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ABSTRACT Aim Location Taxon Methods Results Main Conclusions Greenland is among the most rapidly changing regions on Earth, with climate change having a profound impact on its terrestrial ecosystems. Here, moss‐associated diatoms hold great potential as sensitive biological indicators to monitor responses to climate change, but their diversity, community structure and biogeography remain virtually unexplored. Our study, thus, aims to (1) explore the diversity and community structure of moss‐associated diatoms in Greenland and (2) assess the environmental and spatial variables driving their geographic distribution, establishing a baseline for their use as bio‐indicators of climate change.Greenland, spanning a gradient from high to subarctic regions.Moss‐associated diatoms (Bacillariophyta).LM and SEM analysis was conducted on 175 terrestrial moss samples collected from preserved herbarium material and fresh samples (1988–2021) from high, low and subarctic localities in Greenland. Biogeographical distributions, biodiversity patterns and community structure were examined in relation to environmental and spatial factors using Kruskal–Wallis, Spearman's Rank, ordination, SIMPROF and variation partitioning analyses.A total of 544 diatom taxa (66 genera) were identified, with nearly half potentially new to science. Community structure was predominantly influenced by moisture, pH, conductivity and temperature. Local variation in microclimate and bedrock, thus, explained more variation in the diatom communities than latitude‐related environmental gradients. Surprisingly, temperature had a negative impact on diatom richness, probably due to its adverse effect on moisture, highlighting the vulnerability of Arctic moss diatoms to global warming.This study provides the first comprehensive analysis of Greenland's moss‐associated diatoms, highlighting their high diversity and sensitivity to environmental changes. Our findings underscore their potential as indicators for monitoring climate change in the Arctic, with moisture, pH, conductivity and temperature being critical factors influencing their communities, laying the groundwork for future research and monitoring efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study details the enhancements to operational procedures aimed at intensifying the flow in producing horizontal wells within the oil field located in the eastern part of Pechora Sea. Situated on the Arctic shelf, this field is subject to severe weather and heavy ice conditions and is characterized by lowpermeable, high-temperature carbonate reservoirs. Consequently, acid treatment is identified as the optimal method for flow stimulation. An acid composition (AC) tailored for carbonate reservoir rocks is proposed in this study. Laboratory evaluations of the AC have been conducted, resulted in the substantiation of the selected concentrations of acids and additive reagents. Dependencies of the rate and degree of dissolution of the carbonate material of the proposed AC with respect to time have been established. Additionally, it was determined how the AC’s stabilizing capacity for iron ions depends on the complexing agent concentration, and how interfacial tension at the boundary with the hydrocarbon phase varies with the surfactant type and concentration in the AC. The concentration of the corrosion inhibitor within the AC has also been determined. A methodology along with an illustrative calculation for estimating the volumes of primary acid components and additive reagents for the proposed AC under field conditions are presented. Moreover, to incorporate the results from laboratory physicochemical and filtration experiments of the AC, a methodology along with a calculation example is provided to estimate changes in the skin factor relative to the volume of acid composition injected per meter of horizontal well completion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Autonomous driving has sparked an entire revolution in the vehicle sector, offering to increase the safety for road users, productivity, and convenience. However, using autonomous driving vehicles in hostile environments like the Arctic present's challenges because of the bad weather, lack of infrastructure, rough terrain, poor vision, icy and unreliable road surfaces, and inaccessible locations. The paper discuses key technical elements such as sensor systems, data fusion techniques, localization methods, perception algorithms (object detection, scene understanding), decision-making frameworks, and vehicle control mechanisms that are required for autonomous driving in the Arctic. The study focuses on how these innovations could be enhanced and changed to address the specific issues that the Arctic faces. It also highlights on-going academic and business research and development initiatives, showcasing innovations used to overcome difficulties specific to the Arctic. This paper provides great insight for researchers, decision-makers, and professionals interested in incorporating autonomous driving systems under extreme weather conditions. It enables deeper understanding of the difficulties and opportunities specific to the Arctic region, encouraging cooperation and creativity in the search for reliable and effective autonomous mobility solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sharp deterioration between Russia and the West that began in February 2022 has posed a serious challenge to the advancement of Arctic cooperation, which has become increasingly intense, fruitful, and, to a large extent, mutually beneficial for its participants over the past several decades. China, which has demonstrated to the world that it has ambitions in the region, is facing difficult challenges. In this regard, some research questions about Beijing’s Arctic strategy need to be addressed. Will the strengthening of cooperation with Russia harm the building of interaction with the other Arctic states? To what extent will the security crisis and the gradual transformation of the established system of international cooperation in the Arctic affect China’s plans to integrate the region into its global strategic projects? What role can China play in the future Arctic governance system? The objective of this study is to provide a comprehensive analysis of the changes currently taking place in China’s Arctic policy. The methodological foundation of the study is the theory of regional security complexes by B. Buzan and O. Wæver. It has been determined that the policy of building an Arctic identity, one of the key components of which is the securitization of the climate discourse, is meeting increasing resistance from Western countries. In the context of the current crisis, Beijing is also forced to balance its bilateral relations with Russia and the states of Northern Europe. The erosion of the existing international Arctic cooperation framework is highly undesirable for China, as it allowed Beijing to legitimately take a limited role in the governance of the region, as opposed to the regulatory regimes of total domination of the Arctic states (sectoral approach). However, at the doctrinal level, there has been a shift in the focus in China’s Arctic policy toward a more global vision of the region’s development. The foreign policy shift has been driven by a number of external factors, including the aftermath of the coronavirus pandemic and the intensifying Sino-American strategic confrontation.

