Southwestern Slope Research Articles

Comparative assessment of the slope stability using different calculation methods

Comparison of the results of assessment of the of slope stability to determine the feasibility of construction of retaining structures is presented in this paper
 The construction of a grain terminal on a landslide slope in the Odessa region was selected as the object of researching. The building area belongs to the Black Sea basin region and is located on the southwestern slope of the Ukrainian Crystal Shield. The uneven stepped surface of the crystalline basement consists of blocks. Despite the significant irregularities of the crystalline basement, they are reflected in the relief through the sedimentary cover. To ensure of the slope stability, it is planned to install a cascade of retaining structures. There are pile retaining walls.
 The calculations are based on the analysis of the stress-strain state of the slope and anti-landslide structures using two fundamentally different methods. These methods of calculation using modern software:
 - analytical method for assessing the slope stability (limit equilibrium method);
 - assessment of the slope stability by the method of numerical modeling of the stress-strain state of the elements of the system "soil mass - anti-landslide structures".
 Calculations were made for two calculated cross-sections and for different stages of construction. There are stages native state, during construction and exploitation. 1st stage is assessment of the slope stability in its natural state, before building beginning. 2nd stage is assessment of the slope stability during the construction of the 1st retaining wall and excavations of the first level of the pit; stage 3 - assessment of slope stability after construction of anti-landslide structures and excavations of the pit. Stage 4 - assessment of the slope stability at the stage of grain terminal exploitation, it is meaning the construction of foundation structures.
 According to the results of calculations, the slope stability safety factors were determined, the analysis of SSS elements of the system "soil mass - landslide structures" was carried out and the reinforcement of retaining walls was selected.

Prospects for the oil and gas content of the Upper Permian deposits of the southwestern part of the Vilyui syneclise based on the analysis of sedimentary environments and geochemical conditions of oil and gas content

The article discusses the prospects for the oil and gas content of the Upper Permian deposits in the southwestern marginal part of the Vilyui syneclise. In this margin, the Permian terrigenous complex with proven oil and gas productivity in the central part of the syneclise, pinches out. The study area, represented by the monoclinal slopes of the Vilyui syneclise, is considered a promising area for the exploration of non-structural hydrocarbon traps in the Upper Paleozoic sediments. The objectives of the study include identifying general patterns of sediment formation, associated mainly with the development of the alluvial complex, and substantiating the potential opportunities of migration and accumulation of hydrocarbons in the predicted traps. The research is based on the interpretation of the latest seismic surveys and prior-years geological and geophysical data. Authors carried out structural and paleo-structural analysis, identified lithofacies in the well log, generalized and analyzed the geochemical conditions of the oil and gas content of the Upper Permian deposits, traced the pinching out of the Upper Permian deposits on the southwestern margin of the syneclise, and also outlined areas of river valleys development that form zones of advanced reservoirs. The results of the studies have validated promising oil and gas accumulation zones on the southwestern slopes of the syneclise associated with non-anticlinal hydrocarbon traps. Authors also drew up a diagram of the oil and gas potential of the Upper Permian deposits. The obtained results are of interest for prospecting for oil and gas in the area under study.

K–Ar Geochronology of the Andesite Lavas of the Lower Pleistocene Enrei Formation on the Southwestern Slope of the Suwa Basin, Central Japan

K–Ar Geochronology of the Andesite Lavas of the Lower Pleistocene Enrei Formation on the Southwestern Slope of the Suwa Basin, Central Japan

A taxonomic assessment of Chlorospingus flavopectus phaeocephalus and Chlorospingus semifuscus (Passeriformes: Passerellidae), including the description of a new subspecies.

Chlorospingus flavopectus, a widely distributed member of the New World sparrows and finches (Passerellidae), is among the most variable and complex Neotropical bird species. With up to 28 subspecies that inhabit montane forest from Mexico south to Argentina, it presents a recurring leapfrog pattern, with many genetically differentiated lineages, but even more morphologically distinguishable taxa. Chlorospingus flavopectus phaeocephalus is distributed along the eastern Andean slope (from southern Colombia to northern Peru) and in localized patches along the central and southwestern slopes of the Ecuadorian Andes, in the forest remnants of Chimborazo, El Oro, and adjacent Loja provinces. This allopatric distribution was based on plumage similarities, but no genetic or vocal analysis has tested if these populations share a common ancestry. Here, we compared data for populations of C. f. phaeocephalus, C. semifuscus semifuscus from northwest Ecuador, and C. s. livingstoni from west Colombia, and analyzed them in the context of other Chlorospingus. Our phylogenetic analyses revealed that the putative west Ecuadorian populations of C. f. phaeocephalus are nested within C. semifuscus. They also present diagnostic characters when compared to other populations of C. semifuscus and C. f. phaeocephalus. Based on these results, we recognize the population from El Oro and adjacent Loja Provinces as a new subspecies of C. semifuscus, and the population from Chimborazo Province as a morphological variation of C. s. semifuscus.

