Background component of methane concentration in surface air (Obninsk monitoring station)

We present measurement data from February 1998 to January 2014 obtained by Fourier spectroscopy for bulk methane concentrations in surface air samples. We have excluded the results of individual measurements of high methane concentrations arising at a temperature inversion and during fires to separate the monthly mean concentrations into the regional natural background concentration of methane and its anthropogenic addition. A seasonal concentration has been separated from the background concentration. Spectral analysis reveals a large number of composite oscillations of variations in the background methane concentra- tion with periods of 3 to 126 months. A model with the use of empirical parameters of these oscillations describes the temporal changes in the methane concentration with an error of less than 3%. The anthropogenic addition of CH₄ in the atmosphere is largely of a random character. Over 16 years of observations, its increase was ~23.7 ppb, which has resulted in an increase in the total CH₄ concentration by the same amount.     

Sources of and variations in tropospheric CO in Central Siberia: Numerical experiments and observations at the Zotino Tall Tower Observatory

Contributions of climatically significant natural and anthropogenic emission sources in northern Eurasia to seasonal carbon monoxide (CO) variations observed at the Zotino Tall Tower Observatory (ZOTTO) in Central Siberia in 2007–2011 have quantitatively been estimated using the GEOS-Chem chemical transport model. It is shown that the formation of a stable continental pollution plume from sources in Western Europe, European Russia and southern Siberia during winter plays an important role in the regional balance of surface CO and allows one to explain 55–80% of the amplitude of the CO annual cycle observed at the ZOTTO station (~70–90 ppbv). During the warm period, the effect of the anthropogenic factor is weakly pronounced, and the background concentration of CO is regulated, first and foremost, by the oxidation of biogenic volatile organic compounds and fire activity in the region.     

Carbon oxide in the surface air (Obninsk monitoring station)

The results of measurements of the concentration of carbon oxide (CO) in the atmospheric surface layer over the town of Obninsk (in European Russia, 105 km to the southwest of Moscow) are presented. Air samples were analyzed with the aid of a measuring system consisting of a Fourier-spectrometer and an optic multipass cell. The CO concentration was measured simultaneously with the measurements of air temperature up to a height of 300 m. The measurement data obtained from February 1998 to January 2009 suggest the presence of variations within the range 100–450 ppb (∼80% of all the data) and nonperiodic relatively short-term and anomalously high CO concentrations that reach several ppm. The highest concentrations are due to CO accumulated in the surface air in the presence of temperature inversion and during forest fires. The measurements of the concentration of CO throughout a day revealed its morning and evening maxima, which coincide in time with the increased traffic current. The maxima and minima of seasonal variations in the monthly mean concentrations of CO, which are due to variations in the sources and sinks of CO that happen within a year, are observed in January and June, respectively. The amplitudes of seasonal variations amounted to (53 ± 10)% of the annual mean. The annual mean concentration of CO decreased by ∼12% over the measurement period. A comparison was made with observational data obtained at five monitoring stations located in the latitudes that are close to the latitude of Obninsk. Over the European continent, the concentration of CO tends to decrease with a longitude decrease as it goes from east to west.     

Methane, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide concentrations measured in the atmospheric surface layer over continental Russia in the TROICA experiments

The principal statistical regularities typical of the behaviors of the CH₄, CO, and CO₂ concentrations in the atmospheric surface layer over the continental Russian territory are revealed from the measurements performed in 1997–2004 along the Trans-Siberian Railroad from Moscow to Khabarovsk with a mobile laboratory. The data obtained under the conditions of the atmosphere free of anthropogenic pollutants are analyzed. For near-background conditions, the typical continental methane, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide concentrations and characteristic features of their large-scale spatial distributions and daily variations, including those caused by surface inversions, are determined. Variations in the concentrations of these trace gases over industrial regions are analyzed. Our results are compared to the data obtained at background stations of the world network of atmospheric monitoring and to the data of a numerical simulation.     

Chemical composition and microphysical characteristics of atmospheric aerosol over moscow and its vicinity in June 2009 and during the fire peak of 2010

