Altitudinal gradient as a complex factor for formation of landscape microzonality and geosystem serialness

Using the biogeocenoses of taiga geosystems as an example, we employed the method of correlation analysis and the technique for analyzing the main components to demonstrate that a relative altitude is a complex indicator of serialness of landscape-level geosystems, reflecting not only the particular geographical signatures but also a certain system of conjugation of the portions of landscape and the force of spatial and typological connections that causes the concrete facies to deviate from zonal normal. Complex indicators: the main components, and the correlation and regression coefficients, were used to reveal a functional correlation of the sets of BGC attributes between themselves and with a relative altitude of the location.     

Identifying the boundaries of functionally homogeneous areas in space images from a calculation of the Jacobian determinant

We examine the characteristics of the method for identifying the boundaries of natural objects on space images, based on calculating the Jacobian determinant. The boundaries of areas are inferred not from the values of brightness characteristics of images in different channels but from the degree of their functional connection. A functional connection of the particular type is conserved within an area, whereas on the boundary of the areas there occurs a change-over from a connection of one type to another. A theoretical rationale is provided for the relationship between the regularities seen in images and the geographical properties of objects observed. The method works effectively in studying and mapping undisturbed natural territories and permits determination of the degree of disturbance for tracts of terrain.     

Analysis of the Ecotoxicological Conditions of Amur Bay,the Sea of Japan,by Chemical and Toxicological Characteristics

Water Resources - Data on the concentrations of Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn in bottom sediments of Amur Bay are given. The pollution of bottom sediments is especially heavy near the central part of...     

Integral chemical-ecological assessment of the state of Ussuri Bay (the Sea of Japan)

The paper presents data on pollutant input into and the state of biota in Ussuri Bay—the largest inner water area of Peter the Great Bay (the Sea of Japan), which is of significance for fishery and recreation. The study revealed negative dynamics in pollutant input over the past 15 years, reversible changes in the structural-functional characteristics of communities and molecular biomarkers in regional indicator species in most parts of the bay. Areas with heaviest pollution and water toxicity for biota are identified.