RELIEF AND GEOLOGICAL STRUCTURE OF CARPATHIAN BIOSPHERE RESERVE

The relief and geological structure of Carpathian Biosphere Reserve represent the features of the geological and geomorphological structure of the four geomorphological regions of the Ukrainian Carpathians. The block mid-mountains of the Polonynsko-Chornohirsky Carpathians (Chornohora, Svydovets, and Uholsko-Shyrokoluzhansky massifs) and the folded mid-mountains of Marmarosy crystal massif (Marmarosy and Kuziy-Trybushansky massifs) are well protected within the reserve. The analysis of the morphostructure and morphosculpture of the reserve is carried out taking into account the longitudinal (NW–SE) and transverse divisions of the Ukrainian The analysis of the morphostructure and morphosculpture of the reserve is carried out taking into account the longitudinal (NW–SE) and transverse divisions of the Ukrainian Carpathians. The longitudinal division is associated with morphostructures of higher orders, such as second and third. The transverse division is associated with the fourth and fifth orders of morphostructures. In the analysis of morphosculpture of the reserve, the types characterized for all regions of Flysch and Crystal Carpathians are allocated. All mountain massifs and ridges could be characterized by an asymmetrical structure, such as steep northeastern slopes and acclivous southwestern slopes. The relic morphosculpture is represented by: 1) fragments of denudation surfaces of different ages such as Polonynska, Pidpolonynska, and riparian; 2) ancient glacial and extra glacial landforms; 3) areas of ancient longitudinal valleys. River valleys with a complex of different age terraces represent inherited morphosculpture. Modern morphodynamic processes are represented by height (tier) differentiation. The processes of sheet erosion, deflation, and rill erosion play an important role in the relief modeling for the tiers of strongly dissected mid-mountain relief. The lower tier of the terraced and non-terraced bottoms of the valleys are associated with the processes of leaching and erosion as well as a significant accumulation of erosion products and mudflows. Stabilized and active displacements are the most recorded among the gravitational processes and block motions. Key words: Carpathian Biosphere Reserve; Ukrainian Carpathians; relief; morphostructure; morphosculpture.

English

The coastal flanks of Mt Etinde is wedged between the sea and the southwestern slope of Mt Cameroon. The only fresh water resources available for multipurpose uses in this area are mountain springs and streams that drain volcanic materials. To access the sources, processes and assess the ecological risk associated with hydrochemicals and heavy metals in these mountain water resources, 18 water samples were collected in different seasons at 4 locations between may 2009 and december 2010 for major ions and heavy metals determination. The sampled waters ranged from neutral to slithly alkaline, weakly mineralized and dominated by Ca–Mg–HCO3 water type irrespective of season. The hydrochemical ratios revealed ions chemistry mostly influenced by geogenic source of silicate rock weathering and atmospheric inputs. Sampled waters had low concentration of heavy metals which are less mobile in the aqueous phase, controlled by hydraulic condition. Geochemical processes of  mineral dissolution and reverse ion exchange coupled with hydrodynamic processes of flushing at the weathering front and soil leaching are the main controls on the water chemistry in the area. Despite agricultural and other anthropogenic activities, quality indices in the study area indicate the absence of anthropogenic inputs.   Key words: Major ions, heavy metals, rocks weathering, soil leaching, water quality assessment.