Available and reliable energy supply is essential for the consumers in the Arctic regions that are characterized by a climate. The importance of the energy infrastructure is emphasized in the strategic planning documents. However, projects of constructing energy capacities are not always implemented. In the study an analysis of some energy development projects implementation in the regions of the Western Russian Arctic was performed; promising areas of energy development are also examined. In the medium term, fossil fuels and hydropower will continue to be the main sources of energy supply to consumers in the Western Arctic, while a significant share of nuclear power will remain in the Murmansk region. Under these circumstances, in the regions the tasks of providing gas supplies and increasing the use of local energy resources are set. Gas supplies methods as well as types of local energy resources may differ for different regions. Purpose of the study it to find out trends in the development of energy supply in the regions of the Western Arctic of Russia in the medium term. Methodology includes information analysis on the research topic, generalization, comparison, systematization. Results: it was found that the trends in the development of energy supply in the regions of the Western Arctic were an increase in gas supplies and the use of local energy sources. The formulated criteria for choosing energy resources are accessibility, economic feasibility, and environmental acceptability. Practical implications. The obtained results can be applied in making decisions on energy development in the Western Arctic regions, as well as to prepare courses on energy economics and regional economics.

The assessment of the population's quality of life is an important analytical tool of the state socio-economic policy, which allows analyzing the current level of regional development, the population's satis-faction with living conditions, making interregional comparisons, determining shortcomings and prospec-tive directions of public administration. At the same time, objective statistical indicators, on which the state management is based, in many respects may not coincide with the subjectively perceived quality of life of the population. In this context, the presented research is particularly relevant and practically significant. The purpose of the research is to identify the problems of development of the Murmansk Oblast, the most industrially and territorially developed region of the Arctic zone of Russia, on the basis of the comparison of subjectively perceived assessments of the quality of life and objective socio-economic characteristics, and to outline ways to solve them. To achieve this goal, the following tasks were solved: the methodology for assessing the subjectively perceived and statistically determined quality of life of the population on the basis of indicators characterizing personal well-being and the quality of the living environment was developed; the subjectively perceived quality of life was assessed on the basis of the author’s methodology including the results of surveys of the population of cities and towns in the Murmansk Oblast; the quality of life of the population of the Murmansk Oblast was assessed on the basis of statistical data of socio-economic development; the data of the obtained assessments were compared, similarities and differences in the satisfaction of the population with personal well-being (as well as with the living environment) and statistical characteristics were revealed; the most important problems of socio-economic development, the resolution of which will improve the quality of life of the population of the Arctic region, were identified.

Background: 16-18-year-old girls represent the country's reproductive and employment potential, which is the basis for its future demographic and socioeconomic development. The study aimed to determine the heart rate variability (HRV) indicators that can be most interrelated with quality of life (QoL) and socioeconomic well-being in 16-18-year-old girls living in the Russian Arctic. Methods and Results: The study involved 53 girls aged 16-18 living in Arkhangelsk. The World Health Organization Brief Quality of Life Questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF), Family Affluence Scale (FAS II), Family Financial Satisfaction Questionnaire, and Chen Internet Addiction Scale (CIAS) were used. HRV parameters were determined at rest and during slow-paced breathing with a frequency of 6 respiratory cycles per minute (6SPB). In girls with HR 90 bmp and below, the increase of “Psychological Health,” “Social Relationship,” and “Environmental health” scores of WHOQOL-BREF was correlated with the decrease of sympathetic activity and with the increase of vagal activity during the 6SPB test. CIAS scores were positively correlated with sympathetic activity. The number of family vacations in the last year was correlated with a decrease in sympathetic activity. Conclusion:16-18-year-old girls with optimal resting HR living in the Russian Arctic have more significant correlations of HRV indicators with social, psychological, and environmental aspects of QoL, as well as with the risk of Internet addiction, and, to a lesser extent, with economic living conditions. The opportunity for young people in the Arctic region to spend vacations with their families several times during the year helps reduce cardiac stress.

