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This paper analyzes and reviews the rapid uplifts of the Earth's crust in the Caucasus that occurred over the last century. The uplifts were registered by precise repeated state leveling and reflected on officially published maps of vertical movements of the Earth's crust. This study summarizes information on the region's vertical movements over more than a century. The present study describes the technology for creating maps of recent vertical movements of the Earth's crust using precision leveling data. This paper summarizes cases of recording uplifts of the Earth's surface in other regions of the world in connection with seismic activity. The authors carried out intercomparison of vertical movements with tectonics, seismicity, and geophysical fields, which discovered their apparent mutual correspondence. This indicates the deep tectonic nature of the observed uplifts of the Earth's crust. Spatial and temporal agreement with the distribution of strong earthquakes showed a natural relationship. It has been shown that strong earthquakes are confined to the boundaries of zones of rapid uplift. They occur predominantly in areas of transition between uplifts and subsidence. The results obtained demonstrate the role of the study and observations of vertical movements of the Caucasus in assessing periods and areas of increased seismic hazard. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The variability and evenness (diversity) of the system of red blood cell parameters was assessed for the first time using multivariate and information analysis methods in the synanthropic M. musculus and the hemisynanthropic A. (S.) uralensis in the Central Caucasus Mountains (Elbrus region). This paper introduces the concept of the actual or realized "niche" of the red blood cell parameters system in the multidimensional space of the descriptive model. The niches of A. (S.) uralensis and M. musculus were clearly differentiated, the niche volume of A. (S.) uralensis significantly exceeding that of M. musculus. This paper describes interspecific differences in the seasonal regulation of blood parameters, which was more complex in A. (S.) uralensis and clearly cyclical from "winter" to "autumn." The results allowed us to conclude that, compared to M. musculus, A. (S.) uralensis implements a more flexible adaptation strategy to seasonal changes in the environment. The tested methodology of data analysis allows us to consider the results of particular studies on mammalian hematopoietic regulation in the broader context of problems of biodiversity and the dynamics and self-organization of biological systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the frame of the DAMAST (Dams and Seismicity) project, we deployed a dense high-fidelity seismological real-time network to investigate in detail the spatio-temporal seismicity distribution around the Enguri high dam, situated in the greater Caucasus in western Georgia. We aim at recording the weak seismicity in a 10 km distance around the dam structure. To lower the detection threshold by reducing the ambient background noise, we installed four seismic stations in shallow (ca. 20 m) and deep boreholes. From these stations, KIT1 with a depth of ca. 250 m is the deepest seismological station in Georgia. In this paper, we characterize the seismicity recorded by the local seismic network from October 2020 to July 2022. To have a better historical picture of the seismic activity, especially since the dam construction and initial operations, re-processing of the old seismological catalogs was carried out. This required digitizing the paper-only catalog copies prior to relocation. We finally obtain a uniform catalog for the Enguri region to characterize the seismicity and start investigating its possible relationship with the exploitation of the dam reservoirs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: While feeding, the larvae of pygmy moths (Nepticulidae) consume part of a leaf's photosynthetic tissue, thus causing damage to the host plant. Although these insects play a natural role in terrestrial ecosystems, they are perceived as pests in horticulture. This study investigates the identity of a potential Nepticulidae pest infesting plum trees in the Caucasus, initially presumed to be the widespread European Stigmella plagicolella (Stainton). Contrary to expectations, our detailed taxonomic analysis revealed a new species of pygmy moth with distinct male genitalia morphology and molecular differences from its European counterpart. This discovery challenges previous records and highlights the need for accurate pest identification. We hypothesize that the proximity of the Caucasus to Europe emphasizes the importance of monitoring and preventing unintentional pest spread, particularly given potential climate change impacts on the distribution and behavior of pests. Our findings contribute to both practical pest management and scientific understanding of evolutionary processes shaping the Caucasian and European biota. In instances of severe infestations, Nepticulidae larvae can inflict damage on cultivated plants. Previously, it was assumed that the Prunus-feeding Nepticulidae have continuous distribution from Europe to the neighboring Caucasus. During recent fieldwork in the Caucasus, leaf mines were found on plum trees that initially resembled those of Stigmella plagicolella (Stainton) in Europe. However, upon rearing the adults, significant differences emerged, leading to the hypothesis that a different Prunus-feeding species exists in the Caucasus; this challenges previous records in Western Asia. This paper presents the outcomes of our morphological, molecular, and statistical investigations, unveiling S. colchica sp. nov., a previously unknown potential plum-tree pest. Distinguished by male genitalia characteristics, the new species differs from S. plagicolella. The inter- and intraspecific divergences between S. colchica sp. nov. and S. plagicolella range from 3.5% to 6.02%. Moreover, the utilized delimitation algorithms reliably clustered two species separately, as does our mitotype network. A statistical analysis also shows a discernible trend between the leaf mines of S. colchica sp. nov. and S. plagicolella. This unexpected discovery not only documents a new potential pest, enhancing our understanding of the Caucasian fauna, but also contributes to the broader biological inventory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The idea for this collection of papers emerged from a desire to showcase queer scholarship in and on the region, following a panel discussion about the visibility of queer communities in the post-Soviet space at the ASEEES virtual convention in December 2021. The panellists' discussions highlighted the ongoing challenges of queer knowledge production and the tendency for scholarship produced by and on queer people in the region to be regarded as either 'anomalous' and/or 'exotic' and therefore treated as marginal. The contributions here challenge the latter argument by demonstrating that there are lessons to be learned from the experiences of queer people in the Caucasus and Central Asia. In this introduction, the guest editors explore the dominant themes that emerged from the articles in this issue. They also reflect on the politics of representation, reflexivity and research, and how they have sought to engage with them in editing this issue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global programmes (GPs) are crucial actors in transnational policy transfer but understudied in literature. The paper explores GP policy transfer in terms of instruments, space, and time from a comparative perspective. Employing a thematic analysis of policy/programme files and using the GP to prevent gender-biased sex selection as a case study, the paper compares implementation across diverse countries and regions. It finds similar policies and ideas are transferred, across scales, sectors, and actors throughout the policy cycle. Yet short programme cycles contradict longer timeframes needed to assess sex-selection policies and interventions to change social norms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper examines a new etymology that has recently been proposed for Arm. gerezman and Caucasian "Albanian" garazman , both meaning 'grave, tomb', and the relationship of the latter to modern Udi gärämzä 'id.'