Lena flow showed considerable, mostly climate-induced, changes in the recent 30–40 years. The character of these changes at the river watershed–sea border somewhat differs from that in the basin outlet station because of flow transformations in the near-mouth reach and, especially, in the delta. The new stationary and occasional expedition observations were used to improve the estimates of the major characteristics of the discharges of water, suspended sediment, and heat in the Lena outlet section and to identify the features and causes of their long-term and seasonal variations. Another important result is the estimation of flow characteristic in the reach downstream of the basin outlet station, at delta head, and on its coastline. New data are given on the present-day distribution of water and suspended sediment discharges between the major delta branches, their long-term variations, and the character of inundation of the near-head delta area during spring floods.;Lena flow showed considerable, mostly climate-induced, changes in the recent 30–40 years. The character of these changes at the river watershed–sea border somewhat differs from that in the basin outlet station because of flow transformations in the near-mouth reach and, especially, in the delta. The new stationary and occasional expedition observations were used to improve the estimates of the major characteristics of the discharges of water, suspended sediment, and heat in the Lena outlet section and to identify the features and causes of their long-term and seasonal variations. Another important result is the estimation of flow characteristic in the reach downstream of the basin outlet station, at delta head, and on its coastline. New data are given on the present-day distribution of water and suspended sediment discharges between the major delta branches, their long-term variations, and the character of inundation of the near-head delta area during spring floods.;Lena flow showed considerable, mostly climate-induced, changes in the recent 30–40 years. The character of these changes at the river watershed–sea border somewhat differs from that in the basin outlet station because of flow transformations in the near-mouth reach and, especially, in the delta. The new stationary and occasional expedition observations were used to improve the estimates of the major characteristics of the discharges of water, suspended sediment, and heat in the Lena outlet section and to identify the features and causes of their long-term and seasonal variations. Another important result is the estimation of flow characteristic in the reach downstream of the basin outlet station, at delta head, and on its coastline. New data are given on the present-day distribution of water and suspended sediment discharges between the major delta branches, their long-term variations, and the character of inundation of the near-head delta area during spring floods.

