Consequences of powerful volcanic eruptions according to dendrochronological data

For the first time we identify the peculiarities of the effect of the most powerful (VEI > 5) volcanic eruptions on the regional climate of the Murmansk region on the basis of Kola Peninsula dendrochronological data for a period of more than 560 years. The analysis was based on the tree-ring chronology covering the period from 1445 to 2005. This chronology was derived from Pinus sylvestris samples collected near the northern tree line at Loparskaya station (68°37′ N; 33°14′ E). The data were processed using modern techniques adopted in dendrochronology (cross dating and standardization). We reveal a significant decrease in the radial tree-ring growth over 8 years (on average) after the eruptions; then its value is restored to the normal level. This finding will help evaluate the response of the regional climate system to external climate forcings in this economically important region for Russia.     

Suicides and Mortality from Cardiovascular Diseases Due to Space-Weather Factors in High Latitudes

Izvestiya, Atmospheric and Oceanic Physics - The aim of this study is to identify the impacts of the main space-weather factors on suicides and cardiovascular (CVD) mortality in Murmansk oblast...     

Assessment of 137Cs and 90Sr fluxes in the Barents Sea

The annual balance of radionuclides inflow/outflow was assessed for ¹³⁷Cs and ⁹⁰Sr isotopes in the Barents Sea, taking into account the atmospheric precipitation, inflow from the Norwegian and the White seas, as well as riverine discharge, liquid radioactive waste disposal (LRWD), and outflow to the adjacent seas. The original and published data for the period of 1950–2009 were analyzed. According to the multiyear dynamics (1960–2009), the inflow of ¹³⁷Cs and ⁹⁰Sr into the Barents Sea was significantly preconditioned by the Norwegian Sea currents; and precipitation played a major role in the 1950s, 1960s, and in 1986. Currently, the trans-border redeposition of ⁹⁰Sr prevails over ¹³⁷Cs redeposition in the Barents Sea, and constitutes about 99% of inflow of each element.     

Technogenic Radioactivity of Waters in the Central Arctic Basin and Adjacent Water Areas

Doklady Earth Sciences - The contemporary radiation situation in the Arctic Basin and Russian Arctic seas is assessed on the basis of data from 2013 to 2017. Statistically significant differences...     

Natural decrease of the intensity level of artificial radioactive isotopes in the Barents Sea

The results of radioecological investigations carried out within the framework of the Russian-Finnish high-latitude expedition in 2007 are presented. The characteristics of the present-day accumulation level of the significant radioecological isotopes ¹³⁷Cs, ⁹⁰Sr and ^239,240Pu in the Barents Sea are described. The comparative analysis is performed for the radiation pollution of the environment in the 1980s and 1990s and in the first decade of the 21st century. Natural purification processes in the marine environment are the main factors of the decrease in the intensity level of artificial radioactive isotopes. These processes include repeated dilution, nuclear decay, occlusion by sediments and suspended solid material, and accumulation by aquatic inhabitants. A stable decreasing trend is observed for the intensity level of artificial radioactive isotopes in the Barents Sea.     

New data on the concentration of plutonium isotopes in the sediments of the Barents Sea

Doklady Earth Sciences -     

The effect of radioactive waste storage in Andreev Bay on contamination of the Barents Sea ecosystem

Doklady Earth Sciences - The effect of temporary radioactive waste storage on the ecological status of the sea and biota in the littoral of Andreev and Malaya Andreev bays and near the shore of...     

Enhancement of stratospheric aerosols after solar proton event

The lidar measurements at Verhnetulomski observatory (68.6°N, 31.8°E) at Kola peninsula detected a considerable increase of stratospheric aerosol concentration after the solar proton event of GLE (ground level event) type on the 16/02/84. This increase was located at precisely the same altitude range where the energetic solar protons lost their energy in the atmosphere. The aerosol layer formed precipitated quickly (1–2 km per day) during 18, 19, and 20 February 1984, and the increase of R(H) (backscattering ratio) at 17 km altitude reached 40% on 20/02/84. We present the model calculation of CN (condensation nuclei) altitude distribution on the basis of an ion-nucleation mechanism, taking into account the experimental energy distribution of incident solar protons. The meteorological situation during the event was also investigated.deceased