Purpose. We have identified the relationship between the number of years with four and five polar solar eclipses in a century and periods of pessimums that characterize the advance of Alpine glaciers in the Small Ice Ages of the VI-VII, XII-XIII, XVII-XIX centuries. Methodology and Approach. We have studied, summarized and calculated the data on the number of years with four (five) polar eclipses in a century from 2000 BC until 3000 AD. Years with four to five polar eclipses are often cold or abnormally cold. Logical and graphical analysis, as well as the synthesis of various data for the first and second millennia AD, shows that the centuries with frequent recurrence of such years (15-17 cases) with intervals between them of 3, 4 and 7 years correspond to the periods of glaciation of the Late Antique ice age and the Fernau oscillation. Conversely, during the periods of the Roman and Medieval optimums, when the number of years with four (five) polar eclipses was 2-5 per century, glaciers were warming and degrading. Results. It is shown that the anthropogenic causes of modern global warming, which will last until the middle of the 22nd century, are secondary. Orbital-cosmic factors that cause a change in the position of the total vector of gravitational forces of the Moon and the Sun are primary. Visually, its position describes the movement of the axis of the cone of the shadow of solar eclipses around the globe from equatorial to polar latitudes. In modern times, the number of years with four polar eclipses, as in the interglacial periods, does not exceed 6-7 cases. Theoretical and Practical implications. The results of the study can be used in retroanalysis of glaciation periods in the past and their prediction in the future. It should be born in mind that solar activity, volcanic activity, current intensity and heat transfer with the World Ocean can significantly enhance or weaken the manifestation of both optimums and pessimums. Based on the results of the study, we suggest that in the second half of the 22nd century, and throughout the entire 24th century, the advance of the Alpine glaciers will be noticeable.

Purpose. A comparative analysis is performed of the physicochemical properties of the upper soil layer of sand sites of natural and anthropogenic genesis, as well as background podzolic soils from the standpoint of assessing the restoration potential for vegetation under northern taiga conditions of Western Siberia. Methodology and Approach. Based on the example of seven sand pits located along the Nadym and Levaya Hetta rivers, a model blowing basin near the mouth of the Heigiyakha River (Longyugan) and two background forest plots, we have performed geobotanical descriptions and laboratory analysis of soil samples to determine the granulometric composition, physico-chemical properties and total content of oxides of chemical elements. Results. We have found that the disturbed soils in the surveyed quarries with common sand composition differ both from the soils of the blowing basin and from the background podzolic soils with a neutral environment and a high content of exchange phosphorus and potassium. From the point of view of vegetation renewal in quarries, unfavorable factors are aeolian impact on inclined windward surfaces and waterlogging in closed depressions, which leads to the soaking of the roots of pine undergrowth. Within the blowing basin, the weakening of the wind effect contributes to the increase in roughness due to the dune microrelief. Theoretical and Practical implications. The established significant differences in the physicochemical properties of the upper soil layer of sandy outcrops of various genesis will allow one to correct and increase the effectiveness of the applied technologies for biological reclamation of disturbed areas in the north of Western Siberia. The results obtained make it possible to justify the need for targeted measures to reduce active aeolian activity on dry river terraces, which have a low potential for natural recovery under conditions of intense anthropogenic impact.

Purpose. We determine the allocation criteria and propose a classification of existing de facto unrecognized states. Methodology and Approach. Information about areas of limited international legal personality is analyzed, including the existing studies of unrecognized states in Russia and abroad. The study uses statistical, historical, and cartographic methods. Results. Institutionalized unrecognized states (IUS’s) are identified. IUS’s have a common feature of the geopolitical position, political structure, demographic potential, and economic development. Such pseudostates can be classified into three groups: post-socialist, post-colonial, and non-secessionist. Theoretical and Practical implications. The research materials can be used to classify zones of transit statehood in the world. A recommendation is given to show the actually existing unrecognized states on political maps published in Russia.

Purpose. We identify the territorial features of the manifestation of competition regarding the issue of gas transportation among the countries in the post-Soviet space. Methodology and Approach. The study has been conducted on the basis of a database compiled by the author with allowance for all information provided by the leading operators of the main pipelines transporting gas through the territory of each state of the region in question. In addition, the results of the investigations carried out by industry analytical organizations have been properly considered. The conducted survey involves the geopolitical analysis and the comparative geographical method. Results. We have identified the countries that use gas pipelines as an instrument of their foreign policy as well as the geographical factors underlying this process; a connection has been established between the geographical orientation of gas pipelines and the geopolitical interests of the states involved in their functioning. The most important and problematic gas pipelines have been revealed in the context of Russia’s relations with the countries of this region; countries whose interests overlap with each other and, ultimately, with the interests of Russia in matters of gas transportation have been identified. Theoretical and Practical implications. A generalization of analytical materials on the activities of all export gas pipelines in the post-Soviet space allows one to predict the direction of transformation of the territorial organization transporting gas based on the relations between the countries of the region.

