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Microfossils of the Strenoceras niortense Zone of the Upper Bajocian of the Karachay-Cherkessian Republic are studied. The zone is represented mainly by dark gray silty-sandy clays, with scattered nodules often arranged in interbeds, and belongs to the lower part of the upper subformation of the Djangura Formation. The taxonomic composition and distribution of foraminifera, ostracods, dinoflagellate cysts, and miospores in the section has been identified. The ranges of biostratigraphic units based on foraminifera, ostracods, and dinocysts are emended and these units are correlated with the ammonite scale. The distribution of benthic foraminifers indicates that these are Beds with Ophthalmidium caucasicum, comparable with the entire Niortense Zone and most of the Garantiana Zone. The Beds with Globuligerina dagestanica established using planktonic foraminifera are correlated with the entire studied interval from the Niortense Zone to the Lower Bathonian, inclusive. In the middle-upper part of the Niortense Zone (Rostovtsevi and Baculatum Subzones), the Beds with ostracods Palaeocytheridea (Malzevia) subtilis were recognized for the first time. The beds with dinocysts Carpathodinium predae, Rhynchodiniopsis? regalis, Meiourogonyaulax valensii are correlated with the range of the Niortense and Garantiana Zones and the lower part of the Parkinsoni Zone, inclusive. Characteristic taxa of microfauna and dinocysts are illustrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the eastern zone of the North Caucasus, including the Terek–Caspian trough, Dagestan wedge, and adjacent structures, with the maximum coverage of the data from the Federal network of seismological observations of the Geophysical Survey of the Russian Academy of Sciences (GS RAS), the regional frequency-dependent relations are determined using the Coda Wave Decay (CWD) method to estimate the seismic Q-factor of the Earth's crust and upper mantle. In total, waveforms from 394 crustal earthquakes with source depths from 1 to 42 km and magnitudes М from 2.2 to 5.5 are analyzed using the Coda Q module of the SEISAN software package (Havskov et al., 2020). The seismic Q estimation technique using the single-scattering model is described in detail. Recommendations are given how to practically use the obtained estimates characterizing the wave properties of different-scale volumes of the fault-block geological environment to make attenuation corrections when calculating the source spectral parameters in the eastern zone of the North Caucasus. The results of the study will help to augment the information content of earthquake catalogs, in particular, with the data on energy characteristics of seismic events (universal moment magnitude values Mw) in the most seismically active regions of the Russian Federation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first results of the U–Th–Pb isotope dating of detrital zircons (dZr, N = 130, n = 91) from the middle Danian sandstones (63.9–65.3 Ma) of the Cretaceous–Eocene Novorossiisk–Anapa flysch widely developed in the Sochi synclinorium (southern slope of the Western Caucasus) are presented. The maximum and minimum dZr age is 2973 ± 12 Ma and 318 ± 3 Ma, respectively; weighted average age of the four youngest dZr is ~322 ± 7 Ma. There are no signs of erosion products of the Jurassic magmatites involved in the structure of the Greater Caucasus and Crimean Mountains into the sedimentary basin, where the Novorossiisk–Anapa flysch was formed. The results have revealed a high degree of similarity between the provenance signals of the Danian sandstones from the Novorossiisk–Anapa flysch, some Paleogene–Neogene and Early Quaternary (Early Pleistocene) sandstones of the Western Caucasus and Western Cis-Caucasia, red-colored Upper Permian and Lower Triassic sandstones of the Moscow syneclise, as well as Late Quaternary alluvium at lower reaches of the Don and Volga rivers draining vast expanses of the Russian Plate. These facts suggest: (1) the absence of eroded mountain structures of the Greater Caucasus and Crimea in the middle Danian; (2) the main volume of detrital material composing the Novorossiisk–Anapa flysch was formed due to the recycling of Permian–Triassic and younger sequences of the Russian Plate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The structure of genetic variability of the prickly juniper Juniperus deltoides R.P. Adams (family Cupressaceae), an important component of Mediterranean arid and semiarid ecosystems, was studied. We genotyped samples from five populations of J. deltoids located at the northeastern limit of the range in Eurasia (Western Crimea, Transcaucasia) and one Balkan population (Bulgaria) using five nuclear microsatellite loci developed for Juniperus cedrus Webb & Berthel. Average values of intrapopulation genetic diversity were found (He varies from 0.428 to 0.602) with the lowest values in the Crimean populations. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that the populations were assigned into three genetic groups: Western Crimea, Caucasus (Krasnodar krai), and Balkans (Bulgaria). Application of AMOVA to these groups showed statistically significant differentiation (9.9% of total variability, P < 0.001). The first two groups correspond to the previously identified Asian group of J. deltoides, and the third group corresponds to the Balkan group. The differentiation of the Crimean populations from geographically close Caucasian populations is shown for the first time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Toward the middle of the nineteenth century, a large Subbotnik community established itself in the village of Privol'noe in the Lankaran district of Baku province in Southern Caucasus. By early 1909, however, the names of two small Subbotnik communities—both in the settlement of Petrovka, near Privol'noe—began to appear in the documents of the Baku province administration. While the Privol'noe community has been thoroughly studied, those of Petrovka remain largely unexplored. At their peak, Petrovka's two Subbotnik communities were divided, belonging to different Jewish streams, and segregated from each other. Based mainly on documents from the National Historical Archives of the Republic of Azerbaijan (NAHARA), this study uncovers these communities and compares their religious life with each other. It does so in the context of the Russo-Ottoman and