. It shows that the peculiar shape of the Udi word can only be explained on the basis of a morphological restructuring that involved the genitive suffix - in -. Concerning the proposed etymology of gerezman and garazman , which builds upon an Iranian ("Median") phrase * gṛ δ a- zmani - 'house of clay', it refutes the hypothesis of a "mirroring effect" influencing vowels in the neighbourhood of r in Albanian and points out further problems in the assumed developments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A taxonomic review of the Nepticulidae of Armenia is provided for the first time. Currently, the previously little-known fauna of the pygmy moths of Armenia consists of eight genera and 31 species, including seven new species described and illustrated in the current paper as follows: Stigmella armi Stonis, Dobrynina & Remeikis, sp. nov.; Stigmella garnica Stonis, Dobrynina & Remeikis, sp. nov.; Stigmella inopinoides Dobrynina, sp. nov.; Stigmella magicis Stonis & Dobrynina, sp. nov.; Stigmella ararati Stonis, Dobrynina & Remeikis, sp. nov.; Trifurcula vardenisi Stonis, Dobrynina & Remeikis, sp. nov.; and Etainia caucasi Remeikis, sp. nov. The most common Nepticulidae species in Armenia, Stigmella muricatella (Klimesch), still remains a taxonomic puzzle. However, the molecular sequences of the Armenian specimens and a specimen of S. muricatella from Greece were found to be similar, though clearly distinct from the widespread S. rolandi van Nieukerken due to numerous hypothetical mutational steps. Mitotype analysis revealed that the Ectoedemia specimens collected in Armenia do not belong to the expected widespread E. spinosella (Joannis) but are more similar to the less-known E. mahalebella (Klimesch). Moreover, some specimens from Armenia identified by us as Simplimorpha promissa (Staudinger) and Ectoedemia (Zimmermannia) longicaudella Klimesch may actually represent possible cryptic taxa, allopatric subspecies or species. However, from a practical point of view, the description of such difficult-to-diagnose taxa is inappropriate. Thus, we have refrained from describing such new taxa based solely on observed molecular differences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we determine the location of the hypocenter and the magnitude of the earthquake of September 11/23, 1888 based on macroseismic data published in the Russian periodic in Russian, Armenian, and Georgian languages. Calculations showed that the magnitude of the earthquake was previously significantly underestimated, due to which it was not included in the catalog of strong earthquakes in the Caucasus test region (Shebalin and Tatevossian, 1997). The accuracy of the location of the hypocenter makes it possible to identify the active fault, with which the source of the 1888 earthquake is associated. The earthquake with Mw = 6.6 that occurred almost 100 years later confirms the long-term activity of the Western branch of the East Anatolian fault zone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper focuses on the worship of Anāhitā in Western Asia examining some of the ideas put forward by James R. Russel in his volume on Zoroastrianism in Armenia in the light of more recent discussions about the role played by the goddess in Armenian religion before the conversion of the country to Christianity. While the evidence from more ancient periods has also been briefly presented, specific attention is given to Anāhīd's worship in the Sasanian period and to the devotion of Narseh to this divinity. Finally, Middle Persian personal names containing the theonym Anāhīd are briefly introduced and discussed, showing that this important divinity is underrepresented in Sasanian and post-Sasanian onomastics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Caucasus region lacks climate-sensitive chronologies that are continuous, high-resolution and covering more than several centuries at the same time. This paper presents the first high-resolution curve reflecting the variations of heat availability in the Western Caucasus over the past 1500 years. The chronology of bottom sediment of Lake Karakel is based on the two precisely overlapped sediment cores, constrained by ten 14C dates with a temporal resolution of around 3 years. Bromine content in the sediment is interpreted as a proxy for variations of heat availability based on its coherence with the broadleaved tree pollen content in the same deposits. Lake Karakel Br curve showed distinct agreement with hemispheric and regional temperature reconstructions starting from 500 CE, as well as with the tree-ring temperature reconstructions available for the Caucasus. It allowed a constraint of the time frames for the main climatic events in the Western Caucasus during the past 1500 years: Medieval Climate Anomaly (ca. 960–1270 CE) and Little Ice Age with its three separate stages (LIA 1 ca. 1270–1310 and 1370–1410; LIA 2 ca. 1500–1630; LIA 3 ca. 1750–1840). Br-derived variations of heat availability are also supported by the recent cosmogenic glacier moraine dates in the Caucasus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Astroclimatic conditions characterize the quality of an astronomical site. The Terskol Observatory was founded over 42 years ago in 1980. The astronomical site (coordinates 43°16′29″ N, 42°30′03″ E) is located about 10 km from Mt. Elbrus in the northern Caucasus Mountains. The paper presents the results of an analysis of long-term variations from 1980 to 2022 of astroclimatic parameters such as total cloud cover, precipitable water vapor, and wind speed at a level of 200 hPa above the Terskol Observatory using atmospheric ERA5 Reanalysis data from the European Center for Medium-Range Weather Forecast. The probability distributions and seasonal variations of the astroclimatic parameters are also presented. Long-term trends of the astroclimatic parameters are studied with statistically significant trend analysis methods using the Mann–Kendall test and the Sen's slope test to estimate the magnitude of the changes. The results show non-significant decreases of annual average 200-hPa wind speed and increases in precipitable water vapor, but significant (99 per cent confidence level) long-term decreasing of total cloud cover above the Terskol Observatory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neanderthals were widespread during the Middle Palaeolithic (MP) across Europe and Asia, including the Caucasus Mountains. Occupying the border between eastern Europe and West Asia, the Caucasus is important region regarding the Neanderthal occupation of Eurasia. On current radiometric estimates, the MP is represented in the Caucasus between about 260–210 ka and about 40 ka. Archaeological record indicates that several culture diverse MP hominin populations inhabited the Caucasus, but the region complex population history during this period remains poorly understood. In this paper, we identify for the first time the archaeological evidence indicating contacts between two culture diverse MP Neanderthal populations in the North Caucasus and discuss the nature of these contacts. Basing on the lithic assemblages that we excavated at Mezmaiskaya cave in the north-western Caucasus (Kuban River basin) and Saradj-Chuko grotto in the north-central Caucasus (Terek River basin), dating from MIS 5 to MIS 3, and comparative data from other MP sites in the Caucasus, we identify two large cultural regions that existed during the late MP in the North Caucasus. The distinctive toolkits and stone knapping technologies indicate that the MP assemblages from Mezmaiskaya cave and other sites in the west of North Caucasus represent a Caucasian variant of the Eastern Micoquian industry that was wide spread in central and eastern Europe, while the assemblages from Saradj-Chuko Grotto and other sites in the east of North Caucasus closely resemble the Zagros Mousterian industry that was wide spread in the Armenian Highlands, Lesser Caucasus and Zagros Mountains. The archaeological evidence implies that two culture diverse populations of Neanderthals settled the North Caucasus during the Late Pleistocene from two various source regions: from the Armenian Highlands and Lesser Caucasus along the Caspian Sea coast, and from Russian plain along the Sea of Azov coast. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper begins with an examination of the phrase /garah dmāna-/, the most common designation for Paradise in the Gathas, for which the traditional translation 'House of Song' is upheld. Its dualistic opposite /drujah dmāna-/ 'House of Wrongness' for Hell leads to the question of why for Paradise one doesn't have the expected opposite *'House of Rightness' instead of 'House of Song'. The answer proceeds from the etymologically unrelated Armenian gerezman 'grave, tomb', whose origin has been hitherto unknown, despite attempts toward its etymology. In view of the Indo-European phrase for the grave (i.e., burial mound) as 'the House of Clay', it is then suggested that the Arm. word is from a Median phrase, which is reconstructed as * gṛda - * zmani - '*clay (* zmani -) house (* gṛda -)'. The phonic similarity of this phrase to /garah dmāna-/ (/garah/ 'song's' and /dmāna-/ 'house'), with referential contrast is then seen as the chief motivation for Zarathushtra's use of /garah dmāna-/ for 'Paradise'. Then there ensues a discussion of the archeological-historical contexts for the latter development. Next, a phonologically systematic account is offered for Arm. gerezman becoming "Caucasian Albanian" garazman 'grave, tomb', in accord with hitherto unnoted aspects of "Caucasian Albanian" historical vocalism. The modern Udi derivative of garazman , i.e. gärämzä , is also accounted for. The loanwords in "Caucasian Albanian" are then divided into two main strata, first the Armenian (Iranian loans and indigenous Arm. words), including some forms from Armenian antedating Armenian literacy, and second a stratum of words, which are here called "Parthic", of a vintage par with Manichean Parthian. These "Parthic" words, with their religious references, point to an Iranian group which (after the Armenian phase of loanwords) influenced the development of Christianity among the "Caucasian Albanians", suggesting the existence of a "Christian Parthian". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Georgia, tourism has become a key sector of the economy, especially since the country opened up for private investment after independence in 1991. Guesthouses, the focus of this paper, present a typical example of such private investment. In dealing with this sector, we adopt a synoptic view, and look into development over time, services offered, motives for hosting guests, outcomes, and the effects of the COVID pandemic. Geographically, our focus is on the town of Lagodekhi and its Protected Area (PA) on the foot slope of the Greater Caucasus. Our methods included a review of literature, followed by a questionnaire survey in 2018 among all 23 guesthouses in the town, covering qualitative as well as quantitative aspects of the sector. To follow up on the effects of the pandemic, which reached the area in 2020, we did a re-survey among all houses in June 2021. The results show that all guesthouses are owner-occupied and family-run, with women taking the lead, following traditional gendered labour division. The owners see themselves as paid service providers but also as hosts, who offer insights into local culture free of charge based on traditional hospitality. We posit that this dual role is a unique selling proposition, distinguishing the sector from mass tourism, and presenting an ideal complement to the nature-based attractions of the PA. The COVID pandemic led to an almost total collapse of this sector, especially relating to foreign guests, by far the most numerous visitor group. But the guesthouses remain positive about the future and continue to invest in their houses. To conclude our paper, we present ideas relating to the future of guesthouse tourism in the study area, based on experience before and with the pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper attempts to fill the knowledge gaps in biodiversity of non-biting moth flies in the Caucasus (especially in Abkhazia) and create a suitable basis for subsequent (not only) ecological studies. In total, records of 65 Psychodidae (Sycoracinae -- one sp., Psychodinae 64 spp., altogether 33 genera) species/subspecies are presented based on specimens collected mainly in Abkhazia, with some additional data from Armenia, Georgia, and Russia (12 new records). The Psychodidae fauna of Abkhazia now comprises 57 species, 31 of which are newly listed here. The Caucasus region (including the territory of Abkhazia presented here) should be considered the most biologically rich and most endangered region in the world, with an exceptional richness of endemic and endangered species also from the point of view of psychodids biodiversity. Sixteen extremely rare species in this family (probably Caucasus or highland endemics) which need to be given increased attention, whether from the point of view of island ecology or biodiversity protection, have been herein confirmed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The NW Greater Caucasus and surrounding areas have a long history of petroleum production dating back to the mid‐19th century. However the origin of the oil and gas is still a matter of debate. This paper focusses on a study area to the north of the western Greater Caucasus covering the West and East Kuban Basins and neighbouring structural highs where oil and natural gas occur in reservoir units of Neogene, Paleogene, Cretaceous and Jurassic ages. The study is based on the results of organic geochemical and stable carbon isotope analyses of 21 samples of associated gases from 16 oil fields. The gas samples' compositions were investigated together with the δ13C values of C1 to C5 alkanes. Twenty of the gas samples were of thermogenic origin and one was mixed (thermogenic and secondary microbial). δ13C values for CH4 for all the gas samples varied over a wide range from ‐62.3 to ‐30.0 ‰, indicating major variations in the thermal maturity of the respective source rocks. In a previous study, three genetic types of oil were identified in the study area and are referred to here as Types 1, 2 and 3. Gaseous hydrocarbons associated with Type 1 oils were generated by source rocks in the Middle Eocene Kuma Formation and the Oligocene (lower) part of the Maikop Group which are inferred to have been deposited in anoxic, deep‐marine conditions. C2–C5 alkanes in gases associated with Type 1 oils have the lowest (most negative) δ13C values of the samples studied, and the lowest iso‐butane: n‐butane and iso‐pentane: n‐pentane ratios. These gas samples were recovered from wells in oilfields located in the south and SE of the West Kuban Basin, in the Akhtyrskaya fault zone which extends along the northern flank of the Greater Caucasus foldbelt. Higher δ13C values of C2–C5 alkanes were found in gas samples associated with Type 2 oils which were recovered from wells in the central West Kuban Basin. The associated source rocks are interpreted to have been deposited in weakly oxidizing subaqueous conditions and to contain mainly marine organic matter but with an input of higher land plant material. The precise age and stratigraphic identity of the source rocks is unresolved but they may comprise the Upper Oligocene – Lower Miocene (middle and upper) part of the Maikop Group. In gases associated with Type 3 oils, δ13C values of ethane to pentane are similar to those of gases associated with Type 2 oils. These gases were recovered from wells in oilfields located on the Adygeya Swell which divides the southern East and West Kuban Basins and from the Armavir‐Nevinnomyssk Swell to the north. The precise source of these gases and oils is not known but the oils are probably older than Late Cretaceous on account of the absence of oleanane. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper describes expressions with the meaning 'other' in East Caucasian (Nakh-Daghestanian) languages. It is shown that four main strategies can be distinguished: i) the 'one'-based strategy: 'other' includes the numeral 'one'; ii) the demonstrative-based strategy: 'other' includes a demonstrative pronoun; iii) the mixed demonstrative-based + 'one'- based strategy: 'other' includes both a demonstrative and the numeral 'one'; and iv) the lexical strategy: 'other' is a dedicated adjective (pronoun), not necessarily derived from any other clearly discernable source. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents brief information about the development of hail suppression technologies in the USSR and the Russian Federation, the main provisions of the currently used automated rocket technology of hail suppression, the characteristics of the modern antihail system in the North Caucasus, the results of evaluating its efficiency, the main problems of the project and recommendations for its further improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims and objectives/purpose/research questions: This paper investigates the gender assignment strategies employed when genderless Georgian nouns are inserted into gendered Tsova-Tush utterances. We explore the linguistic and extra-linguistic factors motivating the strategies, and compare how these code-switches behave in relation to loans. Design/methodology/approach: Taking a broadly usage-based approach, we collected three types of data: (a) naturalistic corpus data; (b) semi-naturalistic production data from a forced-switch director–matcher (DM) task; and (c) a three-response forced-choice acceptability judgement task (AJT). Data and analysis: The responses from the DM task (n = 12) and AJT acceptability (n = 12) were analysed using descriptive (Chi-square) and inferential (log-linear) statistics. The corpus data are described qualitatively. Findings/conclusions: Both the gender of the Tsova-Tush translation equivalent (TE) and the Georgian phonology of the code-switched noun were significantly related to the response, with the TE being the stronger determinant of the two. Only marginal evidence for a default strategy was found. Production responses were found to be more consistent than comprehension responses, with more frequent lexemes displaying higher inter-participant consistency in production. Originality: Tsova-Tush, an endangered Nakh–Daghestanian language with five genders marked by prefixes, offers much-needed diversification within the code-switching literature concerning grammatical gender. This complexity also raises new questions regarding the notion of default in mixed nominal constructions. Significance/implications: Our findings support the prediction that first language speakers of a gendered language prefer a TE strategy, but contradict a relationship between default strategy and language dominance. Phonological criteria display a stronger role in gender assignment than previously found. Frequency and entrenchment of gender–noun pairings partially explain inter-speaker and inter-stimulus variation and consistency, providing a plausible pathway from code-switches to borrowings. Limitations: An unavoidable limitation is the sample size, reflecting the small speaker population. We strongly advocate for similar research in other language pairs in the Caucasus where gender systems feature prominently. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sb was frequently used as a raw material, both in ancient glass-making (as an opacifier and decolouriser) and metallurgy (either as an alloying element or as a pure metal). Despite this ubiquity, antimony production has only occasionally been studied and questions concerning its provenance are still not satisfactorily answered. This study evaluates the suitability of Sb isotope analysis for provenance determination purposes, as experiments under lab conditions have revealed fractionation occurring during redox processes in oxidising stibnites and in making opacified glasses. The results of this paper help to evaluate the possible influence of the pyrotechnological processes on the antimony isotope composition of glass artefacts. This paper focuses on the Caucasus as case study by applying mineralogical, geochemical and isotopic analysis to Georgian ores (mainly from the Racha-Lechkumi district) and Late Bronze Age (LBA; 15th–10th century BCE) metallic Sb objects found at the sites of Brili and Chalpiragorebi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is concerned with new petrological-geochemical, and isotope-geochronological data for the igneous rocks that compose the Khulam volcano-plutonic complex in the central part of the North Caucasus (Kabardino-Balkaria). It is shown that the moderately-alkaline rocks of the Khulam complex are represented by a bimodal association of gabbro + basaltic trachyandesites and trachytes and rhyolites. The fractional crystallization had a leading role in the formation of this bimodal association. Assimilation of the material of host crustal rocks by magmatic melts did not exert any appreciable influence. According to the results of U‒Pb and K‒Ar dating, the Khulam rocks were formed in the Middle Jurassic (Bajocian–Callovian, 167 ± 4 Ma ago). It was found that the Khulam rocks possess geochemical characteristics that are similar to those for intraplate continental rocks, and were erupted in a postcollisional geotectonic setting (when the subduction in the region came to an end) in a local extensional zone that arose in the rear of a former active continental margin. The magma melts that were generated by the mantle source of the Khulam complex had overall geochemical characteristics proper to enriched mid-oceanic ridge basalts (E-MORB). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents the velocity field of the Western Caucasus and Ciscaucasia based on GNSS observations. In the ITRF2014 reference frame, this field shows the coordinated movement of the region in the north‒northeast direction at an average rate of 27‒28 mm/year. A number of geodynamic features of the main tectonic structures of the region are identified with respect to fixed (immobile) Eurasia. In the northern part of the region, a fan-shaped pattern of horizontal velocity vectors is observed, reflecting counterclockwise rotation of the northern limb of the North Azov flexural fault zone and, accordingly, modern shear displacements. To detail the geodynamic situation, the velocity field is compared with two geodetic profiles. The first profile crosses in the southwest–northeast direction the mountain belt of the Western Caucasus, the West Kuban Foredeep, and the Scythian Platform, which are the region's main geological structures. The second profile is less extended, but also crosses the entire mountain belt of the Western Caucasus, the West Kuban Foredeep, and part of the monocline of the Central Sector of the North Caucasus. Within the Greater Caucasus and the West Kuban Foredeep, transverse compression of the main morphostructures is observed at a rate of up to 1 mm/year, and shear displacements prevail in the Ciscaucasia. The mountain belt of the Western Caucasus is in conditions of longitudinal compression. East of the Tuapse Fault Zone, the mountain belt is undergoing longitudinal extension. At the same time, the intensity of deformation processes on the southern slope area is higher than in the Ciscaucasia. Currently, the seismic activity level in the Western Caucasus is low and moderate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sb was frequently used as a raw material, both in ancient glass-making (as an opacifier and decolouriser) and metallurgy (either as an alloying element or as a pure metal). Despite this ubiquity, antimony production has only occasionally been studied and questions concerning its provenance are still not satisfactorily answered. This study evaluates the suitability of Sb isotope analysis for provenance determination purposes, as experiments under lab conditions have revealed fractionation occurring during redox processes in oxidising stibnites and in making opacified glasses. The results of this paper help to evaluate the possible influence of the pyrotechnological processes on the antimony isotope composition of glass artefacts. This paper focuses on the Caucasus as case study by applying mineralogical, geochemical and isotopic analysis to Georgian ores (mainly from the Racha-Lechkumi district) and Late Bronze Age (LBA; 15th–10th century BCE) metallic Sb objects found at the sites of Brili and Chalpiragorebi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Positive outcomes of community social trust include the generation of new employment opportunities; higher levels of support for public welfare, healthcare, and education; better developed democratic administration, and more effective institutions. These outcomes are in turn believed to facilitate the reduction of poverty. As such, this paper analyses the effects of community-level trust on self-rated welfare. Our hypothesis was that higher levels of community trust would lead to higher welfare. We tested this hypothesis on a diverse sample of 27 post-communist countries in Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union using data from the 2010 and 2016 rounds of the Life-in-Transition survey. Through estimating a series of instrumental variable regressions, we found a significant causal effect of community trust on household welfare in both the total sample and in regional samples. This effect remains robust for: (1) alternative sets of covariates, (2) control for individual-level trust, and (3) an alternative definition of community trust. Thus, the theoretical contribution of this paper is that we have empirically proven that which was assumed by previous studies, namely, that community social trust has a positive causal association with reducing