Study of Biodiversity of the Arak University Watershed

Biodiversity has declined in many areas because of human activities and loss of habitats. The Watershed of Arak University with a total area of 625.65 hectares is located on the southwestern slope of Mount Mudar, northwest, adjacent of Arak city and north of Karahrod. Biodiversity information of the area was collected with using linear transect and dotted transect methods by installing camera trap, camera and GPS. The results indicate that biodiversity history dates back more than 65 million years. Currently, lives 55 species of dominant rangeland species and 50 species of animal include: 34 species of birds, 10 species of mammals and 6 species of reptiles and amphibians in the area. Falcon and Fritillaria are the Endangered (EN) and Greek tortoise and persian toad agama are the Vulnerability (VU). The most important threats to biodiversity include are development of the city of Arak in the region, habitat destruction, uncontrolled hunting, livestock and dogs, road construction and the abandonment of habitats with surrounding habitats, feeding wildlife from urban waste, nature tourism and informal climbing.

Geochemistry and sedimentology of tropical mangrove sediments along the southwest coast of Sri Lanka: Fingerprints for development history of wetlands

Tropical wetlands are one of the major terrestrial carbon sinks during the Holocene. However, there is considerable uncertainty in the development history of tropical wetlands in different geographical regions. In this study, the main objective was to synthesize the formation history of mangrove wetlands along the southwest coast of Sri Lanka in terms of past sea-level records in the region. Sedimentological observations were determined using representative sediment cores at Telwatta. Geochemical characteristics of sediment cores were determined using δ13C and δ15N stable isotopes, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analyses. The chronology was obtained using accelerated mass spectrometry 14C data for fossil coral samples. Black color fine to medium-grained core sediments can be identified as H3/H4 levels of decomposition based on the modified Von Post classification. This study identified that organic-rich sediment accumulation was initiated over the basal/inland coral deposits, any time after middle Holocene sea-level highstands. In this study, paleo sea-level indicator (i.e., basal coral in present-day land area) suggests that sea-level was about 1–2 m higher than present during ca. 5500 Cal year B.P. Heavy rainfall on the southwestern slopes also promotes the preservation of organic-rich sediments with seasonal flooding. The temporal variations of organic matter and carbonate contents suggest that there are no clear facies variations in this sedimentary succession. XRD analysis identified clay minerals such as montmorillonite and illite, and it indicates the deposition of sediments from a near distance or in situ source materials due to reinforced physical erosion. Stable isotopic values (δ13C = –27.18‰ to –26.46‰ and δ15N = 6.64‰ to 8.01‰) reflect the mixing of freshwater sources (i.e., dissolved organic carbon and nitrate) to C3 terrestrial plants dominant sediments. The humification index based on FTIR results (aromatic C=C and asymmetric COO- group vibrations to polysaccharides (1630/1053 cm −1)) suggests a depleted level for decarboxylation below ∼30 cm. The ratio of carboxyl C=O and aromatic ester group vibrations to polysaccharides (1720/1053 cm −1) also shows similar variations with the humification index. Looking forward, the 1720/1053 cm −1 ratio can be proposed as a possible geochemical proxy for determining the degree of formation of humic acids in organic-rich sediments.

Mechanized Grape Harvest Efficiency

Due to the low number of employees and the time limit in the field of grape harvesting, we focused in the presented article on evaluating the effectiveness of the deployment of an outboard grape harvester within the conditions of Slovak viticulture. The vineyards are in the Nitra wine-growing region on the southwestern slopes behind the Pivnica Radošina company, Piešťany district, in a total area of 33 ha. The object of the research was a PELLENC 8090 Selective Process trailed grape harvester aggregated with a SAME Frutteto3 100 tractor. The mechanized harvesting was tested in the vineyards of Pivnica Radošina s. r. on three selected varieties (Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, and Tramin Red) for two years. Entry conditions, technical parameters of the equipment, and weather conditions were monitored for all varieties. Data were analyzed with STATISTICA statistical software. As part of the research, post-harvest losses due to mechanized harvesting were monitored. The average losses for all examined varieties reached the value of 2.17% in 2018, and the value of 2.25% in 2017. A significant output was the efficiency of the deployment of the set for mechanized grape harvesting, where in 2018 a minimum value of 146.3 ha was set (the average cost of grapes was 500 Euro·t−1). A significant part of the cost was fixed items, as a two-year tractor and a trailed collector (for 2017) were used for mechanized harvesting. The difference compared to previous research was the deployment of a completely new set during a two-year period on varieties that have not yet been evaluated. The economic efficiency over two years was elaborated in detail, which highlighted the benefits of multi-annual use. In terms of examining losses, differences were shown not only between varieties, but also between years, and these data were statistically verified. The paper evaluates the dependence of the use of mechanized harvesting on changes in the purchase price of grapes (increasing it also exponentially increases the required area) and on changing the hourly wage of an employee (increasing it degressively reduces the required area). From the results it can be said that statistically and economically significant outputs were achieved for the deployment of machine collection.