The microphysical characteristics of aerosol were measured in the atmospheric surface layer simultaneously over the center of Moscow and its vicinity (Zvenigorod Scientific Station, Obukhov Institute of Atmospheric Physics, Russian Academy of Sciences) from June 15 to June 30, 2009, in order to compare the mass concentrations, particle-size distribution functions, and elemental compositions of aerosol over the megapolis and the background zone. During the fire peak of 2010, on August 8, aerosol samples were taken in the center of Moscow and their chemical composition was determined. Comparing results obtained from the simultaneous measurements of the concentrations of aerosol and its elemental composition made it possible to determine their interdiurnal variability, which suggests that the features of time variations are of a regional character and they are determined mainly by the dynamics of the synoptical processes of air-mass exchange. The chemical composition of obtained samples was determined using the method of atomic absorption spectrometry. The measurement results obtained in June 2009 revealed an increase in the content of anthropogenic elements in the atmosphere over Moscow when compared to their content in the atmosphere over the background zone. In Moscow, during the summer fires of 2010, the concentration of sulfur exceeded its concentration in June 2009 by an order of magnitude, and the concentrations of Na, Mg, Al, Si, K, Ca, and Fe increased several times. The mean mass concentration of aerosol amounted to 917 μg/m³ in August 2010 and 50–70 μg/m³ in June 2009.     

Determination of carbon monoxide pollution of the atmosphere over Moscow with a spectroscopic method

The results of measurements of the total content of carbon monoxide in an atmospheric column over Moscow and the Zvenigorod Scientific Station (ZSS) are given for the period 1993–2005. The simultaneous measurements of the regional background contents of carbon monoxide over a rural area (ZSS) and over Moscow made it possible to isolate an urban portion of the CO content. The total content of CO over the city varies significantly from day to day from values close to the background value to values that are 2.5–3 times greater than the background value. The number of days with such a CO content is 5% of the total number of measurement days. Such a CO content is most often observed during the cold seasons. During the warm seasons, in most of the cases, slight excesses of the CO background value are observed in the urban atmosphere. Variations in the CO content are determined mainly by wind-velocity variations and temperature inversions. In 2002, the high CO concentrations were due to forest and peatbog fires. On some days, over the ZSS, the concentrations of CO were high as never before. Over this period (12 years), the CO content in the surface air layer over the city did not increase.     

Structure of carbon monoxide time variations in the atmospheric thickness over Central Eurasia (Issyk Kul Monitoring Station)

The results of measurements of the CO content in the atmospheric thickness by the method of solar molecular-absorption spectroscopy are presented. Over 87 months of observations, the annual mean CO content decreased by ～19% at a mean rate of changes equal to ?(0.14 ± 0.02) atm cm per year. Maxima and minima of seasonal variations most often fall on February and September, respectively. The mean overall amplitude of changes in the CO content during the annual cycle is about 50% of the mean value. The Fourier analysis revealed variations in the CO composition with periods from 3 to 84 months. A simple statistical model satisfactorily describes time changes in the CO content in the atmospheric thickness. The results of measurements of the CO content in the atmospheric thickness are compared with the data of CO measurements in samples of surface air at stations of the Global Atmospheric Watch.     

山东半岛北部滨浅海区表层沉积物铝物源鉴别

Surface sediment samples in the near shore area of the north Shandong Peninsula are collected for grain size and element analyses. The results indicate that the surface sediments in the study area are primarily composed of the silt-sized components similar to the Huanghe River. The total concentration of aluminum varies from 5.57% to7.37%(average(6.33 ± 0.40)%), and its spatial distribution is mainly controlled by the grain size. Correlations between the ratio of aluminum to titanium concentration and aluminum concentration, titanium concentration and the mean grain size indicate that aluminum in the near shore surface sediments is affected majorly by the terrigenous source, and partially by the anthropogenic source. The ratios of aluminum to titanium concentrations are larger than the background value of loess matter at some stations due to the existence of excess aluminum associated with human activities. Thus, the sources of aluminum should be identified firstly when aluminum is used as an index of terrigenous matter even in the near shore area dominated by terrigenous deposits.     

Variations in the total column amounts of carbon monoxide and methane in the Antarctic atmosphere

The results of measuring the total contents of carbon monoxide and methane via the method of solar-absorption spectroscopy are presented. The measurements were performed at the Molodezhnaya Station in 1977–1978, at the Mirny Observatory from 1982 to 1992, and at the Novolazarevskaya Station from 2003 to 2006. The character of seasonal variations in the contents of these gases in the Antarctic atmosphere is described and compared to the intra-annual variation of their surface concentrations measured at the Syowa Station (Japan). Synchronous intra-annual variations in the contents of carbon monoxide in the atmospheric column and in its surface concentrations are observed, while the spring maximum content of methane is observed three months after the maximum of its surface concentration. Synchronous seasonal variations in the total content of methane and ozone are observed, which makes it possible to suggest that the Antarctic circumpolar vortex has a significant influence on the characteristics of the vertical distribution of methane during Antarctic spring. Quantitative estimates of the parameters of multiyear variations in the contents of CO and CH₄ are given. The content of methane was increasing (although with different rates) during the entire observation period 1977–2006. The content of CO was observed to increase until 1992 and to decrease during 2003–2006.     

