Host galaxies of type Ibc supernovae

We draw up a list of type Ib and Ic supernovae and construct the distributions of morphological types, luminosity classes, and axial ratios of their host galaxies, which we compare to similar distributions for type II supernovae. Our analysis reveals no significant statistical differences between these distributions and demonstrates that the samples of host galaxies of SNe Ibc and SNe II can be regarded as drawn from the same parent population.     

Variations in the Brightness and Polarization of μ CEP

Observations of the brightness and polarization of CEP over 1983-2002 are presented. An almost sinusoidal curve with a slightly varying amplitude and a period of about 850 days was fit to the light curve. The minima in the actual light curve often appear to be flooded with additional radiation compared to the smoothed curve. As an explanation of this phenomenon, we propose a working hypothesis whereby some radiation that is reflected back into the atmosphere near the equator through veiling by titanium oxide then partially diffuses into the near-polar regions where it escapes.     

Brightness and Polarization Variations of S Per and T Per

Results of photoelectric BV observations of the brightness and polarization in the V band for S Per and T Per over a period of eight years are presented. An attempt is made to isolate the interstellar polarization. A comparison of the variations in the brightness and intrinsic polarization reveals some relationships among these quantities.     

Germanium speciation in lignite from a germanium-bearing deposit in Primorye

We studied a number of chemical characteristics in the coals of the Spetsugli germanium-bearing area of the Pavlovskoe coalfield in southern Primorye. It was found that the coals show variable contents of ash, extractable organic matter (OM), and germanium. No less than 60% germanium in the coals are bound to mobile OM, including 25–60% in complex compounds of humic acids and 8–39% in the low-molecular-weight fraction of OM not precipitated by acids. It was shown that germanium can be partly accumulated in coals as organic compounds owing to the dissolution of the mineral forms of germanium by humic acids.     

The development of the urban settlement system in Belgorod oblast

We have investigated the urbanization processes in the region. The study revealed the characteristics of evolution of urban systems and of the urbanization development stages as well as ascertaining the current formation tendencies for large cities and their suburban zones.     

Associations of microalgae in bottom sediments of marginal filters areas (White Sea bays)

The first results of detailed studies on algae in surface sediments of bays of the White Sea are presented. Both the general patterns of associations of water palynomorphs and diatoms and some regional peculiarities of their formation at different stages of the marginal filter have been discovered.     

Holocene paleoenvironmental implications of diatom and organic carbon records from the southeastern Kara Sea (Siberian Margin)

Diatom assemblages and organic carbon records from two sediment cores located within an estuarian bay of the inner Kara Sea trace changes in Yenisei River runoff and postglacial depositional environments. Paleosalinity and sea-ice reconstructions are based on modern relationships of local diatom assemblages and summer surface-water salinity. Approximately 15,500 cal yr B.P., rivers and bogs characterized the study area. When sea level reached the 38- to 40-m paleo-isobath approximately 9300 cal yr B.P., the coring site was flooded. From 9300–9100 cal yr B.P., estuarine conditions occurred proximal to the depocenter of fluvially derived material, and salinity was <7–8. Paleosalinity increased to 11–13 by 7500 cal yr B.P., following postglacial sea-level rise and the southward shift of the Siberian coast. Sharp decreases in diatom accumulation rates, total sediment, and organic carbon also occurred, suggesting the presence of brackish conditions and greater distance between the coast and study site. Maximum paleosalinity (up to 13) was recorded between 7500 and 6000 cal yr B.P., which was likely caused by the enhanced penetration of Atlantic waters to the Kara Sea. Stepwise decreases to modern salinity levels happened over the last 6000 cal yr.     

Oil and gas potential of continental margins of the Pacific Ocean

Oil and gas basins (OGB) of active and transform margins of the Pacific Ocean are discussed. Their western and eastern parts differ substantially in the evolution, tectonic pattern, and scope of resources. In the west, marginal seas incorporated into the Cenozoic geodynamic system of deep-water basins (marginal seas) and conjugate island arcs exhibit a greater oil and gas potential (hereafter, petroleum potential) as compared to the eastern margin bounded by a deep-water trench and transformed into the framing with OGBs only in separate sectors. The abundance of siliceous rocks influenced the formation and accumulation of oil and gas in the Pacific region. The most part of hydrocarbon accumulations is related to organogenic edifices and channels of shelf fans. Oil and gas fields confined to fans on slopes of deep-water troughs of active and transform margins are also known. Proceeding from the global practice, significant petroleum potential in Russia is associated with back-arc seas of the Pacific. The poorly studied deep-water basins on slopes are worthy of special attention.