EARTH SCIENCES. Geology and mineral resources
The Evotinskii Ore and Placer Region (EOR) is located in the central part of the Aldano-Stanovoy Shield and is characterized by a significant presence of gold-bearing placers, many of which have undergone extensive mining activities. Despite geological investigations that have been conducted since the 1930s, the main sources of numerous placers remain largely unidentified. This study employed traditional mineralogical and geochemical methods, along with LA-ICP-MS analysis, to investigate placer gold within the Evotinskii Ore and Placer Region. The findings indicate that native gold within the placers of the EOR is predominantly represented by particles measuring between 0.1 and 1.2 mm, which primarily exhibit forms of cementation, fracture, and interstitial characteristics. The degree of roundness varies, and high-fineness shells and intergranular high-fineness veins are not uncommon. Structural etching revealed a multi-phase, granular, concentric, and vaguely zonal internal structure of the native gold. Furthermore, granulation and twinning structures were also identified. The LA-ICP-MS analysis of the native gold from the placers indicated a diverse array of trace element impurities within the particles. These extensive investigations suggest that the primary sources of placer gold are likely to be ore occurrences similar to the P. Pinigin deposit, as well as sulfide and epithermal occurrences associated with alkaline Mesozoic magmatism, which are prevalent in the Central-Aldan ore region. The possibility of a certain amount of gold originating from mineralizations associated with porphyry systems and iron ore deposits cannot be excluded. The discovery of ore-like particles may signify the proximity of bedrock sources and enhances the potential of the region for the discovery of previously unidentified ore occurrences.
The study of problematic skeletal remains from the Kharayutekh Formation of the Upper Vendian period, uncovered along the right bank of the Lena River at the mouth of the Ulakhan-Ald’yarkhay Brook, revealed two distinct levels characterized by finds of small shelly fossils embedded in dark gray limestones. The first assemblage includes problematic skeletal remains with indeterminate systematic affinities, as well as two morphological types of fossil specimens attributed to the genus Tianzhushania. These specimens represent different stages in the embryonic development of this taxonomic group. In addition to Tianzhushania, the second, younger level also contains chancellorids (Chancelloria sp.) and hyoliths (Paragloborilus subglobosus). The material for this study consisted of a collection of several dozen fossilized specimens, obtained through the standard process of chemical preparation, which involved dissolving limestone in a weak acetic acid solution (3–5 %). Based on the findings, it can be inferred that the Tuorasis Basin of the passive continental margin of Siberia during the Late Vendian period provided favorable conditions for the survival and evolution of the microflora discussed in this paper. These discoveries are of significant interest from both paleobiological and stratigraphical perspectives. In the future, it will be crucial to conduct more in-depth research on the morphological features and internal structures of the embryonic fossils found in the Kharayutekh Formation of the Ulakhan-Ald’yarkhay section, employing a microtomographic approach to validate their embryonic nature. Additionally, further sampling of small shelly fossils from the Kharayutekh Formation is essential to enhance the faunal attributes and strengthen the biostratigraphical foundation.
Givetian conodonts demonstrate a wide geographical distribution and are instrumental in establishing biostratigraphic correlations at both regional and global levels. Nevertheless, their study in the Southern Verkhoyansk Region has only recently begun. I initially identified these conodonts in Tikhii Creek basin situated on the right bank of the first left tributary of Komar Creek, adjacent to the Vostochnaya Khandyga River, the Sette-Daban Range. In this area, the gypsum-bearing sediments of the Tikhiiskaya Suite underlie the carbonate Zagadochninskaya Suite. During a state-funded geological survey, these suites were classified as the Burkhalinskaya series. Geologists assigned the conglomerates at the base of the Tikhiiskaya Suite and the variegated sediments overlain by basalt to the Givetian Stage. This study suggests that the boundary between the Lower and Middle Devonian periods should be delineated at the base of the conglomerate strata, while the variegated volcanic strata capped by basalt should be classified within the Emsian Stage of the Lower Devonian. The findings related to five taxa of conodonts, which belong to two successive complexes originating from the boundary deposits of the Eifelian and Givetian Stages found along Komar Creek, are reported for the first time. The lower complex, distinguished by the presence of conodonts such as Dvorakia sp., Icriodus expansus Branson and Mehl (1938), Polygnathus parawebbi Chatterton (1974), P. costatus subspecies A, P. parawebbi, and Neopanderodus pearleneatus (Ziegler and Lindström 1971), is identified within the Upper Eiffelian Stage. Conversely, the upper complex, which includes subspecies Polygnathus linguiformis linguiformis Hinde (1879) and P. xylus xylus Stauffer (1940), is indicative of the Givetian Stage. The boundary between the Eiffelian and Givetian Stages in the Tikhii-Komar section is likely situated between beds 5 and 6. Consequently, based on the conodont data, the Tikhiiskaya Suite should be classified as Eiffelian in age. Presumably, the basal layers of the Zagadochninskaya Suite correspond to this same geological stage.