Irano-Russian geopolitical rivalries in Southern Caucasus. The study explains how and which aspects of this struggle led Russia to originally establish communities like Petrovka at the start of the examined period. It further explores why Russia later lost interest in supporting the Petrovka communities by the end of said period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Astrochronological (cyclostratigraphic) referencing of the lithological and geochemical characteristics of Jurassic deposits of the Crimea Mountains and the Caucasus to the eccentricity cycles of Earth's orbit is performed, the relationship of the determined variations in climate and paleotemperature with the times of coincidence of different orders of eccentricity cycles is analyzed, and their paleoclimatic description is given. New data on paleotemperatures of the Southern Demerdzhi Mountain section are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Visible-near infrared (Vis-NIR) and mid-infrared (MIR) spectroscopy are increasingly being used for the fast determination of soil properties. The aim of this study was (i) to test the use of MIR spectra (Agilent 4300 FTIR Handheld spectrometer) for the prediction of soil properties and (ii) to compare the prediction performances of MIR spectra and Vis-NIR (ASD FieldSpecPro) spectra; the Vis-NIR data were adopted from a previous study. Both the MIR and Vis-NIR spectra were coupled with partial least squares regression, different pre-processing techniques, and the same 114 soil samples, collected from the agricultural land located between boreal forests and semi-arid steppe belts (Kastanozems). The prediction accuracy (R2 = 0.70–0.99) of both techniques was similar for most of the soil properties assessed. However, (i) the MIR spectra were superior for estimating CaCO3, pH, SOC, sand, Ca, Mg, Cd, Fe, Mn, and Pb. (ii) The Vis-NIR spectra provided better results for silt, clay, and K, and (iii) the hygroscopic water content, Cu, P, and Zn were poorly predicted by both methods. The importance of the applied pre-processing techniques was evident, and among others, the first derivative spectra produced more reliable predictions for 11 of the 17 soil properties analyzed. The spectrally active CaCO3 had a dominant contribution in the MIR predictions of spectrally inactive soil properties, followed by SOC and Fe, whereas particle sizes and hygroscopic water content appeared as confounding factors. The estimation of spectrally inactive soil properties was carried out by considering their secondary correlation with carbonates, clay minerals, and organic matter. The soil information covered by the MIR spectra was more meaningful than that covered by the Vis-NIR spectra, while both displayed similar capturing mechanisms. Both the MIR and Vis-NIR spectra seized the same soil information, which may appear as a limiting factor for combining both spectral ranges. The interpretation of MIR spectra allowed us to differentiate non-carbonated and carbonated samples corresponding to carbonate leaching and accumulation zones associated with topography and land use. The prediction capability of the MIR spectra and the content of nutrient elements was highly related to soil-forming factors in the study area, which highlights the importance of local (site-specific) prediction models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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In the context of assessing seismic hazard, accurately predicting ground motion stands out as a crucial task. Achieving precision in ground motion modeling proves valuable in revealing the actual pattern, even when faced with insufficient data on soil structure, provided there is precise information about the seismic source. This study introduces a methodology for calculating local- and near-field ground motion, expressed in peak ground acceleration (PGA) and intensity values. The deterministic approach is employed, incorporating source characteristics and one-dimensional (1D) site effects. For the chosen test area, the Ismayilli-Shamakhi region on the southeastern slope of the Greater Caucasus in Azerbaijan, two seismic scenarios are investigated: the 1902 Shamakhi earthquake (magnitude M = 6.8) and the November 25, 2000 Baku-Caspian earthquake (two shocks with moment magnitude Mw = 6.08 and 6.18). Different soil types are considered to validate the proposed methodological procedures. The analysis involves the computation of peak ground acceleration motion for two scenario earthquakes: a local-field event with M = 6.8 and a near-field event with Mw = 6.5, representing the average magnitude of the 2000 Baku-Caspian earthquake. The computed peak ground acceleration values are then used to derive intensities. Notably, the 1902 Shamakhi earthquake and the 2000 Baku-Caspian earthquake exhibit similar trends on surface PGA values. The local-field scenario estimates PGA values ranging from 77 to 328 gal, corresponding to MSK-64 scale intensity levels of VII-IX. The near-field scenario, with PGA values ranging from 28 to 62 gal, aligns with MSK-64 intensity levels of VI–VII. In the final assessment, the amplification factor in the study area varies between 0.55 and 0.83. The seismic hazard level is identified as high in the southern and southeastern regions, particularly in areas with soft shallow and medium-depth soils, indicating a high potential for ground motion amplification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim. The Black Sea region is one of the centers of diversity of bats in the Palearctic. In this regard, the main aim of the work was determined ‐ to study the species composition of the bat fauna of the Black Sea region and the distribution of bat species there. The aim becomes especially relevant if we consider that significant changes have occurred in the composition of the region’s fauna in recent years and that the distribution of chiropterans in the Black Sea region as a whole has never been the object of special research. Discussion. The article contains point maps of the distribution of each of the 35 species of bats living in the subtropics of the Black Sea region and adjacent territories. In addition, the maps are provided with comments on the range of each species on the Black Sea coast. Conclusion. The data presented can be used both for fundamental research and for solving practical problems, primarily in the organization and implementation of environmental measures.