Rock removal associated with agricultural intensification will exacerbate the loss of reptile diversity

Abstract Rocky environments host rich levels of biodiversity and provide vital habitat for specialised organisms, range‐restricted species and a broad range of ectotherms adapted to saxicoline environments. In Australia, rock habitat is being destroyed during soil amelioration practices associated with agricultural intensification. Advances in rock crushing technology, developed to expand or increase crop yields and efficiency, pose an undocumented threat to global biodiversity, especially reptiles dependent on non‐renewable rock habitat in agricultural landscapes. Rock removal is a legislated key threatening process in parts of Australia and will accelerate biodiversity loss if not mitigated. We estimated reptile species’ range overlap with dryland cropping and modified pastoral regions within the Australian wheat‐sheep zone to assess the potential impacts of rock crushing practices. We examined species‐ and family‐richness within the impact zone and across bioregions within the impact zone, to identify areas where rock removal has the greatest potential to impact terrestrial and fossorial squamates. Our analysis revealed that 159 potentially impacted reptile species occur within the study area, representing 16% of Australian terrestrial squamates. Fourteen of these species, including six threatened species, have more than 50% range overlap with areas of intensive agriculture, and include several endangered pygopodids, scincids and agamids. Bioregions rich in rock and burrow‐dwelling reptiles include the Brigalow Belt South, Murray Darling Depression, Darling Riverine Plains, Eyre Yorke Block, Avon Wheatbelt, Nandewar, Flinders Lofty Block and New South Wales South Western Slopes. Synthesis and applications. The conservation of reptiles in agricultural landscapes requires appropriate management and retention of surface rocks. Potential yield increases from destroying rock habitat to intensify or expand cropland will not compensate for the net loss of reptile populations dependent on non‐renewable resources. Financial incentives to prevent the expansion and transformation of non‐arable landscapes to cropland are required to prevent the ongoing loss of biodiversity.

Changes in Anak Krakatau landscape after December 2018 eruption

The south-western slope of Anak Krakatau collapsed after the eruption on December 22nd, 2018 and reshaped the volcanic island landscape. This work focused on determining the geomorphological features of Mt. Anak Krakatau before and after the eruption. A total of 71 lapilli and 17 volcanic ash samples were collected from Anak Krakatau and Panjang islands on February 23, 2019, and March 14, 2019. Sentinel-2 and Planet Scope images were utilized to monitor thermal activities and the changes of the coastlines. Google Earth Pro was capitalized to determine the rills and gullies formation. After the December 2018 eruption, the height of Anak Krakatau was reduced from 258 to 126 m and, about 76 x 106 m3 of materials were eroded to the sea. The eruption caused Anak Krakatau to be covered by unconsolidated volcanic materials. About 214 of rills (dimension of 380 to 851 m and 30 to 100 cm) and 35 of the gully features (length from 150 to 841 m and width from 0.5 to 13 m) run from the highest peak to the coastline. This work can serve as a reference for predicting potentially disastrous events such as Anak Krakatau, which shows growth and destruction can be observed using remote sensing techniques.

Caspian-type dinocysts in NE Turkey mark deep inland invasion of the Akchagylian brackish-water basin during the terminal Late Pliocene

The paper presents new data on brackish-water Upper Pliocene and Lower Pleistocene deposits that were studied in the Demirkent (Kars) and Pekecik (Erzurum) sections, NE Turkey. The Demirkent section is situated in the southwestern slope of the Shirak Late Cenozoic intermontane basin near the Turkish-Armenian border. The Pekecik section is situated to the SW of the Demirkent in the southwestern slope of the Horasan intermontane basin. Both sections are composed of clays, silts, and poorly cemented fine-grained sandstones and contain the brackish-water dinocysts of the Akchagylian type. The age of the deposits is determined by combined analysis of associations of molluscs and small mammals, palynological spectra, including dinocysts and algae, and magnetostratigraphic data. The Demirkent and Pekecik sections are dated to the Late Pliocene (Piacenzian). The maximum spread of the Akchagylian transgression influenced the inland areas of NE Turkey prior to the early Gelasian. The pollen spectra demonstrate progressive aridisation during sedimentation of the lower part of the Demirkent section and the wetter and cooler climate during sedimentation of the lower part of the Pekecik section. The analysis of brackish-water dinocysts and fresh-water algae in different beds of the Demirkent section indicates gradual freshening of the basin probably due to the sea level fall. In the Pekecik section, the brackish-water dinocysts are found in the lower part that is covered by the lignite-bearing layers without signs of marine influence. Recent altitudes of the Akchagylian brackish-water deposits give a possibility to estimate magnitudes and average rates of the Quaternary uplift of the western Lesser Caucasus. The elevation of the Upper Pliocene deposits of Demirkent and Pekecik sections shows the uplift rate of ca. 0.6–0.7 mm per year during 2.6 Ma.