EARTH SCIENCES. Engineering geology, permafrost and soil science
Since the 1990s, climate variability has significantly increased, revealing various climatic anomalies. A clear trend of rising air temperatures has been observed in the permafrost zone and its adjacent areas, adversely affecting the state of frozen soils. Consequently, it is becoming increasingly important to assess the thermal stability of frozen soils in light of current climate change. As a result, it is becoming increasingly crucial to evaluate the thermal stability of these frozen soils in the context of ongoing climate change. A geothermal criterion (Gk) is suggested to assess the impact of climate change on the temperature regime of frozen soils in areas with seasonally active permafrost. (Gk) is represented through a dimensionless temperature simplex t* = (t i /Te) and the Fourier criterion. It is intended to analyze experimental data from geothermal permafrost research collected via borehole thermometry. The theoretical basis for the practical use of this proposed criterion has been established, showing its broad applicability and significant potential for interpreting data from long-term in-situ observations of temperature regime development in frozen soils within seasonally active permafrost.
The article shows the relevance of the theory and practice of deep coal processing. The increasing relevance is based on modern trends in the development of the global coal industry and forecasts regarding the decrease in demand for coal in the energy sector due to the introduction of alternative energy sources. The Russian Federation has the richest raw material base of coals, including lignite. Due to the low degree of metamorphism, lignite’s are unique in their properties and are very promising as a raw material for the production of sorbents for the treatment of industrial, municipal and industrial wastewater. The aim of the study is to develop a process flow chart for alkaline activation of lignite coals in the Far Eastern region to obtain high-quality sorbents for adsorption from the liquid phase. The laboratory study was conducted on lignite coals from four deposits in the Far Eastern region (Kharanorskoye, Kangalasskoye, Kirovskoye, Okino-Klyuchevskoye deposits). General scientific and empirical methods were used: analysis and generalization of scientific literature on the research problem, experiment, analysis, comparison and mathematical processing of the obtained experimental data. A study was conducted of various options for carrying out three stages of the process of obtaining sorbents (preparation of lignite coal for activation, alkaline activation and final processing). Analysis of the obtained data on the sorption properties of the obtained samples made it possible to determine the optimal parameters and sequence of operations in the process of alkaline activation of lignite coals. A process flow chart for alkaline activation of lignite coals with potassium hydroxide has been developed, consisting of 14 operations, including thermal leaching and mechanical activation. Carrying out the process of alkaline activation of lignite according to this technological scheme allows obtaining sorbents with high adsorption activity for iodine (more than 90 %). The results of the research allow us to speak about the technological feasibility, high efficiency and prospects of processing lignite coals from deposits in the Far Eastern into sorbents.
BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES. Ecology
The catastrophic wildfires that occurred in Central Yakutia in 2021 resulted in extensive forest destruction, leading to the complete incineration of significant forested areas. This devastation has caused the loss of tree stands and the degradation of forest litter, as well as the upper organic layers of the soil. Consequently, there has been a substantial alteration in the water-temperature regime of permafrost soils, which are formed under permafrost conditions. The objective of this study is to investigate the impact of these fires on the morphological, physical, and chemical characteristics of pale soils during the initial years following the fire event, specifically after the destruction of the tree stand and the combustion of the litter and organic soil layers. This research primarily focuses on pale, slightly solodized soils located within the larch forests of the Lena-Vilyui watershed. This research presents comprehensive insights into vegetation and the morphogenetic characteristics of soil profiles, alongside the parameterization of various soil properties, including field moisture, humus content, loss on ignition, , reactions of the soil environment, exchangeable base quantities, and granulometric composition. The findings indicate that the deposition of combustion byproducts, specifically in the form of ash, results in soil alkalization, which is associated with a marked decrease in organic carbon levels within the surface strata. Notably, the morphological characteristics of soils in the control area exhibit significant differences compared to those in the burned region; a thin pyrogenic layer with minimal screening effects has developed in the burned region, soil mixing processes have become more pronounced, and the natural horizontal boundaries of soil horizons have been disrupted. The degradation of heat-insulating ground cover and organic matter contributes to substantial soil heating, leading to elevated soil mass temperatures and an extended seasonal thaw. The thawing of upper permafrost layers and the release of previously sequestered moisture result in soil saturation, which, upon winter freeze, triggers cryoturbation. In contrast, soils that have not experienced fire exhibit only a weak expression of permafrost mixing within the soil profile. Furthermore, the temporary waterlogging of poorly drained soils in the initial years post-fire exacerbates tree.
