The present geoecological situation within the territory of the city of Irkutsk

Presented are the results derived from studying the exogenous geological processes within urbanized territories. Specific areas are identified: local geosystems of urban territories with intense development of natural-technogenic exogenous geological processes which require analysis of the evolution of the geological environment and engineering technical work in order to minimize the negative technogenic load.     

Pedogenic processes on mining dumps (a case study of southern Kemerovo oblast)

An analysis is made of the elementary pedogenic processes occurring in soils and technogenic surface formations on coal mining dumps and on tailing dumps of iron ore dressing plants in the forest-steppe and mountain-taiga zones of Kemerovo oblast. The intensity of the ongoing processes is assessed by using the numerical scale.     

The natural-technogenic relief-forming processes on the territory of the city of Bratsk

In the context of the problem reflecting the geoecological assessment of the territory of Bratsk, we examine the geodynamical block relating to the study of natural-technogenic geological processes. Fields observations (from the summer of 2003–2004) are invoked to describe the forms of manifestation of erosion, suffusion, gravitational, Aeolian and abrasion processes, the natural and technogenic factors that are responsible for their occurrence, and the type and regime of development. An analysis is made of their interrelationship, and of the influence of the geological environment on the character of their distribution.     

Extreme manifestations of fluvial processes under natural-technogenic conditions

Changes in micro-relief under the influence of natural as well as technogenic factors lead to generation of elementary models of development of erosional and landslide processes, which is confirmed by examples of the development of fluvial processes occurring during torrential rainfall events on the territory of the Baikal region and the Transbaikalia. Formation of such processes under natural conditions is influenced by a larger number of parameters than in the case of experimental modeling.     

Geochemical indicators of technogenic pollution of bottom sediments of small rivers in an urbanized environment

We have explored the possibility of using the geochemical characteristics of migration and accumulation of alkali metals (lithium, rubidium, and caesium) as the indicators of anthropogenic status of heavy metals in bottom sediments of small rivers of a technogenically disturbed (urbanized) environment. A study was made of the behavior of the above elements in bottom sediments of the rivers of Petrozavodsk (Republic of Karelia). The chemical composition of the sediments used in the study was determined with X-ray fluorescence spectrometer ARL ADVANT’X and mass spectrometer XSeries-2 ICP-MS; the content of organic matter in bottom sediments (from the LOI index) was estimated by the weighing method upon heating the samples under investigation to the temperature of 1100°C. As a result of the investigations, it was found that among the heavy metals, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Mo, Sb, W and Pb are of predominantly technogenic origin in river sediments, which Cr and Cs are of predominantly natural origin due to a high background of these elements in Quaternary formations of the study area. We determined a close association of the trace elements of technogenic status as well as of Li, Rb and Cs with content levels of iron-manganese formations and organic matter in river sediments, which does indicate a commonalty of the processes promoting their input into the urban water stream. It is established that the commonalty of accumulation of a number of heavy metals in bottom sediments with lithophylic elements (Li, Rb and Cs), due to the high chemical activity of these latter, makes it possible to use the geochemical characteristics of the alkali metals as the indicator of technogenic status of the main pollutants of the urban environment.     

Spatiotemporal variability in channel deformations on rivers of Russia

We assess the spatiotemporal changes in channel processes on rivers of Russia, determine the causes for vertical (incision or directional sediment accumulation) and horizontal (displacement of channel forms) deformations and show the distribution of stream channel of different morphodynamical types and with a different reconfiguration rate. The conditions are revealed, under which the channel types change over time. Particular emphasis is placed on the analysis of spatiotemporal changes in channels caused by anthropogenic disturbances and by direct technogenic interferences in the life of rivers (hydroelectric schemes, quarries in the river channels, and waterway dredging).     

