Transboundary nature management problems within the Irtysh basin

Analysis of the indicators of economic exploitation of the territory of the Irtysh river basin identified five types of nature management systems. An assessment is made of anthropogenic load on water bodies and catchment. A detailed account is given of the transboundary issues relating to an equitable division of water and to the river water quality. A schematic map of ecologo-economic regionalization of the catchment has been compiled to be used as a tool for settling disputes.     

生态脆弱区资源型城市生态环境影响评价与调控

采用主分量分析评估模型法,对西部生态脆弱区的资源型城市鄂尔多斯市在2003-2011年时间序列内的城市生态环境影响进行了评价与分析。结果表明：鄂尔多斯城市生态系统整体处于不稳定的发展状态,其中生态质量子系统的发展水平一直处于稳步上升、逐步改善的趋势;环境质量子系统的发展水平呈现出先下降、再上升、再下降的整体下降趋势;环境治理子系统的发展水平总体处于稳步上升、中间略有波动的趋势;综合来看,鄂尔多斯城市生态环境影响的总发展水平处于整体上升、中间略有波动的状态。     

Spatio-temporal differentiation of landscape ecological niche in western ecological frangible region： A case study of Yan＇an region in northwestern China

In this study, we attempt to put forward a conception of landscape ecological niche, enlightened by international scholars on extending the ecological niche theory from spatial niche to functional niche. That is helpful for comprehensively appraising landscape spatial patterns and ecological functions, also, presents a new method for analyzing landscape features from multidimensional aspects. The practice process is demonstrated by taking Yan＇an region in northwestern China as a case. Firstly, the indices system including spatial attribute and functional attribute is established for assessing landscape ecological niche. Additionally, two-dimensional figures are drawn for comparing the spatio-temporal features of landscape ecological niche in 1987 and 2000 among the 13 administrative counties. The results show that from 1987 to 2000, towards Yan＇an region, spatial attribute value of landscape ecological niche changes from 1.000 to 1.178 with an obvious increment, and functional attribute value changes from 0.989 to 1.069 with a little increment, both of which enhance the regional landscape ecological niche. Towards each county, spatial attribute value of landscape ecological niche increases to different extent while functional attribute value changes dissimilarly with an increment or a decrement.     

The ecological potential of vegetation as a factor of nature management in Baikalian Siberia

We examine the theoretical and applied aspects related to the concept of the ecological potential of vegetation as an important factor for pursuing of the public environmental policy. Taking into consideration the ecological potential in the nature management system is essential. A map fragment illustrating the ecological potential of the Baikal region is provided.     

System approach to nature management in the Baikal region

The theoretical and practical aspects of sustainable development using the system approach are considered. An analysis is made of a number of major economic projects that were implemented in the Baikal region.     

Geobotanical forecasting in the nature management ecological optimization in Baikalian Siberia

An analysis is made of the geobotanical forecasting technique. Mapping is known to be recognized as the most powerful method of forecasting-geobotanical investigations. A close interrelation between geobotanical forecasting and vegetation mapping is demonstrated. To improve objectivity of the findings used cartographic models of modern and predicted vegetation which most fully represent the entire structuralcenotic diversity of plant communities in Prebaikalia, the central region of Baikalian Siberia. The predictive constructions are based on analyzing modern vegetation which always includes structural features of its future that manifest themselves in primary and stable derivative communities. We developed the legend and compiled the map (sc 1:200 000) of the region’s modern vegetation. The state of the natural environment of the Lena- Angara interfluve is assessed having regard to the various functions of plant communities in geosystems. The 1:200 000 map of probability-forecasted (within 200 years) vegetation is presented for Lena-Angara interfluve. It is shown that complete recovery of the primary structure will not occur within 200 years. It is found that it is necessary to carry out predictive-cartographic investigations for the whole of Baikalian Siberia as vegetation of this region is characterized by a decreased activity of recovery processes occurring under the influence of anthropogenic factors. The reason has to do with the harsh natural conditions where it is not worthwhile to pursue extensive nature management, such as is universally the case to date, leading to undesirable economic consequences, because the degree of disturbance to vegetation in a number of areas of Prebaikalia has now reached as critical level. It is concluded that a further policy of nature management on this territory must be built upon the new principles to be approved by government documents.     

