Vol 3, No 4 (2010)
GEOGRAPHY
4-16 747
Abstract
Variability of width, maximum density and stable isotopes (δ13C) in tree-rings of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) were studied in Northern Caucasus. Statistically sufficient agreements between ring width chronologies allow to construct composite chronology for the Elbrus area. Absence or low correlation between indices of the ring width and maximum density chronology point out different climatic signal. The influence of temperature and precipitation on these tree-ring parameters was also analyzed. The ring width of pine at the upper tree limit in the Baksan valley correlates positively with the June and July precipitation (r=0.3; 0.3; 0.4, p<0.05). No correlation with temperature parameters was found. The maximum density reflects the warm period temperature (April-October). The similarity in interannual variations of δ13C in annual rings between the individual samples means that their display a coherent common signal. This signal can be largely interpreted as the June and July precipitation.
17-24 511
Abstract
The main objective of this study is Miankaleh shoreline displacement against Caspian rapid sea level changing and anthropogenic impact. The morphological subunits and shoreline position have been recognized by comparing and processing of aerial photos related to 2 periods of expanded Caspian Sea level fluctuation(1966–2005). Then observational works and surface geology have been done along the eight transects from extremity of western to eastern of mentioned area. Main results show the tendency of flooding vulnerability and shoreline displacement increase at the end of eastern region of Miankaleh near Ashooradeh peninsula where there is an interaction with Caspian rapid sea level changing. In the direction of west, shoreline deformation degree declines gradually.
25-31 621
Abstract
This paper demonstrates the possibility of using nonlinear modeling for prediction of the Caspian Sea level. Phase space geometry of the of a model can be reconstructed by the embedology methods. Dynamical invariants, such as the Lyapunov exponents, the Kaplan-Yorke dimension, and the prediction horizon were estimated from reconstruction. Fractal and multifractal analyses were carried out for various time intervals of the Caspian Sea level and multifractal spectra were calculated. Then, historical data resolution was improved with the help of fractal approximation. The EMD method was used to reduce noise of the time series. Global nonlinear predictions were made with the help of Artificial Neural Network for combinations of different empirical modes.
ENVIRONMENT
32-45 513
Abstract
Data are presented on the content and composition of hydrocarbons (aliphatic and polyaromatic) in the filtered particulate matter and in the surface layer of the bottom sediments of the Volga River and the northern shelf of the Caspian Sea. Because of transformation and precipitation of anthropogenic and natural compounds, the HC composition in particulate matter and bottom sediments undergoes changes caused by precipitation of particulate matter, varying temperatures, and mixing of fresh and saline waters. It appeared that the greatest accumulation of the HC proceeds in the region of avalanche sedimentation, and their content is independent of the grain-size type of the sediments. The anthropogenic HC (oil and pyrogenous) do not pass the marginal filter of the Volga River and do not enter the open part of the sea.
46-53 561
Abstract
The purpose of the paper is to justify special natural discount rates in the efficiency assessment of conservation activities. Nowadays, the social rate of discounting suggested by D. Pearce is often used. However, many ecosystem values differ in such aspects as absence of high-grade anthropogenic substitutes and conservative character of natural “technologies”, and consequently simple, not expanded, reproduction. As a result, there exists the need for special discounting rate for non-replaceable production and services restricted in their reprocessing and consumption. This follows from the analysis of a consumer choice trajectory in the course of budget growth over a level at which the maximum of consumption of the limited good is reached. The paper estimates the reduction value for discounting rates for renewable natural resources restricted in regeneration in the special case of individual utility functions of the Cobb-Douglas type and, for a collective consumption, using equal-parts resource sharing among consuming community members. The idea of special discount rates for the production and non-material services of ecosystems is useful both for economic efficiency assessment of nature conservation activities and for calculation of compensations from the activities that adversely affect environment quality.
54-59 577
Abstract
This paper discusses possible consequences of changes in the Volga-Caspian aquatic ecosystems resulting from climate change according to the data scenarios of the Worldwide Meteorological Organization. Main hydro-ecological factors of stability of the Northern Caspian Sea ecosystems have been determined. It appears that ecosystem stability in the Northern Caspian Sea is primarily affected by natural conditions. It is essential to model riparian ecosystem processes and winter regime of reservoirs to develop strategies for mitigation of negative impacts of climate change. Such measures may include improvement of existing dams in the Volga region.
SUSTAINABILITY
74-93 704
Abstract
The economists have thoroughly studied the relations between economic globalization and the regionalization of international trade exchanges. Geographers have started studying the process of regionalization in the 1990s. Nevertheless, most of their studies are based on the row value of trade exchanges of goods. This indicator is quite useful but it suffers from major shortcomings. For instance, it is biased by the size of the economies involved in these exchanges. In order to display a more nuanced picture of globalization, it is necessary to combine it with another indicator: the bilateral intensity of trade exchanges. Both indicators are applied to Europe in order to see to which extent it is concerned by the regionalization of the global economy, especially since the end of the cold war and the end of the ideological blocs.
NEWS AND REVIEWS
94-100 403
Abstract
THE PRODUCTIVITY AND BIOGEOCHEMICAL TURNOVER OF LANDSCAPES
ISSN 2071-9388 (Print)
ISSN 2542-1565 (Online)
ISSN 2542-1565 (Online)