poverty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper reports on the results of the study of eleven cultivars and strains of winter soft wheat tested in the conditions of the submontane zone of the Central Caucasus. The average annual yield (2016-2018) varied from 0.66 to 1.05 kg/m². A comprehensive assessment of the parameters of environmental plasticity and adaptability using various methods was carried out. According to the results of variance analysis, the genotypes of the studied samples (the “cultivar” factor) had the highest impact on the overall variability of productivity – their proportion was 50%. The proportion of variability caused by the influence of environmental conditions (the “year” factor) was 26.5%. To identify adaptive genotypes by productivity, regression, and correlation analyses were performed and various selection indices were calculated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the conditions of formation of the Middle Jurassic iron-bearing strata, in the Labino-Malkin zone in the North-West Caucasus. The mineral composition and geochemical features of the rocks indicate variable conditions of rock formation. The predominance of clay and carbonate minerals in the sedimentary sequence, as well as Ce-anomaly values ranging from 0.9 to 1.4 indicate mainly suboxygenic conditions of sedimentation. Three intervals of anoxia characterised by U, Mo and V enrichment, the presence of siderite and a large amount of pyrite macroframboids, and the formation of phosphorites were identified in the studied section. Oxygen depletion of seawater is the result of upwelling. Formation of oxide minerals was promoted by oxygen saturation of the environment due to sea transgression or meteoric water inflow, which is confirmed by isotope analysis indicators (δ18Ocarb from −11.6‰ to −1.2‰). Eight chemical and two clastic lithofacies were identified based on the mineralogical, geochemical and textural-structural features of the studied strata. Depending on the material input into the basin, different rock types were formed. The constant value of detrital elements Ti and Al indicates a constant input of terrigenous material from the continent. The abundant input of terrigenous material favoured the formation of sandstones and clay minerals. Decomposition of organic matter favoured the formation of limestones and phosphorites due to the input of phosphate- and carbonate-ions into the bottom layers. The presence of iron in seawater favoured the deposition of ironstones. Depending on the level of oxygen and carbon in the bottom environment of the basin, ironstones with siderite, clay or clay-carbonate cement were formed. Calcite and barite contain fluid inclusions of hydrocarbons and hydrogen sulphide gas, indicating the influence of submarine fluids on rock formation. Although the first explorers of the area assumed that the sources of metals come from the continent, the detection of fluid inclusions in the calcite cement, increased content of hydrothermal elements, and the presence of rare minerals such as galena, sphalerite, arsenopyrite, argentotetrahedrite, nugget silver, and coronadite, allows to consider hidden fluid venting as one of the sources of metals for the ooidal ironstones. • The section consists of sedimentary rocks among which 8 chemogenic and 2 terrigenous lithofacies are identified. • Formation of rocks took place in the shallow-marine zone in conditions of oxygen deficiency. • Three periods of intense hypoxia/anoxia were identified in the section. • Mineralogical and geochemical features of rocks allow to consider hydrothermal fluids as one of the sources of metals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper analyses the futile attempts of the political elites of the independent Caucasus states created at the end of the First World War (Georgia, Azerbaijan, Armenia, and the Mountainous Republic of the Northern Caucasus) to create the united Caucasus during their presence in power and then in political emigration in the 1920s and 1930s, and also the attitude of influential European politicians towards this matter. The merits of the 'main dreamers' fighting for the integrity of the Caucasus - Akaki Chkhenkeli, Ali Mardan Bek Topchibashev, and Haidar Bamatov (Bamat) - have been outlined. The article discusses the factors that created fertile ground for the existence of their dream, on the one hand, and examines the real circumstances and objective reasons that hindered the realization of the ideas and actions of the historical figures working in the period under the lens. The work emphasises that, despite separate impediments (especially disagreement over boundaries and the annexationist policy of Turkey and Russia), the idea of Caucasian unity in the 1920s was based on the solid background created by the three main cultures that coexisted harmoniously over the centuries: 1. Religion - Judaism, Christianity, Islam; 2. Caucasian rule of thinking and 3. Caucasian mentality. Based on the research, we conclude that the happy future of the Caucasian people is linked to the unity of the Caucasus as it was in the case of the European Union. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The substance of which our planet is composed is constantly and variously transforming. The most active processes in the evolution of the Earth's matter are associated with its deepest levels. In this paper, we consider some features of the structure and functioning of the global endodrainage system (GEDS) as the main multitiered branched megastructure, which provides the output of energy and deep products of the processing of the substance to the outer parts of the planet. A "shallow" element of the GEDS with a specific form of subhorizontal migration of deep matter is distinguished. Based on analog-simulation modeling, we show that the process of splitting the migrating material into gas and liquid fractions after they reach some critical energy (P–T) levels. From this moment, an asthenolayer, a structure that separates the upper mantle and the Earth's crust, is formed and develops in some parts of the planet. The role of the asthenolayer in the formation of powerful nonimpact deformation pulses, which originate in the areas of preparation of strong earthquakes as a result of gas isostatic processes, is discussed. The features of subglobal and global migration of secondary impulses–replicas from focal zones with a west-to-east general direction are considered. Here, we present the results of a computer reconstruction of the development of the hydrogeodeformation (HGD) field of the Caucasus during the preparation and discharge of the Spitak earthquake (М = 6.9, December 7, 1988), which is a typical example of the reaction of crustal formations to the development of fluid-geodynamic processes in the underlying asthenic layer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The spotted wing drosophila, Drosophila suzukii was previously found in Russia in the Primorie region in 2001. This record is included in the EPPO Global Database. In 2017 and 2020, the first two authors of the present paper found D. suzukii in the Russian Caucasus, namely in the city of Sochi, Krasnodar Territory. This report was published as a scientific article in November 2020. The record from Krasnodar Territory was declared to be invalid before the confirmation of the species identification by official experts. Therefore, to verify the identification of this important pest of soft fruits, 10 specimens collected in Sochi were sent to international experts. Herewith the official confirmation of the identification of the specimens is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the end of the second Chechen campaign, the North Caucasus counterinsurgency has experienced the shift from military involvement toward prevalence of law enforcement instruments. This paper discusses the composition of repressive tactics that the Russian state developed as a result of the two decades long evolution of a counter strategy designed to eliminate illegal armed groups operating in the North Caucasus. It is focused on the late stages of conflict (2007-2014) when the violence that had spread across the region started in the early 2000s had symbolically culminated in 2007 with the proclamation of the Caucasian Emirate. This paper advances a reconceptualization of the Russian counterinsurgency by devising an analysis of indiscriminate and discriminate repressive tactics. It demonstrates that security agencies incorporated more selective uses of violence into their tactics, thereby reducing the number