Model of the post-Cenozoic evolution of the cryolithozone of the shelf of the western part of the Laptev Sea

The analysis of the structure of the cryolithozone, facies, and thicknesses of the Quaternary sediments and the results of the physicochemical mathematical modeling of the modern shelf of the western part of the Laptev Sea support the influence of the Late Pleistocene glaciations on the heat conditions and the distribution of the permafrost in the area. A ～200-m thick glacier formed under aerial conditions from atmospheric precipitation represented the metamorphosed snow cover. According to the modeling, the long-living (from 60?50 to 10?4 ky) glacier reduced the thickness of the permafrost rocks in the reviewed shelf area for 280–360 m. The Holocene marine transgression additionally decreased the thickness from 50–140 m on the inner shelf to 220–350 m on the outer shelf. The modern submarine cryolithozone 450-0 m thick is wide-spread in the studied region from the coast to the shelf boundary (isobaths of 130–140 m), where it pinches out at a distance of ～380 km from the coast at a depth of ～250 m above the sea level.     

Evolution of the slope of the buried depression of the Black Sea

The first data on the temporal evolution of the slope of the buried depression of the Black Sea are obtained. The sharp change in the rate of the decrease in the slope steepness that occurred in the Late Miocene-Pliocene time reflects a reorientation of the vector of mutual movement and a related intensification of the collision between the Arabian and Eurasian lithospheric plates.     

Investigation of the mechanism of the long-term evolution of the carbon cycle in the ecosystem of the Sevastopol bay

We analyze the components of the carbon system of the Sevastopol bay waters and the balance of main sediment-forming substances using the data of field investigations in 1998–2008. The interannual variations of total inorganic carbon and the equilibrium partial pressure of carbon dioxide in the bay water are noted. An increase in the flux of carbon dioxide into the bay and in the content of organic carbon in bottom sediments is revealed, and an explanation of this phenomenon is given. The priority accumulation of organic carbon in the sediments of the bay is established. We assess the interannual variation in the relative abundances of organic and inorganic carbon as an index of the carbon cycle stability.     

Variability of the nutrient runoff of the rivers of the Arctic Basin

The spatiotemporal variability of the hydrochemical composition of the riverine runoff in nearmouth areas is presented using the example of selected rivers of the Arctic Basin. The temporal dynamics of the riverine nutrient runoff are mainly determined by the seasonal and interseasonal variations in the drainage basins. The spatial variations in the chemical composition of riverine waters in the near-mouth areas are mainly caused by the dynamics of the water flow and the river bed relief and, to a lesser degree, by biochemical processes. It is shown that the variations in the nutrient composition of the waters in near-mouth areas are comparable in magnitude to those at the river-sea geochemical barriers.     

About the correlation between the distribution of the azooxantellate scleractinian corals and the abundance of the zooplankton in the surface waters

The correlation between the azooxantellate scleractinian coral distribution and the abundance of the zooplankton in the Atlantic Ocean is discussed. The analysis is based on a dataset of 943 specimens (82 species) sampled at 87 stations that were performed during the scientific cruises of Russian research vessels in the Atlantic. The hypothesis concerning if the coral biodiversity and population density correlate with the zooplankton abundance was tested. The relationships between these parameters are contradictory. High coral biodiversity and population density were registered for the areas of low and average zooplankton abundance in the surface waters.     

Role of the small-size fraction of mesozooplankton in the pelagic community of the northeastern part of the Black Sea in the autumn

The role of the small-size (SF; 0.1–0.5 mm) and large-size (LF; 0.5–20.0 mm) fractions in the biomass and abundance of mesozooplankton (0.1–20.0 mm) was assessed using the database of samples obtained during the cruises of RV Akvanavt in the northeastern Black Sea in November 2000 and October 2006. The mesozooplankton was collected by means of Juday nets (37/50, filtering gauze 160 μm) and Niskin bottles in two areas: (1) the shelf and continental slope (30–1480 m depth) and (2) the deep sea (depths of more than 1500 m). The plankton net was considerably less effective in collecting the SF of the mesozooplankton (by a factor of 30–36) than the Niskin bottles. When comparing the SF and LF, we estimated the abundance and biomass of the SF in the samples obtained with the Niskin bottles. The abundance of the SF in the deep-sea area was 2.5 times lower compared to the shelf and continental slope, and the LF abundance was 5.0 times lower in the same way. The abundance of the SF constituted 88% of the total mesozooplankton on the shelf and continental slope, and 78% in the deep-sea area. The biomass of the SF was higher as well on the shelf and continental slope. Meroplankton played a significant role in the SF zooplankton abundance (0.5 × 10³ + 0.16 ind. m⁻³) in this area. The SF grazing impact was 10% of the total mesozooplankton grazing on the shelf and continental slope, and 17% in the deepsea area. Appendicularia and nauplii of copepods had the greatest contribution to the mesozooplankton grazing among the SF group.     