Relevance. The relevance of the ongoing scientific work is due to the need to develop reasonable proposals to improve the legal regulation of international cooperation in the field of emergency prevention and response in the Arctic. Purpose. The article is devoted to the activities of international organizations in the Arctic region in order to establish and justify ways to harmonize international interstate interaction and develop an international legal framework for cooperation and mutual assistance in the sphere of prevention and response to emergency situations in the Arctic. Methodology. The basis of the research are general scientific methods, and also the methods of formal legal and comparative legal analysis. Results. The analysis of 7 international organizations operating in the sphere of prevention and response to emergency situations in the Arctic region was done. The research of activities of the above organizations in the sphere of interstate interaction indicates the readiness of the Arctic states to jointly confront emergency situations and their consequences. It is unacceptable to make issues of this interaction dependent on geopolitical and other interests. Scientifically based proposals have been formulated to improve the legal regulation of international cooperation within the framework of international organizations in the sphere of prevention and response to emergency situations in the Arctic region. Conclusions. It seems that constant work is needed to improve the activities of international organizations and their legal regulation both at the global level and in the specialized spheres of emergency prevention and response. Practical implications. The results of the research can be applied in the spheres of international politics and international law.

The results of studies on the content of aluminum and heavy metals in benthic sediments and algae in the estuaries of the Arctic island Vaygach are presented. This island is located on the Barents and Kara Sea border, and it is part of the Pay-Khoi ridge which can be called a "continuation" of the Ural Mountains to the north. The observations were conducted in Krasnaya and Varkulyakha Rivers located in the island's southern part and flow into the Yugorsky Shar Strait. Krasnaya River is located near a polymetallic ore deposit, which was developed in 1931–1934. Reconnaissance fieldwork was carried out in the river estuaries through measurements of salinity and water level. Measurements of the mass concentration of elements in the studied samples of sediments and algae were carried out by atomic emission spectrometry. The preparation of plant samples was by microwave decomposition, and that for samples of bottom sediments was carried out by acid decomposition in an open manner. The obtained concentration samples were compared using "Tukey exploratory data analysis (EDA)". The presence of anomalies in the high content of copper, manganese, and zinc in filamentous algae at the control site in the Krasnaya River estuary was revealed. For some elements, the enrichment index was calculated relative to the upper part of the earth's crust content. It is assumed that the occurrence of this situation is due to the long-term consequences of mining polymetallic ores. The accumulation of metals in river estuaries may be related to the observed warming of the climate in the western sector of the Arctic region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY: Greenland's tectonic history is complex, and the resulting lithospheric structure is, although extensively researched, not well constrained. In this study, we model the lithospheric structure of Greenland in a consistent, integrated framework with three steps. First, we build a lithospheric background model by forward modelling, adjusted to gravity gradient data and shear wave velocities from a regional tomography model. Subsequently, we jointly invert for the upper crustal density and susceptibility structure by minimizing the gravity residuals and magnetic total field anomaly misfit. The last modelling step searches for upper crustal thermal parameters to fit our model to the most recent geothermal heat flow predictions for Greenland. Finally, we present 3-D models of the density, temperature and velocity structure for the lithosphere as well as thermal parameters and susceptibilities for the upper crust. Our model also includes the depth of the Moho and LAB in Greenland. A comparison between inverted crustal parameters and surface geology shows a clear correlation. The novelty of our model is that all these results are consistent with each other and simultaneously explain a wide range of observed data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines China's evolving role in the Arctic and the potential for Sino–Russian cooperation in the region. Recently, China has been increasingly assertive in its Arctic ambitions, engaging in partnerships and projects with various Arctic nations, including Russia. By identifying the main elements of China's Arctic strategy—its priorities, goals and approaches—this study aims to shed light on how China seeks to expand its influence in this geopolitically significant area. Additionally, the article explores current trends in Sino–Russian relations, especially in light of the geopolitical changes and tensions that have arisen in the past two years. With a focus on sustainable development, it assesses how China and Russia might align their