Vol 58, No 3 (2018)

We study the energy exchange between jets of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC) and synoptic eddies generated by them in the surface layer of the ocean in the Drake Passage and Scotia Sea based on 22-year-long satellite altimetry time series from the French CLS Agency (DT Global–MADT–Upd product, http://www.aviso.altimetry.fr) under the assumption, based on observations, that each of the jets is confined between two fixed contour lines of the absolute dynamic topography of the ocean. We calculate and analyze the 22-year evolution of the kinetic energy of each ACC jet and cyclonic and anticyclonic eddies generated by it. We demonstrate the fundamental dependence of fluctuations in jet energy on the phase of their meander and eddy formation, as well as their back absorption by jets. We calculate the mean and extreme energetic characteristics of jets and eddies and compare the jets in terms of the intensity of the generated eddies.

The paper presents information on joint research of the short-term (tidal and synoptic) variability of the hydrological and hydrochemical parameters during the summer 2016 low-water period in mesotidal estuary of the Kyanda River, which flows into Onega Bay, the White Sea. It is demonstrated that semidiurnal, diurnal, and synoptic variations of almost all observed parameters are significant and differ notably along the estuary.

Based on long-term (1985–1995) monitoring data, the paper considers the peculiarities of seasonal variability in the spatial and vertical distribution of particulate organic phosphorus (Р_POM) in the surface layer and in the photosynthetic zone in the northwestern Black Sea. Regression equations, experimental data, and satellite observations for the chlorophyll a concentration allowed us to evaluate the seasonal longterm (1979–1995) variability in Р_POM in the surface layer and photosynthesis zone. The ratios of the concentrations of particulate organic carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and chlorophyll a are calculated and statistical estimates of seasonal changes in the Р_POM in the areas with different degrees of influence of river runoff and water of open seas are obtained. The consistency of intra-annual changes in the concentrations of Р_POM, chlorophyll a, and phytoplankton biomass is shown, which indicates the role of phytoplankton in the formation of Р_POM and in its intra- and interannual variability in the northwestern part of the sea. It is shown that long-term seasonal variations in Р_POM and related changes in the concentration of chlorophyll a depend on the variability of bulk river runoff, the extent of its abundance in the northwestern shelf, and regional hydrometeorological conditions.

Primary production of phytoplankton and ice and under-ice flora of the Kara Sea and regions thereof has been assessed using region-specific models and MODIS-Aqua satellite data for 2002–2015. Average annual primary production of phytoplankton calculated for the growing season (April–October) amounted to 165 mg С m^–2 day^–1. Annual primary production of phytoplankton was 35 g C/m². Annual primary production of phytoplankton in the entire Kara Sea was 13 × 10¹² g C. Annual primary production of ice and underice flora calculated using an integrated biophysical model was 1.7 × 10¹² g C, or 12% of total primary production of the Kara Sea; the ice cover dynamics and published data were taken into account for the calculations. The results have been compared to earlier primary production estimates for the Kara Sea. The extent of the increase in sea productivity during warming of the Arctic and the decrease in ice cover area are discussed.

Results of plankton biota studies in the southwestern Kara are presented. The spatial distribution of hydrochemical and hydrophysical parameters related to structural and functional characteristics of phytoplankton in the surface water is considered. The chlorophyll a concentration varied in the surface layer of the Kara Sea from 0.08 to 3.22 mg m^–3 (mean value 0.62 mg m^–3). Primary production varied from 0 to 1.92 mg C m^–3 day^–1 (the mean value of 0.42 mg C m^–3 day^–1) in the ice-covered water areas and was greater by a factor of four, ranging from 1.01 to 3.46 mg C m^–3 day^–1 (the mean value of 1.79 mg C m^–3 day^–1) in ice-free areas. In this case, the total algal biomass varied from 0.8 to 110.7 mg C m^–3 (mean value 10.6 mg C m^–3). It is shown that in the study period, waters from the western Kara Sea were more productive than the estuarine water areas of the Ob and Yenisei rivers. The activity of phototrophic phytoplankton in river waters was almost completely absent. It is established that the contents of nutrients and iron were higher than the threshold for limitation of phytoplankton development. The experiments showed that the production activity of phototrophic algae is restrained by light deficit beneath the ice.