Peculiarities of the deep structure of the lithosphere in the northeastern part of the Indian Ocean

The seismicity of the northeastern part of the Indian Ocean in connection with the general structural peculiarities of the main tectonic structures of the bottom is presented. The three main ranges of higher seismic activity at the depths of 0–17, 20–27, and 32–35 km divided by aseismic layers are revealed. The seismic activity at depths of more than 35 km is almost not detected both for the ocean and for the Indian peninsula. The nature of the distribution of the seismicity as such in the lithosphere is discussed. Using the results of anomalous au]gravitational field transformations, the prolongation of the East Indian Ridge structure is revealed to 19 degrees north, while the relationship of the Afanasy Nikitin Rise and the 85th Degree Ridge is not reflected at the tranforms. In the Cocos Basin, the mutually perpendicular disturbance zones of northeastern and northwestern strike, as well as the point of their crossing, where the maximal number of earthquake foci are concentrated, are distinguished. A conclusion concerning the substantial disturbance of the strength properties of the lithosphere in this zone as a consequence of the geodynamical processes, which are accompanied by fracture tectonics, is reached.     

The influence of the bottom contour on the deformed state of the ice cover due to the motion of the submarine

The authors have previously determined that the effectiveness and failure pattern of the ice cover caused by flexural-gravity waves generated by a submerged body motion near the bottom ice can greatly depend on the depth of the water area. In its turn, the presence of a ledge on the ice surface may affect a wave propagation pattern. This paper presents an experimental study of the bottom contour influence on the deflection and length of flexural-gravity waves. The authors describe a numerical model for the analysis of the deformed state of ice caused by hydrodynamic loads due to a submarine motion, taking into account the bottom contour. The experiments are carried out in the ice tank. The results of calculations and experiments are compared.     

The stages of the development of the basin of the Bransfield Strait

The study of the sedimentary body of the Bransfield Strait has made it possible to identify several sedimentary complexes, to construct the first electronic charts for the acoustic basement, and to establish four stages of the evolution of its floor, which updates the previous knowledge about the formation of the strait. At the first stage, there was an increase in tension stresses that were accompanied by the local splits of the continental crust at the periphery of the Antarctic Peninsula. At the second stage, a graben-like structure filled with the Lower stratigraphic complex was formed northward of the Antarctic Peninsula. At the third stage, the continuing processes of extension led to intensive explosive activity of the growing volcanic structures and filling of the graben with sediments of the Middle seismostratigraphic complex. The fourth stage, which has continued until recently, is characterized by quasi-linear localization of the major centers of volcanic activity in the band closer to the South-Shetland Islands and the formation of the Upper seismostratigraphic sedimentary complex. The evolution of the floor of the Bransfield Strait reflects the process of penetration of the American-Antarctic ridge to the continental lithosphere of the Antarctic Peninsula for the last million years.     

On the nature of the Khvalynian transgression of the Caspian Sea

This paper presents a reconsideration of the hypothesis that the Khvalynian transgression of the Caspian Sea resulted from an abundant inflow of meltwaters from Siberian proglacial lakes through the Aral Sea and via the Uzboi channel and may be considered as a prototype of Noah’s Flood. A thorough analysis of the evidence suggested by the proponents of this hypothesis revealed a lack of factual substantiation; there are no facts indicating the existence of the Aral flow-through lake or of the Siberian proglacial water supply to the Caspian Sea. The spatial distribution of the mollusk fauna provides no support for the view that the Khvalynian transgression was essentially influenced by thawing of ice sheets on the Russian Plain. The Khvalynian transgression, though geologically short-term, could not be an analogue of Noah’s catastrophic flood. The sea level rose at a rate of a few centimeters per year for a few thousand years; this interval covered the lifetimes of many generations of the Caspian coast inhabitants. The Khvalynian water overflowing via the Manych Strait into the Pontian basin provided an even smaller influence. It resulted in flooding of the middle part of the Black Sea shelf, in a 30-m sea level rise, and in a water salinity increase by 5‰.     

