Showing papers in "Geography, Environment, Sustainability in 2014"

New permafrost feature – dep crater in central yamal (west siberia, rusia) as a response to local climate fluctuations

Abstract: This paper is based on field data obtained during short visits to a newly formed permafrost feature in a form of relatively narrow, deep crater. Excluding impossible and improbable versions of the crater’s development, the authors conclude that it originated from warmer ground temperatures and an increase in unfrozen water content, leading to an increase in pressure from gas emissions from permafrost and ground ice. This conclusion is also supported by known processes in the palaeo-geography of Yamal lakes and recent studies of gas-hydrate behavior and subsea processes in gas-bearing provinces.

Picea schrenkiana ring width and density at the upper and lower tree limits in the tien shan mts (kyrgyz republic) as a source of paleoclimatic information

Abstract: We present here the results of spruce (Picea schrenkiana Fish. et May.) tree-ring research in the Tien Shan Mountains, Kirgiz Republic. We explore the connection between climatic parameters and spruce ring width and maximum density at the upper and lower tree limits and provide two reconstructions: the May-August temperature reconstruction from 1626 to 1995 based on a multi-site composite maximum density chronology from the upper tree limit and the drought index reconstruction from 1680 to 2000 based on the lower tree limit regional ring width chronology. The ring width chronologies from the upper and lower tree limits show a strong similarity. They both depend to a large extent on moisture availability. The maximum density chronology does not correlate with them: it depends on different climatic parameters, namely on the summer temperature. The correlations of the reconstructions with CRU TS3 temperature and precipitation grid point data confirm the results of the modeling using the meteorological data from the nearest stations. The 20th century does not look unusual in the context of the last three hundred years in the Tien Shan Mountains, either in terms of the drought occurrence and severity or in summer temperature changes. However the reconstruction does not encompass the last decade when the summer warming in Tine Shan has been especially prominent. In contrast, some change in precipitation is indicated with the 19th century being drier in the Issyk Kul region compared to the 20th century.

Integrating multi-scale data for the assessment of water availability and quality in the kharaa—orkhon—selenga river system

Abstract: The environmental and socio-enonomic impacts of water pollution are particularly severe in regions with relatively limited water resources [WWAP, 2012]. Water quantity and quality are closely interlinked aspects which are relevant for surface water ecology, water use, and integrated management approaches. However, an intensive monitoring of both is usually prohibitive for very large areas, particularly if it includes the investigation of underlying processes and causes. For the Kharaa - Orkhon - Selenga River system, this paper combines results from the micro (experimental plots, individual point data), meso (Kharaa River Basin) and macro (Selenge River Basin) scales. On the one hand, this integration allows an interpretation of existing data on surface water quantity and quality in a wider context. On the other hand, it empirically underpins the complimentary character of intensive monitoring in selected model regions with more extensive monitoring in larger areas.

Pan eurasian experiment (peex) - a research initiative meeting the grand challenges of the changing environment of the northern pan-eurasian arctic-boreal areas

Abstract: The Pan-Eurasian Experiment (PEEX) is a new multidisciplinary, global change research initiative focusing on understanding biosphere-ocean-cryosphere-climate interactions and feedbacks in Arctic and boreal regions in the Northern Eurasian geographical domain. PEEX operates in an integrative way and it aims at solving the major scientific and society relevant questions in many scales using tools from natural and social sciences and economics. The research agenda identifies the most urgent large scale research questions and topics of the land-atmosphere-aquatic-anthropogenic systems and interactions and feedbacks between the systems for the next decades. Furthermore PEEX actively develops and designs a coordinated and coherent ground station network from Europe via Siberia to China and the coastal line of the Arctic Ocean together with a PEEX-modeling platform. PEEX launches a program for educating the next generation of multidisciplinary researcher and technical experts. This expedites the utilization of the new scientific knowledge for producing a more reliable climate change scenarios in regional and global scales, and enables mitigation and adaptation planning of the Northern societies. PEEX gathers together leading European, Russian and Chinese research groups. With a bottom-up approach, over 40 institutes and universities have contributed the PEEX Science Plan from 18 countries. In 2014 the PEEX community prepared Science Plan and initiated conceptual design of the PEEX land-atmosphere observation network and modeling platform. Here we present the PEEX approach as a whole with the specific attention to research agenda and preliminary design of the PEEX research infrastructure.