Heavy Metals in the Atmosphere over the Northern Coast of Eurasia: Interannual Variations in Winter and Summer

Interannual variations in the level of anthropogenic contamination of the surface air in the northern areas of Russia are studied, which are related to a change in the direction of air mass transport. The transport of air and heavy metals to four sites located on territories of nature reserves on the coast of the Arctic Ocean (from the Kola Peninsula to a delta of the Lena River) in winter (January) and summer (July) is analyzed for 2000–2013. Indices of atmospheric circulation and data on the emission of pollutants into the atmosphere in cities and regions of Russia are involved in the analysis. Concentrations of seven heavy metals in the surface air are evaluated in the Arctic regions under study and their interannual, spatial, and seasonal variations are discussed. A strong interannual variability of atmospheric circulation differently influences the variations in the atmosphere contamination with different anthropogenic heavy metals in various areas of the north of Russia. The concentration ratios of heavy metals under study are different for each site in different years. The interannual and seasonal variations in the contamination level have maximum values for heavy metals arriving from most distant sources. Thus, the results of measuring the content of anthropogenic contaminants in the air of reference areas during one season or even one year should not serve a basis for longterm conclusions and forecasts. It would be also unjustified to make general conclusions on the contamination level of the environment from observation results for only one contaminant and/or only at a single site.     

养殖水体环境参数随潮汐变化特征及相关性分析——以湛江特呈岛东近岸海域为例

利用2018年4-5月在湛江特呈岛东边海域养殖区内测定的数据,以及海事服务网提供的潮汐数据,分析了研究区域潮汐、流速和流向的变化规律,研究了溶解氧(Dissolved Oxygen,DO)、化学需氧量CODMn(Chemical Oxygen Demand)、二氧化碳CO2浓度和pH等海水环境参数随潮汐变化的特征以及相关性,建立了分别利用DO和pH值来估算海水CO2浓度的新算法,平均估算精度分别达到90%和95%。分析结果表明:(1)研究区域呈现不规则半日潮,流速随潮汐变化分为正相关和负相关两种类型;流向随着潮汐变化基本是东南与西北向;(2) CODMn的变化完全取决于涨落潮过程,涨潮时CODMn值逐渐下降,而落潮过程CODMn值逐渐上升;(3) CO2浓度呈现出明显的日变化,在午后数值达到最低值,不完全受制于潮汐过程的控制;(4) DO和pH两者的变化趋势高度一致,其变化过程与CO2浓度变化过程正好相反;(5)同一地点的海洋环境参数随潮汐涨落有很大的变异性,因而在进行空间大面海洋环境参数调查时,用某时刻的值代表该点的全天情况会出现较大的误差。     

Anthropogenic CO2 fluxes in the Otranto Strait (E. Mediterranean) in February 1995

This study presents the distribution and fluxes of dissolved inorganic carbon (C_T), total alkalinity (A_T) and anthropogenic carbon (C_ant) along the Otranto strait, during February 1995. Based on a limited number of properties (temperature, dissolved oxygen, total alkalinity and dissolved inorganic carbon), the composite tracer TrOCA was used to estimate the concentration of anthropogenic CO₂ in the Otranto strait.Total alkalinity exhibits high values and weak variability throughout the water column of the strait, probably associated with the dense water formation processes in the Adriatic basin that induce a rapid transport of the coastal alkalinity to the deep waters. Elevated C_ant concentrations and high anthropogenic pH variations are observed in the bottom layer of the strait, associated with the presence of Adriatic Deep Water (ADW). The study shows that large amounts of C_ant have penetrated the highly alkaline Eastern Mediterranean waters, thereby causing a significant pH reduction since the pre-industrial era.Estimates of the transports of C_T and C_ant through the strait indicate that during February 1995, the Adriatic Sea imports through the Otranto strait natural and anthropogenic carbon and acts as a net sink of carbon for the Ionian Sea. The anthropogenic carbon that is imported to the Adriatic Sea represents less than 1% of the net C_T inflow. The Levantine Intermediate Water (LIW) contributes to about one-third of the total C_T and C_ant inflow. Although the amounts of C_ant annually transported by LIW and ADW are almost equal, the contribution of C_ant to the C_T transported by each water mass is slightly higher in ADW (3.1%) than in LIW (2.6%), as a result of its higher mean C_ant concentration. The ADW, despite its weak contribution to the total outflow of C_ant, has a vital role for the sequestration and storage of the anthropogenic carbon, as this water mass is the main component of the Eastern Mediterranean Deep Waters and, thus, the anthropogenic CO₂ is transferred in the deep horizons of the Eastern Mediterranean, where it remains isolated for many years.     

