Structural-typological characteristics and ecological potential of the Baikal region’s geosystems

We outline the methods and results of cartographic analysis and assessment the present state of a large region’s geosystems: their structural, functional and functional-value characteristics have been revealed. Drawing on the notion of epiformations, we determined the ecological potential of geosystems at the regional level for nature management purposes. A fragment of the typological general-purpose interpretation map “Ecological potential of the Baikal region’s geosystems” is presented.     

Baseline levels of chemical elements in the water of Lake Baikal

Evidence for levels of five major elements (Na, Mg, Si, Ca, and K) and 53 trace elements (Li, Be, B,..., Pb, Th, and U) in the water mass of Lake Baikal is provided. The baseline levels of the elements were obtained from analyzing and summarizing the most reliable data published during the last 15 years, including these authors’ data. Most of the article focuses on an overview of the methodologies as used in the investigations involved (sampling techniques, and sample storage, processing and analysis methods). The summary table provides the most reliable concentration ranges for 58 elements which are recommended by these authors as background (baseline) levels.     

Temporal variations of the interplanetary magnetic field at the Earth’s orbit and of the solar activity

This paper analyzes the time changes of the common oscillations of the spectra of the absolute value of the interplanetary magnetic field measured at the Earth’s orbit from 1964 to 1997 and of solar activity (the Wolf sunspot numbers). The frequency components of the spectra were determined using the method of nonlinear spectral analysis. Oscillations with common periods of T = 10.8, T = 8.8, and T = 3.73 years have been identified in the long-period part of the spectra, and their temporal variations are shown. We discuss the specific features of the spectral band in the short-period part of the spectra in the vicinity of the known periods of T ～ 1.3 years and T ～ 150 days that have been identified earlier in the solar data and in the solar wind parameters.     

Monochromatic brightness factors of Jupiter and Saturn

The monochromatic brightness factors for morphologically nonuniform cloudy surface fields of Jupiter and Saturn in the visible wavelength range were calculated. In the spectra of both giant planets, the combination (Raman) light scattering feature (a pseudoemission peak) was detected in the range of a strong Fraunhofer line H Ca II; and its intensity was estimated.     

On the MHD effects on the force-free monopole outflow

The stationary axisymmetric outflow from a rotating sphere with a (split) monopole magnetic field is considered. The stream equation describing the outflow is linearized in terms of the Michel magnetization parameter σ⁻¹ ≪ 1, which allows a self-consistent analysis of the direct problem. It is shown that for a finite σ the fast magnetosonic surface is located at a finite distance ∼ σ^1/3 R _L ( R _L =  c /Ω_F is the light cylinder). We have also found that the particle energy at the fast surface is just equal to the Michel value γ ∼ 1/3σ. The particle acceleration and magnetic field collimation are shown to become ineffective outside the fast magnetosonic surface.     

Possibility of the investigation of interplanetary shock interaction with the earth's bow shock,magnetopause and plasmapause by means of a non-coherent response method

The problem of interaction between the interplanetary shock of 8 March, 1970 and the Earth's bow shock, magnetopause and plasmapause is considered. Estimates are made using existing models of the moments of initial impulsive interaction of interplanetary shocks with the bow shock and of the secondary interaction of the resulting split discontinuities with the magnetopause, plasmapause and a modified bow shock. Using computed data on the plasma's concentration jumps at discontinuities and on the latters' velocities, estimates have been carried out of remote sounding and the response signals' phase difference change rates Δf (which were found to be of the order of ～ 10^?3?10^?2Hz) appearing on the radio path with a non-coherent response near the subsolar region. It has been ascertained that the non-coherent response method permits, by using generators with a stability of $\text{ε =}\text{δ}{}_{\mathrm{<mtext>r</mtext>}}\text{f}\text{f}{}_{\mathrm{<mtext>O</mtext>}}\text{= 10}{}^{\mathrm{?11}}\text{?10}{}^{\mathrm{?10}}$, effective investigation (with a good time resolution) of the impulsive interaction of interplanetary shocks with the plasma discontinuities of the bow shockmagnetopause-plasmapause system.