely afforesting huge stretches of sand and other non-arable areas, and utilizing artesian waters for irrigation. Kostichev, too, had elaborated the basic principles of the travopolye system 1 as a means of ensuring a crumb structure of the soil, and proved the great agronomic significance of this system as a means of retaining moisture. W. R. Williams elaborated a consistent system of measures to ensure the steady rise of soil fertility which