Satellite monitoring of pollution in the Russian sector of the Azov and Black Seas in 2003–2007

The results of satellite monitoring of pollution in the Russian sector of the Azov-Black Sea basin in 2003–2007 are considered. Within the framework of this work, a technology of monitoring the state and pollution of the water environment from satellite information received during this period from Russian and foreign satellites has been developed. With this technology, the coastal pollution parameters and hydrometeorological characteristics of the water environment in the area of observation were mapped operationally; 14 types of different satellite information products were issued daily; and the results were generalized over 3 days, ten days, a month, and a period of observation. Long-term satellite monitoring makes it possible to determine and analyze typical situations of pollution distribution in the coastal waters and to detect new circulation elements that transport pollutants, thus purifying the water environment. For example, for the first time, it was found from satellite data that the contribution of a small-scale circulation of waters of the Russian sector of the Black Sea to the transport and distribution of pollutants is commensurable with the contribution of the Main Black Sea Current and coastal anticyclonic eddies. The regularities in the dynamics of pollution distribution promote the increased reliability of charting of the environmental situation, including the prediction of dynamics of pollution spreading.     

A technology of waterspout monitoring over the Russian part of the Black Sea

The technology of waterspout monitoring over the Russian part of the Black Sea is presented. The technology was developed using the foreign experience of tornado and waterspout prediction and the data from the meteorological observation network of the Russian Federation. The technology is based on the software for the organization and maintenance of operational database including the data of satellite imagery, numerical weather prediction models, lightning detection systems, and weather radars. It was found that the results of the use of the presented technology for analyzing waterspout-risk conditions during the waterspout season are of the greatest interest. The waterspout season in the Black Sea area usually begins in May and ends in September. The review of waterspout occurrence over the Russian part of the Black Sea in 2014 is presented.     

流域危险废物污染事故监控技术体系探讨

分析了目前我国流域地表水环境质量监控技术体系现状,从应对突发性危险废物污染事故出发,提出建立国家、省、市、县级突发性危险废物污染事故监控体系构想。以辽宁为例,提出构建国家、省、市、县级突发性危险废物污染事故监控体系,为政府应急决策提供快速服务。     

Ozone content over the Russian Federation in 2008

Areview is compiled based on the results of the system of monitoring total ozone (TO) over the CIS and Baltic countries that is operated in real time at the Central Aerological Observatory (CAO). The TO monitoring system uses the data from the national M-124 filter ozonometer network operated under the methodological guidance of the Main Geophysical Observatory. The performance of the system as a whole is operationally verified against the OMI satellite (US NASA) observations. The main TO observational data are summarized for each month of the fourth quarter of 2008, for a quarter, and a year as a whole. Data on the Spring Antarctic Ozone Anomaly in 2008 are presented. Results of regular surface ozone observations in the Moscow region and in Kiev are also considered.     

Ozone content over the Russian federation in the first quarter of 2008

The review is compiled based on the results of the operation of the Total Ozone (TO) Monitoring System in the CIS countries, functioning in the operational regime at the Central Aerological Observatory (CAO). The monitoring system uses the data from the national network of filter ozonometers, type M-124; the proper operation of the system is confirmed by the results of comparison with the TO fields obtained from observations with the OMI satellite (US NASA) equipment. The TO observation data for each month of the first quarter of 2008 and for a quarter as a whole are generalized. Results of regular surface ozone observations that have been carried out by the CAO in the Moscow park zone since 1991 and that characterize the surface ozone state in the Moscow region are also considered.     

Ozone content over the Russian Federation in the third quarter of 2008

The review is compiled based on the results of the operation of the Total Ozone (TO) Monitoring System in the CIS and Baltic countries, functioning in the operational regime at the Central Aerological Observatory (CAO). The monitoring system uses the data obtained from the national network of filter ozonometers, M-124 type, which is under methodological supervision of the Main Geophysical Observatory; proper operation of the system is under operational control based on observations obtained from the OMI satellite equipment (U.S. NASA). The basic TO observation data for each month of the third quarter of 2008 and for a whole quarter are generalized. Results of regular surface ozone observations, carried out by the CAO in the Moscow park zone that largely characterize the air quality in the surface layer of the Moscow region in a warm season are also considered.     