The significance of this research arises from the limited understanding of how floodplain plant communities in the Arctic region change in response to oil pollution. The objective of the study was to determine the trends in vegetation changes in areas affected by an accidental diesel fuel spill. The research focused on the floodplain plant communities of the Nadyezhdinsky Creek, as well as the Daldykan, Ambarnaya, and Pyasina rivers, examining both unpolluted (7 locations) and polluted areas (8 locations). The selection of study sites and the subsequent analyses were conducted using widely accepted geobotanical methods. A comparative analytical assessment of phytocenoses was performed through vegetation monitoring conducted from 2020 to 2022. The primary dynamic processes observed were linked to the emergence and extinction of species, with 53 species recorded in 2020, and 55 species from 17 families noted in both 2021 and 2022. Additionally, alterations in projective cover and shifts in the taxonomic ratios were documented. These changes were reflected in the abundance and diversity of species across various ecological groups. The cool and humid conditions experienced during the 2021 growing season promoted the proliferation of species typically associated with well-watered environments, including Equisetum arvense L. subsp. arvense, Equisetum fluviatile L., Eriophorum scheuchzeri Hoppe, and Carex aquatilis Wahlenb. s. str. In contrast, the warm and dry conditions in 2022 adversely affected these species, leading to their disappearance or a reduction in their projective cover. The predominant changes in vegetation dynamics from 2021 to 2022 can be characterized as fluctuations, regardless of the ecological context of the study sites, with no significant alterations in species composition or shifts in dominant species. Overall, there were no indications of catastrophic effects resulting from oil pollution. The observed changes in the plant communities were localized and primarily attributed to variations in climatic conditions and the specific hydrological characteristics of the individual water bodies.
The response of biota to both global and regional climate changes represents a critical topic extensively examined in the scientific literature. This study aims to investigate the correlation between climatic changes in Central Yakutia and the phenological development of three indigenous steppe plant species. The species under consideration include Gagea pauciflora, Phlox sibirica, and Phlomoides tuberosa, which belong to different rhythmological groups. The research employed data from long-term phenological observations conducted in accordance with the methodology established by I.N. Beydeman (1974). A comprehensive analysis of the long-term climatic and phenological data reveals that the changing climate in Central Yakutia elicits a modest yet complex phenological response among the studied species. Notably, Gagea pauciflora, an ephemeroid, demonstrates the highest degree of phenological stability over a 50-year observation period, with all recorded shifts in its phenological development remaining statistically insignificant at the 0.05 level. The seasonal development of Gagea pauciflora occurs primarily in May and June and exhibits minimal sensitivity to meteorological conditions, indicating the species’ resilience to spring temperature fluctuations. Statistically significant alterations in phenological timing were noted exclusively during the vegetation termination phase for Phlox sibirica and Phlomoides tuberosa. The observed inertia in the phenological responses of these species to the climatic changes in Central Yakutia underscores a diverse array of adaptations among plants to northern environmental conditions, tenabling them to resist regional climate shifts and sustain phenological stability.
Changes in the fatty acid composition of phospholipids in buds during the winter-spring period (January–May) were studied in silver birch (Betula pendula Roth) growing in Karelia and Yakutia. Phospholipids were isolated from total lipids using column chromatography, while fatty acids were separated through gas chromatography. The metrics for acyl-lipid desaturase activity were represented by the ratios of stearoyl- (SDR), oleoyl- (ODR), and linoleoyl- (LDR) desaturases. Our findings demonstrate that, regardless of geographical location, the predominant phospholipid fraction during the development of primordia within the bud consists of unsaturated fatty acids. During the period of exogenous bud dormancy, dienoic acids were the most prevalent; however, their share declined by the onset of the growing season, while the proportion of trienoic acids increased. These changes were accompanied by a slight rise in the double bond index. Conversely, the unsaturation index nearly doubled by March, with this change being particularly pronounced in Yakutia. Simultaneously, the SDR and ODR values were high, indirectly indicating the active involvement of ω9 and ω6 desaturases in maintaining the liquid-crystalline state of phospholipids. The LDR value in phospholipids was the lowest, yet it nearly tripled by the onset of the growing season in both Karelia and Yakutia. We hypothesize that the liquid state of phospholipids in the cell membranes of meristematic tissue in the buds of silver birch growing in Karelia and Yakutia during the winter-spring period is sustained by high desaturase activity, with the most significant response to temperature changes observed in acyl-lipid ω3 desaturase. Furthermore, through the course of evolution, silver birch in Yakutia has developed an additional mechanism that involves a pronounced reduction in cell and tissue water content, which also contributes to maintaining an ordered state of phospholipids and their functions, particularly when exposed to extremely low air temperatures and permafrost.