of indiscriminate violent actions to an insignificant level. Moreover, along with selective violence, security institutions reinforced their effort by conducting preventive work such as the detection of secret caches of weapons, seizures, and arrests. Findings regarding the current composition of repressive tactics are illustrated by means of new disaggregated media-based data that were especially collected and analyzed to form the basis of this research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent archaeological research has highlighted the potential role of mobile pastoral groups in the diffusion of raw materials and technological innovations between the southern Caucasus and north‐western Iran from the Neolithic onwards. Two successive projects, PAST‐OBS and SCOPE, were designed to explore this hypothesis through the study of obsidian consumption patterns from the Neolithic to the Bronze Age using a flexible analytical strategy that considerably extends the scale of obsidian studies in these regions. By focusing on the exploitation of obsidian at multiple levels—local, regional and interregional—we hope to unravel the complexity of the obsidian networks under study. The aim of this paper is to present (1) a reassessment of the work so far carried out by previous obsidian studies, with a view to homogenizing and to clarifying the nomenclature in use; and (2) an introduction to the PAST‐OBS and SCOPE projects in order to initiate a discussion of our preliminary results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Asian Alpine Belt (AAB) region extends from the Tibetan Plateau to the Caucasus. Rapid climate change and increasing anthropogenic pressures in the ecologically sensitive alpine area are making the achievement of sustainable development goals in the AAB more challenging. The water--food--energy--ecosystem (WFEE) nexus describes the trade-offs and synergies among the various elements of water, food, energy resources, and natural ecosystems relevant for sustainable development. The optimization of the WFEE nexus in the AAB region has become a vital issue for reaching sustainability in this ecologically fragile Eurasian region and its developing countries. In this paper, we broadly classify research into four types based on a compilation of recent research on the WFEE nexus in the AAB region: ecohydrological processes, agriculture and livestock, clean energy, and local social adaptation. We use the classification--coordination--collaboration approach to build an optimized conceptual framework to indicate a future research path. The outlook includes enhanced identification of the WFEE nexus, scientifically rational decision-making, and attention to cross-sector and transnational collaboration to support the realization of sustainable development goals in the AAB region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Before the late eighth century, with a few exceptions (epigraphy, the languages of the Caucasus and the North-Western Isles), little had been written in Europe in languages other than Latin, Greek and Hebrew. The long ninth century saw this monopoly of the 'three sacred languages' shaken and challenged: several vernacular languages (Celtic, Germanic and Slavonic, but also, if to a lesser extent, Romance) appeared in writing for the first time and others developed in significant ways. This paper, introducing this special issue on Vernacular Languages in the Long Ninth Century, starts with an assessment of the linguistic situation of Europe before the changes began; it goes on with a summary of the main developments known to have taken place in the long ninth century; it then addresses their possible connections and observable entanglements and identifies the conditions that allowed the emergence and the sustained flourishing of written vernaculars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrocarbon reserves of the order of 1140 MM brl oe have been identified in the northern foreland of the eastern Greater Caucasus, principally in the Terek‐Caspian fold‐and‐thrust belt and the Prikumsk Swell in the north of the Terek‐Caspian foredeep. Despite the great economic significance of these areas and their long exploration history, the origin of the hydrocarbons is still poorly understood. In the present paper, geochemical data from 73 oil samples representing 28 fields are used to investigate the presence of oil families and to correlate the oils with potential source rocks. Biomarker composition of oils in Cretaceous and Miocene reservoirs in the Terek‐Caspian fold‐and‐thrust belt is mainly controlled by reservoir depth (100‐5700 m) and maturity (0.70‐1.15 %Ro), and it is therefore difficult to separate maturity and facies effects. For example, a downward increase in diasterane/sterane ratios may indicate a change in source rock facies or may be attributed to increasing maturity. Some shallow oils are biodegraded. The presence of short‐chain n‐alkanes in biodegraded oils indicates recent hydrocarbon migration. Biomarker data (e.g. the presence of oleanane) and compound‐specific isotope data suggest that the Khadum Formation in the lower part of the Maikop Group is the main source rock. However data from Cretaceous and Paleogene organic‐rich rocks, which may also have contributed to the accumulated oils, are urgently needed in order to quantify their possible input. In the Prikumsk Swell, at least two oil families, characterized by low and high C28/C29 sterane ratios respectively, can be distinguished in reservoir rocks of Triassic to Cretaceous age. Most oils are characterized by low C28/C29 sterane ratios and the absence of oleanane ("Group B oils"). These characteristics suggest a pre‐Upper Cretaceous source for the oils, which is also supported by the geological setting. Hierarchical cluster analysis suggests the presence of four sub‐groups (Sub‐Groups B1 to B4). Typically, biomarker ratios in oils in Cretaceous reservoirs are more uniform than those in Triassic and Jurassic reservoirs. Potential source rocks include Lower Triassic deep‐water clayey limestones and shales as well as Middle Jurassic and Aptian‐Albian marine shales. Three oil samples from Triassic and Cretaceous reservoirs form a separate oil family ("Group A"), which is genetically related to oils from the Terek‐Caspian fold‐and‐thrust belt. Group A oils have high C28/C29 sterane ratios and in general contain at least some oleanane. A contribution by Cenozoic source rocks to Group A oils is likely. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exploration efforts around the Greater Caucasus region started towards the end of the 19th century and established a wide range of petroleum play types in various basin segments around the orogen. All these plays are associated with the flanks of the inverted thrust‐fold belt and the adjacent foreland basin systems, but display significant variation among the basin segments depending on the tectonostratigraphic units involved and the degree of exploration maturity. Whereas the same main source rocks have generated most of the hydrocarbons in all the basins (namely organic‐rich shales in the Oligocene – Lower Miocene Maykop Group and the Eocene Kuma Formation), it is primarily the trapping style, both proven and speculative, which is responsible for the broad spectrum of play types observed. Eleven play type diagrams across six main petroleum provinces of the Greater Caucasus region are presented in this paper and summarize the current exploration understanding of the existing discoveries and potential new play targets. These play cartoons offer a prospect‐scale summary of both mature producing and underexplored basin segments in a coherent visual manner, and are therefore intended to promote future exploration efforts in the Caucasus region. The testing of new play types requires the proper risking of the two most critical elements in the region: hydrocarbon kitchen effectiveness, and post‐charge trap modification. The de‐risking of these factors will require properly designed, fit‐for‐purpose acquisition of modern geological and geophysical data sets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is devoted to applications of the "Extremum" loss simulation system to two damaging earthquakes which occurred in Croatia in 2020. We provide a calibration procedure of mathematical models used for shaking intensity simulation. The regional macroseismic field parameters, such as the coefficients in the macroseismic field equation; the ratio between the longer (b) and the shorter (a) axes of the higher elliptical isoseismals (the flattening