The spatiotemporal distribution of harp seal pups around breeding grounds in the White Sea is considered. It is shown that spatial localization of groups of females with different terms of mass pup birth takes place. This somewhat confirms the data on the gregarious structure of White Sea harp seal population. It is possible to explain the structure of this adaptation of the seal population to different living conditions in different feeding areas.

Landslide processes on the western slope of the Kuril Basin were studied using bathymetry and seismic data obtained under the international KOMEX and SSGH projects. Slope areas containing landslides, landslide blocks and mass-transport deposits were distinguished. Large-scale landslides occupying an area of more than 100 km² are located in such areas of open continental margins as the slopes of the North Hokkaido Marginal Plateau and Terpeniya Ridge. Landslide blocks up to 2 km in size and mass-transport deposits are located in submarine canyons and fans in Terpeniya Bay. The age of landslides has been estimated as Middle Pleistocene–Holocene. Landslides are most likely triggered by seismic activity and gas saturation of sediments. Subsequent slope failure seems quite probable within the study area, and landslides capable of generating tsunamis may occur.

The tectonic evolution of the transition zone from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean is closely linked with the destruction of the American–Antarctic continental bridge in the Scotia Sea. The western segment of the bridge combines the Terror, Pirie, and Bruce banks, as well as the Protector and Dove basins between them. Modeling—primarily based on original geological and geophysical materials—of linear magnetic anomalies and calculation of the floor kinematics in these basins have made it possible for the first time to reveal that the collapse of the western segment of the American–Antarctic continental bridge occurred 18–25 Ma ago via a two-stage separation of the Pirie Rise from the Bruce Rise with the formation of the Dove Basin and a two stage separation of the Terror Rise from the Pirie Rise with the formation of the Protector Basin.

Constant seacoast changes represent a natural process for coastal geosystems; moreover, the extent of technogenically transformed coasts is constantly growing. It is impossible to create coastal economic development and conservation plans without understanding how environmental conditions and technogenic transformation affect coastal geosystems. Successful integrated use of the seacoast requires reliable information on the magnitude of observed and projected changes, the admissibility of anthropogenic changes to the coast, and adaption of economic activity to such possible changes. The paper discusses the basic principles for comprehensively assessing Russian coastal areas. A system of criteria is proposed to qualitatively assess the economic and environmental importance of individual coastal areas and their resistance to possible changes. These criteria are tested in some areas of Russia’s Azov–Black Sea coast. A preliminary assessment has shown that accumulative shores are the most dynamic and prone to natural hazards.

The present work aimed to study the influence of mercuric chloride (HgCl₂) on pigment content (chlorophyll a and pheophytin) in sediment traps on the basis of experimental data. The marine microalgal cultures of Conticribra weissflogii (Mediophyceae), Tetraselmis viridis (Chlorodendrophyceae), Amphidinium carterae (Dinophyceae), Nannochloropsis sp. (Eustigmatophyceae) were used. The obtained results revealed that the influence of mercury on pigment content as well as on photosynthetic activity was different in different species. The considerable decrease in phytopigments content was observed in Amphidinium carterae and Conticribra weissflogii, while the proportion of pheophytin increased. The pigment content of Tetraselmis viridis was not different from the control line, while for Nannochloropsis sp. the increase in pigment concentration was noticed. The complete immediate inhibition of photosynthetic activity was observed in Conticribra weissflogii, Tetraselmis viridis, Amphidinium carterae, while Nannochloropsis sp. responded only after 24 h of exposition. The pigment degradation rate was almost the same for diatoms and dinoflagellates. The equation for estimating the phytopigments content in sediment traps, that takes into consideration the exposition time, is proposed.