Economic-geographical problems of hunting nature management of Siberia

The technique for socioeconomic assessment of the social implication of game husbandry (SIGH) in the Siberian Federal District (SFD) as a whole, and in separate regions has been tested. We provide the algorithm for calculating SIGH that implies combining the most important ten effectiveness measures of game management. Regional indicators of SIGH are compared with volumes of agricultural production. The constituent entities of the SFD are shown, in which the size of SIGH predominates over the respective coefficient of agriculture. We identified the main factor for change in the population dynamics of ungulate animals which has a social, rather than a biological, origin. Emphasis is placed on a number of currently important problems in hunting nature management: the disproportion of the consumer demand toward a single kind of fur raw materials and no demand for most of the other kinds, and low profitability of the fur product. The constituent entities of the SFD are ranked according to the socioeconomic significance of game husbandry. An analysis is made of the dynamics of supplies of fur products and fur market performance. For the first time, we have shown the minimum allowable magnitude of value of SIGH for separate regions of the SFD. We determined the tendency for a steady increase in SIGH in accordance with different socioeconomic phenomena. The findings suggest the conclusion that the issues of s further development of game husbandry are to be dealt with at the governmental level.     

特大城市群生态空间及其生态承载状态的时空分异

快速城镇化导致中国城市群地区生态空间被大量挤占,生态承载压力加剧,已成为制约城市群健康发展的重要因素。本文界定并分析了京津冀、长三角、粤港澳大湾区、成渝、长江中游5个特大城市群三生空间结构分布特征,解析了1990—2020年生态空间时空分异及其变化的影响因素,进一步通过水资源供给、水质调节、空气质量调节、休闲游憩探讨了近30年生态空间综合承载状态及其时空分异特征。研究结果表明：① 不同形成发育阶段的城市群呈现差异性的三生空间面积结构比、以多中心组合为主的生活空间拓展演变模式,以及屏障式、紧密、离散、全包围式的生态空间结构。② 1990—2020年城市群生活空间面积持续大幅度增加而生产空间呈现相反趋势,除粤港澳大湾区以外,生态空间均表现出增加态势尤其近10年增势明显。三生空间面积结构及其时空变化特征,说明特大城市群生产、生态空间的主要功能从供给转向调节和文化,并反映了中国从快速城镇化到新型可持续城镇化的转变。③ 5个城市群分别有78.6%、73.1%、54.5%、56.3%和25.8%市域呈现严重超载的综合生态承载状态,其中水资源供给、水质调节是制约城市群生态承载水平的要因,未来需要重视城市群生态空间保留量及其合理布局以减缓生态承载压力。本文可为城市群绿色可持续发展、三生空间结构优化和配置提供科学依据。     

Landscape-geographical support of the ecological policy of nature management in regions of Siberia

Presented are some results of ecologo-geographical investigations. The prospects of using complex physical geography and landscape planning in securing the ecological policy of nature management are defined.     

干旱区生态学研究中若干问题的思考

在分析目前干旱区生态学研究存在的主要问题的基础上,对未来干旱区生态学研究的核心、尺度和研究手段选择等问题进行了探讨,最后就干旱区生态学研究几个值得关注的研究领域进行了阐述。作者认为,干旱区生态学研究的核心应该是绿洲,从管理实践的角度,干旱区的生态学研究尺度应该是湖泊流域,而非以前被广泛采纳的河流流域。在干旱区生态学研究的手段上,随着高清晰度商业化遥感卫星的应用,结合过去的传统方法,与GIS和RS相结合的遥感手段应该是今后生态学研究所依赖的主要手段。而早春短命植物层片与短命动物研究、干旱区的城市森林建设、干旱区民族生态学与人地关系研究、生态用水的深化研究、绿洲景观生态过程及其规划实践研究等,应该是在不偏废过去研究工作的基础上,值得在未来关注的研究领域。     

The current status ofAtriplexon the Cape Verde Islands

Extensive areas of low lying coastal plains on Santiago Island, Republic of Cape Verde, are virtually devoid of natural vegetation. Of many introduced trees and shrubs, onlyAtriplexspecies have been found to thrive. Several plantations have been established during the past 15 years by the Cape Verde Government, FAO and other agricultural development groups. Results from these, together with local perceptions, indicate that although growth and survival are good, the primary objective of providing forage is not being met, owing to the unpalatability ofAtriplexto local stock. In recent field trials, severalAtriplexspecies showed good growth, but none were browsed and survival was quite poor, with onlyA. undulata(65%) andA. canescens(100%) exceeding 60% survival. Forage analysis identified high salt content in all species tested, and the highest protein content was found inA. glauca(16%),A. vesicaria(17%) andA. canescens(20%), which also had the lowest salt levels.Atriptex canescenswas identified as worthy of further introduction. An establishedA. halimusplantation that was observed to be browsed was compared to unbrowsed stands in terms of forage, soil and local drinking water analyses. Possible reasons for the unpalatability ofAtriplexto local stock and its resolution are discussed, along with the potential future ofAtriplexon the Cape Verde Islands.     