interests and collaborate in the Arctic. The research highlights the potential synergies between these two major international players, investigating how they could navigate shared interests, manage risks, and promote stability in the region amidst complex global challenges. By analyzing these dynamics, the article seeks to contribute to a deeper understanding of the strategic interplay between China and Russia in the Arctic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of mineral resources is currently controversial due to the significant influence of global climatic and environmental trends. This is particularly relevant to the Arctic due to the fragility of its ecosystems and the major impact of its climate on the global climate. At the same time, the Arctic region is strategically important for Russia due to the presence of many minerals and the Northern Sea Route, which ensures national goals and interests. Balancing sustainable development and national interests necessitates a special approach to mineral resource development in the Arctic. Ensuring the sustainable development of the mineral resource base is a complex process that involves companies, the state, and regions. The article analyzes existing approaches to assessing the contribution of companies to the sustainable development of the Arctic region and underscores the role of the ESG concept. As a result of the research, a model of interaction among key actors has been developed to ensure the sustainable development of the mineral resource base in the Russian Arctic, highlighting the key areas of responsibility for each actor. Based on this model, an approach to the sustainable development of the mineral resource base in the Arctic has been formulated, combining both the ESG concept and the active collaboration of the three actors in promoting rational resource use, including the replenishment of mineral reserves. A checklist for assessing the contribution of mining companies to the sustainable development of the mineral resource base is proposed, encompassing ESG rankings and components such as contributions to mineral exploration, field development, rational resource use, and national security. The developed approach has been tested on key mining companies in the Arctic region.

The paper presents the results of a comparative assessment of the sorption characteristics of regional natural raw materials of organic origin: sphagnum moss (Sphаgnum palustre L.), fucus algae (Fucus vesiclousus), a composite based on them and peat in comparison with the synthetic sorbent OilSorb used in the practice of emergency rescue units to eliminate accidental oil spills. Experimental data have been obtained on potential pollutants in the Barents Sea (oil ARCO and diesel fuel) and the water capacity of sorbents for standard conditions at temperatures of 21–23 °C according to GOST 33627-2015 and in the temperature range of 10–12 °C typical for the summer period on the Kola Peninsula. The sorption characteristics of the materials under study have been evaluated in the "sea water – petroleum product" system, which simulates a real oil spill in the marine area. Tests in a model system simulating real conditions demonstrate significant changes in the efficiency of using sorption materials shown by them under standard conditions. The study has established the dynamics of the distribution of sorbed oil products and water in the materials under consideration, as well as residual oil products in the water of the "sea water – ARCO oil" and "sea water – diesel fuel" systems at different exposure times. During an exposure time of 30, 60, 90 minutes under the conditions of a system simulating a real oil spill in the water area, the material based on sphagnum moss has the most effective and time-stable indicators of sorption of oil products.

The aim. To identify phenotypic features of adaptive cellular immune responses in young women living in different climatic and geographic regions.Materials and methods. We examined 63 apparently healthy women, including 25 residents of Sovpolye settlement, Arkhangelsk region (Arctic region) and 38 residents of Tskhinvali (Republic of South Ossetia) aged 20–40. The content of lymphocytes, their phenotypes CD4+, CD8+, CD3+, CD5+, CD16+, CD10+, CD71+, CD25+, HLA-DR+ and CD95+, CEA (carcinoembryonic antigen) glycoprotein, and interleukin (IL) 6 and IL-10 cytokines was studied. Lymphocytes phenotyping was performed by indirect immunoperoxidase reaction using monoclonal antibodies (MedBioSpektr, Moscow) on “dried drop” lymphocyte sample with peroxidase conjugate and chromogen solution staining for immersion microscopy analysis (Nicon 50i, Japan). The content of CEA glycoprotein and cytokines was determined using ELISA.Results. In women living in Arctic region, a deficiency of CD5+, CD3+, CD10+, CD95+, CD71+, CD25+, HLA-DR+ cells, CEA and IL-6 concentrations is associated with high concentrations of CD8+ and IL-10. In women living in Southern region, a slight deficiency of CD5+, CD8+ and CD95+ cells is associated with high concentrations of CEA, IL-6, IL-10 and CD10+, CD16+ and HLA-DR+ cells.Conclusion. In inhabitants of different climatic regions, the features of formation of adaptive immune reactions are determined by different quantitative and qualitative composition of lymphocytes and cytokines phenotypes. Reduction of reserve capabilities of immune homeostasis is detected 3 times more often in inhabitants of the Arctic region.