A study of the isotope signature of glacial ice in the Western Elbrus Plateau (the Caucasus) was made on the basis of five ice cores obtained in different years with high resolution. It was shown that the isotopic characteristics of ice are associated with the processes of accumulation and wind scouring of snow. Three ice cores were obtained in 2013 (C–1, C–2 and C–3), one in 2017 (C–4) and one more in 2018 (C–5). Core sampling was performed with a resolution of 5 cm. Isotopic analysis was done at the CERL laboratory (AARI) using a Picarro L2130-i isotope analyzer, the accuracy was 0.06‰ for δ18O and 0.30‰ for δ2Н. The values of d18О and δ2Н of the ice of the Western Plateau generally vary from –5 to –30‰ and from –18.7 to –225.8‰, respectively, with well-defined seasonality. Comparison of the isotope record for all cores showed that the differences in accumulation for individual seasons reach 0.3 m w. eq., differences in accumulation for individual seasons averaged over 5 years is approximately 0.2 m w.eq. The absolute differences in the average seasonal values of d associated with wind scouring and spatial redistribution of snow (deposition noise), averaged over 5 years, reached 1.38‰. The irregularity of precipitation amount within the season and errors in core dating are an additional contribution to non-climate variance (noise of definition). The absolute difference in the average seasonal values of δ18O associated with this type of noise averaged over 5 years is 1.7‰. Thus, the total uncertainty for two different types of noise can be estimated at 2.2‰, which is about 20% of the annual seasonal amplitude of δ18O values of the glacier ice in the Western Plateau (the average difference between the δ18O values of warm and cold seasons is ~10–11‰). One of the problems of linking the isotope record to the annual temperature record at the weather station was solved by using ammonium concentrations for dating the C-1 ice core and calculating the “ide+al” annual variation of δ18O values by a cosine function of the annual amplitude. Using ammonium ion (NH4) concentration each annual layer in C-1 ice core was divided into two parts associated to snow deposition in winter and in summer. It also showed δ18O values associated to change of seasons. The calculation of the cosine function showed the simplified δ18O values for each month of a particular year, due to which the δ18O values of the season boundaries in the ice core were linked to calendar months. This assimilation allowed us to compare the obtained average seasonal values of δ18O from the core with instrumental observations at the Klukhorskiy Pass meteorological station. The δ18O values of winter seasons have a weak relationship with surface temperatures, not only due to wind erosion, but also due to the high interannual variability of snow accumulation. At the same time, the average δ18O values of the warm seasons are significantly positive correlated with surface temperature (r = 0.7, p = 0.1), so ice core δ18O records can be used as a temperature proxy of the warm period.

In the present study, we aim to provide an inventory of digenetic trematodes (Platyhelminthes, Trematoda, Digenea) from Georgia including records from the freshwater, marine and terrestrial realms. The checklist is based on a critical review of data from 109 papers, 11 monographs and four Ph.D. theses published between 1935 and 2019 and our new records. The checklist includes information on synonymy, the host species, site of infection, geographical distribution and bibliographical references. The present data will serve as a baseline for further studies on trematodes from Georgia focused on integrative taxonomy, life-cycle elucidation, parasite ecology and epidemiology.We compiled data on the digenean trematode fauna of Georgia, which is represented by 186 species (of these 173 identified to species level) belonging to 108 genera, 47 families and 17 superfamilies. This is the first checklist of the digeneans of Georgia. The majority of digenean species were recorded as adults (160 species), only a small fraction being found as cercariae (33 species) or metacercariae (24 species), in their first or second intermediate hosts, respectively. Predominantly, records of trematodes (62 species) from birds were found, followed by those parasitising fish (50 species, i.e. 32 species as adults and 18 as metacercariae), mammals (33 species) and amphibians (25 species, i.e. 23 species as adults and 2 as metacercariae), with the least number of species reported from reptiles (12 species, i.e. 9 species as adults and 3 as metacercariae). Adult digeneans recorded together with another life-cycle stage (metacercariae and/or cercariae) comprised 28 species, i.e. for 15% of the total trematode species number, a part of their life-cycle is known.

A new data about type specimens of Otiorhynchus discretus Stierlin, 1861, O. pubifer Boheman, 1842, O. ottomanus Stierlin, 1861, O. lilligi Keskin et Cevik, 2007, O. longipilis Smreczyński, 1970, O. europaeus Stierlin, 1883, O. ceviki Keskin, 2007, O. georgianus Magnano, 1999 and O. suramensis Reitter, 1914 are presented. A taxonomic position of the following species of the genus Otiorhynchus Germar, 1822 is clarifed: O. pawlowskii Mazur, 1983 is transferred from incerta sedis to the subgenus Davidianaxius Alonso-Zarazaga, 2013; O. suramensis from Podoropelmus Reitter, 1912 to Davidianaxius; both of O. ceviki and O. spinifer K. Daniel et J. Daniel, 1902 are transferred from Melasemnus Reitter, 1912 to Tournieria Stierlin, 1861; O. ottomanus from Panorosemus Reitter, 1912 and O. longipilis from Hanibotus Reitter, 1912 are transferred to the subgenus Pocodalemes Reitter, 1912; O. discretus and O. pseudomecops Reitter, 1914 from Podonebistus Reitter, 1912 to Pterygodontus Białooki, 2015; O. pilosus Gyllenhal, 1834 from Сhoilisanus Reitter, 1912 to Podorhynchus Białooki, 2015. Species O. pubifer sp. resurr. is resurrected from the synonymy of O. brunneus Gyllenhal, 1834. Te new synonymy is established: Otiorhynchus pilosus Gyllenhal, 1834 = Otiorhynchus georgianus Magnano, 1999, syn. n. Lectotypes for O. discretus and O. ottomanus are designated. Otiorhynchus (Pocodalemes) vitis giresunicus subsp. n. is described from Göndeliç Tepesi in Giresun Province of Turkey. Tis new subspecies is diferent from the nominotypical one in the weakly punctured elongated medial area on the pronotal disc.