Variations in climatic and hydrological parameters in the Selenga River basin in the Russian Federation

The variations in average annual surface air temperature, precipitation, and runoff in the Selenga River basin (within Russia) are analyzed. It is demonstrated that the considerable increase in average annual temperature of surface air layers occurred in the 1980s-1990s. The decrease in peak water discharge in the rivers and the increase in the frequency of low-water periods were revealed in the forest-steppe and steppe zones of the Selenga River basin in 2001-2010. In the southwestern mountain regions (the Dzhida River basin) the river runoff increased during that period.     

Scientific basis of agrometeorological and agroclimatic support to the agrarian sector of the Russian economy

Results are reviewed of the studies aimed at the development of current techniques for estimation of bioclimatic potential of Russia to provide agrometeorological support to the agrarian sector of economy under the present-day conditions. Problems are considered of estimating and accounting the effects of the climate changes on productivity and long-term stability of agriculture. Results are presented of using the satellite information for operative monitoring of condition and productivity of agriculture. It is shown that the studies carried out at All-Russian Research Institute of Agricultural Meteorology (VNIISKhM) allow creating a complex system for operative agrometeorological monitoring on the basis of the modern models of the agro-ecosystem productivity. The system will allow regular estimating of conditions, expected harvest and total yield in the times specified by Roshydromet and presenting a set of their probability estimates as dependent on the predicted weather. As a result, all levels of the agriculture, from the farmers to the Ministry of Agriculture, will be provided with agrometeorological and agroclimatic information.     

Russian industry responses to climate change: the case of the metals and mining sector

Globally, the metals and mining sector is a major contributor to GHG emissions. Climate change also poses significant challenges for the industry in a number of ways, including risks to infrastructure and equipment, transport routes and the cost of energy supplies. The sector is of particular importance to Russia, and yet very little is known about how the sector positions itself in relation to this key issue. This article conducts an in-depth look at the response of the Russian metals and mining sector to climate change. It looks at the key actors, their willingness to engage with the issue of climate change, preferred policy options and the strategies adopted to further their interests. The role of companies, prominent individuals and business associations is considered. The evidence suggests that, although there is widespread acceptance of climate change as a phenomenon, there is significant variation within the sector, with some companies proactive on climate policy, and others more reluctant. Different responses are attributed to reputational factors and the disproportionate influence of international and domestic policy developments on companies. Russian coal companies, directly threatened by any international attempts to reduce coal consumption, display the strongest opposition to efforts aimed at curbing emissions. The Russian government, far from thinking of transitioning to a low carbon future, is vigorously trying to expand the coal industry.

Key policy insights

• Understanding how Russia’s domestic position on climate policy is formed is fundamental for understanding the factors driving its international engagement on climate policy.

• The Russian government has no plans to phase out coal and is instead actively seeking to expand the coal industry. This highlights the obstacles to Russia’s commitment to climate policy at both the domestic and international levels.

• The socio-economic consequences of climate policy for the Russian coal industry are a key consideration for the government, with some regions heavily dependent on the industry for employment and electricity generation.

     

渭河流域2008年1月连阴雪天气过程成因分析

通过对2008年1月10-23日渭河流域连阴雪天气过程的分析研究,发现冬季连阴雪的预报着眼点是700hPa高度场,与秋季连阴雨500hPa环流形势相比,稳定的中高纬度高脊明显偏东;低层和地面东风回流是降雪天气的主要冷空气源;与秋季连阴雨天气过程相比,整个阴雪过程中,水汽辐合相对较强,而水汽输送偏弱;低层比湿舌的出现和高层比湿的突然减小,对渭河流域中雪以上降雪天气的开始和结束有一定的预报意义;这次阴雪天气过程中可能有中尺度系统的生消和参与。     

The envivonment of the Russian Federation in 2006-2015: State and pollution dynamics

The present research is based on the annual Reviews of Environmental Conditions and Pollution in the Russian Federation and Yearbooks of Environmental Pollution in the Russian Federation for the period of 2006-2015. The parameters and estimates of abiotic environmental component (air, surface water, and soil) and radiation conditions are generalized from the data of the national observation system of environmental conditions (a base of the national system of environmental pollution monitoring in the Russian Federation) as well as from the data of local environmental observation systems. The results of the analysis of observational data and the conclusion on the conservation of high levels of air pollution in the cities and surface water pollution in many water bodies (including the assessment of priority of existing problems) are an important element of the informational support of state control of the sources of pollutant emissions (discharges) to the environment. The given information is also used for the comprehensive assessment of the influence of unfavorable environmental factors on the population health and terrestrial and water ecosystems. Besides, information on the dynamics and actual levels of environmental pollution allows assessing the efficiency of nature protection measures taking into account the observed trends and dynamics of variations.     