The principles in studying the natural and technogenic dynamics of Siberia's landscapes

Conceptual-methodological approaches in understanding the dynamics and tendencies of directional changes in landscapes include a universally recognized top priority approach, i.e. the functional-integration principle of temporal observations of self-regulation processes occurring in the case of an inter-component exchange of substances. Our main concern is with the migration-accumulation mechanisms of spatial differentiation of chemical elements. Experience is examined, which has been gained from experimental studies of the technogenicgeochemical transformation of landscapes under the influence of pollutants emission from industrial facilities of two types. We summarize the research results obtained according to the following pattern: monitoring, indication of disturbances, forecasting, and regulation of technogenic loads on the natural environment. On the whole, the case in point is that modern complex geography is switching over to a level of experimental investigations of the territory.     

Influence of dumping upon the geoecological state of Nakhodka Bay

It is shown that the influence of dumping upon the geoecological state of Nakhodka Bay shows up not only in pollution of bottom sediments by technogenic impurities but also in changes in sedimentation conditions as a result of the transformation of the relief and the hydrodynamical situation. Flows of material, associated with the dumping of earth, cause a qualitative modification in the composition of bottom sediments and form sources of secondary pollution. The dumping of earth may well be categorized as one of the most powerful processes influencing pollution, sedimentation patterns and landscape structure of the littoral zone of the sea. To continue the control over the situation requires a routine monitoring of the consequences of the dumping with due regard for the natural conditions of the area.     

The water-ecological problems of territorial development

The resolution of the issues related to the prevention of ecological problems having a technogenic as well as a natural character relies on a knowledge of the formation patterns of hydrological processes, which makes it possible to rationally manage water resources, ecologically transform landscapes, and minimize the consequences of socio-economic development of the territory. The theoretical foundations of landscape-hydrological analysis, combined with the principles of instrumental landscape planning, determine the system of basin management, and some methods for tackling the water-ecological problems.     

Transformation of the vegetation cover in the zone of air emissions from the enterprises of the city of Norilsk

The influence of air emissions from the enterprises of the city of Norilsk on the vegetation cover of adjacent territories was revealed. The categories of resistance of some plant species and communities to technogenic loads have been ascertained. The protective role of overmoistening of habitats was observed for plants.     

Channel activity of trunk rivers of the Amurskaya region in conditions of current economic management

Based on analyzing the recent research data on the Middle and Upper Amur, it is shown that the flow regulation of the Zeya and asymmetric engineering development of the Amur riversides modify the character, intensity and, in some places, the rearrangement direction of separate channel forms as well as of the channel as a whole. In the Amurskaya region, not only do the technogenic effects on the drainage area manifest themselves in the activity of low-order water streams, but they have influence on the operation of large rivers.     

Evolution of the plain-taiga geosystems of Western Siberia

The role of the Ob-Irtysh valley in the dynamics and evolution of the soil-earth materials factor of taiga-plain landscape is considered. The study demonstrates the mechanisms of operation of the soil-earth materials factor that is responsible for the formation of zonal forest facies along the valley which undergo swamping at the final stage of their functioning. The progressive development of this regional process leads to marked changes of the biogeochemical situation, and to a deterioration of habitat quality. The problem is complicated by technogenic impacts on the landscape sphere of the oil and gas production complex of Western Siberia.     

Atmospheric transboundary transport of cesium-137 with terrigenous dust from Asian deserts to the southern Far East

Monitoring data on radioactive contamination of the atmosphere have been used in analyzing the seasonal variability in concentrations and fallout flux of technogenic cesium-137 radionuclide contained in atmospheric suspended particles. It is found that an increase in dust and radionuclide concentration is taking place during dust storms in deserts of Asia. It is shown that the increase in the concentrations of dust and cesium-137 is accompanied by an increase in its specific activity in atmospheric suspended particles. This bears witness to the continental origin of the radionuclide in the atmosphere over the southern part of the Far East.     