Based on morphological, chemical and molecular evidences, Ramalina europaea, R. lacera, and R. obtusata are reported for the first time for Dagestan. Ramalina lacera is the first confirmed record for the Russian part of the Caucasus and the second one for Russia. ITS of nuclear ribosomal DNA barcodes for Caucasian specimens of R. lacera and R. obtusata are generated for the first time. Specimen descriptions for firstly revealed species are presented. A key for identification of the 13 known taxa of the genus Ramalinain Dagestan is provided.

Oriented by visual, gender and ethnographic studies, and broadening the focus from the film itself to the reviews in the cinema press of the period, this article offers a new interpretation of the Russian film Bela, a work that has been largely overlooked by critics, directed by Andrej Gromov and written by Marija Kallaš in 1913. Despite being a cinematic adaptation of a 19th century short story composed by Michail Lermontov bearing the same title, and therefore presenting itself as a paradigmatic example of classic narrative cinema, Bela challenges the typical features and conventions of the genre, reversing the standards and experimenting with the peculiarities of the documentary genre, particularly with the aesthetics of the coeval cinematic travelogues. Additionally, Kallaš’s screenplay puts the female character at the very centre of the narrative, and transforms Bela, an exotic Circassian princess depicted through ethnic and gender stereotypes, from a passive icon into an active and mobile figure, immersed in the landscape, able to observe the world around her.

New data on distribution of rare and little-known species of comb-clawed beetles (Tenebrionidae: Alleculinae) in the European part of Russia and the Caucasus are presented. Allecula morio (Fabricius, 1787) is recorded for Russia for the frst time; Crimean Peninsula is the easternmost border of its range. Information about three very rare species, Gonodera luperus luperus (Herbst, 1783), Hymenalia smirnovi Dubrovina, 1978 and Hymenalia morio (L. Redtenbacher, 1849), is given; the record of the second species is the only reliable and confrmed by material from Ulyanovsk Region. Gonodera pulcherrima (Faldermann, 1837) is recorded for the Greater Caucasus for the frst time. Mycetochara (Ernocharis) armeniaca Novák, 2022 is frstly recorded in Georgia. Information on distribution and bionomics of Omophlus (Phibalus) subalpinus (Ménétriés, 1832) is given; the species is very local and inhabits small limestone steppe areas in Stavropol Region, Karachay-Cherkessia, Kabardino-Balkaria and Ingushetia at 700–3000 m. All species are illustrated as well as male genitalia

The article introduces into scientific circulation A. A. Velyaminov’s manuscript, which had not previously become the subject of scholars’ attention. The author of the article gives a description of the manuscript and puts forward a hypothesis about the completed nature of the work. The value of the manuscript lies in the reconstruction of the history of the Caucasus from prehistoric times to the 1830s. The manuscript is structured within problem and chronological methods. The article analyzes its key motifs and emphasizes the possibility of influence of A. A. Velyaminov on M. Yu. Lermontov, who served under his command. The manuscript is provided with notes explaining individual lexemes associated with Caucasian realities.

Aim. To identify complexes of gall‐forming insects and mites in the fauna of Dagestan, which, together with other inhabitants of galls, are evolutionarily associated with common plant species and genera.Materials and Methods. The materials were collected in the plains and mountains of Dagestan. Standard methods were used: inspection of plants, search and mass collection of galls; breeding imago and production of preparations of larvae and adults.Results. Assemblages of gall midges (Diptera, Cecidomyiidae), gall wasps (Hymenoptera, Cynipidae), psyllids, aphids (Hemiptera, Aphalaridae, Psyllidae, Aphididae) and gall four‐legged mites (Acari, Eriophyidae) dominate. Additionally, for the fauna of Dagestan, 7 species of 5 genera Eriophyidae and 24 species of 12 genera of insects were identified, including 16 species of 7 genera Cecidomyiidae. Newly recorded for the fauna of Russia are 3 species of 2 genera of mites and 13 species of 8 genera of gall midges: Aceria labiatiflorae (Thomas), A. thomasi (Nalepa), Paraphytoptus chondrillae (Canestrini), Contarinia cardariae Fedotova, C. desertorum Marikovskij, Arthrocnodax chondrillaphylus Fedotova, A. saliciphilus Fedotova, A. origani Fedotova, A. thymiphilus Fedotova, Ozirhincus longicollis Rondani, Dasineura scorzonerifloris Fedotova, Jaapiella chondrillae Skuhravá, Spurgia seguierianae Fedotova, Euphorbomyia loewii (Mik), Marikovskiana dentipes Marikovskij. Larvae of predatory gall midges are almost always found in mite galls.Conclusion. Information about the diversity of gall‐forming complexes in Dagestan will be useful for assessing evolutionary relationships between them and plants and will give an idea of the richness of the fauna in the organisation of protected natural areas and recreational zones.

The article focuses on the evolution of the image of the snake in the architectural decoration of the Christian churches in Caucasus during the medieval period. The origins of the image in the more ancient cultures of the Mesopotamia and of the Mediterranean world are studied. An attempt is made to trace the continuity in the image and meaning of the snake from ancient times up to the present day (according to ethnography and folk art). A rare iconographic type of a snake was revealed, which appears in the Middle Byzantine period in the remote mountainous regions of the Caucasus (the upper reaches of the Ksani and Liakhvi rivers, Racha, Svaneti, Upper Kartli).