The Arctic region is facing growing demands for energy to support various economic activities, while also grappling with the profound impacts of climate change. Black carbon particulate matter emissions reduction is a key objective to mitigate the susceptibility of the Arctic's ecosystems to the impact of climate change. Nuclear power has been suggested as a potential source of clean energy to decarbonize maritime transport in the Arctic. However, although the operation of nuclear-powered vessels and floating nuclear power platforms in the region ensures energy security and reduces black carbon emissions, it may pose significant risks of nuclear material release and radiological accidents and raise concerns about improper radioactive waste disposal. In regulating these nuclear-powered vessels and floating nuclear power platforms in the Arctic, the existing international legal regime faced a series of challenges. This research employs a method of policy analysis to analyze these legal challenges and explores how the international community could work together to cope with the challenges that arise in the Arctic during the operation of nuclear-powered vessels and platforms for maritime decarbonization purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The new permanent seismic station SVZ started working in Arctic (Severnaya Zemlya archipelago, Bolshevik Island), we discuss the first results of the local seismicity study. We have processed 46 local seismic events for 2017–2022. Data processing using a single seismic sensor is difficult, but using waveforms and spectral-temporal analysis of P, S, and surface waves, it is possible to separate shallow earthquakes from glacial events. We distinguish two types of icequakes—glacier-related events and pulses. An increase in seismic background noise is related to processes of glacial nature in summertime. Data processing allows to obtain the main peculiarities of local seismicity, i.e., mutual connection of glacial processes and crustal seismicity. We show the presence of icequakes induced by local crustal events; their epicenters confined to the ice domes edges. Spatio-temporal sequence and the rate of events migration show that the glacial events are a result of the defusing deformations process in the glaciers caused by the impact of shallow tectonic earthquakes. Thousands of pulsed and high-frequency micro-oscillations associate with the sea ice sheet or lake ice. The temporal variation of events' number and energy per day correlates with air temperature temporal variations. Moreover, there is a sharp increase in the number of pulses with sharp temperature changes. The greatest activity of this pulsed events is in winter and especially in March, connected with ice surface destruction. In case a network deployment is not feasible, even a single seismic station allows to get a useful information about the glacial and seismic processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global society’s discussion on the climate change of the Arctic Ocean has been neglected in security studies in terms of its necessity, cooperation measures, and policy alternatives. Global warming and climate change with inevitable abnormal temperatures are increasing the significant importance of geopolitics and geologics in the Arctic region. The risks of climate change are inherent in uncertainty, ambiguity, and complexity, requiring resilient responses to past lessons and potential future impacts. The international community is paying keen attention to whether the thaw of the Arctic Circle will further cause conflicts and conflicts in human society or a channel of happiness and blessings. Theoretical debates lie in the transition of the international community’s operational or coordinated approach to a global governance system centered around hierarchy and anarchy. It is divided into an anarchy system, hierarchical order system, and network-oriented global governance system. Advocates of global governance reject hegemony-oriented hierarchical adjustments and do not support the market or anarchy system where authorities are absent. It refers to a form of instrument in which the autonomy and participation of various actors through a more multilateral and horizontal network is guaranteed. This study analyzes the issues and problems of climate change surrounding the Arctic Ocean and seeks international cooperation measures through the establishment of global governance, although it is arguable. It contains that Arctic sea governance is not only pushing for a norm to be prepared in advance in the era of the opening of the Arctic route, but also for a survival strategy that can determine the future fate of global society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sustainable development of circumpolar countries is of great importance for the whole world, because the Arctic Region is currently experiencing an unprecedented level of economic activity. From the perspective of the concept of sustainable development, the intensification of industrial activity in the Arctic region makes the issues of achieving long-term environmental and social sustainability for local communities relevant. Despite the fact that the Arctic countries, especially the countries of Northern Eu-rope, are leaders in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals, additional attention is needed to coordinate efforts to achieve them at all levels of administrative-territorial management. The relevance of our study is determined by the need to overcome the challenges and threats to the sustainable development of the Arctic territories of circumpolar countries. The aim of the study was to analyze the social risks of achieving sustainable development of the Arctic region. The methodological basis of the study was the system approach, methods of structural-historical and comparative-geographical analysis. It was substantiated that social risks in achieving sustainable development in the Arctic region are limited access to educational services; social tension in the labor markets, produced by professional and qualification imbalances of labor demand and supply and problems of youth employment; child poverty and poverty of the indigenous population. The scientific novelty of the research is in substantiating the social risks that pose a threat to the sustainable development of the Arctic region. The prospects for further research are conditioned by the need to solve urgent socio-economic and managerial problems associated with the sustainable development of the Arctic region.