Purpose. The place of the renewable energy production in the overall energy production in Russia and abroad is identified for the last decade and for the near future. Methodology and Approach. The data of the EU statistical services and the information generated by the state statistics bodies of Russia and by the Russian Ministry of Energy together with the plans and the forecasts of the industry bodies are analyzed. Results. The study reveals the real scale of the introduction of renewable energy sources (RES’s) in the energy sector of Russia and foreign countries, their place in certain Russian regions, and the dynamics of their part in meeting the demand for power and generating capacity. The study demonstrates a rather modest role of the RES’s in the global energy balance and the energy balance of Russia, including medium-term period. Theoretical and Practical implications. This study generalizes a significant amount of the statistical data, including those difficult to obtain, concerning the RES-based power production; the problem of lacking commercial justification for the widespread construction of the RES-based generating capacities is considered.

Purpose. The cultural and historical potential of the Central Black Soil Zone (CBSZ) of Russia is studied and assessed. Methodology and Approach. The main methods for studying the historical and cultural potential of the macroregion include mathematical, geoinformation and expert assessments. On the basis of these methods we compiled an assessment scale and formulas for calculating the historical and cultural potential. Results. Zoning of the municipalities of the CBSZ has been completed, and the most suitable areas for the development of a particular type of tourism have been identified, including some spatial patterns of the distribution of anthropogenic recreational resources. Theoretical and Practical implications. The obtained results can be used in the territorial planning of tourist and recreational activities in the of the Central Black Soil Zone of Russia.

Purpose. The paper presents a new methodological approach, which combines the theoretical and practical parts of the educational process in the discipline “Environmental monitoring”. Methodology and Approach. Based on long-term didactical experience, we analyze related publications reflecting the results of discussions from lab meetings at the Faculty of Geography of Lomonosov Moscow State University and Institute of Geography and Geosciences of Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg. Policy related documents, programs and manuals as well as the method of participatory observation during lectures and seminars, with use of questionnaires and testing among the students, are also considered. Results. The effectiveness of the implementation of educational goals is evaluated and the features of teaching the environmental monitoring discipline and its scientific foundations are identified. A new approach to the educational process in the field of environmental monitoring (as a module) consists of theoretical, laboratory and field training parts. It provides a continuous process of education: theoretical knowledge in environmental monitoring, field training and sampling in zones of anthropogenic impact and intact areas, laboratory analysis of samples, and interpretation of field data. Theoretical and Practical implications. The integrated approach used in the teaching process has been developed jointly by Russian and German specialists and is aimed at improving the student learning program in order to achieve better results. It is based on taking into account current international standards and requirements, reflecting long-term experience of teaching the discipline at different univeristies.

Purpose. We have derived formulas for the prediction (calculation) of daily water discharges during the period of rainfall floods on the rivers of the Northern coast of the Sea of Okhotsk. Methodology and Approach. Averaged flood decay curves in relative ordinates have been calculated for nine hydrological posts. Then, an analytical approximation of these curves has been carried out, and relationships between the parameters of the equations of the curves and various hydrological and morphometric characteristics of the watersheds under consideration have been found. All calculations and graphical constructions have been performed using Microsoft Excel. Results. Recession curves are well approximated by a power function. The indicator of “relative depth of the summer low water” is proposed, which is associated with the degree of flow reduction. District formulas for calculating the hydrograph of runoff during the rainfall decline have been obtained. Using an example of a flash flood of rare frequency it is shown that for the studied river the average relative error is 8.4%, and for the unexplored one it is 16.8%. Theoretical and Practical implications. This technique will be useful for hydrologists-forecasters and specialists conducting engineering-hydrometeorological surveys.

Purpose. We study the effect of chronic alcohol intoxication on some biochemical and hematological parameters of the mammalian organism and the structure of the daily dynamics of these parameters. Procedure and research methods. The daily dynamics of biochemical and hematological parameters in one-year-old female Wistar rats is compared at norm and in the condition of chronic alcohol intoxication. Results of the study. It is found that chronic alcohol intoxication leads a number of significant changes in the biochemical and hematological profile of rats. Chronotoxicity of alcohol in the applied dosage in relation to the circadian rhythms of a significant part of the studied parameters is revealed. Theoretical / practical significance. New data on the negative effect of alcohol on the mammalian organism, represented by its chronotoxic effect, are obtained.