This article conducts an analysis of the activities of the Russian Caucasus scholar A. P. Berge (1828‑1886) with the aim of investigating the process of shaping historical knowledge about the Caucasian periphery of the Russian Empire during the late imperial period. In the public consciousness of that time, the Caucasus was firmly associated with the “East,” allowing for the identification of certain aspects of the impact of the phenomenon of orientalism on the Russian soil. Based on discussions within the academic community regarding orientalism as a colonial discourse, the author, using the specific example of the researcher, demonstrates the influence of state power on the activities of scholars. A. P. Berge's research practices were adjusted in accordance with the demands of his time, and their outcomes aligned with the spirit of the era. Arriving in the Caucasus as a scholar of the East, with the intention of studying the local culture, he was compelled by political authority to reconsider his scholarly interests and engage in the process of shaping historical knowledge aimed at solving practical challenges faced by the local administration. Berge, a talented researcher and organizer of Caucasian history studies, recognized the significant role of science in the cultural integration of the Caucasian periphery of the Russian Empire and conscientiously fulfilled the tasks assigned to him by the authorities. His approach to the history of the Caucasus joining Russia was not idealized, and he maintained a pragmatic stance towards the unfolding events. It is noteworthy to highlight his positive contribution to the formation of the source base of Caucasian studies, as well as his genuine interest and sympathy for the region, alongside with the absence of overt imperialistic ambitions. A prevailing theme in his works is the notion of Russia's civilizing mission in the Caucasus, and the scholarly projects he pursued contributed to establishing the foundation for constructing a shared history, aiming at the internal consolidation of the Caucasian territories and their representation as an integral part of the Russian Empire.

A new species Centromerus georgicus sp. n. collected in a Georgian cave (Caucasus) is described based on male and female specimens, diagnosed, and illustrated. New records of some poorly known species (Tegenaria pontica Haritonov, 1947, Dysdera anatoliae Deeleman-Reinhold, 1988 and Leptonetela caucasica Dunin 1990), as well as the description of the unknown female of L. caucasica are also presented.

Disarticulated cranial and postcranial bones of a giant salamander (Cryptobranchidae: Andrias sp.) were found in the Upper Pliocene deposits of the Belorechensk locality in the Northern Caucasus. These remains probably belonged to one individual that died during a stage of rapid growth and had a total length of about 90-100 cm. The giant salamander from Belorechensk is among the geologically youngest and the easternmost known in Europe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the article, information was given about the Salavat pass located in the territory of Azerbaijan, which played an intermediary role in the formation of relations between Azerbaijan and Dagestan, samples were collected and involved in the research. In this research, the methods of measurement, observation, research and collection of materials were used, and information was given about the soil types, landscape types and their height above sea level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Convergent margins play a fundamental role in the construction and modification of Earth's lithosphere and are characterized by poorly understood episodic processes that occur during the progression from subduction to terminal collision. On the northern margin of the active Arabia-Eurasia collision zone, the Greater Caucasus Mountains provide an opportunity to study a protracted convergent margin that spanned most of the Phanerozoic and culminated in Cenozoic continental collision. However, the main episodes of lithosphere formation and deformation along this margin remain enigmatic. Here, we use detrital zircon U-Pb geochronology from Paleozoic and Mesozoic (meta)sedimentary rocks in the Greater Caucasus, along with select zircon U-Pb and Hf isotopic data from coeval igneous rocks, to link key magmatic and depositional episodes along the Caucasus convergent margin. Devonian to Early Carboniferous rocks were deposited prior to Late Carboniferous accretion of the Greater Caucasus crystalline core onto the Laurussian margin. Permian to Triassic rocks document a period of northward subduction and forearc deposition south of a continental margin volcanic arc in the Northern Caucasus and Scythian Platform. Jurassic rocks record the opening of the Caucasus Basin as a back-arc rift during southward migration of the arc front into the Lesser Caucasus. Cretaceous rocks have few Jurassic-Cretaceous zircons, indicating a period of relative magmatic quiescence and minimal exhumation within this basin. Late Cenozoic closure of the Caucasus Basin juxtaposed the Lesser Caucasus arc to the south against the crystalline core of the Greater Caucasus to the north and led to the formation of a hypothesized terminal suture. We expect this suture to be within ~20 km of the southern range front of the Greater Caucasus because all analysed rocks to the north exhibit a provenance affinity with the crystalline core of the Greater Caucasus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, Turanecio Hamzaoğlu was described as a new genus for the scientific world. Turanecio has been distributed as far as Asia, Iran, Caucasus, and Iraq. A phylogenetic analysis based on nrDNA and cpDNA gene regions was performed to determine the position of the genus within the subtribe Adenostylinae. Results from Bayesian and parsimony analyses of the nuclear and chloroplast DNA regions of the subtribe Senecioninae concordantly indicated that it is monophyletic and belongs to the Quadridentate group, with 4-lobed disc flowers. Nuclear DNA data revealed that some of the researched taxa should be transferred to Turanecio and some taxonomical classifications should be conducted for them. Therefore, Iranecio massagetovii and Dolichorrhiza caucasica were transferred to Turanecio and a new combination nova was suggested for them. Moreover, it was proposed as a monotypic species of a new genus, Kazbegia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Caucasus is one of the most important areas for the study of Paratethyan Neogene phocids, with a number of 'paleorookery' sites that are still poorly studied. In this study, the remains of a fossil phocine from the Late Miocene locality of Eldari I (late Vallesian/late Sarmatian s.l.) in the Southern Caucasus are described and compared with other Paratethyan phocines. The new materials obtained from the site consists of the right complete forelimb bones along with the carpal and metacarpal bones