ratio k); the angle that specifies the orientation of the macroseismic field, in particular, the azimuth of the longer axis in the isoseismal ellipse, were all based on extensive macroseismic data acquired for the Balkan region and on the data for an analogous area with similar seismotectonic parameters in the Caucasus. We obtained a fairly good consistency between the results of simulation applied to the impact of the 2020 Croatia earthquakes and observations, confirming that the calibration of the macroseismic model by the Extremum system was both reasonable and effective for enhancing reliability for real time loss estimation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In March of 2017, the Russian LGBT Network received their first reports of police violence against individuals in Chechnya because of their perceived sexual orientation. In the following months, news spread of a campaign of forced disappearances and torture specifically targeting suspected homosexual men. Between December, 2018 and February, 2019, police carried out another wave of unlawful detentions of men on the basis of their sexual orientation. The reports of unlawful detentions and extrajudicial killings of queer men may seem surreal in a world that has slowly grown more progressive with regard to LGBT rights issues. And yet, this violence is the reality faced by gay and bisexual men in Chechnya under Ramzan Kadyrov, the hypermasculine Chechen leader. This paper explores the ways in which religious practice, imaginations of nature, and conceptions of gender have influenced Chechnya's current anti-LGBT climate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim of the paper is to describe species composition, ecology and syntaxonomy of unique mesophilous forests in Georgian Colchis in the context of the Euxinian forests. Location: SW Georgia, western part of the Caucasus Region, slopes of the Lesser Caucasus (80-990 m). Methods: Forest vegetation was sampled following the Braun-Blanquet approach and basic environmental characteristics were recorded for each relevé (n = 53). The dataset was clustered using modified TWINSPAN and diagnostic species for each cluster were defined by phi fidelity index. Links between the species composition of vegetation and environmental factors were analysed by detrended correspondence analysis. Numerical comparison of the distinguished clusters with previously published associations from northern Turkey was carried out (expanded dataset, n = 173). Results: Among the new relevés, we distinguished three vegetation types subsequently described as new associations: (i) Digitali schischkinii-Carpinetum betuli, chestnut-hornbeam forests of slightly dry sites, with low cover of evergreen shrubs, (ii) Rusco colchici-Castaneetum sativae, chestnut-hornbeam forests with a dense evergreen shrub layer, and (iii) Polysticho woronowii-Ulmetum glabrae, ravine forests with noble hardwood trees and ravine forest specialists. These associations were classified to the alliances of Euxinian forests, the first two to Castaneo-Carpinion and the third to Alnion barbatae. Major turnover in species composition within the dataset followed gradients of rockiness, slope inclination, altitude and mean annual temperature. The analysis of the expanded dataset revealed a decreasing occurrence of Mediterranean species and an increasing number of fern species along an easterly gradient. This change in species composition is likely to be driven by macroclimatic gradients. Conclusions: This paper presents the first numerical comparison of chestnut-hornbeam and ravine forests across central and eastern parts of the Euxinian Province. Our results have highlighted the uniqueness of Georgian Colchic forests, described as new associations, in the context of Euxinian forest vegetation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents new multi-proxy records of the Holocene environmental and climatic changes in the Western Caucasus revealed from a continuous sediment sequence from mountainous Lake Khuko (Caucasus State Natural Biospheric Reserve, 1744 m a.s.l.). Palaeoecological analyses of a sediment core for grain size, magnetic susceptibility, loss on ignition, and pollen allowed us to determine five principal climatic phases with several subphases since 10.5 ka BP. The age model is based on seven accelerator mass spectrometry 14C dates, supplemented by 210Pb data for the uppermost part of the sediment core. Warm periods (10.5–6.7, 6.7–5.5, 3.5–2.4, 0.8–0.5 ka BP) were characterized by high biological productivity in the lake as indicated by high organic matter content and expansion of forests, typical of modern low and middle mountain zones, as indicated by the increase in abundance of Quercus, Ulmus, Corylus, and Tilia in the pollen assemblages. Cold periods (5.5–3.5, 2.4–0.8, and 0.5 ka BP–present) are marked by a consistent decrease in organic matter content in lake deposits and possibly higher intensity of the catchment erosion. The changes in pollen assemblages (for instance peaks of Abies, Picea, and Pinus) suggested a potential elevational decline in the boundaries of vegetation belts and expansion of high-altitude woodlands. Abrupt changes in the lake ecosystem were identified between 4.2 and 3.5 ka cal BP marked by a short-term variation in sediment regime shown by variation in organic matter content, magnetic susceptibility values, and sediment grain size. This was probably caused by climatic fluctuations in the Western Caucasus region as a result of complex shifts in the ocean-atmosphere system during the 4.2 ka event. Overall, the first Holocene multi-proxy continuous lake sediment record provides new insights into the climate history in the Western Caucasus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports the results of a recent geological and archaeological survey conducted in the Sarab district (Sabalan area) in Northwestern Iran. This survey aimed to identify potential obsidian outcrops in the region and to investigate archaeological sites in the vicinity to assess their obsidian exploitation patterns. We located a new obsidian source, Ideloo, and surveyed the previously known archaeological sites of Tepe Qalehjoogh, Kultepe Asbfrooshan, Tepe Emam Chay and Qaleh Tepe Abarghan. Here, we describe the methods and results of our surveys, along with the geochemical characterisation, using portable XRF and LA‐ICP‐MS, of both the new outcrop and the obsidian artefacts found on the sites. Our analyses have revealed the consumption of Ideloo obsidian on three of the four sites surveyed, confirming its exploitation by local communities. While validating previous assumptions regarding the existence of potential obsidian sources in Northwestern Iran, our study also highlights the consumption of raw materials originating from the Caucasus or Eastern Anatolia in complement to local resources. However, the diffusion of the Ideloo obsidian seems so far restricted to a small area, which suggests more complex consumption and trade patterns than previously expected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Eastern Mediterranean and Caucasus regions are two of the most seismically active deforming continental regions. Monitoring and studies of the extensive deformation processes in this comparatively limited region enhance our understanding of the continental collision in the region. In this paper, we built a new elastic block model to constrain present-day plate motions and regional deformation in the intraplate zone and estimate fault slip rates from a dense global positioning system (GPS) velocity field. We additionally considered differences in moment accumulation rate per unit fault length using seismogenic and geodetic depth along the main faults. The right-lateral slip rates were estimated at between 24.33 ± 0.47 and 28 ± 0.5 mm/year along the North Anatolian Fault Zone (NAFZ) and the left-lateral slip at 10.6 ± 0.9 to 12 ± 1 mm/year on the East Anatolian Fault Zone (EAFZ). The Dead Sea Transform Fault (DSTF) slip rate ranges between 4.1 ± 0.95 and 6 ± 1 mm/year. The slip rate for the Main Caucasus Thrust Fault (MCTF) is 6.5 ± 0.2 to 14.3 ± 0.7 mm/year from west to the east. A shallow locking depth of 9 ± 3.2 km was found in the Marmara region. The locking depth along the DSTF is 10.9 ± 5.5 km in the northern segment, 9 ± 6.7 km in the central section and 11.8 ± 4 km in the southern section. The locking depth of the EAFZ is 16.7 ± 4.4 km in the northern segment, 19.8 ± 7.4 km in the middle segment and 12.5 ± 4.2 km in the southern segment. The locking depths along the MCTF range