Climate and carbon cycle variations in the 20th and 21st centuries in a model of intermediate complexity

The climate model of intermediate complexity developed at the Oboukhov Institute of Atmospheric Physics, Russian Academy of Sciences (IAP RAS CM), has been supplemented by a zero-dimensional carbon cycle model. With the carbon dioxide emissions prescribed for the second half of the 19th century and for the 20th century, the model satisfactorily reproduces characteristics of the carbon cycle over this period. However, with continued anthropogenic CO₂ emissions (SRES scenarios A1B, A2, B1, and B2), the climate-carbon cycle feedback in the model leads to an additional atmospheric CO₂ increase (in comparison with the case where the influence of climate changes on the carbon exchange between the atmosphere and the underlying surface is disregarded). This additional increase is varied in the range 67–90 ppmv depending on the scenario and is mainly due to the dynamics of soil carbon storage. The climate-carbon cycle feedback parameter varies nonmonotonically with time. Positions of its extremes separate characteristic periods of the change in the intensity of anthropogenic emissions and of climate variations. By the end of the 21st century, depending on the emission scenario, the carbon dioxide concentration is expected to increase to 615–875 ppmv and the global temperature will rise by 2.4–3.4 K relative to the preindustrial value. In the 20th–21st centuries, a general growth of the buildup of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and ocean and its reduction in terrestrial ecosystems can be expected. In general, by the end of the 21st century, the more aggressive emission scenarios are characterized by a smaller climate-carbon cycle feedback parameter, a lower sensitivity of climate to a single increase in the atmospheric concentration of carbon dioxide, a larger fraction of anthropogenic emissions stored in the atmosphere and the ocean, and a smaller fraction of emissions in terrestrial ecosystems.     

Prognostic estimations of the atmospheric ozone content in the first half of the 21st century

New prognostic estimates are obtained for the potential variability of the atmospheric ozone content in the first half of the 21st century. The calculations are based on models of gas composition and general circulation in the lower and middle atmosphere and on the scenarios of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). It is shown that the rate of ozone content increase will be controlled to a considerable extent by variations in stratospheric temperature. Even though the contents of atmospheric chlorine and bromine are not reduced, contrary to the WMO prediction, and remain at the present-day levels, the continuation of stratospheric cooling will lead to a rapid recovery of the ozone content to its level characteristic of the 1980s. Model experiments on variations in the stratospheric aerosol content have shown that an increase in the aerosol concentration will not affect the rate of ozone recovery in the atmosphere during reduced emissions of chlorine and bromine gases if the stratospheric temperature remains lowered. Numerical experiments have also shown that the simultaneous anthropogenic action on the contents of halogen gases and on the lower-stratosphere temperature can reduce the adverse effects of Freons and halons on the ozone layer.     

Analysis of historical trend of pollution sources of lead in Tokyo Bay based on lead isotope ratios in sediment core

The historical trend of pollution sources of Pb in Tokyo Bay, Japan was investigated on the basis of Pb isotope ratios in a sediment core. The isotope ratios of anthropogenic Pb decreased gradually with increasing Pb concentration in the 1900s–1970s, suggesting a combination of Pb sources with various isotope ratios. In contrast, the isotope ratios of anthropogenic Pb in the 1980s–2000s showed no significant trend, and corresponded to the Pb isotope ratios in the three principal rivers flowing into the bay. It is probable that river bottom sediments contaminated with Pb are principal sources of anthropogenic Pb in Tokyo Bay.     

Heavy metal distribution in recent sediments of the Krka River Estuary — an example of sequential extraction analysis

Sediments of the Krka River Estuary on the eastern Adriatic coast have been analysed for trace metals after sediment fractionation by sequential leaching. Trace concentrations of Mn, Cu, Pb, Zn, Ni, Co, Cr, V and Ga have been determined by atomic emission spectroscopy. The distribution patterns of the investigated elements follow the expected geochemical partitionings, while minor variations may be caused by early diagenetic effects and variable sediment texture. Taking into account the natural background levels of the investigated elements, the sediments reflect, at present, no significant industrial pollution or anthropogenic input of trace metals into the estuary.     