in natural anatomical articulation and a right innominate bone fragment. Additionally, published remains of 'Phoca' procaspica from Eldari I are analysed. Based on morphological and morphometric studies, the Eldari I phocine is assigned to the genus Praepusa. The skeletal material demonstrates a distinct combination of diagnostic traits that can be attributed to the smallest representative of the subfamily, Praepusa procaspica. During the early Late Miocene (10 Ma.), major palaeoecological and palaeogeographic changes took place in the Eastern Paratethyan basin, which significantly decreased the diversity of phocids and had a negative impact on the remnant taxa; this was expressed in the Eldari I and Küçükçekmece seals by the decrease in body size and a change in the feeding apparatus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Investigations that are focused on arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus (AMF) biodiversity is still limited. The analysis of the AMF taxa in the North Caucasus, a temperate biodiversity hotspot, used to be limited to the genus level. This study aimed to define the AMF biodiversity at the species level in the North Caucasus biotopes. Methods: The molecular genetic identification of fungi was carried out with ITS1 and ITS2 regions as barcodes via sequencing using Illumina MiSeq, the analysis of phylogenetic trees for individual genera, and searches for operational taxonomic units (OTUs) with identification at the species level. Sequences from MaarjAM and NCBI GenBank were used as references. Results: We analyzed >10 million reads in soil samples for three biotopes to estimate fungal biodiversity. Briefly, 50 AMF species belonging to 20 genera were registered. The total number of the AM fungus OTUs for the "Subalpine Meadow" biotope was 171/131, that for "Forest" was 117/60, and that for "River Valley" was 296/221 based on ITS1/ITS2 data. The total number of the AM fungus species (except for virtual taxa) for the "Subalpine Meadow" biotope was 24/19, that for "Forest" was 22/13, and that for "River Valley" was 28/24 based on ITS1/ITS2 data. Greater AMF diversity, as well as number of OTUs and species, in comparison with that of forest biotopes, characterized valley biotopes (disturbed ecosystems; grasslands). The correlation coefficient between "Percentage of annual plants" and "Glomeromycota total reads" r = 0.76 and 0.81 for ITS1 and ITS2, respectively, and the correlation coefficient between "Percentage of annual plants" and "OTUs number (for total species)" was r = 0.67 and 0.77 for ITS1 and ITS2, respectively. Conclusion: High AMF biodiversity for the river valley can be associated with a higher percentage of annual plants in these biotopes and the active development of restorative successional processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The scarcity of resources in the social history of Iran and particularly the Caucasus has hindered our historical understanding. Meanwhile, documents, as primary written sources, are deemed valuable for historical research, lending credibility and citation worth to historical findings. Given its strategic significance, the Caucasus has been a focal point for Iran's and regional governments' attention since ancient times. The diverse commercial potential of the Caucasus region has fostered an environment conducive to economic prosperity. This study aimed to shed light on the social and economic conditions of Ganja and Karabagh states, focusing on the manuscripts of Ottoman writings from two distinct periods, "1001 to 1003 A.H. and 1142 to 1143 A.H./1595-1593 AD and 1733-1732 AD", based on unique manuscripts. The article was structured in a descriptive-analytical manner, delving into research achievements, the demographic division of states, taxation, agricultural products, ethnic composition, economic activities, tax revenue, and political developments in the region. It identified economic and social drivers of migrations and elucidated social changes to the best extent possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Within the framework of an Armenian–German research project, taking place between 2019 and 2021 on the Artanish Peninsula at Lake Sevan (Armenia), in addition to numerous (geo‐) archaeological investigations, methods of geochemical prospection have been carried out. The ancient burial grounds of Artanish 23 and Artanish 29 have served as model sites to successfully test the well‐known method of geochemical prospection and evaluation of metal deposits in geology (mineral sector). As a result, a new experimental archaeo‐geochemical prospecting and evaluation method has been developed, which has been adapted for the exploration of archaeological monuments. It is planned to use this experimental method (which we consider new and important in archaeogeochemical investigation, but not a conclusive and comprehensive work per se), which has already proven its work capacity, in archaeological research, in the prospective areas of Armenia and other countries. In addition to these investigations, research on the transformations in the landscape of the ancient tombs related to Lake Sevan fluctuations has also been carried out. The anthropogenic impact of humans on the environment (geochemical halos formed in the soil on the surface of the tombs) has been studied, as well as the problem of the impact of geological environment on human life activities, that is, the relocation of the burial grounds to more elevated areas due to the rise in the lake level. Based on the results of geochemical sampling and high‐resolution magnetometer surveys, excavations have been performed at the site. Here, we present the results of an experimental study exploring the potential of combined magnetometer prospection and chemical soil analyses to locate and characterize the burial ground of Artanish on Lake Sevan, Armenia. The results have demonstrated the capability of these analyses to detect the sites, outline hotspots and interpret the features identified in the magnetometer results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Documents newly found in the Historical Archives of Azerbaijan Republic reveal that as early as 1912 Ottoman agents were engaged in attempts to entice the Transcaucasian Muslims against Russia and prepare them for the war, which would break out a year-and-a-half later, namely the First World War. Ottomans encouraged the smuggling of Russian weapons and ammunition to regions bordering the Southern Caucasus, especially Northwestern Iran, counting on the sympathy of the Turkophones therein against the Russians, or on their antagonism towards the presence of Russian forces in their own territories. The heightened smuggling of Russian weapons and ammunition alarmed the Russian authorities who began looking into the cases of smugglings in an attempt to prevent or minimize them. Their findings, as expressed in their correspondences, pointed towards an extensive smuggling network headed by an Iranian émigré named Karbalāʾī who ran it with members of his own family and in collaboration with a number of Russian officials. [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]

