Vertical Resolved Dust Mass Concentration and Backscatter Coefficient Retrieval of Asian Dust Plume Using Quartz Raman Channel in Lidar Measurements

In this work, we present a method for estimating vertical resolved mass concentration of dust immersed in Asian dust plume using Raman scattering of quartz (silicon dioxide, silica). During the Asian dust period of March 15, 16, and 21 in 2010, Raman lidar measurements detected the presence of quartz, and successfully showed the vertical profiles of the quartz backscatter coefficient. Since the Raman backscatter coefficient was connected with the Raman backscatter differential cross section and the number density of quartz molecules, the mass concentration of quartz in the atmosphere can be estimated from the quartz backscatter coefficient. The weight percentage from 40 to 70 % for quartz in the Asian dust was estimated from references. The vertical resolved mass concentration of dust was estimated by quartz mass concentration and weight percentage. We also present a retrieval method to obtain dust backscatter coefficient from the mixed Asian dust and pollutant layer. OPAC (Optical Properties of Aerosol and Clouds) simulations were conducted to calculate dust backscatter coefficient. The retrieved dust mass concentration was used as an input parameter for the OPAC calculations. These approaches in the study will be useful for characterizing the quartz dominated in the atmospheric aerosols and estimating vertical resolved mass concentration of dust. It will be especially applicable for optically distinguishing the dust and non-dust aerosols in studies on the mixing state of Asian dust plume. Additionally, the presented method combined with satellite observations is enable qualitative and quantitative monitoring for Asian dust

Some geo-botanic features of the Kurile Islands

Results of many years research of geo-botanic of the Kurile Islands are presented in article. Vegetation spatial structure of the Kurile Islands is conditioned by complex interactions of endogenous and exogenous factors. Meridional extension for almost 1200 km determines a significant climatic differenciation within archipelago. It is resulted in changes of vertical vegetation zones in the different regions of Kurile Islands. System of hot and cold currents in the adjacent sea water is the factor of asymmetry of vegetation. Special traits of archipelago are determined by the volcanic activit

Legal ecological zoning with estimation of complexity of the landscape organization of the protected zones of Russkiy Island

We have carried out legal ecological zoning of Russkiy Island. The categories of protected lands have been defined on the island in agreement with a normative legal base. Data processing of remote sensing, the digital models of a relief, and the data of the state registers has allowed us to calculate the areas of protected lands and to obtain a cartographical image of legal ecological zoning of Russkiy Island. Using quantity indicators, data processing of the landscape organization has allowed us to analyze the features of a spatial structure of landscapes, landscape complexity, and a landscape variety of the protected zones of Russkiy Island. For comparison the analysis of the landscapes of the unprotected territory was carried out too. The analysis of complexity of a landscape drawing and a landscape variety implemented in the present work defines the territory of the protected lands as the most difficult and non-uniform one by the landscape organization compared with the unprotected territory of the island. The estimation of the landscape organization of the protected zones of Russkiy Island is an important component part of the further studies directed to the formation of the balanced system of control by the island nature-economic system

Vladivostok vládnoucí východu? =Vladivostok: Ruling the East?

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Spatial landscape differentiation of the coastal geostructure of the Shkota Island, Sea of Japan

Existing plans for the development of the continental coast and the islands of the Peter the Great Bay suggest establishing of large economic clusters. The most important condition for achieving sustainable development of the emerging natural-economic system is to implement spatial planning of coastal zones. The work is based on the information about the natural complexes of the territory and water area, obtained through landscape approach. The territory of the Shkota Island and its submarine slopes were used as a key area for the study of the features of the spatial organization of landscapes of coastal geostructures. We used a complex of physiographic, geoecological, cartographic and statistical research methods. For terrestrial landscapes, 49 observation points are described and 4 profiles are laid; for underwater landscapes 64 observation points are described and 18 profiles are laid. As a result, a unified structural-genetic classification of land and underwater landscapes is established, the landscapes are mapped, and zones of interaction between aerial and aquatic natural complexes are identified. The results obtained are the basis for identifying priority types of coastal-marine environmental management, functional zoning and spatial planning

Research agenda for the Russian Far East and utilization of multi-platform comprehensive environmental observations

The Russian Far East is a region between China and the Russian Arctic with a diverse climatological, geophysical, oceanic, and economical characteristic. The southern region is located in the Far East monsoon sector, while the northern parts are affected by the Arctic Ocean and cold air masses penetrating far to the south. Growing economic activities and traffic connected to the China Belt and Road Initiative together with climate change are placing an increased pressure upon the Russian Far East environment. There is an urgent need to improve the capacity to measure the atmospheric and environmental pollution and analyze their sources and to quantify the relative roles of local and transported pollution emissions in the region. In the paper, we characterize the current environmental and socio-economical landscape of the Russian Far East and summarize the future climate scenarios and identify the key regional research questions. We discuss the research infrastructure concept, which is needed to answer the identified research questions. The integrated observations, filling in the critical observational gap at the Northern Eurasian context, are required to provide state-of-the-art observations and enable follow-up procedures that support local, regional, and global decision making in the environmental context.Peer reviewe