Patterns of ctenophore populations in the northeastern part of the Black Sea in 2005

Particular features of the distribution and the dynamics of populations of the ctenophores Mnemiopsis leidyi, Beroe ovata, and Pleurobrachia pileus in the Gelendzhik area in 2005 are studied and compared to their population structure in the previous years. The intensive evolution of the Rim Current, the suppression of the transversal eddy transfer, and other hydrological features of 2005 resulted in an unusually early mass appearance of Beroe in the plankton off the shores of the Caucasus, its prolonged and intensive breeding, and high biomass. This, in turn, caused the suppression of the population of Mnemiopsis, whose abundance and pressure on the mesoplankton in August–September turned out to be several times smaller than in the previous year, when Beroe appeared only in the middle of September.     

Bacterioplankton in the northeastern part of the Black Sea during the summer and autumn of 2005

On the basis of luminescent microscopy using a DAPI dye, the abundance, morphometric characteristics, and biomass of bacteria in the coastal waters off the northeastern part of the Black Sea in 2005 were considered. The material was collected in June, September, and October along the cross section from Golubaya Bay towards the open part of the sea. An analysis of the microorganism development level showed that the bacteria achieved their maximal abundance in September, amounting, in the closest near-shore area, to 2435 × 10³ cells/ml, or 276 mg/m³ of wet weight; the lowest values were characteristic of October. During all the survey periods, coccal forms were prevailing among the microorganisms; regardless of the season, their fraction was maximal at the coastal stations. The greatest prevalence of coccal forms was characteristic of October (83%). The average sizes of the bacterial cells in 2005 varied within 0.073–0.257 μm³. The highest values of the bacterial abundance and biomass, almost in all the cases, were found at coastal stations; with the distance from the coast, a decrease in the bacterioplankton abundance was observed. A comparison of methodically similar data on the concentration of bacteria (dying with acridine orange and DAPI) from 1985 till now shows a trend of the annual growth in the bacterial abundance.     

Natural oil and gas seeps on the Black Sea floor

Migration of hydrocarbons to the seafloor in the Black Sea occurs via direct seepages, mud volcanoes, and development of fluidized sediment flows (e.g., diapers). Gas migration occurs on the shelf, continental slope, and abyssal plain. Gas hydrates are spatially related to gas accumulations and are present in shallow subsurface sediment layers. Their distribution is controlled by the activity of mud volcanoes. In regions of methane seepages, specific biogeochemical processes related to the activity of methane-oxidizing bacteria are evident. This activity results in the formation of diagenetic minerals (carbonates, sulfides, sulfates, phosphates and other minerals).     

Genetic aspects of the petroleum resource potential of marine sedimentary basins

The historical-genetic method developed at the Institute of Oceanology of the Russian Academy of Sciences for the assessment of the petroleum resource potential is discussed with consideration of its main tasks and the successive procedures in its application. Such studies are crowned by a compilation of separate maps demonstrating scales of oil and gas generation and maps of hydrocarbon genesis zoning of basins with outlining centers of oil and gas generation and defining different-phase hydrocarbon-generation zones. The method was tested in over twenty continental-marginal and intracontinental basins studied to a different extent. The sedimentary basins of the Atlantic continental margin off Africa and the Caspian and Black seas were used as objects for applying the historical-genetic method for assessing their petroleum resource potential.     

Basement structure and sedimentary cover seismostratigraphy in the northern part of the Japan Basin in the region of the Tarasov Rise (Sea of Japan)

The results of continuous seismic profiling thermodynamics performed in the northern part of the Japan Basin in the region of the Tarasov Rise and the data of a micropaleontological examination of the diatom remains encountered in the sediment samples from the rise and continental slope are presented. In the area studied, the topography of the acoustic basement features a vast rise (plateau) buried under the sedimentary cover outlined by the depth contour 5.8 s. The plateau has a relatively smooth top surface crossed by a series of rises of the acoustic basement. The two largest rises are represented by the ridges of the Tarasov Rise. The plateau is separated from the continental slope by a depression in the acoustic basement with a depth up to 6.8 s. From the end of the Middle Miocene up to the beginning of the Paleocene, the region of the plateau represented an area of active volcanism; it coincided in time with the stage of subsidence of the floor of the acoustic basement depression. At the end of the Late Miocene, the ridges of the Tarasov Rise started to sink. In the Pliocene, this process accelerated, and, at the beginning of the Pleistocene, it stopped. In the Middle Miocene-Early Pleistocene time, the portion of the continental slope adjacent to the plateau remained stable and suffered no significant vertical movements.     

Geochemical peculiarities of sediments in the northeastern Black Sea

We present the results of chemical determinations of Al, Fe, Mn, Cu, Ni, Co, Cr, Pb, Sb, and As in Black Sea sediments over a profile from the Kerch Strait to the eastern part of a deep depression (2210 m). The lithological and geochemical variations were studied in the horizontal and vertical profiles of sediments up to 3 m thick. The tendencies in the distributions of the studied metals during Pleistocene and Holocene sedimentation were analyzed beginning from Neoeuxinian freshwater deposits via the overlaying Drevnechernomorian beds with elevated contents of sapropel to modern clayey carbonate deposits with coccolithophorids. Statistical factor analysis isolated five factors: two main factors (75% of the total dispersion) and three subordinate factors. The first leading biogenic factor (47% of dispersion) reflects the correlation between С_org, Cu, and Ni; the second terrigenous factor (28% of dispersion) combimes Fe, Al, Cr, and Sb. The chemical composition of the sediments reflects the manifestation of diagenesis of landslide processes and mud volcanism along with sedimentation regularities.     