Seasonal variations of exposure biomarkers, oxidative stress responses and cell damage in the clams, Tapes philippinarum, and mussels, Mytilus galloprovincialis, from Adriatic sea

This work investigated the natural variability of several biomarkers in Tapes philippinarum and Mytilus galloprovincialis, sampled from Northern Adriatic where these organisms are important sentinel species for future environmental impact assessment. Levels of metallothioneins, peroxisomal enzymes and acetylcholinesterase, showed a significant seasonality and marked differences between clams and mussels. Among antioxidant enzymes, catalase and GST decreased during the warmer period, the latter enzyme activity resulting particularly high in clams. The total oxyradical scavenging capacity toward peroxyl radicals decreased in mussels from winter to summer, indicating a prooxidant challenge due to higher seawater temperature and intensity of light irradiance. Lysosomal membrane stability did not exhibit significant seasonal variations, while some variations were observed for DNA damages. Overall results indicated a significant influence of seasonal variability on several biomarkers and species-specific differences which should be considered to discriminate the appearance of anthropogenic disturbance.     

南海岛礁周边海域表面叶绿素浓度的时空特征

南海海域内岛礁众多, 渔业资源丰富, 而目前针对岛礁周边海区生态要素开展的研究仍较少。本文利用近20年多卫星融合水色遥感数据, 分析了南海38个主要岛礁周边区域海面叶绿素浓度的空间分布、季节变化和年际变化特征。结果表明, 岛礁周边普遍存在叶绿素浓度高值区, 其浓度约在离岛礁5个等效半径外降至海区背景水平。岛礁周边海域的叶绿素(相对于背景值的)浓度异常受海区背景值影响, 两者在南海的空间分布格局与背景值基本一致: 在平均温度较低、季风强度较大的东沙、西沙海区, 叶绿素浓度异常高于温度较高、季风强度相对较弱的中沙、南沙海区。叶绿素浓度呈现出明显的季节变化和年际变化特征, 一般在冬季风期间升高, 而在夏季风爆发前降至最低; 在El Ni?o次年随海温升高和季风减弱而下降, 在La Ni?a次年则相反。岛礁周边的叶绿素浓度异常受到温度变化的影响, 随着近年来海温变化幅度加大, 其年均水平呈显著下降趋势(P=5.05×10 ^-5)。这些结果可为我国岛礁区域渔业资源的开发和管理提供信息支持。     

胶州湾的生态环境演变与营养盐变化的关系

作为我国人为影响海洋研究与海洋学基础研究的典型海域，胶州湾历经90年的科学调查和研究，获得了系统的对胶州湾海洋学的认识。本文总结归纳了近年来胶州湾的生态环境变化状况、营养物质输入以及百年来生态环境演变的主要结果和结论。近年来，胶州湾海水呈现“高氮-低磷-低硅富营养化”状况较明显，浮游生物生物量有增加的趋势，输入到胶州湾营养物质的量巨大，总溶解态氮的年输入通量为6 945.4 t/a，其中无机氮、有机氮分别为4 453.1 t/a，2 492.3 t/a。点源和河流是总溶解态氮的主要输入方式，分别占无机氮输入通量的39%和20%，有机氮输入通量的31%和41%。总溶解态磷的年输入通量为160.6 t/a，其中无机磷的输入略高于有机磷，二者分别为88.0 t/a，72.6 t/a。河流和点源是无机磷的主要输入方式，分别占无机磷输入通量的40%和30%，而对于有机磷而言，河流是其主要的输入方式，可占其输入通量的51%，而地下水和点源也分别占输入通量的24%和15%，这些大量输入的营养物质对胶州湾生态环境变化起了关键作用。胶州湾百年来经历了三个阶段的演变，20世纪70年代以前，胶州湾受人为影响很小，其化学要素水平基本呈现“背景值”且比较稳定，从20世纪80年代起，胶州湾明显受到人为活动的影响，其沉积物中的化学组分持续增加，直到20世纪90年代中到2000年达到高峰，2000年后，由于环保治理措施的加强，沉积物中的化学组分呈明显降低趋势，基本稳定在较低的水平。     

Oceanic iron fertilization: one of strategies for sequestration atmospheric CO2

Carbon cycle is connected with the most important environmental issue of Global Change.As one of the major carbon reservoirs, oceans play an important part in the carbon cycle. In recent years, iron seems to give us a good news that oceanic iron fertilization could stimulate biological productivity as CO2 sink of human-produced CO2. Oceanic iron fertilization experiments have verified that adding iron into high nutrient low chlorophyll (HNLC) seawaters can increase phytoplankton production and export organic carbon, and hence increase carbon sink of anthropogenic CO2, to reduce global warming. In sixty days, the export organic carbon could reach 10 000 times for adding iron by model prediction and in situ experiment, i.e. the atmospheric CO2 uptake and inorganic carbon drawdown in upper seawaters also have the same magnitude. Therefore, oceanic iron fertilization is one of the strategies for increasing carbon sink of anthropogenic CO2. The paper is focused on the iron fertilization, especially in situ o