The focus of this study is Holy See (Catholicosate) of Etchmiadzin, which is the highest spiritual authority of Armenian community and society. Etcmiadzin was called Üçkilise by the Ottomans. The heads of the clergy (catholicos and patriarchs) led the Armenian community during the times when the Armenians lacked political unity. Therefore, it can be argued that their activities were not limited to religious rituals but also had political implications. Indeed, this study has revealed that the catholicos of Etchmiadzin, whether willingly or not, were involved in political and military events, and even took an active role from time to time. In the timeframe of this research, the political and military events in the Caucasus were relatively notable. The return of the Armenian nationalist Israel Ori from Europe to the Caucasus in 1699 on a –unity– mission excited the Armenian community. The expansionist policy of the Russian Tsar Peter the Great toward the region and the famous Caucasian (Caspian) campaign in 1722 added to this excitement and expectations of the Armenians. At this time, the Safavids were on the verge of collapse due to the Afghan rebellion, and even though Sultan Ahmed III sat on the Ottoman throne, it was his son-in-law, the Grand Vizier İbrahim Pasha of Nevşehir, who ruled the empire. Although their foreign policy was –in principle– peaceful, it was not possible to continue this policy in new conjuncture that emerged in the Caucasus. In the struggle between these great powers neighboring the region, the Armenian community in Revan and the Etchmiadzin clergy were forced by these powers to take sides. This study also considers how and to what extent the rivalry, even hostility, between the Armenian spiritual centers (the Catholicosates of Etchmiyadzin and Gandzasar and the Patriarchate of Constantinople) affected the political and military developments. The main sources of the study are mostly documents and other records in Turkish and Russian archives. In addition, a few chronicles and contemporary research works of that period were used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 54-year-long series of continuous instrumental measurements of mass balance and its main components has already been accumulated at the Djankuat Glacier, which is representative of the Caucasus and the most studied glacier in Russia. The anomalies of these indicators in 2017/2018–2020/2021 were evaluated against an analysis of meteorological reasons that predetermined them. Each of the four balance years under consideration represents a particular anomaly of varying severity. As for conditions of mass income, three years saw accumulation higher than average, and in one year (2018/2019) it approached the norm. As for summer ablation conditions, similarly, in one season (2019) the melting differed from the average only slightly, but in the other three it was much higher. Consequently, in one year (2020/2021) the state of the glacier was close to normal, in another (2017/2018) the budget situation was much more favorable for Djankuat, and in the other two the final losses significantly exceeded the average annual mass loss rate. At the same time, in 2019/2020, an absolute record of ablation since the beginning of monitoring in 1967/1968 was recorded (4360 mm w.e.). Nevertheless, although negative mass balance values continue to be recorded annually, signs of an inevitable slowdown in the rate of glacier degradation in the Caucasus have appeared in the last 4-year-long period: the continued growth of winter snow accumulation overlaps the ongoing intensification of summer melting. The growth of debris cover in terms of area and thickness also affects this mass loss slowdown to some extent. This inhibits ablation, exerting a heat-insulating effect. Because of this, the congruence of mass balance parameters vs. altitude curves is distorted. Also, a tendency toward increasing annual glacier mass turnover was revealed for the last half-century. This fact gradually increases the energy of glaciation and indirectly indicates a weakening of continentality in the climate of the Caucasian highlands. [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]

Societal Impact Statement: Ecosystem services are underpinned by biodiversity, which is rapidly eroding globally, threatening rural livelihoods and culture. Examining the uses of wild edible plants (WEPs) that are important to rural communities gives insight into the value of a biodiverse landscape to local communities. Here, the importance of considering age groups in future ethnobotanical and conservation studies is highlighted, as this can enhance our understanding on the dependence of use within a landscape, informing more inclusive conservation actions. Summary: Wild edible plants (WEP) remain an important aspect of many rural communities across the world, yet the decline in the diversity and knowledge of WEP use is becoming a global concern. In the Biodiversity Hotspot of the Caucasus, there is few cross‐cultural and multigenerational comparisons of plant uses, limiting our knowledge of resource use and dependence within biodiverse landscapes.Here, we investigate the patterns of use for wild edible fruits and nuts in the South Caucasus, focusing on multigenerational differences in harvesting patterns, diversity and use through semi‐structured interviews in Armenia and Georgia. We calculated use values (UV) for each genera harvested and compared the diversity of genera used between age groups. Pearson chi‐square was used to explore the relationship between age‐groups and genera harvested.We found 53% of rural population (n = 220) actively harvest from wild populations, with older age groups harvesting the highest diversity of plants. Twenty‐four species from 16 genera are harvested, with Berberis vulgaris L. and Rosa canina L. shared between both communities. The association between age and diversity of harvested genera was significant (χ2[48, N = 506] = 114.75, p <.01), mainly driven by a strong positive association with Berberis spp. L., Crataegus spp. L. and Ribes spp. L. with the under 18s and Prunus spp. L. with under 35s. Young harvesters used WEP for income generation, while medicinal use increases across older age groups.Foraging activities within South Caucasus' communities remains active; however, the use of WEP is not uniform within and across different communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vaccinium arctostaphylos (Caucasian whortleberry) is one of the most important wild berries with remarkable properties that grows in Iran and the Caucasus region. The objective of this research is to determine the productivity and economic value of V. arctostaphylos fruits in Hyrcanian forests of Iran. We used a survey to