Abstract In the Mesozoic succession of the Anyui–Chukotka fold system (North‐East Russia), five stratigraphic intervals were recognised that have an abundance of gravity flow deposits. These are the Olenekian (Lower Triassic), Upper Carnian, Upper Norian, Oxfordian–Kimmeridgian and Valanginian. The Triassic gravity flow deposits formed on the south‐facing, passive margin of the Chukotka microplate and consist of greywackes and lithic arenites. Palaeocurrent data indicate that the flows were directed towards the south‐east. The Olenekian gravity flow units consist of clast‐rich sandstone deposited on the continental slope, and clast‐poor sandstone deposited at the base of the slope. Upper Carnian mud‐poor sandstones were deposited at the base of the slope and the Norian thin‐bedded turbidites were upper to mid‐slope deposits. The continental margin was affected by tectonism and was uplifted in the latest Triassic–earliest Jurassic, possibly due to the initiation of the southward translation of the Arctic Alaska–Chukotka microplate. Following an Early–Middle Jurassic uplift of the area, sedimentation resumed in the Late Jurassic and earliest Cretaceous. Several syn‐orogenic depressions (Rauchua, Pegtymel, Pevek, Myrgovaam and Kytepveem) developed on the south‐western margin of the Chukotka microplate, and deposition in these basins included gravity flow deposits at various times. In both the Oxfordian–Kimmeridgian and Valanginian successions, gravity flow deposits included arkosic and subarkosic sandstones with a northern source area of granitoid complexes and deformed Triassic strata. The intervening Tithonian–Berriasian gravity flow deposits consisted mainly of thin‐bedded turbidites. These sediments had a southern source, which included a volcanic arc that had accreted to the southern margin of the Chukotka microplate.

An integrated morphological and chemical analysis of Arctic aerosols was undertaken for Icelandic dust and Svalbard aerosols to be compared by scanning electron microscopy coupled with EDS microanalysis (SEM–EDS) via imaging and chemical analysis techniques. Results of the characterization of the particles from both surface sediments and suspended dust from desert areas in Iceland confirmed that volcanic glass is an excellent marker of Icelandic dust origin. Classification diagrams of particle chemical composition clearly distinguished the volcanic glass particles from the local surface sediments at Hornsund, Svalbard. In the same diagrams, a few particles were found in the aerosols from Hornsund which were morphologically and chemically similar to the Icelandic volcanic glass particles. Such properties, in principle, cannot be considered exclusive to volcanic glass. However, since Iceland is the largest and the most active source of long-range transported dust in the northern European high latitudes, and air mass trajectories reaching Hornsund did, actually, pass Iceland before the aerosol collection in the period under consideration, these particles likely originated in Iceland. On the other hand, the comparison with local and Icelandic sediments revealed the presence in the aerosols from Hornsund of particle types that cannot be attributed to either local or Icelandic dust. This observation highlights the possibility of extending and validating the application of the proposed geochemical criterion to different dust sources across the Arctic and the sub-Arctic, provided a consistent geochemical databank of representative dust sources from these areas is arranged. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, there has been a notable surge in lightning events within the Arctic region. This is possibly due to the ongoing trend of global warming that is particularly pronounced in the Arctic. This study focuses on instances of rare lightning activity in the proximity to the North Pole in the last decade. We hypothesize that these occurrences are linked to augmented land heating in Eurasia rather than solely due to the increasing temperatures in the Arctic region. This assertion is substantiated by model simulations using the Weather Research and Forecasting model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article is dedicated to exploring the essential features of the contemporary geopolitical order in the Arctic, identifying the peculiarities of interaction among leading actors that have led to confrontation in the region. The Arctic is increasingly gaining significance as a source of natural resources and a prospective communication space. In the 21st century, competition has unfolded among circumpolar states regarding the expansion of their continental shelves. The Arctic Council and other international institutions currently lack sufficiently effective mechanisms to ensure efficient regional governance and address numerous issues. Russia's contemporary geostrategy in the Arctic is directed towards expanding its sphere of influence, increasing military capability, and securing control over the Northern Sea Route. NATO's geopolitical positions in the Arctic have significantly strengthened due to Finland and Sweden's accession and the enhancement of military potentials by member states. The geopolitical order in the Arctic region is qualified as confrontational. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polar regions and Greenland in particular are highly sensitive to global warming. Impacts on Greenland's glaciers may be observed through the increasing number of calving events. However, a direct assessment of the calving activity is limited due to the remoteness of polar regions and the cloudy weather which makes impossible a recurrent observation through satellite imagery. To tackle this issue, we exploit the seismological network deployed in Greenland which actively records seismic signals associated with calving events, hereinafter referred to as glacial earthquakes. These seismic signals present a broad frequency range and a wide diversity of waveform which make them difficult to discriminate from tectonic events as well as anthropogenic and natural noises. In this study, we start from two catalogues of known events, one for glacial earthquake events which occurred between 1993 and 2013 and one for earthquakes which occurred in the same time period, and we implement a detection algorithm based on the STA/LTA method to extract signals' events from continuous data. Then, we train and test a machine learning processing chain based on the Random Forest algorithm which allows us to automatically associate the events respectively with calving and tectonic activity, with a certain probability. Finally, we investigate 844 selected days spanning time of continuous data from the Greenland regional seismic network which results in a new, more exhaustive, catalogue of glacial earthquakes expanded of 1633 newly detected glacial events. Moreover, we extensively discuss the choice of the features used to describe glacial earthquakes, in particular the 39 new features created in this study which have drastically improved our results with 7 of the 10 best features being in the added set. The perspective of further expansion of the glacial earthquake catalogue applying the processing chain discussed in this paper on different time spans highlights how combining seismology and machine learning can increase our understanding of the spatio-temporal evolution of calving activity in remote regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the Mesozoic succession of the Anyui–Chukotka fold system (North‐East Russia), five stratigraphic intervals were recognised that have an abundance of gravity flow deposits. These are the Olenekian (Lower Triassic), Upper Carnian, Upper Norian, Oxfordian–Kimmeridgian and Valanginian. The Triassic gravity flow deposits formed on the south‐facing, passive margin of the Chukotka microplate and consist of greywackes and lithic arenites. Palaeocurrent data indicate that the flows were directed towards the south‐east. The Olenekian gravity flow units consist of clast‐rich sandstone deposited on the continental slope, and clast‐poor sandstone deposited at the base of the slope. Upper Carnian mud‐poor sandstones were deposited at the base of the slope and the Norian thin‐bedded turbidites were upper to mid‐slope deposits. The continental margin was affected by tectonism and was uplifted in the latest Triassic–earliest Jurassic, possibly due to the initiation of the southward translation of the Arctic Alaska–Chukotka microplate. Following an Early–Middle Jurassic uplift of the area, sedimentation resumed in the Late Jurassic and earliest Cretaceous. Several syn‐orogenic depressions (Rauchua, Pegtymel, Pevek, Myrgovaam and Kytepveem) developed on the south‐western margin of the Chukotka microplate, and deposition in these basins included gravity flow deposits at various times. In both the Oxfordian–Kimmeridgian and Valanginian successions, gravity flow deposits included arkosic and subarkosic sandstones with a northern source area of granitoid complexes and deformed Triassic strata. The intervening Tithonian–Berriasian gravity flow deposits consisted mainly of thin‐bedded turbidites. These sediments had a southern source, which included a volcanic arc that had accreted to the southern margin of the Chukotka microplate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the main contributor to global sea-level rise, the Greenland Ice Sheet (GrIS) has undergone significant mass change over the last two decades. The satellite mission of GRACE (Gravity Recovery And Climate Experiment) and its follow-on mission (GRACE-FO) provide accurate observations but low-spatial resolution. In contrast, satellite altimetry provides observations at a high-spatial resolution but with large uncertainties, limiting the understanding of glacier-scale mass change. To derive accurate and high-spatial resolution mass change estimates from GRACE/GRACE-FO observations, we present a novel constraint mascon method in which the regularization matrix is constructed with the signal variances from satellite altimetry. Based on the proposed method, we derive a series of high-resolution (25 km × 25 km) monthly mascon solutions from 2002 April to September. The glacier-scale estimates from the input–output method agree better with those from our mascon solutions than those from the global mascons of CSR (Center for Space Research, the University of Texas), JPL (Jet Propulsion Laboratory), and GSFC (Goddard Space Flight Center), with a higher linear regression coefficient of 0.71. Benefitting from the greatly improved spatial resolution, our estimates provide the first accurate monthly glacier-scale mass change estimates from GRACE/GRACE-FO observations over the GrIS, to our knowledge. The results show that 20 of the 260 glaciers contributed to more than 42 per cent of the ice loss in the GrIS from 2002 to 2022. Most strikingly, the mass loss of Jakobshavn Isbrae was the most significant at –18.7 ± 0.05 Gt yr−1, accounting for 7.4 per cent of the total in the GrIS during