GEOLOGICAL-GEOMORPHOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF NATIONAL NATURAL PARKS OF THE NORTH-WESTERN PART OF THE UKRAINIAN CARPATHIANS

In the stydy an analysis of the geological structure and relief of Uzhansky, “Skolivsky Beskydy”, and “Boykivshchyna” national natural parks (NNP), located in the north-western part of the Ukrainian Carpathians, is presented. Uzhansky NNP is located within the Polonynsko-Chornohirska and Vododilno-Verkhovyna geomorphological regions, “Skolivski Beskydy” NNP is situated in the Skibovy Carpathians, and the newly created “Boykivshchyna” NNP is located within the Vododilno-Verkhovyna and Skybovi Carpathians. The analysis of the morphostructure and morphosculpture of national parks is carried out taking into account the longitudinal (N-W–S-E) and transverse divisions of the Ukrainian Carpathians. The longitudinal division is associated with higher morphostructures of higher orders – the second and third, with the transverse is associated with the fourth and fifth morphostructures. In the analysis of morphosculpture of national parks, the types which are characteristic of the Carpathian Flysch belt are allocated. All mountain ranges and ridges are characterized by an asymmetrical structure – steep northeastern slopes and declivous southwestern slopes. The relic morphosculpture is represented by: 1) fragments of denudation surfaces of different ages such as Beskid, Pidbeskid, and riparian; 2) extra glacial and firn glaciations; 3) areas of ancient longitudinal valleys. Inherited morphosculpture is represented by river valleys with a complex of terraces of different ages. Modern morphodynamic processes represent by height (tier) differentiation. In the tiers of strongly dissected mid-mountain and low-mountain relief, the processes of planar erosion, deflux, and linear erosion play an important role in the modeling of the relief. The lower tier of the terraced and non-terraced bottoms of the valleys are associated with the processes of leaching and erosion as well as a significant accumulation of erosion products and mudflows. Among gravitational processes and block motions, stabilized and active displacements are the most recorded. Keywords: National natural park; Ukrainian Carpathians; relief; morphostructure; morphosculpture.

New knowledge of the Aosawa lava flow on the southwestern slopes of Fuji volcano, Japan

New knowledge of the Aosawa lava flow on the southwestern slopes of Fuji volcano, Japan

An Endemic and Endangered New Species of the Lizard Liolaemus montanus Group from Southwestern Peru (Iguania: Liolaemidae), with a Key for the Species of the L. reichei Clade.

The southwestern Andes of Peru harbor a hidden taxonomic diversity of reptiles. We describe a new species of Liolaemus Wiegmann (Iguania: Liolaemidae) from xerophytic environments of the southwestern slopes of the Andes of Peru, 2,400-2,900 m asl. The new species, previously considered to be a population of L. insolitus Cei, exhibits unique diagnostic characters of morphology, scalation and color pattern, and molecular evidence that suggest that it belongs in the Liolaemus montanus species group and the L. reichei clade. Moreover, the species is endemic to the eastern slopes of La Caldera batholith in the Department of Arequipa, southern Peru. We also provide information on the conservation status of the species and suggest it be included in the IUCN red list of the threatened species as endangered (EN). A key for the species of the L. reichei clade is provided.