Mathematical modeling of small watercourse pollution by biogenic substances in the nonchernozem zone of the Russian Federation

The pollution of surface inland waters under the influence of anthropogenic activity is of the global nature. A process of the pollutant concentration formation is considered as the stochastic one. The dividing of observational series into separate time periods is proposed to obtain the homogeneous series of the pollutant concentration. A technique of the mathematical modeling of pollutant concentration taking account and regardless of the autocorrelation dependence is given. The results of mathematical modeling of biogenic substance concentration in small watercourses in the northwest of the Russian Federation are estimated.     

Physiographic factors of seasonal distribution of linear trends in air temperature on the Azov-Black sea coast

The seasonal distribution of linear trends in air temperature on the coast of the Black and Azov seas in 1936-2010 is analyzed using the quantile regression method. Monthly mean and median values of temperature as well as 10% and 90% quantiles of average daily values of temperature are considered to describe changes in extreme positive and negative temperature anomalies. It is demonstrated that besides tendencies that are common for all meteorological stations, local features and physiographic location of the stations are of great importance for the distribution of temperature trends.     

1960—2008年淮河流域极端降水演变特征

采用地理空间统计、时间序列分析和趋势诊断等方法,研究1960—2008年淮河流域极端降水时空演变特征:流域大部分地区全年及四季的极端强降水量、降水强度、强降雨日数无明显变化趋势;≥15 d的持续无降水事件发生次数由南向北递增,平均每年2~5次,冬季最多、夏季最少;≥5 d的持续降水事件由东北向西南递增,平均每年1~8次,潢川—正阳—郑州一线的西北部秋季最多,其他地区夏季最多;40%的站点持续无降水事件有明显增多趋势,气候倾向率为0.22~0.60次/a,且大多在1970s发生气候突变;30%的站点持续降水事件有明显减少趋势,气候倾向率为-0.24~-0.70次/a,普遍无气候突变;持续无降水(降水)事件与年降水总量没有明显的联系。     

1960-2008年淮河流域极端降水演变特征

采用地理空间统计、时间序列分析和趋势诊断等方法,研究1960-2008年淮河流域极端降水时空演变特征:流域大部分地区全年及四季的极端强降水量、降水强度、强降雨日数无明显变化趋势;≥15 d的持续无降水事件发生次数由南向北递增,平均每年2～5次,冬季最多、夏季最少;≥5 d的持续降水事件由东北向西南递增,平均每年1～8次...     

An unusual anomaly of ice conditions in the eastern seas of the Russian Arctic and in the arctic basin in summer 2007

It is demonstrated that during the whole annual cycle of ice cover evolution in 2006–2007 in the eastern seas of the Russian Arctic and in the Arctic basin, the factors whose effect led to the formation of an extremely large anomaly of ice conditions in summer 2007 were revealed. By the end of summer, the ice melted on the huge water area of 3500000 km². In September, the ice edge between the meridians of 150° E-170° W reached the parallel of 85° N. The estimates of the open water area being formed due to the ice melting and its drifting edge shift are given.     

Satellite and ground observations for large-scale air pollution transport in the Yellow Sea region

Large-scale air pollution transport (LSAPT) in the Yellow Sea region and their inflow onto the Korean Peninsula were observed through satellite images and ground measurements. LSAPT includes regional continental air-masses saturated with pollutants originating from China and subsequently landing on or passing through the Korean Peninsula. It is also possible to identify the distribution and transport patterns of LSAPT over the Yellow Sea. The ground concentrations for PM10, PM2.5 and CO measured at Cheongwon, located in the centre of south Korea, were compared with NOAA satellite images. Notably, the episodes observed of the LSAPT show a PM2.5 to PM10 ratio of 74% of the daily maximum concentrations. However, cases of duststorms were clearly distinguished by much higher PM10 concentrations and a ratio of 30% of PM2.5 to PM10 for daily maximum concentrations. For the episode on January 27, 2006, the inflow of a regionally polluted continental air-mass into the central and southwestern regions of the Korean Peninsula was observed sequentially at various ground observatories as well as by satellite. The north airflow dissipated the clouds over Mt. Halla on Jeju Island and further downwind, reducing air pollution and creating a von Kármán vortex.