The article examines the limitations of resistance to anthropogenic influences among certain members of the Orchidaceae family. This assessment is conducted in the context of planning environmental protection strategies and formulating scientifically grounded conservation recommendations. The research focused on twelve species within the Orchidaceae family, analyzing a total of 145 geobotanical descriptions related to these species. To assess the degree of resistance of each species to anthropogenic impacts, the hemeroby indicator was used. The findings indicate that the majority of the species analyzed are classified within the nemoral ecological-coenotic group (ECG), with the exceptions including Goodyera repens and Calypso bulbosa, which are clategorized as boreal ECG species, and Gymnadenia conopsea, Dactylorhiza maculata, and D. incarnata, which are identified as hygrophilic ECG species. Notable patterns have emerged from the investigation, revealing that mesohemerobic species dominate the community composition, followed by oligohemerobic species, and subsequently b-euhemerobic species. The representation of anthropotolerant species does not exceed 33%. Among the species studied, Cypripedium calceolus and Platanthera bifolia exhibit the greatest resistance to anthropogenic impacts, characterized by relatively low average apophytism values in comparison to other species. Based on the real hemeroby index (RHI), it is concluded that the majority of the species examined are categorized as moderately resistant to complex anthropogenic influences.
The aim of this research was to investigate the hibernation pattern of the Siberian chipmunk across a broad range of temperatures, to determine the optimal temperature for hibernation, and to assess their ability to hibernate in relatively low environmental temperatures. In late August, three chipmunks had thermochron temperature sensors (DS-1922L-F5) surgically implanted to monitor their body temperature. The hibernation cycles of four chipmunks were studied by altering the temperature in their nesting materials. When the animals were moved to an underground lab with a temperature of –4 °C, the difference between their body temperature and the surrounding temperature increased by nearly 8 °C, reaching 12 °C to 14 °C as the ambient temperature dropped further. The length of hypothermia periods decreased while the frequency of awakenings increased. The lowest recorded body temperature was at least 1 °C. The longest hypothermia durations occurred in chipmunks exposed to temperatures between –4 °C and 4 °C, lasting 226 to 283 hours (9.4 to 11.8 days). For two chipmunks hibernating at temperatures below –6 °C, the hypothermia intervals averaged 73 and 99 hours, while other individuals had intervals of 174 to 188 hours. The optimal hibernation temperature range for chipmunksin Yakutia is between –4 °C to –6 °C and +5 °C to +6 °C. Hibernation ceases at ambient temperatures above 12 °C to 14 °C. When temperatures drop below –6 °C to –10 °C, the hibernation rhythm changes, resulting in shorter hypothermia intervals,similar to those observed at higher positive temperatures. Thisresearch enhances our understanding of how relatively small mammals can hibernate in low ambient temperatures (down to –10 °C). The findings may also be relevant for comparative studies on the hibernation of other small winter-hibernating mammals, such as hamsters and dormice, weighing up to 100 grams.
This study reports the findings of a morphometric analysis conducted on 358 worker specimens of the white-tailed bumblebee, Bombus lucorum, which were collected from the Middle Lena Valley (Central Yakutia) and the Yana River Valley (Central Upper Yana Region, North-Eastern Yakutia). Statistical analyses, including one-way and two-way ANOVA, were employed to evaluate the data. The results indicated that bumblebees from the Central Upper Yana Region exhibited larger body and wing dimensions compared to their counterparts from Central Yakutia; however, significant differences were only noted in the measurements of the notum and abdomen widths (p < 0.01), as well as in all measurements of the front and hind wings (p < 0.001). These changes are posited to have developed as adaptations to more extreme natural and climatic conditions. Furthermore, it was observed that bumblebee workers of B. lucorum collected during the latter part of summer were statistically larger than those gathered earlier in the season. A notable difference was identified between two micropopulations within the Yana River Valley, where bumblebees from a non-transformed biotope were larger than those from a post-fire succession, likely attributable to variations in the availability of trophic resources. In the Middle Lena Valley, the body size of B. lucorum exhibited a significant correlation with forage availability, with larger individuals preferentially utilizing larger plants and inflorescences. Consequently, the sizes and proportions of bumblebee workers of B. lucorum in the North are influenced by a variety of environmental factors, including climatic and biotopic conditions, as well as the availability of trophic resources.