潜在生态风险指数法应用中的一些问题

收集2001—2018年有关Håkanson潜在生态风险指数法应用论文2323篇,重点分析2008年以来发表在国内外著名期刊上的论文203篇,发现存在以下问题：① Håkanson潜在生态风险指数是基于水环境沉积学理论建立的一种生态风险评价方法,不适合土壤潜在生态风险或污染评价,更不能被应用于水相溶质、大气颗粒物、地表灰尘、植物或作物等介质的生态风险或污染评价,但现实研究中评价对象错位的论文占2323篇论文的49.29%。② 不能生搬硬套Håkanson潜在生态风险系数（Er）和潜在生态风险指数（RI）分级标准,必须根据具体参评污染物的种类和数量进行调整。Er第一级界限值应为所有参评污染物毒性系数（St）的最大值,RI第一级界限值可用∑St ⁱ×1.13并取十位整数得到。但是多数研究罔顾其参评污染物的种类和数量,照搬Håkanson的Er和RI分级标准而出现错误的论文分别占203篇论文的45.32%和61.08%;虽然有些学者对RI分级标准进行了调整,但调整正确的论文只占23.81%。③ 只评价Hg单项生态风险或包括Hg在内的多个重金属综合生态风险时,不能用St ^Hg代替其毒性响应系数（Tr ^Hg）。     

A palaeolimnological meta-database for assessing the ecological status of lakes

We describe a palaeolimnological meta-database (“LakeCores”) that includes information for lakes in Europe that have been cored for studies of recent environmental change. Only cores with intact mud-water interfaces and good chronologies for the last ~100–200 years are currently included. The information provided in the database includes the general characteristics of the lakes cored, the methods used for dating and analysis and the bibliographic source of the information selected. At present the database contains information on 1847 studies from 975 sites. Here we use the database to identify cores for which diatom-based pH and total phosphorus (TP) reconstructions have been derived and, from an inspection of the relevant papers, we compile summary data for the timing and extent of acidification and eutrophication of lakes across Europe. We show that there were few cases of acidification and eutrophication in Europe prior to about 1850, and therefore that conditions prior to 1850 can be used for reference with respect to current attempts to restore surface waters to “good ecological status”. We also show the extent to which pH and TP levels have changed across the continent both for all lakes, and, in the case of TP, for lakes of different types covering a range of alkalinities, altitudes, water depths and surface areas.     

Livestock-carrying capacity and overgrazing status of alpine grassland in the Three-RiverHeadwaters region,China简

The Three-River Headwaters region in China is an ecological barrier providing en- vironmental protection and regional sustainable development for the mid-stream and down- stream areas, which also plays an important role in animal husbandry in China. This study estimated the grassland yield in the Three-River Headwaters region based on MODIS NPP data, and calculated the proper livestock-carrying capacity of the grassland. We analyzed the overgrazing number and its spatial distribution characteristics through data comparison be- tween actual and proper livestock-carrying capacity. The results showed the following： （1） total grassland yield （hay） in the Three-River Headwaters region was 10.96 million tons in 2010 with an average grassland yield of 465.70 kg/hm2 （the spatial distribution presents a decreasing trend from the east and southeast to the west and northwest in turn）; （2） the proper livestock-carrying capacity in the Three-River Headwaters region is 12.19 million sheep units （hereafter described as ＂SU＂）, and the average stocking capacity is 51.27 SU [the proper carrying capacity is above 100 SU/km2 in the eastern counties, 60 SU/km2 in the cen- tral counties （except Madoi County）, and 30 SU/km2 in the western counties]; and （3） total overgrazing number was 6.52 million SU in the Three-River Headwaters region in 2010, with an average overgrazing ratio of 67.88% and an average overgrazing number of 27.43 SU/km2 A higher overgrazing ratio occurred in Tongde, Xinghai, Yushu, Henan and Z~kog. There was no overgrazing in Zhiduo, Tanggula Township and Darlag, Qumerleb and Madoi. The re- mainder of the counties had varying degrees of overgrazing.     

