A theoretical interpretation of ion composition measured on board the ‘Active’ satellite in the European sector during April 10-12, 1990 geomagnetic storm

Ion composition measurements on board the ACTIVE satellite during the recovery phase of a strong geomagnetic storm of 10–12 April 1990 revealed extremely high concentrations (up to 10³ cm⁻³) of the NO⁺, O⁺₂, N⁺₂ molecular ions in the topside F2-region of the European high-latitude zone. Concentrations of O⁺, N⁺, He⁺, H⁺ light ions were slightly decreased relative to prestorm quite conditions. Theoretical calculations were used to analyze the observed variations in ion concentration. Increased neutral temperature and [O₂], [N₂] are shown to be the main reasons for the observed ion concentration variations.     

Surge variations in water level in the Danube mouth

The regularities of surge-induced water level variations in the Danube mouth are considered. The recurrence of level rises and drops in the near-shore mouth zone is evaluated. The regularities of the propagation of surge-induced level variations into the delta and over the near-delta reach of the Danube are established. The magnitude of positive and negative surges in the delta and the extent of their propagation are shown to depend on the surge phenomena in the offshore zone and the Danube water discharge.Translated from Vodnye Resursy, Vol. 32, No. 1, 2005, pp. 35–47.Original Russian Text Copyright © 2005 by Isupova, Mikhailov, Morozov.     

Specific Features of Development of the Modern Sulak River Delta

The development of the Sulak River Delta in the 19th and 20th centuries is discussed. It is shown that a drastic reduction in sediment runoff after the establishment of river flow regulation, anthropogenic restructuring of the river channel system in the delta area, and large-scale variations in the Caspian Sea level had an impact on the delta evolution. The processes of delta degradation over the period of the recent sea level rise are analyzed. The dynamics of the Sulak Delta in recent decades is studied using space photographs.     

Hydrological and Morphological Processes in the Kura River Delta

Peculiarities of the development of the Kura Delta over the last 200 years are discussed. As shown, changes in the delta were greatly affected by the Caspian Sea level drop during 1929–1977 and its rise during 1978–1995 as well as by natural and human-induced variations in the water and sediment runoff of the river. It was noted that the delta area decreased by nearly 40% as a result of the sea level rise. The following significant changes in the Kura Delta were revealed in recent years using space images: river water rushed through the right mouth spit and, hence, the main Southeastern Branch was devoid of its flow and a new sea spit began its formation in the branch mouth using wave-cut products.     

On the properties of earthquake precursors in the electrostatic field of the surface atmosphere

The paper presents results of the analysis of occurrence times of earthquake precursors in a quasistatic electric field of the surface atmosphere on the Kamchatka Peninsula. The propagation velocity of the precursors and their occurrence time dependence on the earthquake source depth are estimated. A hypothesis on the possible correlation of the precursor propagation velocity with the diffusion rate of subsurface radon is proposed.     

Isotopic Composition of Oxygen and Carbon and Formation Temperature of Accessory Minerals from Evaporitic Sediments in the Pripyat Trough

The isotopic composition of oxygen and carbon was studied in accessory carbonates and quartz separated from salts in Upper Devonian halogenous formations of the Pripyat Trough (Belorus). It is established that isotopic characteristics vary in a wide range. Values of ¹⁸O vary in the following range (SMOW): from 18.2 to 29.2 in calcites, from 15.7 to 32.5 in dolomites, and from 17.4 to 27.2 in quartz. Values of ¹³C range from –13.4 to 1.4 in calcites and from –11.1 to 1.7 in dolomites (PDB). Results obtained indicate highly variable isotope-geochemical conditions of sedimentation and early diagenesis during the formation of evaporitic sediments. Accessory minerals were repeatedly formed in a wide temperature range and probably at various stages of the lithogenesis.     

Hydrological Regime and Morphodynamics of the Yangtze River Mouth Area

The features of the hydrological regime, modern morphological structure, fluviomorphological processes, and the history of formation of the Yangtze River mouth area are discussed. The influence of the huge river water and sediment runoff and tides on the hydrological and morphological processes in the Yangtze River mouth is shown. The possible impact of construction of the large waterworks Three Gorges on the hydrological and morphological processes in the Yangtze River mouth is roughly evaluated.     

Nickel ores in the Urals

Based on the analysis of long-term openpit observations of nickel oxide-silicate ores and literature data, characteristic features of the nickel mineralization and raw mineral base for the nickel industry in the Urals are given. The present-day critical situation in this field is outlined and means of the prospecting for high-grade nickel ore deposits in the Urals are proposed. The development of such deposits should be feasible under conditions of the modern market economy.     

Hydrological processes in the mouth area of the Hong Ha (Red River)

The main features of hydrological processes taking place in the mouth area of the Hong Ha River in Vietnam are considered. The geographic and hydrological conditions in the Hong Ha River basin and in its receiving water body—the Gulf of Tonkin, South China Sea—are briefly characterized. The main features of the mouth area of the Hong Ha River as a specific geographic object are identified. The hydrological regime of the delta and the nearshore zone of the Hong Ha River are described in detail. Water balance of the delta, runoff water levels and delta inundation, water and sediment runoff distributions over delta branches, and the effect of tides, typhoons, and storm surges on delta regime are considered. Present-day problems of the use and protection of natural resources at the Hong Ha River mouth are briefly discussed.