Soil cover geochemistry of mining landscapes in the South-East of Transbaikalia (City of Zakamensk)

Presented is a detailed characterization of the present state and pollution of soil cover in the influence area of the Dzhidinskii tungsten-molybdenum plant which takes into consideration the spatial geological inhomogeneity and the functional purpose of urban territories. As part of the investigation, we determined the content levels of heavy metals and metalloids in background soils, and the elements which are the main pollutants of urban soils in the zones of different functional purposes, ascertained the degree of technogenic geochemical transformation of soil cover in the city of Zakamensk, and identified the leading soiland landscape-geochemical factors for accumulation of heavy metals and metalloids in the urban topsoil (0?10 cm) horizons. An assessment was also made of the ecological hazard of soil pollution by a set of heavy metals and metalloids in the main functional zones of the city. A soil-geochemical survey was carried out, and the ICP-MS method was used to determine the total content levels of 14 heavy metals and metalloids of hazard classes I?III as well as Be, Sn, Cs and Bi. The elements were determined, which are the main pollutants of the soils in Zakamensk: W, Bi, Cd, Pb and Mo. The study revealed a need to take into account the metallogenic specific character and geological inhomogeneity of the area by using the local coefficients of concentration (EF _l ) and dispersal (DF _l ) which must be calculated not with respect to the average regional background but from the individual (for each parent material) background value in order to more accurately determine the degree of technogenic geochemical transformation of soils, and the ecological hazard of pollution. It is suggested that the ecological hazard should be assessed on the basis of the Integrated Pollution Index (IPI) which is calculated with respect to the world’s average concentrations of heavy metals and metalloids in soils and takes into account hazard classes of elements.     

经济地理学视角下的旅游发展理论演进

经济地理学是一门非常活跃和发展演化很快的学科.近30年来,经济地理学的发展演化带动了旅游发展理论的演变.回顾旅游发展理论研究的进展,依次有依附理论、生命周期理论、社区研究方法、福特主义、弹性专业化和全球商品链理论,这些理论在旅游方面的应用和研究,从时间和数量上都明显滞后于生产实践活动,说明旅游研究还处于经济地理学科"边缘化"的地位.在今天经济全球化的背景下,旅游产业在迅猛发展之时,旅游发展理论的建设更应与经济地理学紧密结合,由"边缘"走向"核心".     

Characteristics of channel processes in brooks and the smallest plain rivers

We characterize the main forms of manifestation of channel processes on first-order streams that have not been studied previously from this standpoint. The main morphological features of small streams are described, a typization of channel processes is provided, and differences from processes and forms of their manifestation in channels of larger rivers are identified.     

The geological problems of Siberia associated with the development of nonferrous metallurgy

An analysis of statistical data has shown that most Russia’s cities with unfavorable ecological conditions refer to the Siberian Federal District. This is due to considerable amounts of atmospheric emissions from large industrial enterprises with imperfect equipment and technologies as well as to the unfavorable conditions of diffusion of dust and gas emissions. Attention is given to the role of nonferrous metallurgy, including aluminum smelting, in environmental impairment. It is shown that the pollutant emissions not only pollute the atmosphere, but also when returning to land surface, they alter the soil-geochemical habitat conditions for vegetation and animals and lower the quality of human life. The shifting of aluminum smelters to Siberia and the construction of major plants pose a threat of impairment in the ecological situation over a significant part of the territory, which is illustrated with the impact of pollutants from several aluminum smelters. Thus, in spite of the fact that the aluminum smelters of Khakassia are provided with up-to-date equipment, their 30-year-long operation has led to formation of a technogenic geochemical anomaly with an area of about 80 km², containing 0.05 to 0.2% of the total amount of fluorine in the 0–15 cm topsoil, and water-soluble fluorine from 1 (10 mg/kg) to 3 MAC. The investigations show that the Soderberg method when used to obtain aluminum in large amounts (0.8–1 mln. t per year) is not as ecologically safe as advertised. It is therefore necessary to perfect the technologies used or to decrease the amount of aluminum produced.     

