Remote Sensing and Local Knowledge of Hydrocarbon Exploitation: The Case of Bovanenkovo, Yamal Peninsula, West Siberia, Russia

The capacity of satellite imagery to detect anthropogenic impacts on land cover was assessed for the Bovanenkovo gas field on the Yamal Peninsula in northwest Siberia, which contains some of the world’s largest untapped gas deposits. The region is also the homeland of nomadic Nenets reindeer herders, whose annual migration between the tree line and the northern tundra exposes them to impacts associated with exploration and production activities. These range from physical obstructions, such as roads, railways, and pipelines, to direct and indirect ecological impacts, such as changes in vegetation and hydrology. Nenets’ perceptions of their territories encompass changes in the quantity and quality of terrestrial and freshwater habitats and campsites that have been used seasonally for centuries. Industrial impacts on land cover were examined at spatial scales from very detailed to coarse. Very-high-resolution Quickbird-2 imagery revealed the most impacts, but could not detect items like trash that reduce the quality of reindeer pastures. ASTER, SPOT, and Landsat imagery were useful at the broader landscape level. A proper assessment of the overall ecological impacts of hydrocarbon exploitation requires a combination of remote sensing and detailed ground-truthing. Ideally, these efforts should combine scientific and local knowledge from both indigenous herders and non-indigenous industrial workers.L’aptitude de l’imagerie satellitaire à détecter les incidences anthropogènes sur la couverture végétale a été évaluée dans le cas du champ de gaz naturel de Bovanenkovo, dans la péninsule de Yamal située dans le nord-ouest de la Sibérie où se trouve un des plus grands gisements de gaz inexploités du monde. Les Nénètses, ou éleveurs de rennes nomades, évoluent dans cette région et leur migration annuelle entre la limite forestière et la toundra du nord les met en contact avec les travaux d’exploration et de production du gaz. Il peut s’agir d’obstructions physiques prenant la forme de routes, de chemins de fer et de pipelines ou encore, d’incidences écologiques directes et indirectes touchant notamment la végétation et l’hydrologie. Les perceptions relatives aux territoires des Nénètses concernent des changements en matière de quantité et de qualité des habitats terrestres et d’eau douce ainsi que les lieux de campement qui sont utilisés d’une saison à l’autre depuis des siècles. Les incidences industrielles sur la couverture végétale ont été examinées à diverses échelles spatiales, allant de très détaillée à grossière. Les images de très haute résolution obtenues au moyen de Quickbird-2 ont permis de révéler le plus grand nombre d’incidences, mais n’ont pas permis de détecter des éléments tels que les ordures qui avaient pour effet d’amenuiser la qualité des pâturages destinés aux rennes. Les images obtenues à partir d’ASTER, de SPOT et de Landsat ont été utiles au niveau plus vaste du paysage. L’évaluation adéquate des incidences écologiques générales découlant de l’exploitation des hydrocarbures nécessite à la fois des outils de télédétection et le recours à des sites témoins. Idéalement, ces efforts devraient faire appel tant aux connaissances scientifiques que locales, connaissances provenant des éleveurs indigènes et des travailleurs industriels non-indigènes

Constraining the parameter space for the Solar Nebula

If we want to understand planetesimal formation, the only data set we have is our own Solar System. It is particularly interesting as it is so far the only planetary system we know of that developed life. Understanding the conditions under which the Solar Nebula evolved is crucial in order to understand the different processes in the disk and the subsequent dynamical interaction between (proto-)planets, once the gas disk is gone. Protoplanetary disks provide a plethora of different parameters to explore. The question is whether this parameter space can be constrained, allowing simulations to reproduce the Solar System. Models and observations of planet formation provide constraints on the initial planetesimal mass in certain regions of the Solar Nebula. By making use of pebble flux-regulated planetesimal formation, we perform a parameter study with nine different disk parameters like the initial disk mass, initial disk size, initial dust-to-gas ratio, turbulence level, and more. We find that the distribution of mass in planetesimals in the disk depends on the planetesimal formation timescale and the pebbles' drift timescale. Multiple disk parameters can influence pebble properties and thus planetesimal formation. However, it is still possible to draw some conclusions on potential parameter ranges. Pebble flux-regulated planetesimal formation seems to be very robust, allowing simulations with a wide range of parameters to meet the initial planetesimal constraints for the Solar Nebula. I.e., it does not require a lot of fine tuning.Comment: A&A accepte