Prospects and structure and of the petroleum resource potential of the Pionerskaya structure based on the seismic study of the northeastern part of the Black Sea

The results of seismic and geochemical research of the Pionerskaya structure promising for oil and gas are reported in regard to the forthcoming works concerning the program of subsurface geological study and development of the petroleum industry of Russia.     

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.     

Dissolved microelements (heavy metals) in the near-Danube part of the Black Sea in the autumn of 1997

We analyse the distribution of the dissolved forms of cadmium, lead, cobalt, copper, and manganese in the near-Danube part of the Black Sea and in a section made at 45° 10′N in the autumn of 1997. It is shown that the discharge of rivers results in the appearance of significant amounts of cadmium, lead, cobalt, copper, and manganese in the near-Danube region. Copper is the most labile element in this collection of metals. Its behaviour is correlated with the vital activity of diatomic algae. The distribution of dissolved manganese in the near-bottom region is correlated with the distribution of O₂. Indeed, the elevated concentrations of manganese are observed in the regions with low concentrations of oxygen. Translated by Peter V. Malyshev and Dmitry V. Malyshev     

Numerical simulation of an intensive upwelling event in the northeastern part of the Black Sea at the IO RAS hydrophysical testing site

The paper discusses mathematical simulation of intensive coastal upwelling observed in the northeastern part of the Black Sea in the water area of the hydrophysical test site of the Shirshov Institute of Oceanology, Russian Academy of Sciences, in September 2013. The simulation was carried out with the MIKE 21/3 Coupled Model FM combined hydrodynamic model of the Danish Hydraulics Institute (DHI). The calculation results are compared with the data of direct instrumental observations carried out in the IO RAS hydrophysical survey area. The essential role of surface wind waves in the formation of the observed temperature profiles is demonstrated, as well as the necessity of taking it into account when considering peculiarities in the vertical circulation of coastal waters.     

Evaluation of ecosystem status in the shelf-slope zone of the northeastern Black Sea based on the trophic index (TRIX)

The water conditions and trophic status in the shelf-slope zone and bays of the northeastern Black Sea were evaluated on the basis of monitoring data from 2007–2014. It has been shown that the concentrations of nutrients and chlorophyll “a” in the studied area are at the level of the pristine period (of the late 1970s). The concentration of mineral nitrogen in the surface water layer varied from 0.19 to 5.64 μM. The concentration of phosphates differed from analytical zero to 0.56 μM. The concentration of chlorophyll “a” in different seasons ranged from 0.24 to 0.89 μg/L. The trophic index characterizes the status of the marine shelf ecosystem near Gelendzhik city as “excellent” even in the bays. Significant year-to-year differences in the index were not detected. The range between the values of the trophic index in the bays and open sea was low (3.7 and 3.2, respectively).     

俄罗斯海洋大陆架油气资源现状与潜力探析

<正>俄罗斯具有丰富的海洋大陆架油气资源,为与俄罗斯建立良好的油气资源战略合作关系,作者对俄罗斯大陆架海洋油气资源量的分布、勘探程度、开发及投资趋势进行研究,发现俄罗斯海洋大陆架蕴藏着丰富的油气资源,其油气储量达1 000亿t油当量,其中石油占13%、天然气占87%,但分布明显     

东海平湖油气田平湖组沉积相研究

平湖油气田是东海陆架盆地投入开发最早的油气田,平湖组是其主要的产层之一。长期以来,由于对平湖组沉积相认识一直存在分歧,影响了对其油气分布规律的认识。综合古生物、地化、岩心、录井、地震等资料,分析认为平湖组的沉积相为受潮汐作用影响的辫状河三角洲相,发育的主要微相类型包括有水下分流河道、河口砂坝、水下天然堤、分流间湾微相。这为油田下一步勘探开发提供了有益的指导。     

Seismic expression of gas and gas hydrates across the western Black Sea

This study is a synthesis of gas-related features in recent sediments across the western Black Sea basin. The investigation is based on an extensive seismic dataset, and integrates published information from previous local studies. Our data reveal widespread occurrences of seismic facies indicating free gas in sediments and gas escape in the water column. The presence of gas hydrates is inferred from bottom-simulating reflections (BSRs). The distribution of the gas facies shows (1) major gas accumulations close to the seafloor in the coastal area and along the shelfbreak, (2) ubiquitous gas migration from the deeper subsurface on the shelf and (3) gas hydrate occurrences on the lower slope (below 750 m water depth). The coastal and shelfbreak shallow gas areas correspond to the highstand and lowstand depocentres, respectively. Gas in these areas most likely results from in situ degradation of biogenic methane, probably with a contribution of deep gas in the shelfbreak accumulation. On the western shelf, vertical gas migration appears to originate from a source of Eocene age or older and, in some cases, it is clearly related to known deep oil and gas fields. Gas release at the seafloor is abundant at water depths shallower than 725 m, which corresponds to the minimum theoretical depth for methane hydrate stability, but occurs only exceptionally at water depths where hydrates can form. As such, gas entering the hydrate stability field appears to form hydrates, acting as a buffer for gas migration towards the seafloor and subsequent escape.     