Indigenous agricultural development for sustainability and “satoyama”

Abstract: Satoyama is a Japanese term for landscapes that comprise a mosaic of different ecosystems which include forests, agricultural lands, grassland irrigation ponds and human settlements aimed at promoting viable human nature interaction. The Japanese government is seeking to revitalize it locally and promote it internationally, receiving accreditation as UNESCO Satoyama Initiatives. Here we explore the dynamics of this system and how it can be used as a model for any intended agricultural development in indigenous communities globally. In this paper we strongly address sustainable agriculture development which takes into consideration the local culture and traditions which exists.

Study of long-term trend in river discharge of sutlej river (n-w himalayan region)

Abstract: Sutlej basin, a mountainous river basin is located in N-W Himalayan region. This basin has highest potential for hydropower generation as compared to other basins of Indus River system. Recent studies have revealed rise in mean annual surface temperature which will modify pattern of Sutlej River flow in this basin. The present paper has aimed for studying annual and seasonal patterns of river discharge at different gauging sites of Sutlej River basin (middle catchment), India. The study has been performed over three gauging sites, namely, Kasol, Sunni and Rampur located under different physiographic and climatic conditions. The daily historical records (1970-2010) of 41 years river discharge data have been employed for statistical analysis. The annual and seasonal Standardized Discharge Indices (SDI) has been derived in order to preserve uniformity and facilitate comparison between flows of Sutlej River at different sites. Mann-Kendall (MK) test, a non-parametric test method, has been applied to detect trend in annual and seasonal SDI for periods 1970-2010. Decadal (annual and seasonal) patterns in SDI have also been discussed. The results of annual and seasonal trend analysis have revealed decreasing trends in SDI at all the gauging sites. The trend in annual SDI is statistically significant (95% confidence level) at Rampur (0,04 cumec/year) and insignificant at Kasol (0,02 cumec/year) and Sunni (0,01 cumec/year) respectively. The study of annual decadal change in SDI at all the sites shows that reduction in river discharge has occurred in the decade of 2001-2010. Before this, continuous rise in annual discharge has been reported at all the sites from decades 1970-1980 to the last decade of 20th century (1991-2000). The decline in river flow may affect agriculture and electricity production as well as there may be problems related with drinking water. The present study is expected to be useful for planning water resources related projects that can be undertaken in the Sutlej basin.

14c age, stable isotope composition and pollen analysis of massive ice, bovanenkovo gas field, central yamal peninsula

Abstract: The origin of the massive ice is important for understanding the Quaternary history of the Yamal region and to predict the occurrence of massive ice, which is important for gas exploration and the development of infrastructure. Massive ice bodies occur in the Bovanenkovo gas field area within sediments such as layers, laccoliths, rods and lenses. Maximal thickness of the tabular ice is 28,5 m; mean thickness is about 8 m. Deposits of the third terrace underlying and overlapping the tabular ice had been formed from 25 ka BP to 20 ka BP, according to 14C dates. Oxygen-isotope values (δ18О) of massive ices are ranged from 12, 49‰ up to -22, 95‰. Deuterium (δD) values vary from -91, 7‰ up to -177, 1‰. Deuterium excess (dexc) changes from 3, 4 to 10, 6‰. Both homogenous and contrast distribution δ18О and (δD) vs. depths in massive ice bodies evidences the segregated and/or infiltrated-segregated manner of ice formation. Pollen, spores and algae spectra from ice are similar to pollen characteristics of modern lacustrine and coastal floodplain sediments in the area. The ingression of cold seawaters on a coastal flood plain caused freezing and ice segregation, with the formation of extensive ice layers under the large but shallow lakes. As a result, syngenetic and genetically heterogeneous ice, such as: segregated, infiltrated-segregated, lake bottom congelation ice etc. was formed.

The model of dust aerosol accumulation in tajikistan

Abstract: The thickest loess formations, more than 100 m, are located in China and Tajikistan. Climatic and geographical factors became the basis for development of the atmospheric aerosol accumulation model in Tajikistan. Dust originated from huge deserts of the Central Asia is transported by western winds to valleys of Tajikistan where it drops out forming loess sediments. According to calculations the average thickness of dust sediments is 0,2 mm/year. This value agrees to the records obtained from loess section of the Early Holocene. Comparison of the modelling results and the real data from loess sections proves good correlation between these two independent approaches. It is one of the arguments supporting the concept of loess formation due to atmospheric aerosol.