Correlating electronic and magnetic coupling in large magnetic molecules via scanning tunneling microscopy

Contains fulltext : 175413.pdf (publisher's version ) (Open Access)7 p

ELISA - Experimental Large Italian Seismic Array

The Italian Seismic Network (ISN) operated by the INGV consists of more than 200 seismic stations and has recently been upgraded by some dozen broadband seismic stations (Nanometrics Trident 24 bit digitizers, Trillium seismometers). Real time data acquisition at Central Data Analysis Centre at the INGV-Rome is realized by satellite data transmission (Libra VSAT)

FUNCTIONALIZED SILICON-COMPOUNDS WITH OMEGA-TETRAMETHYL AND OMEGA-PENTAMETHYLCYCLOPENTADIENYLALKYL LIGANDS - MOLECULAR-COMPONENTS FOR THE PREPARATION OF METALLIC POLYMERS

Jutzi P, Heidemann T, Neumann B, Stammler H-G. Funktionalisierte Siliciumverbindungen mit [omega]-Tetramethyl- und [omega]-Pentamethylcyclopentadienylalkyl-Liganden: Molekulare Bausteine zur Darstellung von Metall-haltigen Polymeren. Journal of Organometallic Chemistry. 1994;472(1-2):27-38.Peralkylierte Cyclopentadien-Systeme des Typs Me5C5(CH2)3Si(Me)mY3-m, die über eine Alkyliden-Spacergruppe mit einer funktionalisierten Silan-Einheit verknüpft sind, sind auf zwei verschiedenen Wegen synthetisiert worden. Als Beispiel für den ersten Weg wird die Synthese des Disiloxans [Me5C5CH2)3Si(Me)2]2O (2) beschrieben, welches ausgehend von der Iodverbindung [I(CH2)3Si(Me)2]2O (1) durch Umsetzung mit Me5C5K dargestellt werden kann. Das Trichlorsilan Me5C5(CH2)3SiCl3 (4), als Synthesebeispiel für den zweiten Weg, ist über Hydrosilylierung von 1-Prop-2-enyl-1,2,3,4,5-pentamethylcyclopenta-2,4-dien (3) zugänglich. Beide Synthesewege sind auch zur Darstellung der teilweise alkylierten Cyclopentadiensysteme des Typs Me4HC5(CH2)3Si(Me)mY3-m geeignet. So führen die Umsetzungen der [omega]-Iodalkyl-triethoxysilane I(CH2)nSi(OEt)3 (n = 1, 2, 3) mit Me4HC5K zu den entsprechenden [omega]-(Tetramethylcyclopentadienyl)alkyl-triethoxysilanen 5–7. Verbindungen 5–7 liegen als Isomerengemische vor; das Verhältnis zwischen den Isomeren, die ein allylständiges oder ein vinylständiges Wasserstoffatom am Cyclopentadienring aufweisen, ist abhängig von der Spacerlänge. Isomerengemische der 4-(Tetramethylcyclopentadienyl)butyl-silane des Typs Me4HC5(CH2)4Si(Me)mCl3-m (m = 1, 2, 3) (8–10) mit ausschließlich allyiständigem Wasserstoffatom am Cyclopentadienring können durch Hydrositylierung von 1-But-3-enyl-2,3,4,5-tetramethyleyclopentadien dargestellt werden. Die am Siliciumatom funktionalisierten Verbindungen 2 und 4–10 können weiter derivatisiert werden. An ausgewählten Beispielen wird die Hydrolyse, die Alkoholyse, die reduktive Kupplung, die Heterogenisierung und die Polykondensationsreaktion näher untersucht. So erhält man das Silanol 12 und das Disiloxan 13, die Alkoxysilane 14–17, das Disilan 18 und die funktionalisierten Kieselgele 19–20. Verbindungen 2, 4–10 und 12–20 dienen als “Pool” zur Darstellung von Übergangsmetall-Derivaten. Beispielsweise wird die Dicarbonyl—Cobalt-Verbindung 21 durch Umsetzung von 8 mit Co2(CO)8 gebildet. Reaktion von 16 mit K und FeCl2 liefert das Ferrocen-Derivat 22. Die [eta]4-gebundenen Pt(II)- und Pd(II)-Komplexe 23–27 können durch Umsetzung der funktionalisierten Si---O-Verbindungen 2, 13, und 19–20 mit [PtCl2(Ethylen)]2 oder PdCl2(PhCN)2 erhalten werden.Peralkylated cyclopentadiene systems of the type Me5C5(CH2)3Si(Me)mY3-m, which possess cyclopentadiene units connected with a functionalized silane fragment by an alkylidene spacer group, are prepared via two routes. As an example of the first route, the disiloxane [Me5C5(CH2)3Si(Me)2]2O (2) has been synthesized from the corresponding iodo compound [I(CH2)3Si(Me)2]2O (1) by reaction with Me5C5K. The trichlorosilane Me5C5(CH2)3SiCl3 (4), as an example of a compound prepared via the second route, has been isolated after hydrosilylation of 1-prop-2-enyl-1,2,3,4,5-pentamethylcyclopenta-2,4-diene (3) with HSiCl3. Both synthetic methods are also suitable for the preparation of partly alkylated cyclopentadiene systems of the type Me4HC5(CH2)nSi(Me)mY3-m. Thus the omega-iodoalkyltriethoxysilanes I(CH2)nSi(OEt)3 (n = 1, 2, 3) react with Me4HC5K to give the corresponding omega-(tetramethyl-cyclopentadienyl)alkyl-triethoxysilanes 5-7. Compounds 5-7 consist of a mixture of isomers; the ratio between isomers having an allylic or vinylic hydrogen atom at the cyclopentadiene ring depends on the spacer length. Isomeric mixtures of the 4-(tetramethyl-cyclopentadienyl)butyl-silanes of the type Me4HC5(CH2)4Si(Me)mCl3-m (M = 1, 2, 3) (8-10) with an allylic hydrogen atom at the cyclopentadiene ring have been prepared by hydrosilylation of 1-but-3-enyl-2,3,4,5-tetramethylcyclopentadiene. The silane fragment in the alkylated cyclopentadiene systems 2 and 4-10 can be modified further. As examples hydrolysis, alcoholysis, reductive coupling, heterogenisation and polycondensation reactions are described. Following theses procedures the corresponding silanol 12 and disiloxane 13 have been prepared as well as the alkoxysilanes 14-17, the disilane 18 and the functionalized silicagels 19 and 20. Compounds 2, 4-10 and 12-20 serve as a ''pool'' for the preparation of transition metal complexes. The dicarbonyl cobalt compound 21 has been synthesized by reaction of 8 with CO2(CO)8. Reaction of 16 with K and FeCl2 gives the corresponding ferrocene derivative 22. The eta4-bound Pt(II) and Pd(II)-complexes 23-27 have been prepared by reaction of the functionalized Si-O-compounds 2, 13, and 19-20 with [PtCl2(Ethylen)]2 and PdCl2(PhCN)2, respectively