On the Post-Ubaid stratigraphy and complex architecture of the Birecik Dam Area (Turkish Euphrates): Surtepe and Tilbes-Körche Late Chalcolithic 1 levels

During the Later Prehistory of the Euphrates and Tigris Rivers and adjacent regions, a great cultural spread took place during the Late/Terminal Ubaid phases of Southern Mesopotamia. In the Northern Mesopotamian regions, it happened during the immediate pre-Late Chalcolithic phases. Excavations in Southeastern Turkey prove a continuity of Ubaid cultural traits at least during the earlier phases of the local Late Chalcolithic (LC1). Two archaeological sites, Surtepe and Tilbes-Körche, close to the Birecik Dam area (Turkish Euphrates) are presented and evaluated here. Surtepe höyük, a 8 ha Late Ubaid settlement that provided Coba bowls, has levels with painted pottery from the late Late Chalcolithic 1 or earlier LC 2 phases in an area of at least 4 hectares in south and southwestern slopes. The small site of Tilbes-Körche has probably a bigger inter-connected structure and no simple isolated buildings. Among the stone foundations we identify at least one tripartite premise with a surface over 90 m2 and two bipartite buildings. From the largest excavated unit (H3-H10) was recovered a stamp seal depicting a crosshatching motif and another token/stamp seal with 8 incised lines. Within LC1 or a transitional phase between it and LC2, the 18 % of the pottery found in the Tilbes-Körche buildings was painted and there is a huge abundance of unpainted bowls, which are about half the ceramic ensemble, many with traces of a wheel or slow-wheel, mass-produced bowls, various variants of LC1 flint scraped, and two that most resemble the so-called “flower pots”.

KAJI-SAIEARTHQUAKEonNovember 14, 2014 withКР=13.7, Mw=5.4, I0=7 (Kyrgyzstan, SouthernIssyk-Kul’)

Information on the earthquake with Mw=5.4 that occurred on the southern coast of the Issyk-Kul lake on the southwestern slope of the Tegerek mountains (Kyrgyzstan) on November 14, 2014 is given. The epicenter is located in the Jumgalo-Terskey zone, identified as the Tonsky block, in which felt earthquakes with intensity up to 7 have occurred repeatedly. 231 aftershocks were recorded in the first day, in the second day – 13 aftershocks, then seismic activity decreased. Most of the aftershocks are localized in the depth range of 17–21 km, close to the depth of the main shock (h=20 km). The earthquake had the reverse fault type. Macroseismic survey was fulfilled only in the epicentral zone due to the complex weather conditions (late autumn, highlands). The theoretical isoseismal map was created for receiving the more complete picture of the earthquake impact outside of its epicentral zone.

Birth and closure of the Kallipetra Basin: Late Cretaceous reworking of the Jurassic Pelagonian–Axios/Vardar contact (northern Greece)

Abstract. Some 20 Myr after the Late Jurassic to Early Cretaceous obduction and collision at the eastern margin of Adria, the eroded Pelagonia (Adria)–Axios/Vardar (oceanic complex) contact collapsed, forming the Kallipetra Basin, described around the Aliakmon River near Veroia (northern Greece). Clastic and carbonate marine sediments deposited from the early Cenomanian to the end of the Turonian, with abundant olistoliths and slope failures at the base due to active normal faults. The middle part of the series is characterized by red and green pelagic limestones, with a minimal contribution of terrigenous debris. Rudist mounds in the upper part of the basin started forming on the southwestern slope, and their growth competed with a flux of ophiolitic debris, documenting the new fault scarps affecting the Vardar oceanic complex (VOC). Eventually, the basin was closed by overthrusting of the VOC towards the northeast and was buried and heated up to ∼ 180 ∘C. A strong reverse geothermal gradient with temperatures increasing up-section to near 300 ∘C is recorded beneath the VOC by illite crystallinity and by the crystallization of chlorite during deformation. This syntectonic heat partially reset the zircon fission track ages bracketing the timing of closure just after the deposition of the ophiolitic debris in the Turonian. This study documents the reworking of the Pelagonian–Axios/Vardar contact, with Cenomanian extension and basin widening followed by Turonian compression and basin inversion. Thrusting occurred earlier than previously reported in the literature for the eastern Adria and shows a vergence toward the northeast, at odds with the regional southwest vergence of the whole margin but in accordance to some reports about 50 km north.