between 12.7 ± 5.8 and 17.8 ± 4.9 km from west to east. Our new block model has the best fit to the observed velocities. The results provide an overall understanding of fault activity and have implications for the earthquake hazard along the main faults in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents the first data on the nitrogen isotope composition of the associated gases of mineral waters in the North Caucasus and newly acquired data on the carbon isotope composition of the CO2 and CH4. Most of the samples were taken from the high- waters of the Elbrus and Kazbek volcanic areas in the Greater Caucasus. It is shown that δ15N changes in the range of –3.9 to +5.6‰ and synchronously increases in gases of the Caucasus Spa Area (CSA) with an increase in the N2 and CH4 concentrations. This correlation points to a genetic association of non-atmogenic nitrogen with sedimentary methane-generating processes. The values of δ13С in carbon dioxide in the Elbrus area vary from –11.8 to –3.0‰. The mean value of δ13С (СО2) tends to increase north of Elbrus volcano, and this trend may be a consequence of the increasing content of СО2 produced by the thermal decomposition of sedimentary carbonates in the composition of gases, as well as a result of low-temperature interaction of the high- waters with the Jurassic and Cretaceous carbonate rocks. It is shown that high- waters associated with Elbrus volcano often contain up to 12.4% CH4. This methane is characterized by high δ13С of –32.0 to –17.2‰. Analysis of the distribution of concentrations and δ13С values of СН4 around Elbrus and the presence of N2 with positive δ15N values in the gases suggest a crustal genesis of the methane. The role of magmatic activity in this situation is reduced to producing a temperature anomaly that activates carbon isotope exchange in the CO2–CH4 system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper considers factors that determined the geochemical features of the Jurassic terrigenous complex of the northern Caucasus. It is shown that at the initial stages of sedimentation, source rocks were the pre-Mesozoic crystalline basement. The geochemical composition of the Jurassic rocks was also affected by weathering crusts developed on serpentinite massifs. The formation of large deltaic and prodeltaic complex in the eastern sector of the paleobasin determined the lithological and geochemical peculiarities of the accumulated sediments and facies asymmetry of the basin. The influence of climate, rate, and stability of sedimentation, diagenetic transformations of sediments, content and composition of organic matter, gas regime of basin waters, and other factors on the sedimentary process is estimated. A different combination of these factors determined the geochemical diversity of rocks in the Early and Middle Jurassic paleobasin of the Greater Caucasus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper is devoted to the general problems of development of the North Caucasus region and various aspects of its investigation. This theme was not easy for scientists and analysts at all times, and it cannot be understood in a one-dimensional measurement. In general the Caucasus has provided and continues to exert considerable influence on the formation and development of the Russian identity and this is both theoretical and practical importance for us. Therefore much attention is paid to the present situation in Russian society, its ability to meet the challenges of the times in a rapidly changing world and changes in domestic and foreign policy on its southern borders. The paper presents different approaches to analysis and different comments on them. But all Russian researchers are united in one thing - in the understanding and preservation of this unique region as an integral part of the Russian state and Russian identity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Cenozoic succession in the Lower Kura Basin includes largely uniform, often carbonate-free mudstones. Because age dating of these sediments has proved difficult, the stratigraphy of the Cenozoic succession and the distribution of organic-rich strata are poorly known. A better understanding of the Cenozoic succession is not only important for petroleum-systems-analysis, but also for the understanding of the Cenozoic evolution of the Caucasus region. Therefore, bulk geochemical data (carbonate, TOC, sulphur, Rock-Eval) of 885 samples and biostratigraphic data were collected along seven outcrop profiles. This enabled the establishment of a continuous stratigraphic record from the Middle Eocene to the Late Miocene (Pontian). The study results show that potential source rocks are present in three stratigraphic units: the Middle Koun (Middle Eocene), Maikop Group (Oligo-Miocene) and Diatom Formation (Upper Miocene). The Middle Koun is about 100 m thick near the Caspian Sea and contains highly oil-prone sediments (2–24 wt% TOC; HI 300–577 mgHC/gTOC), which may generate 1.5 tHC/m2. The Maikop Group contains on average 1.8 wt% TOC, but is often gas-prone. Highly oil prone layers (2–5 wt% TOC; HI 300–450 mgHC/gTOC) are rare. Nevertheless, the Upper Maikop Formation may generate ∼2 tHC/m2. The Diatom Formation contains paper shales with high TOC contents (3–22 wt%) and HI values (350–770 mgHC/gTOC). The paper shale unit is more than 60 m thick near the Caspian Sea and can generate 3.8 tHC/m2. Previously it was thought that the Maikop Group had the highest petroleum potential, whilst Upper Miocene and Middle Eocene source intervals were overlooked. The Middle Eocene to Lower Oligocene succession in the Kura Basin is largely carbonate-free. In contrast, coeval successions elsewhere in the Caucasus region contain sediments with varying, but often high carbonate contents. Differences in carbonate content imply greater water depth during deposition in the Kura Basin. • Cenozoic organic matter-rich rocks in Azerbaijan occur in three distinct stratigraphic units. • The Middle Eocene Middle Koun Member is a prolific, but overlooked, source rock capable of generating up to 1.5 tHC/m2. • The Oligo- Miocene Maikop Group contains moderate amounts of organic matter, but can still generate about 2 tHC/m2. • Upper Miocene paper shales in the Diatom Fm. contain a remarkably high petroleum potential and may generate 3.8 tHC/m2. • Water depth during Middle Eocene to Lower Oligocene time was higher in Azerbaijan than in other in other Caucasus areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Today, the Caucasus region receives much less attention among scholars and decision-makers than a few years ago. Eurasian security studies are currently dominated by the coverage of the armed conflict in east Ukraine and the turbulence in the Middle East. The South Caucasus, however, remains rather unstable due to its geopolitical fragility. As Russia and the United States (US) find themselves in the midst of the most severe crisis in their relations since the end of the Cold War, their relationship in this sensitive part of Eurasia deserves every attention. While looking in this paper at the bilateral relations between Moscow and Washington in the Caucasus region, the authors seek to avoid framing the present state of the relationship as a second edition of the Cold War. Instead, the basic reasons for disagreements between Russia and the US in the Caucasus since the dissolution of the USSR are critically examined. The authors also aim to explain specific reasons driving Russia's and the US' respective engagements in regional security issues. They also focus on similarities and specifics of the US and Russian policies vis-à-vis regional ethno-political conflict resolution processes in Abkhazia, South Ossetia and Nagorno-Karabakh. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a description of evidentiality marking in the Rikvani dialect of Andi. As a language spoken in the Caucasus, Andi is situated in the center of a large area within Eurasia where evidentiality is frequently expressed with a perfect or resultative form of the verb (general indirective), and special particles marking hearsay (and sometimes also inference). Both are attested in Andi and form independent evidential paradigms. I will explore the way these forms are used in natural texts and elicitation and how they interact with each other. An important issue is to what extent evidentiality can be considered grammaticalized as part of the verbal paradigm in Andi. I will compare my observations on Andi to the systems found in other East Caucasian languages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]