The construction of linear structures significantly impacts the livelihoods of wild ungulates in Yakutia, disrupting the integrity of the natural environment by fragmenting forest areas and reducing the extent of forest biocenoses and wildlife habitats. Between 2015 and 2022, studies were conducted to assess the impact of the Berkakit–Tommot–Nizhny Bestyakh railway on the movements of wild ungulates in Central Yakutia. During the winter months (November to January), seven trails, totaling 280 km, were surveyed along a 40 km section of the railway. A total of 115 tracks from four species of wild ungulates—Siberian roe deer, wild reindeer, red deer, and elk—were recorded over various years. We observed that the negative impact of the engineering structure on the movements of wild ungulates was primarily evident during the initial phase of its construction. During the early stages of railway construction, the high level of disturbance and the introduction of an unfamiliar artificial structure disrupted the natural movement patterns of wild ungulates. However, these patterns were restored following the completion of the railway. Wild ungulates exhibited varying responses to the unfamiliar artificial structure: wild reindeer began to cross the railway in the first year after its construction, while roe deer and red deer did so within one year, and elk took six years to adapt. The natural movement routes of wild ungulates were reestablished four to five years after the railway was completed. The succession of vegetation in the altered forest landscapes along the railway enhanced the forage base for roe deer, red deer, and elk, as abundant grass and shrub cover emerged, leading to the development of new alternative habitats in the previously disturbed areas. Therefore, the Berkakit-Tommot-Nizhny Bestyakh railway, at its current level of operational intensity, does not pose a significant threat to the movement paths of wild ungulates.
MATERIALS SCIENCE AND CHEMICAL TECHNOLOGIES
The present study outlines the synthesis of carbon that include graphene flakes. The production process employed rapid Joule heating of a mixture consisting of finely dispersed polypropylene powder and carbon black in a 1:1 ratio. An experimental model of the installation was developed and constructed, based on a capacitor bank with a total capacitance of 32 mF and an inductor with a nominal value of 24 mH for production purposes. A solution was prepared that included a colloidal dispersion of epoxy resins, an amine hardener in a mixture of deionized water and ethyl alcohol in a ratio of 4:0.6:10, along with 1 wt. % of the resulting carbon powder and carbon black, to be used as an impregnating compound for glass fibers. The estimated synthesis temperature reached up to 2200 °C, with a duration of approximately 32 ms. Studies of Raman spectra and optical density in the UV range indicate that the synthesized carbon powders contain graphene flakes with lateral dimensions of up to 13 nm. The results of elemental analysis reveal a significant increase in the carbon atom content in the impregnated fiber compared to the original glass fiber. Electrical measurements of the temperature dependence of the current-voltage (C-V) characteristics demonstrated the presence of electrical conductivity at low temperatures, corresponding to a resistance of up to 8 MΩ/sq. In the future, electrical conductivity may be enhanced by increasing the discharge power. The developed configuration for fast Joule heating has the potential to be integrated into the field of efficient recycling of plastic waste. The resulting carbon powders can serve as modifying additives for glass fiber used in the production of fiberglass concretes.
In contemporary material’s science, the development of high-strength composite materials derived from polymers represents a significant strategic focus. A promising method to enhance the mechanical properties of these materials involves the incorporation of fibrous fillers as modifiers within the polymer matrix, which markedly improves loadbearing capacity. This research investigates the effects of basalt and carbon fibers on the mechanical and tribological characteristics, and on the structural formation processes in ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). The fibrous fillers were introduced into the polymer matrix without prior modification at concentrations of 5, 10, and 20 weight percent. Notably, composites containing 20 weight percent carbon fiber exhibited the most pronounced enhancement in elastic modulus, achieving an impressive increase of 66 %. Additionally, a significant reduction in the coefficient of friction was observed, with a decrease of 65 % relative to the unmodified polymer. Furthermore, the wear rate was found to decrease by 23 %. The addition of both carbon and basalt fibers into UHMWPE led to substantial improvements in tensile strength, with increases of 37 % and 28 %, respectively. Analysis of the friction surfaces of the composites through infrared spectroscopy indicated that neither type of fiber influenced the tribochemical processes during wear. The morphological examination of the friction surfaces suggested that carbon fiber possesses a comparative advantage over basalt, contributing to orientation effects and the formation of a wear-resistant layer. The materials developed in this study hold potential applications in the production of antifriction components, particularly for highly loaded sliding bearing elements in bridge structures.
ISSN 2686-9683 (Online)