Quantitative assessment of sediment redistribution in the sichuan hilly basin and the central russian upland during the past 60 years

Abstract: Agricultural lands around the globe have been seriously affected by soil erosion and resultant on- and off-site eco-environmental problems. Quantitative assessment of sediment redistribution allows for explicit understanding the effects of natural and anthropogenic agents on catchment soil erosion and sediment delivery. To this end, sediment redistribution at field and catchment scales in two agricultural regions of the Sichuan Hilly Basin in southwestern China and the Central Russian Upland was comprehensively assessed using multiple approaches including 137Cs tracing, soil morphology comparison, empirical-mathematic modeling, sediment budgeting, discharge and sediment monitoring, and sediment dating. Field measurements were undertaken in the zero-order small catchments (with drainage area less than 0,25 km2), and soil erosion rates were found to be 6-7 t ha-1-yr-1. Long-term repeated measurements indicated that both precipitation changes and conservation practices had contributed to the alleviation of soil erosion on hillslopes. However, eroded sediment was transferred from hillslopes to streams through different pathways for both regions. High slope-channel connectivity and substantial proportions of sediment delivery were observed in the Sichuan Hilly Basin. Changes of riverine suspended sediment yield were indicative of soil erosion and sediment delivery on upland catchments. Large quantity of sediment was redeposited on first-order dry-valley bottoms and only 4-12% of the gross sediment load was delivered into adjacent river channels in the Central Russian Upland.

Quantification of economic and social risks of debris flows for the black sea coastal region of the north caucasus

Abstract: Debris flows are the most frequent and disastrous natural hazards among other exogenic processes at the Black Sea coastal region of the North Caucasus. Numerous debris flow releases are reported every year between Novorossiysk and Krasnaya Polyana. The debris flows bring economic losses, and sometimes loss of human lives. Quantification of the economic, individual and collective debris flows risk is based on their spatial distribution, repeatability, debris flows’ regime, as well as economical and social characteristics of the territory accounted for. Estimation of the individual debris flow risk shows that the level of such risk corresponds to “allowable” and “acceptable” degrees [Vorob’ev, 2005] - less than 3,3 × 10-6. The maximal values of the economic debris flow risk are estimated in the Adler region - more than 1 mln. rub. per year.

Health of urban population in moscow and beijing agglomerations

Abstract: The paper presents the results obtained under the joint Russian-Chinese RFBR project № 12-05-91175-ГФЕН_а aimed at assessment of the state of the environment and health of the population in urban areas in Russia and China. The paper presents the authors’ approach to a comprehensive evaluation of the impact of the environment on the population health of urban agglomerations and a method of regional medico-geographical analysis. A series of analytical and synthetic maps was compiled and used for a comparative geographical analysis of medical and environmental situation in Moscow and Beijing – major metropolitan areas with different natural and socio-economic conditions. The paper discusses the influence of the environment on the state of public health and identifies the leading risk factors, both general and specific to each region.

Seismic risk cartographic visualization for crisis management

Abstract: Earthquake loss estimations before future events and following strong earthquakes in emergency mode and their corresponding visualization are extremely important for proper decision on preventive measures and effective response in order to save lives and properties. The paper addresses the methodological issues of seismic risk and vulnerability assessment, mapping with GIS technology application. Requirements for simulation models, databases used at different levels, as well as ways of visualizations oriented for Emergency Management Agencies, as well federal and local authorities are discussed. Examples of mapping at the different levels: global, country, region and urban one are given and the influence of input data uncertainties on the reliability of loss computations is analyzed.

Exploration of gamburtsev subglacial mountains (east antarctica): background and plans for the near future

Abstract: The Gamburtsev Subglacial Mountains (GSM), located in the central East Antarctica, were discovered by the Soviet team of the 3rd Complex Antarctic Expedition in 1958-1959. The GSM has highly dissected Alpine topography reaching maximum elevations of 3000 m. The mechanism driving uplift of the young-shaped GSM in the middle of the old East Antarctic Shield is unknown. With only limited constraints available on the topography, geology, and lithospheric structure, the origin of the GSM has been a matter of considerable speculation. The latest interpretation suggested that the GSM were formed during Permian and Cretaceous (roughly 250-100 Ma ago) due to the combination of rift-flank uplift, root buoyancy and the isostatic response. Later on the Antarctic Ice Sheet covered the range and protected it from erosion. However, this theory cannot explain lack of erosion process during many millions years in between uplifting and beginning of glaciation. The next step of the GSM exploration focuses on the direct observation of ice sheet bed by drilling. In order to penetrate into subglacial bedrock in the GSM region the development activity already has been started in China. It is proposed to use cable-suspended drilling technology and movable drilling shelter that can be transported to the chosen site with crawler-tractor. The first field tests of the drilling equipment are planned to carry out near Antarctic coast in season 2015-2016, and drilling to the bedrock would be finished during next two seasons.