Characteristics of carbon storage and density in different layers of forest ecosystems should be studied comprehensively and in more detail. Using forest inventory data in combination with field survey data, we explored the characteristics of carbon storage and density in different layers of forest ecosystems in Liaoning Province of China. Results showed that total carbon storage was 813.034 Tg C. The carbon storage of soil layer accounted for 81.0% of the total storage with 658.783 Tg C, followed by those of arbor, litter and shrub layers with 128.403 Tg C (15.8%), 22.723 Tg C (2.8%) and 3.125 Tg C (0.4%), respectively. The average carbon density for the forest ecosystems were 183.571 Mg C ha–1, with soil layer (148.744 Mg C ha–1) being the highest one, followed by arbor layer (28.992 Mg C ha–1), litter layer (5.131 Mg C ha–1) and shrub-grass layer (0.706 Mg C ha–1). Carbon storage in different forest ecosystems varied from 1.595 to 319.161 Tg C, while C density ranged from 165.067 to 235.947Mg C ha–1, with the highest and lowest values being observed in soil layer and shrub-grass layers, respectively, implying that soil is the main body of forest carbon storage. Young-aged forests accounted for a greater proportion of forests in the Province than forests in other age classes; and proper management of forests could increase the carbon sequestration in the forest ecosystems. The comparison with previous estimations of carbon storage for forest ecosystem implied that methods and data used for forest carbon storage estimation affected the results of estimates obviously.;Characteristics of carbon storage and density in different layers of forest ecosystems should be studied comprehensively and in more detail. Using forest inventory data in combination with field survey data, we explored the characteristics of carbon storage and density in different layers of forest ecosystems in Liaoning Province of China. Results showed that total carbon storage was 813.034 Tg C. The carbon storage of soil layer accounted for 81.0% of the total storage with 658.783 Tg C, followed by those of arbor, litter and shrub layers with 128.403 Tg C (15.8%), 22.723 Tg C (2.8%) and 3.125 Tg C (0.4%), respectively. The average carbon density for the forest ecosystems were 183.571 Mg C ha–1, with soil layer (148.744 Mg C ha–1) being the highest one, followed by arbor layer (28.992 Mg C ha–1), litter layer (5.131 Mg C ha–1) and shrub-grass layer (0.706 Mg C ha–1). Carbon storage in different forest ecosystems varied from 1.595 to 319.161 Tg C, while C density ranged from 165.067 to 235.947Mg C ha–1, with the highest and lowest values being observed in soil layer and shrub-grass layers, respectively, implying that soil is the main body of forest carbon storage. Young-aged forests accounted for a greater proportion of forests in the Province than forests in other age classes; and proper management of forests could increase the carbon sequestration in the forest ecosystems. The comparison with previous estimations of carbon storage for forest ecosystem implied that methods and data used for forest carbon storage estimation affected the results of estimates obviously.;Characteristics of carbon storage and density in different layers of forest ecosystems should be studied comprehensively and in more detail. Using forest inventory data in combination with field survey data, we explored the characteristics of carbon storage and density in different layers of forest ecosystems in Liaoning Province of China. Results showed that total carbon storage was 813.034 Tg C. The carbon storage of soil layer accounted for 81.0% of the total storage with 658.783 Tg C, followed by those of arbor, litter and shrub layers with 128.403 Tg C (15.8%), 22.723 Tg C (2.8%) and 3.125 Tg C (0.4%), respectively. The average carbon density for the forest ecosystems were 183.571 Mg C ha–1, with soil layer (148.744 Mg C ha–1) being the highest one, followed by arbor layer (28.992 Mg C ha–1), litter layer (5.131 Mg C ha–1) and shrub-grass layer (0.706 Mg C ha–1). Carbon storage in different forest ecosystems varied from 1.595 to 319.161 Tg C, while C density ranged from 165.067 to 235.947Mg C ha–1, with the highest and lowest values being observed in soil layer and shrub-grass layers, respectively, implying that soil is the main body of forest carbon storage. Young-aged forests accounted for a greater proportion of forests in the Province than forests in other age classes; and proper management of forests could increase the carbon sequestration in the forest ecosystems. The comparison with previous estimations of carbon storage for forest ecosystem implied that methods and data used for forest carbon storage estimation affected the results of estimates obviously.

The results of hydrophysical studies of the soda Doroninskoe Lake (Uletovskii raion, Zabaikal’skii krai) are presented. Conclusions are presented regarding the character of heat and mass exchange and the causes of formation and stability of the meromictic regime of the water body. The main factors are revealed that affect the character of lake hydrological regime in winter and summer. The seasonal dynamics of the chemocline is shown to be determined by a joint effect of many external and internal factors and to be an integral indicator of physical, chemical, and biochemical processes in the lake.;The results of hydrophysical studies of the soda Doroninskoe Lake (Uletovskii raion, Zabaikal’skii krai) are presented. Conclusions are presented regarding the character of heat and mass exchange and the causes of formation and stability of the meromictic regime of the water body. The main factors are revealed that affect the character of lake hydrological regime in winter and summer. The seasonal dynamics of the chemocline is shown to be determined by a joint effect of many external and internal factors and to be an integral indicator of physical, chemical, and biochemical processes in the lake.;The results of hydrophysical studies of the soda Doroninskoe Lake (Uletovskii raion, Zabaikal’skii krai) are presented. Conclusions are presented regarding the character of heat and mass exchange and the causes of formation and stability of the meromictic regime of the water body. The main factors are revealed that affect the character of lake hydrological regime in winter and summer. The seasonal dynamics of the chemocline is shown to be determined by a joint effect of many external and internal factors and to be an integral indicator of physical, chemical, and biochemical processes in the lake.

