Variations of the aerosol concentration and chemical composition over the arid steppe zone of Southern Russia in summer

Variations in the surface aerosol over the arid steppe zone of Southern Russia have been measured. The parameters of atmospheric aerosol (mass concentration, both dispersed and elemental compositions) and meteorological parameters were measured in Tsimlaynsk raion (Rostov oblast). The chemical composition of aerosol particles in the atmospheric surface layer has been determined, and the coefficients of enrichment of elements with respect to clarkes in the Earth’s crust have been calculated. It is shown that, in summer, arid aerosols are transported from both alkaline and sandy soils of Kalmykia to the air basin over the observation zone. Aerosol particles in the surface air layer over this region have been found to contain the products of combustion of oil, coal, and ethylized fuel. These combustion products make a small contribution to the total mass concentration of atmospheric aerosol; however, they are most hazardous to the health of people because of their sizes and heavy-metal contents. A high concentration of submicron sulfur-containing aerosol particles of chemocondensation nature has been recorded. Sources of aerosol of both natural and anthropogenic origins in southern Russia are discussed.     

Observations of a cycle of intense coastal upwelling and downwelling at the research site of the Shirshov Institute of Oceanology in the Black Sea

The paper presents the results of joint analysis of the response of vertical temperature and current velocity profile distributions in the coastal zone of the Gelendzhik region of the Black Sea to strong wind forcing in the third ten-day period of September 2013. This forcing was caused by the propagation of an atmospheric cyclone, which first initiated coastal upwelling that was later replaced by downwelling. We formulate a criterion for the development of full coastal upwelling and demonstrate its efficiency. We assume that frequent events of incomplete coastal upwelling and downwelling are associated with changes in the water dynamics (variations in the intensity and direction of the alongshore current) generally not related to local wind forcing.     

Development of hyperbaric technologies of oceanologic research

This paper provides analysis and substantiation of scientific efficiency of diving and laboratory hyperbaric methods and technologies for oceanologic research.     

Ocean currents determine functional connectivity in an Antarctic deep‐sea shrimp

The coherency among larval stages of marine taxa, ocean currents and population connectivity is still subject to discussion. A common view is that organisms with pelagic larval stages have higher dispersal abilities and therefore show a relatively homogeneous population genetic structure. Contrary to this, local genetic differentiation is assumed for many benthic direct developers. Specific larval or adult migratory behavior and hydrographic effects may significantly influence distribution patterns, rather than passive drifting abilities alone. The Southern Ocean is an ideal environment to test for the effects of ocean currents on population connectivity as it is characterized by several well‐defined and strong isolating current systems. In this study we studied the genetic structure of the decapod deep‐sea shrimp Nematocarcinus lanceopes, which has planktotrophic larval stages. We analysed 194 individuals from different sample localities around the Antarctic continent using nine microsatellite markers. Consistent with a previous study based on mitochondrial DNA markers, primarily weak genetic patterns among N. lanceopes populations around the continent were found. Using ocean resistance modeling approaches we were able to show that subtle genetic differences among populations are more likely explained by ocean currents rather than by geographic distance for the Atlantic Sector of the Southern Ocean.     

Russian studies of atmospheric electricity in 2011–2014

This review contains the most significant results of Russian studies in the field of atmospheric electricity in 2011–2014. It is part of the Russian National Report on Meteorology and Atmospheric Sciences to the International Association of Meteorology and Atmospheric Sciences (IAMAS). The report was presented and approved at the XXVI General Assembly of the International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics (IUGG).¹ The review is followed by a list of the main published works on the studies of atmospheric electricity of Russian scientists in 2011–2014.     

Numerical modeling of ocean hydrodynamics with variational assimilation of observational data

Models and methods of the numerical modeling of ocean hydrodynamics dating back to the pioneering works of A.S. Sarkisyan are considered, with emphasis on the formulation of problems and algorithms of mathematical modeling and the four-dimensional variational assimilation of observational data. An algorithm is proposed for studying the sensitivity of the optimal solution to observational data errors in a seasurface temperature assimilation problem in order to retrieve heat fluxes on the surface. An example of a solution of the optimal problem of the World Ocean hydrodynamics with the assimilation of climatic temperature and salinity observations is offered.     

Geochemical features of the utilization of buried wastes of the Tyrnyauz Tungsten–Molybdenum Plant using acid leaching

The decontamination of buried wastes of the Tyrnyauz Tungsten–Molybdenum Plant is complicated by the geochemical features of the waste composition: low sulfide and high carbonate content, polyelemental composition, and considerable amounts of technogenic admixtures (kerosene, oils, soda, and soluble glasses). These circumstances result in sufficient complication of the suggested technology of waste treatment, including the sulfuric-acid leaching and separate sorption recovery of hazardous and useful elements from the working solution.     

New data on the composition of jordanite–geocronite Pb–Sb–As sulfosalts at the Berezitovoe deposit (Upper Amur Region,Russia)

New data on the composition of jordanite–geocronite Pb–Sb–As sulfosalts in the vein–disseminated gold ore at the Berezitovoe deposit were provided. Within the studied quartz–sulfide sample, some grains of Pb–Sb–As sulfosalts, uniform in composition and azonal, are drastically different from each other in As and Sb contents forming a quasi-continuous range of solid compounds from jordanite to geocronite. Jordanite–geocronite minerals at the Berezitovoe deposit (relative to the Darasun deposit) are characterized by a higher Pb concentration with a low polymetal total. It is assumed that such typomorphic features of the composition of Pb–Sb–As sulfosalts are indicative of specific formation conditions of gold mineralization in polymetallic ores at the Berezitovoe deposit.     

Middle Paleozoic kimberlite magmatism in the northeastern Siberian craton

The mineral chemistry and crystal morphology of kimberlite pyropes from the Billyakh River placer in the northeastern Siberian craton are characterised in terms of the placer history. The pyropes bear signatures of chemical weathering (dissolution), presumably in a Middle Paleozoic laterite profile, and therefore were originally hosted by Middle Paleozoic kimberlites. The broad occurrence of placer pyropes with lateritic dissolution signatures points to the presence of Middle Paleozoic diamond-bearing kimberlites in the study area.     

Chemical composition,isotopic U–Pb age,and source of zircon from polymineralic ichet’yu occurrence,Mobile Timan

This study focuses on the morphological features, color cathodoluminescence, chemical composition, age, and source of zircons from the Ichet’yu occurrence. The isotopic U–Pb age of Paleo–Mezoproterozoic zircon grains varies within an interval of ~700 Ma from 2247 to 1478 Ma. The average roundness and well-preserved integrity of zircon grains allow us to suggest their proximal source. The available data show that the basement of the Middle Timan, composed of continental Paleo–Mezoproterozoic igneous rocks, is the most probable source of zircon in the Ichet’yu occurrence. These rocks are apparently a continuation of the Archean–Proterozoic Arkhangel’sk Mobile Belt.