Millimeter emission in photoevaporating disks is determined by early substructures

[abridged]Photoevaporation and dust-trapping are individually considered to be important mechanisms in the evolution and morphology of protoplanetary disks. We studied how the presence of early substructures affects the evolution of the dust distribution and flux in the millimeter continuum of disks that are undergoing photoevaporative dispersal. We also tested if the predicted properties resemble those observed in the population of transition disks. We used the numerical code Dustpy to simulate disk evolution considering gas accretion, dust growth, dust-trapping at substructures, and mass loss due to X-ray and EUV (XEUV) photoevaporation and dust entrainment. Then, we compared how the dust mass and millimeter flux evolve for different disk models. We find that, during photoevaporative dispersal, disks with primordial substructures retain more dust and are brighter in the millimeter continuum than disks without early substructures, regardless of the photoevaporative cavity size. Once the photoevaporative cavity opens, the estimated fluxes for the disk models that are initially structured are comparable to those found in the bright transition disk population ($F_\textrm{mm} > 30\, \textrm{mJy}$), while the disk models that are initially smooth have fluxes comparable to the transition disks from the faint population ($F_\textrm{mm} < 30\, \textrm{mJy}$), suggesting a link between each model and population. Our models indicate that the efficiency of the dust trapping determines the millimeter flux of the disk, while the gas loss due to photoevaporation controls the formation and expansion of a cavity, decoupling the mechanisms responsible for each feature. In consequence, even a planet with a mass comparable to Saturn could trap enough dust to reproduce the millimeter emission of a bright transition disk, while its cavity size is independently driven by photoevaporative dispersal.Comment: Accepted for publication in A&