Geoinformational Mapping of Landscapes in the Northwestern Part of Western Siberia Using the Hansen Mosaic Dataset

Presented are the technique and results of studying the landscape structure of the north-west of Western Siberia on the basis of the Hansen mosaic dataset consisting of elements covering the entire territory of the Earth. To study this area used a synthesis of classical methods of thematic system mapping as described in the doctrine of geosystems of V. B. Sochava, and automated interpretation of remote sensing data and mapping using GIS technologies. The method of geoinformational mapping of the landscape structure with the use of MultiSpec and Quantum GIS software programs for the purpose of drawing up real-time raster landscape maps is shown. In drawing up the map and the legend, the principle of geomic system-hierarchical representation of the territory as a complex multi-level “bottom-up” structure from topological-level geosystems (groups and classes of landscape facies) to regional-level geosystems (geoms, groups and classes of geoms) was used. Compilation of operational raster landscape maps of the north-west of Western Siberia involved multilevel automated interpretation of the Hansen mosaic dataset and mapping of areas (clusters) on images with different brightness characteristics, with the landscape structure of key areas and stationary physical and geographical profiles. A characteristic of this approach also implies using a dynamic classification of geosystems based on the study of their variable states. Such an approach permits a monitoring of changes in landscape structure and its areas and the intensity of anthropogenic impacts on forest and marsh landscapes, and determination of permissible pressure on geosystems in areas with high technogenic pressure of the oil and gas complex represented by the north-west of Siberia. An automated processing of data based on a supervised classification of territorial objects allows for the elimination of inaccuracies arising in visual image interpretation. Raster landscape maps can be used both for a further generation of vector maps and as a real-time information base for purposes of environmental management and protection.     

Exogenous processes and soil formation within a small river basin of Western Transbaikalia in the second half of the Holocene

We determined the sequence of formation of deposits on the first terrace above the Tarbagataika river floodplain, and a change of the sedimentation and soil-formation stages for the last 7 kyr. We reconstructed the accumulation dynamics of the sediment layer and calculated the mean sediment accumulation rates for different time intervals. The phases of intensification of erosion-accumulation and aeolian processes were recorded. The study revealed the main stratigraphic boundaries reflecting the fundamental changes of the settings of sedimentation: 7 cal. kyr BP, a change of riverbed sedimentation for floodplain sedimentation; 5.4 cal. kyr BP, intensification of erosion-accumulation processes due to climate aridization on the Atlantic-Subboreal boundary, and active input of erosion products to the floodplain; 4 cal. kyr BP, active filling of the river valley with horizontally layered polygenetic fine-grained sands and sandy loams containing intercalations of humic warps in conditions of the overlapped (built-up) floodplain with an increase in humidification in the middle of the Subboreal period and, as a consequence, an increase in the height of floods; 3.4 cal. kyr, the layer under investigation leaves the floodplain regime of sedimentation and accumulation of aeolian-deluvial deposits, and 1 cal. kyr, intensification of erosion-accumulation processes due to climatic and anthropogenic changes. We reconstructed the chronology and specific features of the pedogenesis stages which record the phases of temporal cessation of floodplain and slope sedimentation on the study territory. The results obtained are in good agreement with data on the hydraulicity of rivers, the stages of soil formation and on the manifestation of exogenous processes on the territories of Russia and Mongolia.     

Coastal-marine nature management in Pacific Russia and Northern Vietnam: Notions,structural features,and types

Coastal-marine nature management is treated as a spatiotemporal structure consisting of two interrelated components: the coastal territorial component occurring in the coastal territory, and the coastal aquatic component occurring within the coastal aquatic area as well as the sea shores connecting them. The study revealed the components of the main and concomitant uses of natural resources which have evolved directly across the land and sea areas of mining of separate kinds of natural resources and having technogenic impacts on them. From a combination of natural resources as well as of spatial scales of the main and concomitant uses of natural resources on the coastal territory and in coastal waters, we identified the main types of coastal-marine nature management in the southern areas of Pacific Russia and in Northern Vietnam: different kinds of nature management including the utilization of the territory for industrial-residential and transportation purposes as well as for cultivation of rice and vegetable crops, extraction of building materials, other mineral resources, forest use, extraction of marine salt from the sea water, coastal fisheries, various forms of mariculture, marine recreation, etc. A fragment of the cartographic assessment of the current types of coastal-marine nature management is presented for the southern coastal areas of Pacific Russia.