Headcut, known as knickpoint migration too, is developed due to sudden change in channel bed followed by bed scour and erosion which progressing upstream. The results are the downstream morphological change and transporting massive sediment to the downstream reservoir. Most of the past studies focus on non-cohesive soils, although many problems occur because of cohesive soils. In this study, 10 different samples of cohesive soils in long term consolidation with different composition of silt and clay were tested under different circumstances of waterfall height and flow velocity to investigate the neck migration rate and the sediment yield. Tests were continued to reach a constant migration rate. One of the effective phenomena in all tests was tensional cracks on soil surface. The size and number of these cracks have inverse relation with percent of clay. Because of these cracks, massive erosion occurs at the beginning of all tests. By reducing percent of clay, headcut, waterfall height and sediment yield were increased and by reducing waterfall height and flow velocity these parameters were reduced. In lower percent of clay, headcut erosion will occur quickly with more slants. Caving phenomenon was not observed in any tests and massive erosion rate was more quickly.;Headcut, known as knickpoint migration too, is developed due to sudden change in channel bed followed by bed scour and erosion which progressing upstream. The results are the downstream morphological change and transporting massive sediment to the downstream reservoir. Most of the past studies focus on non-cohesive soils, although many problems occur because of cohesive soils. In this study, 10 different samples of cohesive soils in long term consolidation with different composition of silt and clay were tested under different circumstances of waterfall height and flow velocity to investigate the neck migration rate and the sediment yield. Tests were continued to reach a constant migration rate. One of the effective phenomena in all tests was tensional cracks on soil surface. The size and number of these cracks have inverse relation with percent of clay. Because of these cracks, massive erosion occurs at the beginning of all tests. By reducing percent of clay, headcut, waterfall height and sediment yield were increased and by reducing waterfall height and flow velocity these parameters were reduced. In lower percent of clay, headcut erosion will occur quickly with more slants. Caving phenomenon was not observed in any tests and massive erosion rate was more quickly.;Headcut, known as knickpoint migration too, is developed due to sudden change in channel bed followed by bed scour and erosion which progressing upstream. The results are the downstream morphological change and transporting massive sediment to the downstream reservoir. Most of the past studies focus on non-cohesive soils, although many problems occur because of cohesive soils. In this study, 10 different samples of cohesive soils in long term consolidation with different composition of silt and clay were tested under different circumstances of waterfall height and flow velocity to investigate the neck migration rate and the sediment yield. Tests were continued to reach a constant migration rate. One of the effective phenomena in all tests was tensional cracks on soil surface. The size and number of these cracks have inverse relation with percent of clay. Because of these cracks, massive erosion occurs at the beginning of all tests. By reducing percent of clay, headcut, waterfall height and sediment yield were increased and by reducing waterfall height and flow velocity these parameters were reduced. In lower percent of clay, headcut erosion will occur quickly with more slants. Caving phenomenon was not observed in any tests and massive erosion rate was more quickly.

The Olenek Artesian Basin contains in its subsurface huge reserves of hydromineral resources with extremely high concentrations of many useful components. The presented estimates of prospective reserves of brines drained by a large diamond-mining quarry proves the extremely high potential of the use of “liquid ore” as an alternative to solid mineral deposits.;The Olenek Artesian Basin contains in its subsurface huge reserves of hydromineral resources with extremely high concentrations of many useful components. The presented estimates of prospective reserves of brines drained by a large diamond-mining quarry proves the extremely high potential of the use of “liquid ore” as an alternative to solid mineral deposits.;The Olenek Artesian Basin contains in its subsurface huge reserves of hydromineral resources with extremely high concentrations of many useful components. The presented estimates of prospective reserves of brines drained by a large diamond-mining quarry proves the extremely high potential of the use of “liquid ore” as an alternative to solid mineral deposits.

