New data on sedimentation and pedogenesis in the Selenga Midland (western Transbaikalia) during Late Glacial and Holocene

The investigation of soil-sedimentary sequences formed in different erosional and depositional environments in the central part of the Selenga Midland (western Transbaikalia region) during Late Glacial and Holocene made it possible to reveal nine periods of activation of exogenic processes and sedimentation and eight stages of intense pedogenesis, to define the specific features of these pedogenesis and sedimentation epochs, and to assess their duration. The data on the intensity of sedimentation and its influence on pedogenesis is demonstrated. Asynchronous development of exogenic processes and pedogenesis related to the landscapeâ “climate heterogeneity of the Selenga Midland have been revealed. The latter is reflected in more distinct epochs of intense exogenic processes in more arid southern areas of the midland and more durable periods of pedogenesis in humid climatic environments of its central part.     

Influence of melioration in natural ecological processes of a small river valley (Poland)

On the basis of the topographic maps from 1933, 1951 and 1962 (sc 1:10 000, 1:25 000 and 1:100 000, respectively) and the satellite image from 2014 (sc 1:10 000), we determined changes in the channel of the small Brynica river (Southern Poland) as well as in the land-use pattern along this river valley after its melioration. Terrain regulation and drainage brought about an intensification of the overland runoff, and a decrease in irrigation of the territory. Due to soil overdrying, some tracts of the valley are experiencing a moisture deficiency. Peat drying can lead to negative consequences, because shallow peats mostly occur on the study territory. Disappearance of peaty soils acts to decrease the degree of suitability of the riverside territories for economic purposes as well as their capacity for recovery. The schematic map of vegetation distribution along the river valley prior to and after melioration as compiled from results of field observations displays differences between mosaic quasi-natural vegetation and areas of typical agrocenoses. The preservation of the natural values along the Brynica valley is possible through balanced economic management, while the differentiation of topography contributes to creating favorable conditions for the formation of biodiversity.     

Formation of the academic direction in Atlas mapping of the regions of Siberia (50<Superscript>th</Superscript> anniversary of the publication of the Atlas of Transbaikalia)

We examine the Atlas of Transbaikalia that was prepared and published in 1967 by the Institute of Geography of Siberia and the Far East SD USSR AS; it marked the beginning of the formation and development of the modern academic direction in atlas mapping of the regions of Siberia. The main preconditions for the formation of this scientific direction are outlined. Presented is the experience in creating a fundamental scientific program of the Atlas using a number of new conceptual and organizational-methodological principles of organizing the contents, developing original scenes and using fractional territorial units for the thematic filling of the map contents, and in drawing on the available high technical level of methods and procedures of semiotic modeling and layout which impart the Atlas not only a regional but also a general scientific significance. Emphasis is placed on the theoretical and methodological issues, and this cartographic product helped to successfully deal with them. It is pointed out that a special role in developing the general scientific program of the Atlas and in planning collaborative efforts of various authors belongs to V. B. Sochava, Editor-in-Chief of the Atlas of Transbaikalia.     

The human impact on the transformation of juniper forest landscape in the western part of the Pamir-Alay range (Tajikistan)

Detailed analyses were conducted of human impact on juniper forest landscapes occurring within the Zarafshan Range (Pamir-Alay). Juniperus seravschanica and J. semiglobosa belong to forest-forming species in Central Asia. At present, juniper forests all over Tajikistan are seriously threatened as a result of excessive logging and cattle grazing. The aim of this paper is to present juniper forest transformation as a result of human activities as well as the diversity of soil properties in the organic and humus horizons in the altitudinal system of soil zonation. Three groups of phytocoenoses were distinguished: those with a dominant share of Juniperus seravschanica; those with a dominant share of J. semiglobosa; and mixed. Associations with Juniperus seravschanica and J. semiglobosa feature several variants of phytocoenoses with dominant species: Artemisia lehmanniana, A. dracunculus, Eremurus olgae, Festuca sulcata, Ligularia thomsonii, Stipa turkestanica, Thymus seravschanicus, and Ziziphora pamiroalaica. The collected soil samples differ in their granulometric composition. Gravelly cobble fractions >2 mm are dominant; the share of sandy particles <2 mm is much lower (about 10–20%). Fraction 0.5–0.05 attains 35% on average. The Corg content of the soil varied from 0.26 to 11.40% in the humus horizon (A) and from 4.3 to 25% in the organic (O). Similar relationships were reported in the case of Ntot concentration. A clear relationship can be observed between concentrations of Corg and Ntot. Soil pH varied, ranging from very low acidic (pH 5.5) to neutral (pH 8.5). The content of available P varied; high concentrations were noted in organic (O) (40.46–211 mg kg^?1) and mixed horizons (OA) (2.61–119 mg kg^?1). Maximum accumulations of Pavail (1739.6 mg kg^?1) and Ptot (9696 mg kg^?1) were observed at a site heavily affected by intense grazing. Concentrations of Mgavail varied from 116 to 964 mg kg^?1. Most of the analysed soil profiles lacked an organic horizon; only thin humus occurred.     

Formation of phytogenic hillocks in Southern Poland

We discuss the issues related to the formation of phytogenic hillocks on sand massifs in the eastern part of the Silesian Highlands. These regions formed on originally deflated fossil soils. The formation processes of hillocks are directly associated with the growth of Salix arenaria. The spread of Salix arenaria in deflation regions is not accidental but exhibits a direct linkage with underlying substrate, especially with the emergence of silt material in it. Species that colonize such regions form propagation cores of vegetation through the spread of secondary roots. Adventitious (daughter) branch roots of Salix arenaria that are responsible for the formation of phytogenic hillocks develop along the main mother roots.     

Risk Assessment and Disaster Management for Natural and Anthropogenically Induced Geologic Hazards: Application to the Preolkhon Region,Western Lake Baikal,Siberia, Russia

In the Western Lake Baikal, recent Baikal Rift's tectonics control the topography, seismicity, climate, geomorphology, and economy. Scarps, facets, structural terraces, horsts and grabens, and trapezoid valleys can be clearly observed. They have been generated by the recent tectonic movements along the faults and represent a serious geologic hazard. The specific geological conditions predetermine a unique variety of landscapes. Thus, the main type of the economy is tourism. However, unorganized tourism leads to the degradation of the unique landscapes. It increases risk and requires disaster management. Three criteria has been used for risk assessment: (1) degree of geologic hazard; (2) degree of landscape degradation; and (3) degree of the economy's vitality. The high ecological significance and low stability to antropogeneous pressure are typical for landscapes of the Western Lake Baikal. Thus, some special activities of disaster management should be implemented based on our investigation.     

Vegetation development on post-industrial territories of the Silesian Upland (Southern Poland)

Destruction of vegetation cover on post-industrial barren lands is considered. The process of ecological succession is governed by the character of substratum, and by the type of emerging disturbance. In the majority of cases, the processes are initiated and conditioned by Calamagrostis epigejos.