Exploitation of environmental resources and rural communities by global food companies

Abstract: Globalization is determined by creation and growth of global capital markets for goods and services at international trade and environment level. In year 2013, the total food sales of the top 100 food companies in the world amounted to US$ 1,332,070 million. The headquarters of these companies are established in 20 different countries in 6 different geographical areas. The food sales comprised of 39 % from North America, 32 % from Europe, 21 % from Eastern Asia, % 3 from South America, 3 % from Nordic, and 2 % from Oceania. Globalization potentially creates monopolies. Most of the literatures on environmental issues indicate that these companies increase their profits in three ways: cheap labour, unethical policies, exploitation of environmental resources.

International mapping project “the atlas of greater altai: nature, history, culture” as the foundation for models of sustainable development

Abstract: The paper presents the concept and approaches to the creation of a special interdisciplinary Atlas of Greater Altai. The main objective of the Atlas is to ensure the maximal possible access of the international community to reliable, current, and accurate spatial information on the transboundary Greater Altai region. The paper discusses the preconditions that facilitate the development of this unique cartographic product, the main sections of its structure (nature, history, and culture), and the main themes of its maps. The paper demonstrates the need for geoinformation support and a web-based version of the GIS-based Atlas. The Atlas can be used indecision-making in the scope of the international cross-border cooperation in the Altai region.

Multi-archive temperature reconstruction of the russian arctic for the past two millennia

Abstract: We present a multi-archival mean annual quantitative temperature reconstruction for Northeastern Europe covering the period of the past two millennia based on tree-ring, pollen, and historical data. This reconstruction was developed primarily to build up a comparative chronology of climatic and historical events in the study region. Five different calibration and verification approaches were used. A comparison of mean decadal temperature reconstruction for Northeastern Europe with those for larger regions and the Hemisphere shows that larger climatic events were visible both in the whole Northern Hemisphere and its separate regions. Less significant climatic events on a regional level may differ considerably from the overall climate signature on the hemispheric level. Highest pre-industrial mean annual temperatures in AD 981-990 were 1,0°C warmer and lowest in AD 1811-1820 were 1,3°C colder than average in AD 1951-1980. The new reconstruction shows much higher degree of variability as compared to Panarctic and hemispheric reconstructions.

Analysis of water poverty for irepodun local government area (kwara state , nigeria)

Abstract: In the wake of a growing concern about the unchecked rise of poverty and the consequences of water scarcity, the relationships between water and poverty form an object of a sprawling literature. This research seeks to study access to rural water supply in Irepodun Local Government Area (LGA), Kwara State. Data were sourced from the 11wards in the LGA. Twenty households were sampled per ward; altogether 220 households were sampled in this study. Access to water was estimated using Water poverty index (WPI) computed after Sullivan and Meigh [2006] using household data; based on 5 sub-components: resources, accessibility, capacity, uses and environment. Resources was seen to be high generally, with highest in Omu Aran ward I (93 %), accessibility was highest in Oro I (71 %), capacity was generally weak (highest score was 43 % in Omu Aran II), uses was highest in Omu Aran II and in Oko, environment was highest in Ipetu-Rore-Aran Orin ward (63 %.).Water poverty index (WPI) was least (47 %) in Oko ward, while the highest (62 %) was obtained at Ipetu-Rore-Aran Orin ward. Only 2 LGAs namely: Oko and Arandun wards are water poor, all other wards have above average scores. However, the seemingly high scores are mainly due to the relatively high mean annual rainfall (MA R) and the efforts of Community Based Associations (CBA) which is typical of Kwara south senatorial districts of Kwara state which has long history of CBAs and Town Unions dating back into about 100years. Hence, there is need for government and public-private intervention in water provision; particularly in Oko and Arandun wards in view of their low capacities and few sources of water as locals will have low capacities to explore alternative sources of water. Conclusively, access to water in Irepodun LGA is appreciably high. However, the challenges of increasing population and urbanization suggest needs for expanding water resources infrastructures in the LGA.