Partnership for International Development: Finland–Argentina Conference on Circular Economy and Bioeconomy with Emphasis on Food Sovereignty and Sustainability

A joint collaboration between the Cuarto region of Argentina championed by the National University of Rio Cuarto and the Arctic Centre of the University of Lapland, Finland organised a conference on several topics that are related to food sovereignty, sustainability, circular economy and bioeconomy. The efficient utilisation of natural resources in both regions is an important theme in meeting the sustainable development goals agenda. Hence, this partnership between the partner institutions will lead to the cocreation of knowledge. The topics were multidisciplinary, and the discussion focussed on research and teaching opportunities for institutions in both countries. The experts from both countries will continue to engage on the possibility of promoting the research agenda in these important areas.EEA Marcos JuárezFil: Raheem, Dele. University of Lapland. Arctic Centre; FinlandiaFil: Soltermann, Arnaldo T. Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto. Departamento de Química; ArgentinaFil: Tamiozzo, Laura Virginia. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Marcos Juárez. Agencia de Extensión Rural Río Cuarto; ArgentinaFil: Cogo, Ariel. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Área Metropolitana de Buenos Aires. Agencia De Extensión Rural Luján; ArgentinaFil: Favén, Leena. Centria University of Applied Sciences. RDI Chemistry and Bioeconomy; FinlandiaFil: Punam, Noor Jahan. University of Lapland. Arctic Centre; FinlandiaFil: Sarmiento, Claudio R. Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto. Departamento de Química; ArgentinaFil: Rainosalo, Egidija. Centria University of Applied Sciences. RDI Chemistry and Bioeconomy; FinlandiaFil: Picco, Franco. Cooperative Initia Limited; ArgentinaFil: Morla, Federico. Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto. Departamento de Química; ArgentinaFil: Nilson, Armando. Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto. Departamento de Química; ArgentinaFil: Stammler-Gossmann, Anna. University of Lapland. Arctic Centre; Finlandi

Long-Term Trends and Role of Climate in the Population Dynamics of Eurasian Reindeer

Temperature is increasing in Arctic and sub-Arctic regions at a higher rate than anywhere else in the world. The frequency and nature of precipitation events are also predicted to change in the future. These changes in climate are expected, together with increasing human pressures, to have significant impacts on Arctic and sub-Arctic species and ecosystems. Due to the key role that reindeer play in those ecosystems, it is essential to understand how climate will affect the region's most important species. Our study assesses the role of climate on the dynamics of fourteen Eurasian reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) populations, using for the first time data on reindeer abundance collected over a 70-year period, including both wild and semi-domesticated reindeer, and covering more than half of the species' total range. We analyzed trends in population dynamics, investigated synchrony among population growth rates, and assessed the effects of climate on population growth rates. Trends in the population dynamics were remarkably heterogeneous. Synchrony was apparent only among some populations and was not correlated with distance among population ranges. Proxies of climate variability mostly failed to explain population growth rates and synchrony. For both wild and semi-domesticated populations, local weather, biotic pressures, loss of habitat and human disturbances appear to have been more important drivers of reindeer population dynamics than climate. In semi-domesticated populations, management strategies may have masked the effects of climate. Conservation efforts should aim to mitigate human disturbances, which could exacerbate the potentially negative effects of climate change on reindeer populations in the future. Special protection and support should be granted to those semi-domesticated populations that suffered the most because of the collapse of the Soviet Union, in order to protect the livelihood of indigenous peoples that depend on the species, and the multi-faceted role that reindeer exert in Arctic ecosystems

X-ray photoemission electron microscopy for the study of semiconductor materials

Photoemission Electron Microscopy (PEEM) using X-rays is a novel combination of two established materials analysis techniques--PEEM using UV light, and Near Edge X-ray Absorption Fine Structure (NEXAFS) spectroscopy. This combination allows the study of elemental composition and bonding structure of the sample by NEXAFS spectroscopy with a high spatial resolution given by the microscope. A simple, two lens, 10 kV operation voltage PEEM has been used at the Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory and at the Advanced Light Source (ALS) in Berkeley to study various problems including materials of interest for the semiconductor industry. In the present paper the authors give a short overview over the method and the instrument which was used, and describe in detail a number of applications. These applications include the study of the different phases of titanium disilicide, various phases of boron nitride, and the analysis of small particles. A brief outlook is given on possible new fields of application of the PEEM technique, and the development of new PEEM instruments