Observations of 2006–2013 were used to characterize water in the Eastern Bosporus Strait (Peter the Great Gulf, the Sea of Japan) by dissolved oxygen concentration and its biochemical demand. The mean monthly concentrations of oxygen in bottom water layer were found to have decreased considerably compared with the mean values in 1981–1985, and its minimal values were observed within four months—from July to October. The low oxygen concentrations in summer were found to be due mostly to oxygen-deficient water from Amursky Bay.;Observations of 2006–2013 were used to characterize water in the Eastern Bosporus Strait (Peter the Great Gulf, the Sea of Japan) by dissolved oxygen concentration and its biochemical demand. The mean monthly concentrations of oxygen in bottom water layer were found to have decreased considerably compared with the mean values in 1981–1985, and its minimal values were observed within four months—from July to October. The low oxygen concentrations in summer were found to be due mostly to oxygen-deficient water from Amursky Bay.;Observations of 2006–2013 were used to characterize water in the Eastern Bosporus Strait (Peter the Great Gulf, the Sea of Japan) by dissolved oxygen concentration and its biochemical demand. The mean monthly concentrations of oxygen in bottom water layer were found to have decreased considerably compared with the mean values in 1981–1985, and its minimal values were observed within four months—from July to October. The low oxygen concentrations in summer were found to be due mostly to oxygen-deficient water from Amursky Bay.

Materials of expedition studies in 2013 in the Prielbrus’e National Park were used to analyze the concentrations of a wide range of pollutants (SO4 2-, Cl?, Na+, K+, F?, Mn, Cu, Zn, Pb, Cr, Ni, NO3 -, NH4 +) in the water of mountain rivers forming the main artery of the region, the Baksan R. The analyzed data characterize seasonal variations in pollutant concentrations at seven sampling sections and their dynamics along the river down to the 35th km from the source in different seasons.;Materials of expedition studies in 2013 in the Prielbrus’e National Park were used to analyze the concentrations of a wide range of pollutants (SO42-, Cl?, Na+, K+, F?, Mn, Cu, Zn, Pb, Cr, Ni, NO3-, NH4+) in the water of mountain rivers forming the main artery of the region, the Baksan R. The analyzed data characterize seasonal variations in pollutant concentrations at seven sampling sections and their dynamics along the river down to the 35th km from the source in different seasons.;Materials of expedition studies in 2013 in the Prielbrus’e National Park were used to analyze the concentrations of a wide range of pollutants (SO42-, Cl?, Na+, K+, F?, Mn, Cu, Zn, Pb, Cr, Ni, NO3-, NH4+) in the water of mountain rivers forming the main artery of the region, the Baksan R. The analyzed data characterize seasonal variations in pollutant concentrations at seven sampling sections and their dynamics along the river down to the 35th km from the source in different seasons.

During preliminary flood risk assessment in Lithuania 54 significant flood areas (SFA) were identified. The detailed flood hazard and risk maps were prepared for these areas in 2014. European Union Floods Directive does not indicate the concrete criteria for SFA delineation. The uncertainty analysis shows that the total length of SFA is not very sensitive to used methodology. In some rivers the uncertainties of 100 year flood peek discharge (Q1%) were large, but the variation of SFA boundary location was relatively small due to properties of hydrological network. The catchment area and Q1% change rapidly near the junction with large tributaries, so the boundaries of SFA are usually attached to these junctions. The formal criteria are mostly used to evaluate the possibility of significant floods, but the delineation of SFA is usually based on subjective decision.;During preliminary flood risk assessment in Lithuania 54 significant flood areas (SFA) were identified. The detailed flood hazard and risk maps were prepared for these areas in 2014. European Union Floods Directive does not indicate the concrete criteria for SFA delineation. The uncertainty analysis shows that the total length of SFA is not very sensitive to used methodology. In some rivers the uncertainties of 100 year flood peek discharge (Q1%) were large, but the variation of SFA boundary location was relatively small due to properties of hydrological network. The catchment area and Q1% change rapidly near the junction with large tributaries, so the boundaries of SFA are usually attached to these junctions. The formal criteria are mostly used to evaluate the possibility of significant floods, but the delineation of SFA is usually based on subjective decision.;During preliminary flood risk assessment in Lithuania 54 significant flood areas (SFA) were identified. The detailed flood hazard and risk maps were prepared for these areas in 2014. European Union Floods Directive does not indicate the concrete criteria for SFA delineation. The uncertainty analysis shows that the total length of SFA is not very sensitive to used methodology. In some rivers the uncertainties of 100 year flood peek discharge (Q 1%) were large, but the variation of SFA boundary location was relatively small due to properties of hydrological network. The catchment area and Q 1% change rapidly near the junction with large tributaries, so the boundaries of SFA are usually attached to these junctions. The formal criteria are mostly used to evaluate the possibility of significant floods, but the delineation of SFA is usually based on subjective decision.