Vietnamese migration in the context of climate change

Abstract: The paper examines emigration from Vietnam in the context of global climate change. Vietnam is among the five countries, most vulnerable to water level rise in the oceans associated with global warming. The areas of potential flooding include territories with most dense population and are extremity important for the economy of Vietnam. The country has a significant demographic potential exceeding 90 mln people. Vietnamese migration has a relatively long history. Large Vietnamese communities have grown in the countries of Eastern Europe; these communities are relatively well integrated into the host countries. Increase in global mean temperatures could lead to severe storms, tsunamis, and flooding and force significant portion of the population out of the Mekong Delta regions and Central provinces of Vietnam. The paper discusses the potential of Atlas Information Systems (AISs) for the assessment of social-economic and demographic consequences of climate change in Vietnam. The authors describe an AIS they are developing. This AIS consists of blocks that provide for a close link between socio-political, economic (production), natural resource, and environmental components for the integrated assessment of the provinces of Vietnam. Simulation of events shows that the flood zone could affect such populated provinces as An Giang, Kien Giang, Hau Giang, Dong Thap, Long An, Tien Giang, Vinh Long and Can Tho. To address this problem, the Vietnamese authorities, in 2008, approved the state target program to respond to climate change. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment was commissioned to create a scenario of climate change and sea level rise in Vietnam. However, the problem requires an immediate response at the international level, as the threat cannot be localized within the borders of Vietnam. Flooding may require mandatory relocation of the population in the country and, possibly, beyond its borders. If people are not relocated gradually, a reduction in the country’s territory with high population density, considering the specifics of the settlement pattern and reproduction trends, could result in a significant migration flow of forced migrants - environmental refugees. The territory of Vietnam may not be sufficient to absorb the entire flow of immigrants and, as a result, the flow would be directed out of the country. However, if the resettlement program starts now in the form of organized labor migration, it may be possible to anticipate and mitigate the negative scenario. Besides, organized labor emigration would be even beneficial for Vietnam in the socio-economic respect. The paper suggests measures to improve Russia’s migration policy aimed at attracting and using Vietnamese workers in a regulated way that would benefit Russia socially and economically.

Social risk and vulnerability assessment of hazardous hydrological phenomena in russia

Abstract: Methods and results of social vulnerability and risk assessment are presented in the article. It is explored if modified methodology of the United Nations University (World risk index) can be used on different scale levels: regional, municipal and settlement. It was estimated that, despite the low value of the World risk index for Russia, southern coastal and mountain regions have high values of the risk index for hydrological phenomena because of higher frequency of the hazardous events, higher population density, and high social vulnerability. The Krasnodar region (in the south-western part of Russia) was chosen for a detailed analysis. A municipal risk index was developed, and municipal districts in the Kuban river mouth were identified as territories with the highest risk. For verification of the index results, the percentage of vulnerable people was estimated based on opinion polls. The results can be used in further risk calculation for other hazardous phenomena.

Industrial tourism in germany : situation , weakneses and chalenges

Abstract: Industrial tourism, i.e. visiting both active and historic industrial plants (or their historical remains), has been a growing sector in tourism for years, but is nevertheless unlikely to lose its “niche” character... Today it is generally offered under the general heading of cultural tourism, and in this context is often also marketed as active or adventurous tourism (and associated with educational aims), both in marked contrast to the traditional relaxing holiday. The forms of supply and demand that have developed in industrial tourism are of growing significance both for historic and active industrial regions, as such tourism can provide very positive stimuli for structural policy, regional economies and reputations. Recently, remarkable industrial tourism destinations (industrial Brand Worlds) have emerged both in the old industrialised countries of Europe and North America and in Newly Industrialising Countries/NICs, e.g. in Asia. Many of these destinations need not fear comparison with the attractiveness of classical destinations for national or even international tourism, and a few leading industrial sites already have impressive visitor numbers. After a brief overview of the current state of supply and demand in industrial tourism in Germany, the following points will form the focus of the analysis: –– Suppression of controversial and dark aspects of industrialisation (especially in times of war, annexation and occupation) –– Innovations (particularly in the form of so-called Brand Worlds, e.g. in the automobile industry).