Characteristics of the Kuroshio in the vicinity of the Izu Ridge

Characteristics of the Kuroshio in the vicinity of the Izu Islands are analyzed by using hydrographic observations collected from 1938 to 1980 mostly by the Hydrographic Department, Maritime Safety Agency, Japan and by the Japan Meteorological Agency.It is shown that flow characteristics change as the Kuroshio approaches the Izu Ridge. 1) The position of the 10°C isotherm at the 500 m level, which is, an index of the position of the temperature front or of the current axis of the Kuroshio, is highly variable near the ridge. 2) The horizontal temperature gradient across the Kuroshio estimated from the positions of the 8 and 12°C isotherms across the Kuroshio decreases considerably near the Izu Ridge. 3) The horizontal distance between the 15°C isotherm at the 200 m level and 10°C isotherm at the 500 m level becomes larger over the ridge. The 15°C isotherm at the 200 m level is an index of the current axis at the sea surface. This implies that the inclination of the Kuroshio axis becomes larger over the ridge.     

On the monitoring of the thermal state of the upper ocean

This paper discusses some problems related to the development of systems of global monitoring of the sea surface temperature (SST). The characteristics of the operational SST data are considered and estimations of their accuracy are given. The applications of varoous models to the computation of SST in relation to the development of an oceanographic data assimilation system are reviewed briefly.Translated by Mikhail M. Trufanov.     

Analysis of inequalities between the fishing capacities of the fleets of the European union

In the period 1983-2007, The European Union controlled the evolution of the capacity of its fishing fleet through the so-called Multi-Annual Guidance Programmes (MAGPs). As a result, The European Union reduced the number of fishermen, fishing vessels, gross tonnage and power. However, the end of this period saw an increase in the average size of the fishing vessel and a reduction in crew size. The new “average fishing-vessel” was a more technologically advanced vessel with a greater fishing capacity and a higher degree of autonomy. The aim of the study presented here is to determine the degree of inequality to be found between the fishing capacities of the fleets of the European Union, and to verify whether the evolution of the “average fishing-vessel” responds to a homogenous trend shared by all of the fishing fleets of the European Union or whether it is in fact more unequal. The study formalises a methodology, using Theil indices, which enables the inequalities found between the capacities of the fishing fleets during the period of application of the MAGP adjustment polices to be analysed. The study uses data on fishermen, boats and tonnages from 13 countries of the European Union and results are obtained for the inequality indices of the average size of the fishing vessels, their degree of technological advance and their average crews.     

The problem of the 11th marine isotope stage from the viewpoint of the new conception of the orbital theory of the paleoclimate

It is shown that the so-called MIS-11 problem is not a problem of the Milankovitch theory but is a problem of his followers. The existence of this problem points out the drawbacks of the corresponding theoretical notions that associate the insolation variations with the global climate changes in the Pleistocene. The conclusion is reached that the MIS 11 problem is a particular case of the more common problem of the disparity of the orbital induced insolation variations and global climate changes in geological time intervals.     

Vertical distribution of mesozooplankton in the interaction zone of the Canary and the Northern Branch of the Intertrades currents

The analysis of the vertical distribution of the zooplankton and of the peculiarities of the specific, biotopic, trophic, and spatial structures in relation to the hydrological features was performed on the basis of the data on the vertical zooplankton sampling fulfilled at a transect along the coast of Morocco and Mauritania over depths of 1000 m in the summer of 2004. The surveyed area is inhabited by five zooplankton complexes: three surface and two interzonal ones associated with the water masses of different origin. The vertical boundary between the southern and northern complexes corresponds to the southern boundary of the Senegal-Mauritanian frontal zone, while the horizontal boundary between the surface and the interzonal complexes is mainly at the depths of about 200 m, and its location is basically determined by the water’s vertical dynamics. The surface and interzonal complexes of northern origin are involved in the formation of a highly productive zone in the waters of Cape Blanc. The formation of this zone is not related to upwelling.     

Estimation of the transports through the Strait of Gibraltar

An acoustic doppler current profiler (ADCP) is used to measure the currents and estimate the transports over the Camarinal Sill at the Strait of Gibraltar. The deepest measurements of the ADCP compare well with an underlying conventional current meter. The exchange interface between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean water is defined as the depth of the maximum vertical shear. The mean depth of the shear interface is 147 m. The time series of the depth of the interface and the currents are used to estimate the transports across the Strait. The resulting values are 0.78 Sv for the Atlantic inflow and −0.67 Sv for the Mediterranean outflow. The time series of the shear interface include fortnightly oscillations of 19 m. The time series of the transports are compared with the pressure and sea level difference records across the Strait. Linear multiple regression is used to estimate the (statistical) contribution of each parameter on the variation of transports. The cross strait sea level difference is well correlated with the Atlantic inflow and accounts for 57% of the variability of the transport records which improves to 78% when the fortnightly and monthly cycles are included in the linear regression. The Mediterranean outflow is best correlated with the along strait sea level difference which accounts for only 10% of the variability of the transport record. Again the addition of the M_sf and the MM cycles improves the percentage of the variance accounted for to 37%. The local, along strait wind component is significantly correlated with, both the Atlantic inflow and the across strait sea level difference.     