Deep structure and selected aspects of the oil and gas potential of the southern seas of Russia

Regional deep seismic sounding—refracted wave seismic profiles across the Sea of Azov, the Caspian, and the Black seas carried out by the Shirshov Institute of Oceanology, Russian Academy of Sciences, in 1957–2002 with the use ocean bottom seismographs—provided information on the deep structure of the regions studied. Multichannel seismic profiling helped to refine the structure of the sedimentary cover. A combined interpretation of the reflection and refraction data allowed us to construct structural-lithological models of the southern seas of Russia and to estimate their oil and gas potential.     

Sulfur Isotopes in the Upper Part of the Black Sea Anoxic Zone

New data are reported on the sulfur isotope composition and concentration of sulfide and sulfate in the upper part of the Black Sea anoxic zone as a function of the potential water density. The observations were performed at a station with the coordinates 44.489° N and 37.869° E three times a week every two days. A local negative deficiency in sulfate concentration up to 1.7% related to the sulfate reduction processes was recorded. This anomaly in sulfate concentration was short-lived and did not affect the sulfur isotope composition. In the upper part of the anaerobic zone, the δ³⁴S(SO₄) value varied from 21.2 to 21.5‰, which could have occurred from mixing of water masses from the oxic zone (21.1‰) and the Bottom Convective Layer (23.0 ± 0.2‰). The sulfur isotope composition of sulfide ranged from ?40.8% at a depth of 250 m to ?39.4‰ at the upper boundary of the anoxic zone with a H₂S content of only 2.7 μM. Two models (mass balance and fractionation of sulfur isotopes using the Rayleigh equation) are considered to explain the differences in δ³⁴S(H₂S) values observed.     

Condition of coastal mesoplankton communities in the northeastern area of the Black Sea in 2005

The structure and distribution of mesoplankton in the northeastern part of the Black Sea along 6-mile and 100-mile sections in the area off Golubaya Bay (near the city of Gelendzhik) were analyzed. The studies were performed from R/V Akvanavt and the boat Ashamba. The observations were carried out during the vegetation season from the beginning of June to the first half of October 2005. Samples of mesoplankton were collected with use of a BSD net with an opening of 0.1 m² and a mesh size of 180 μm. Both the total (over the entire water column) and layer-by-layer (separately for the upper quasi-homogeneous layer, the seasonal thermocline, and the subthermocline layer) hauls were performed down to the bottom (at sea depths of less than 200 m) or down to the upper boundary of the hydrogen sulfide waters. The particular hydrophysical conditions that were observed in 2005 resulted in an approximately one-month advance of the phenological condition of the planktonic community as compared to the usual pattern. Beroe ovata appeared in the plankton at the end of July, the mass development of Mnemiopsis leidyi was suppressed, and the duration of its influence on edible zooplankton was essentially reduced. As a result, the total mesoplankton biomass in August–October 2005 was 1.5–2 times as great as that in 2004. The abundance of Acartia clausi increased approximately 4–5 times and the quantity of Sagitta setosa also considerably increased. At selected stations, Mnemiopsis leidyias, the main predator in the community, was replaced by Sagitta setosa.     

Peculiarities of the currents field in the north-western part of the Black Sea

On the basis of the results derived by theoretical analysis [1] and laboratory physical modelling [2] of the circulation seawater and stratification, induced by buoyancy fluxes, the suggestion has been made that, possibly, the Black Sea currents system is three-layered. It has been supposed that an anticyclonic current flows in the basin. To verify this deduction, the data from MHI's archived dataset have been treated, and results from twoad hoc expeditions are submitted here. Analysis of the vertical structure of currents, based on thein situ velocity measurements, using various means and calculations of the geostrophic circulation, has confirmed that a flow with the theoretically predicted parameters may exist in the Black Sea. Translated by Vladimir A. Puchkin.     

俄罗斯北极海(喀拉海)的生物地球化学

据1995—2003年SIRRO计划的研究成果,喀拉海是研究河流—海洋体系相互作用过程独一无二的地区。巨大的西伯利亚叶尼塞河和鄂毕河注入这个浅海。1995—2003年科学研究船“鲍利斯.彼得罗夫”号对喀拉海进行了国际性考察。提供的工作成果总结了俄罗斯科学院地球化学与分析化学研究所完成的研究成果。对整个海区200多个测站研究了沉积物的水化学参数,有机碳和碳酸盐碳的含量及同位素成分,水中浮游生物和悬浮物质以及烃类和溶解CO2。在大西洋水进入喀拉海区δ13C有机的变化范围为-22‰~-24‰,而在东北海区叶尼塞和鄂毕河口区则为-27‰~-30‰…