Forest Cover Changes in the Center of East European Plain Over the Last 150 Years

Changes in forest cover in the center of the East European Plain (Central Russian Upland) from the end of the 19th century to the end of 20th century have been assessed. Over that period, forest cover has increased in the northern part of the studied territory and declined in the southern part. After the end of the 1990s and beginning of 2000s, increases in forest cover occurred within the subzones of mixed coniferous–broad-leaved forest, while in the southern regions it has hardly manifested at all. The fallow land overgrowth rate, without any anthropogenic interference, has been determined for the Central Russian Upland (from 10 to 50% of fallow area has been covered by forest vegetation over a period of 10 years), decreasing gradually in from west-northwest to east-southeast. Special attention is paid to the forests that grew on nonforested lands over a period of 150 years. This process occurs everywhere in the northern part of the Upland and along the river valleys in the southern part. The forest structure of newly formed forests is studied as well (deciduous, mixed, pine, and spruce). In the southern parts of the Central Russian Upland, the newly grown forests are mostly pine plantations. The analysis of the field data suggests that, in the Central Russian Upland, within the broadleaved forests subzone, fallows are usually overgrown with birch (Betula pendula), or, less frequently, with aspen (Populus tremula). On the western and southwestern slopes, the overgrowth occurs with broadleaved (Querqus robur and Acer platanoides), small-leaved (Populus tremula), and steppe species (Prunus spinosa, Malus praecox, and Pyrus pyraster). In the south, overgrown fallows are dominated by steppe or adventive species (Acer negundo).

Die Frührömische Einheimische Siedlung Von Budapest-Lágymányos (Budapest, XI Bezirk) •

In the past two decades, the number of archaeological explorations significantly increased in the densely built-up 11th district of Budapest, the area called Lágymányos. The recent excavations not once of large extent reveal a much more detailed picture of the Roman city structure and topography of the area that belongs to the vicinity of Aquincum, south of the Gellérthegy.Considering the information obtained from previous smaller scale excavations (i.e. Kende Str. 8–10, Gellért Square) and the more recent excavations of a larger extent (Skála Department Store, Bercsényi Rd.) we may come to the conclusion that the area south of Gellérthegy called Lagymányos today was occupied by an indigenous Celtic vicus of the early imperial period. The composition of the findings of the different sites was almost identical. There was a strong indigenous (Celtic) component along with products of “provincial” ceramic production of the 1st and the 2nd century AD. The amount of imported ware found was insignificant in all sites. Excavated building structures (pit-houses, storage pits, ceramic kilns, industrial workshops) show the characteristics of a village-like settlement. According to Samian ware finds the settlement evolved in the Claudian era, flourished under the Flavians, slowly depopulated in the 2nd century, and was abandoned by its last inhabitants in the Severan era at the latest. Part of its population likely moved to this area from the native settlement of Tabán ceased under Tiberius.The slow dissolution of the settlement refers to its inhabitants leaving the area because of economical reasons. The municipium of Aquincum starting to flourish in the mid 2nd century offering a better living for the inhabitants. The antique name of the vicus is not known. In terms of topography, the vicus of Lágymányos evolved in a favourable position. The southern slopes of Gellérthegy were a safe place to settle at, besides there were excellent quality clay sources along the Danube. A wide valley leads in the direction of today’s Budaörs through which trade and transportation could easily be carried out.In the last one and a half decades several significant indigenous vici were excavated in the area of Budapest (BudaörsKamaraerdei-dűlő, Biatorbágy-Kukorica-dűlő, Páty-Malom-dűlő). The distance of these vici from one another is approximately equally about 6 kms. A group of sites (Kelenhegyi Rd. 27, Mányoki Str. 16, and the southern slopes of Gellérthegy) are linked to cemeteries instead of settlements. The majority of names on the epitaphs and the clothing and jewelry depicted on the steles dating back to the period between the last third of the 1st and the beginning of the 2nd century refer to the native Celtic population (one exception being Valerius Crescens who probably passed away as a veteranus). The vessels unearthed at Mányoki u. 16. referring to a cremation burial can also easily be fitted into the series of cemeteries of the early imperial age. Accordingly, a cemetery that belonged to the above vicus lied on the southern, south-western slopes of the Gellérthegy.In conclusion, it is ascertainable, that after cross-checking data from the sporadic, mosaic-like excavation sites of Lágymányos, we localized an unknown (or interpreted otherwise previously) early Roman (1st–2nd century AD) indigenous vicus south of the Gellérthegy. The approximate extent of the vicus’ cemetery and several burials and steles are also known implying this being a complex settlement, not a potter’s workshop or a temporary settlement as it was previously believed.