Vertical structure of currents in the upper part of the continental slope of the Black Sea in the Region of Gelendzhik

The results of a joint analysis of the synchronous-profile ensemble of density and current velocity measured using the autonomous moored Aqualog profiler at the Gelendzhik experimental site of the Shirshov Institute of Oceanology in 2013–2015 are presented. The distribution of probability density of current velocity by directions reveals the presence of two well-pronounced maxima in the southeastern and northwestern sectors at all depths of measurements, which confirms the bimodal direction of the currents in the study site. We consider in detail the vertical structure of the density stratification and the current velocity corresponding to the modes determined from the maximum of the probability density distribution of the current velocity by directions. The averaged profiles of the kinetic, potential, and total energies are given. The results of isopycnic averaging over the entire ensemble of profiles indicate that possible self-similarity exists in the dependence of the vertical distribution of density and kinetic energy.     

Radar studies of the distribution of the formation zones of the first radar echo of hail clouds

The results of studying the regions of hail-cell formation in the North Caucasus are considered. The optimal range of the underlying surface heights for their generation is determined based on an analysis of 392 hail cells. It is shown that the majority of hail cells are formed in the zone where the heights of the underlying surface vary from 900 to 2400 m. The most favorable conditions for the formation of hail clouds are recorded in the northern slopes of the Skalistyi (Rocky) ridge. This region accumulates the main maxima of the frequency of first radar echo recording. The second group of the frequency maxima is located over the Pastbishchnyi (Pasturable) and the Lesistyi (Woody) ridges. The generalized scheme for the region under study is constructed of three zones of generation of the first radar echo of the hail cells. It is shown that approximately 70% of hail clouds are formed over submontane and mountainous regions in the central North Caucasus (zones 2 and 3). The directions of motion of hail cells are quantified for each identified zone.     

Interannual variability of the zooplankton on the shelf of the northeastern Black Sea in the autumn period

The variability of the mesozooplankton stock in the shelf pelagic communities was studied in the late summer and autumn of 2006–2008. The plankton community’s structure and distribution were described for the shoreward transect (Gelendzhik city vicinity). The indirect and direct effect of the ctenophores Mnemiopsis leidyi and Beroe ovata on the mesozooplankton community was studied. The long-term changes in the meso- and macroplankton communities of the Black Sea were analyzed for the period of 2001–2008. The effects of the climatic factors, the water mass circulation, and the factors’ interplay on the mesozooplankton dynamics were assessed. Despite the wide range of the environmental conditions, the stock biomass of Mnemiopsis leidyi appeared to be quite stable within the studied period.     

辽宁近岸海域水质演化及对近海陆域生态水文格局的响应

根据1991-2000年对辽宁省近岸海域水质的连续监测资料,采用秩相关系数法对辽宁近岸海域水质做了定量评估,结果表明,辽宁省近岸海域海水水质较差,主要污染物为无机氮、活性磷酸盐、石油类和Pb,2000年全省近海海域各类功能区水质总达标率仅为48．1％。秩相关系数趋势预测表明：除COD有下降趋势外,其他主要污染物均有逐年上升趋势,且无机氮的上升趋势最为显著。辽宁省在沿海改革开放的初期,沿海海域的水环境做出了相当大的牺牲：20世纪90年代的中后期水质有了明显的改善,陆域非点源污染对近岸海域水质污染的贡献较大;各主要污染物在各海域的变化不同。生物学指标整体上显示,大连海域和营口海域水质在枯水期要好于丰水期,表现出明显的季节变化。无机氮与石油类和COD呈现出正相关关系,COD与石汕类、活悱磷酸盐和Pb呈现出弱正相关关系,水质PCA结果进一步表明辽宁近海海域水质污染除工业污染外,近海陆域非点源污染对水质污染的贡献最大。生态水文参数的主成分分析(PCA)及与主要污染物的回归分析结果表明,近海海域水质演化受到近海陆域生态水文过程的影响较大,无机氮受到近海陆地水开发影响最大;活性磷酸盐、石油类受到水文过程因子的影响最大;COD和Pb受到农业开发活动的影响最大。建议在辽宁省海水质综合整治的过程中,要加强对近海陆域生态水文过程的调节,实施海陆一体化的综合治理模式。