The nature, use and problems of historical archives for the temporal occurrence of landslides, with specific reference to the south coast of Britain, Ventnor, Isle of Wight

The purpose of this paper is to describe and evaluate the nature of the European historical archives which are suitable for the assessment of the temporal occurrence and forecasting within landslides studies, using the British south coast as an example. The paper is based upon the British contribution to the Environment programme EPOCH, 1991–1993.A primary requirement of a research programme on process occurrence is to determine the event frequencies on as many time and space scales as possible. Thus, the analysis of archives is, potentially, an essential preliminary to the study of the temporal occurrence of landslide events. The range of such data sources extends from isolated, fortuitously dated sites from the Quaternary assemblage, through inferred event impacts using dendrochronology or lichenometric time series to historical records of causal factors such as rainfall data and more recently, deliberately recorded packages of cumulative or continuous data.Most countries have extensive historical sources which may be of considerable value in establishing the characteristics of geomorphological processes. These include narrative in literature, prints and other artwork, terrestrial and aerial photographs, remote sensing series, newspapers, incidental statements and scientific journals and reports.These are numerous difficulties in accessing, extracting, organising, databasing and analysing such data because they are not usually collated for scientific use. Problems involve such incalculable errors as: the experience, training and conscientiousness of the observer; the editing and recording process; judging the validity of the data used and the haphazard nature of recorded events in time and space.Despite these difficulties, such data do yield a record which adds to the representative temporal sample as a level above some threshold reporting position. It therefore has potential for specific statistical analysis. An example of a reasonable temporal landslide record is the data base of the Ventnor complex on the Isle of Wight initially established in 1991 by Geomorphological Services Limited (GSL), now of Rendel Geotechnics, and supplemented by the collections of the first author. The record displays an increase in landslide events over the present century, due probably to increasing technology and awareness of hazard and the development of process geomorphology. However, the landslide record was subsequently correlated with the Ventnor precipitation series. This indicated that wet year sequences usually gave rise to significant landslide events. The increasing variability and number of rainfall events predicted by various climatic units, e.g. the Hadley Centre, may therefore indicate a fundamental increase in landslide events in the future.     

The RGS, exploration and Empire and the contested nature of surveying

In 1879, the RGS started courses in practical surveying based on the methods used by navigators. Subsequently, RGS courses, increasingly under the influence of former members of the Survey of India, changed in character. At the same time as the nature of appropriate surveying was being negotiated within the RGS, the debate over the academic nature of geography also took shape. The development of the 'new' geography reflected the conflicts within the RGS Council over the meaning of scientific geography.     

The problems of development of the Kholodninskoye lead and zinc deposit (Northern Baikal region)

We examine the pre-project data related to development of the Kholodninskoye lead and zinc ore deposit from the standpoint of ecological and economic soundness of the proposed production and engineering aspects of the design. Some of the proposals and recommendations are aimed at improving environmental safety of the projected facilities for extraction and benefication of mineral raw materials in conditions of the Central Ecological Zone of the Baikal Natural Territory, a World Natural Heritage Site.     

中国西部生态脆弱地区景观生态位的时空差异——以陕北延安地区为例

In this study, we attempt to put forward a conception of landscape ecological niche, enlightened by international scholars on extending the ecological niche theory from spatial niche to functional niche. That is helpful for comprehensively appraising landscape spatial patterns and ecological functions, also, presents a new method for analyzing landscape features from multidimensional aspects. The practice process is demonstrated by taking Yan’an region in northwestern China as a case. Firstly, the indices system including spatial attribute and functional attribute is established for assessing landscape ecological niche. Additionally, two-dimensional figures are drawn for comparing the spatio-temporal features of landscape ecological niche in 1987 and 2000 among the 13 administrative counties. The results show that from 1987 to 2000, towards Yan’an region, spatial attribute value of landscape ecological niche changes from 1.000 to 1.178 with an obvious increment, and functional attribute value changes from 0.989 to 1.069 with a little increment, both of which enhance the regional landscape ecological niche. Towards each county, spatial attribute value of landscape ecological niche increases to different extent while functional attribute value changes dissimilarly with an increment or a decrement.     

The nature of the Precambrian-Tertiary boundary at Renardodden, Bellsund, Svalbard

The previous literature on the occurrence of Tertiary strata at Renardodden provides contradictory information about the primary versus tectonic boundary with the Precambrian basement. Tertiary sandstones and shales overlie unconformably the basement rocks, which have been resedimented as boulder conglomerates prior to Caledonian metamorphism and weathered prior to the deposition of the Tertiary strata. The boundary relations are complicated by a repeatedly active fault system that may form part of the Inner Hornsund Fault Zone.     

Some aspects of ecological risks of nature management in southern Baikalian Siberia

The diverse environment-protective role of vegetation is highlighted in the context of economic development of southern territories of Baikalian Siberia. Results from geobotanical forecasting for the purpose of minimizing ecological risks of nature management are presented.