determine the economic value and we conducted a forest inventory to estimate the fruit production. The inventory results revealed that the average number of bushes and fruit production were 3900 per ha and 137 kg per ha, respectively. The survey results showed that the total market margin of fruit production is 81.29%, which indicates that the intermediaries earn more profit than the local harvester. The profit gained from the forest due to harvesting of V. arctostaphylos fruit was 161 million IRR/ha or about 1238 USD per ha. The harvesting of this fruit has created job for 500 local people in the study area during the harvesting period. The net present value (NPV) of fruit production and timber harvesting was calculated for comparison. Results indicated that the NPV of fruit harvesting is 1.79 times higher than the NPV of timber harvesting. Regarding to the harvesting moratorium in Iranian Hyrcanian forests, an optimal and sustainable harvest of V. arctostaphylos fruit can be an important source of income for forest dwellers and local people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Taxonomic revision of Phoxinus from the Caucasus revealed two distinct species. One species, P. colchicus, was known from eastern drainage of Black Sea, but was recorded also in the middle reach of the Kuban (Sea of Azov basin), for the first time. The Kuban population represents a genetically unique sub-lineage of P. colchicus. Its ancestors might have colonized the Kuban system through the event of ancient river capture. Another species inhabits only the Adagum River basin in the lower Kuban and represents a new narrow-ranged endemic species – Phoxinus adagumicus sp. nov. According to mtDNA phylogeny (COI and cytb), P. adagumicus sp. nov. represents deeply divergent and one of the two early branched lineages of the genus Phoxinus being distant to other species (min. p-distance = 0.074) including geographical neighbors – P. chrysoprasius from Crimean Peninsula and P. colchicus from the Caucasus. The new species differs from most Phoxinus species by frequently occurring single-row pharyngeal teeth (modal formula 5–4). The narrow geographic range (ca. 55 km in length and 15–20 km in width) and high anthropogenic load on local water systems suggests the new species is under threat and needs protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cultivated pears are economically one of the most important fruits in temperate regions. Two separate taxonomic groups are distinguished, a European and Southwest Asian group, and an East Asian group. Pears have been cultivated at least since Ancient Greek times. Their taxonomy is often confusing, with 20 to 30 widely recognised species. Their outbreeding character and widespread hybridisation led to a huge number of different forms and crosses. The Caucasus is regarded as one of two main centres of diversity in the European and Southwest Asian group. In the Republic of Georgia, several wild species incl. Pyrus communis subsp. caucasica occur. Pyrus communis subsp. caucasica is the sister taxa of the European wild pear Pyrus communis subsp. pyraster, which can morphologically not be distinguished. The natural ranges of these two sister taxa do not overlap. Scientists assume two separate domestication events, in Europe and in Caucasus. In the Caucasus region, local pear cultivars remain genetically very close to wild pears which were used as rootstock, while the fruits are still used to produce a local schnapps. Today, wild pears are often endangered due to habitat loss and fragmentation. Wild pears constitute a rich genetic basis for future breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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This article is the continuation of a study by authors to create the most complete and representative earthquake catalogs with a unified magnitude scale. The catalog created of the Ossetian sector of the Greater Caucasus (the territory of the Republic of North Ossetia–Alania and adjacent areas) was formed by the aggregation of all available data from Soviet, modern Russian, and Georgian catalogs, as well as the data from the International Seismological Centre. The integration was carried out using the author's approach based on the modified nearest neighbor method. The integrated catalog of the Ossetian sector of the Greater Caucasus contains 16,285 events for the period 1962–2022. For all events, magnitude estimates are reduced to a unified "proxy-MW" scale. The integration of data from various sources made it possible to significantly replenish the beginning of the aftershock sequence of the Racha earthquake with MW = 7.0, which occurred on 29 April 1991. There has been a change in the level of registration over time. Thus, there is a significant lack of events for the periods 1967–1970 and 1988–1991; starting from 1995, the catalog is complete for magnitude 3.2, and since 2005 for magnitude 2.2. The integration of Soviet and modern Russian and Georgian catalogs made it possible to significantly increase the completeness and representativeness of seismic events in the studied Ossetian sector of the Greater Caucasus. This once again demonstrates both the fundamental importance of merging seismic data from global, national, and regional catalogs and the effectiveness of the author's developed method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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According to the phonological rules of New Persian, the name "Isfandiyar," which belonged to Gushtasp's brave son, is an irregular word. This name is derived from Old Iranian "*Spanta.dāta-", and should be pronounced in New Persian as "Ispandiād", as in Middle Persian. However, there is no attestation of this pronunciation in Persian books. This article argues that the proper name "Isfandiyar" is actually a loanword in New Persian, originating from the Azari dialects. A phonological peculiarity of Azari is changing Old Iranian */t/ to /r/ in postvocalic or intervocalic positions. Furthermore, we provide evidence that the Parthian house of Mihran, who claimed that Isfandiyār was one of their ancestors, was the primary source of stories about this hero. As rulers of the Caucasus and Azerbaijan, they delivered the Azari form of his name to the central and eastern Iranian regions in two stages. During the rebellion of Bahram Chobin, they made prominent resemblances between the stories of Isfandiyar and Bahram, which helped to spread the Azari form of his name. In the second stage, the rulers of the Samanid dynasty, who claimed to have descended from Bahram Chobin, extended the Mihranī version of the heroic exploits of Isfandiyar to Khorasan and eastern Iranian regions. As a result, the Azari form of the name became more prevalent, and other forms of this proper name were forgotten, as evidenced by the works of contemporary poets and authors in other regions of Iran. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]