Seasonal and spatial dynamics of the concentrations of major ions, biogenic elements, organic matter, and microelements in Gusinoe Lake water are studied. The economic activity on lake coast has caused an increase in the concentrations of sulfate, sodium, and biogenic and organic matter in areas subject to direct technogenic impact. Lake areas subject to different technogenic impacts were found to differ in water mineralization and pH and the concentrations of microelements. The concentrations of Mo and Sr in lake water are 12–14 and 2–4 times greater than Russian MACs for water bodies used for fishery, respectively.;Seasonal and spatial dynamics of the concentrations of major ions, biogenic elements, organic matter, and microelements in Gusinoe Lake water are studied. The economic activity on lake coast has caused an increase in the concentrations of sulfate, sodium, and biogenic and organic matter in areas subject to direct technogenic impact. Lake areas subject to different technogenic impacts were found to differ in water mineralization and pH and the concentrations of microelements. The concentrations of Mo and Sr in lake water are 12–14 and 2–4 times greater than Russian MACs for water bodies used for fishery, respectively.;Seasonal and spatial dynamics of the concentrations of major ions, biogenic elements, organic matter, and microelements in Gusinoe Lake water are studied. The economic activity on lake coast has caused an increase in the concentrations of sulfate, sodium, and biogenic and organic matter in areas subject to direct technogenic impact. Lake areas subject to different technogenic impacts were found to differ in water mineralization and pH and the concentrations of microelements. The concentrations of Mo and Sr in lake water are 12–14 and 2–4 times greater than Russian MACs for water bodies used for fishery, respectively.

The variation in the body shape of crucian and prussian carps has been studied by methods of geometric morphometrics in sympatric populations from two geographically close lakes in the Southern Urals subjected to different degrees of contamination with anthropogenic radionuclides. Along with particular interspecies features, interpopulation differences have been detected as multidirectional reorganization of cyprinid morphogenesis under different ecological conditions of adjacent lakes. The morphogenetic divergence of crucian carp from adjacent lakes is almost two times smaller than that of the prussian carp coexisting with them. The increased intragroup morphodiversity in prussian carp indicates incomplete adaptation of the fish to anthropogenic radionuclide contamination of the lakes and their high morphogenetic plasticity and high adaptive potential than in crucian carp.;The variation in the body shape of crucian and prussian carps has been studied by methods of geometric morphometrics in sympatric populations from two geographically close lakes in the Southern Urals subjected to different degrees of contamination with anthropogenic radionuclides. Along with particular interspecies features, interpopulation differences have been detected as multidirectional reorganization of cyprinid morphogenesis under different ecological conditions of adjacent lakes. The morphogenetic divergence of crucian carp from adjacent lakes is almost two times smaller than that of the prussian carp coexisting with them. The increased intragroup morphodiversity in prussian carp indicates incomplete adaptation of the fish to anthropogenic radionuclide contamination of the lakes and their high morphogenetic plasticity and high adaptive potential than in crucian carp.;The variation in the body shape of crucian and prussian carps has been studied by methods of geometric morphometrics in sympatric populations from two geographically close lakes in the Southern Urals subjected to different degrees of contamination with anthropogenic radionuclides. Along with particular interspecies features, interpopulation differences have been detected as multidirectional reorganization of cyprinid morphogenesis under different ecological conditions of adjacent lakes. The morphogenetic divergence of crucian carp from adjacent lakes is almost two times smaller than that of the prussian carp coexisting with them. The increased intragroup morphodiversity in prussian carp indicates incomplete adaptation of the fish to anthropogenic radionuclide contamination of the lakes and their high morphogenetic plasticity and high adaptive potential than in crucian carp.