the study period. Furthermore, we find that the SMB (surface mass balance) and ice-dynamics-related mass changes contribute nearly equally to the observed mass changes, but the corresponding spatiotemporal characteristics differ. SMB contributed the most to the mass change in 2019, while ice dynamics played the most dominant role in 2018. Moreover, the SMB effect is widespread, and ice-dynamics-related mass loss is mainly concentrated in five small areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two geophysical expeditions (LOMROG II and III) were carried out in 2009 and 2012 to acquire seismic data in the western Amundsen Basin in the Arctic Ocean, a basin formed by ultraslow seafloor spreading at the Gakkel Ridge. Previous studies show alternating magmatic and amagmatic segments at the ridge but it is unclear if such segmentation persisted throughout the entire opening history of the basin. The seismic refraction data were used to develop P -wave velocity models down to the uppermost mantle using forward modelling of traveltimes. The coincident seismic reflection data were used to constrain the geometry of the sedimentary layers and for characterizing the acoustic basement. 2-D gravity modelling was used to determine the Moho depth in areas when data quality was insufficient to resolve a Moho reflection. The models distinguish three different basement types: oceanic crust with layers 2 and 3, oceanic crust that is lacking a layer 3 and exhumed and serpentinized mantle. The maximum observed crustal thickness is 6 km. Areas with thin crust (<3 km) may be underlain by partially serpentinized mantle. Where exhumed mantle is observed, a serpentinization front separates highly serpentinized mantle at the top from partially serpentinized mantle below. The presence of oceanic crust off-axis of the presently amagmatic sector of the Gakkel Ridge indicates that there is both a spatial and temporal variation of crustal accretion processes at the ridge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recent distribution of the Ponto-Caspian calanoid copepod, Eurytemora velox, in Western and Eastern Europe has been well-documented; however, there are no studies on the genetic diversity of the recently discovered Western Siberian species population. To contribute towards filling this gap, genetic diversity and distribution were investigated for E. velox collected in the Urals and Western Siberia of the Russian Federation to compare with the European populations. In this study, 44 specimens were dissected for the morphological studies, and 22 specimens of E. velox from different geographical points were analyzed for mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (CO1), nuclear ITS1-ITS2 (nITS) and nuclear ribosomal RNA (18SrRNA) gene fragments. Analysis of the CO1 gene region showed that the studied populations from the Urals and Western Siberia differ significantly from European ones and represent a separate genetic line. However, the nuclear nITS and 18SrRNA genes, as well as the results of morphological analysis, did not show such isolation of the Trans-Ural populations from those in Europe. As in many studies on E. velox, we found atypical structural features of the fifth prosomal leg among females in the Ob Bay. Their share was 36% of the number of studied individuals. The CO1 shows that the divergence of genetic lines occurred approximately in the Middle Pleistocene, and the species itself is Paleogene–Neogene by origin. Based on these data, a different scenario of E. velox distribution or possible refuge survival is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rich with fossil minerals, offshore areas of the Arctic region attract a lot of attention from researchers, which creates the necessity to investigate the structure of the subsurface space. This work is dedicated to the simulation of one of the standard methods used, which is seismic survey. The computational domain was constructed by taking into account the main features of the offshore areas: heterogeneous ice field, water, and layered ground with an oil reservoir. The linear elasticity model was chosen as the governing system of equations and solved using the grid-characteristic method on rectangle grids. Ice was simulated using the Maxwell viscoelastic model and the Kukudzhanov elastoviscoplastic model, taking into account the temperature dependence of its Young's modulus. The results reconstruct different wave phenomena, such as Rayleigh waves, Scholte waves, reflected from the reservoir wave front, and seismic ghost reflections, which can be used for the analysis of the structure of geological layered media. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Breeding, migration and presence of the western subspecies of the bean goose Anser fabalis in the Murmansk region (northwest Russia) were previously reported in the publications of ornithologists. In this paper, we present some data on the breeding ecology of the bean goose Anser fabalis rossicus (Buturlin 1933) on Kildin Island. The presented data contain information about the nesting areas of the subspecies on the island, the number of eggs in the clutch, the composition of nesting material, and the fact of successful breeding here is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relevance of this study is due to the need to develop and implement in regional practice effective management decisions that promote the development of fish farms and increase aquaculture pro-duction. Since fish farming (aquaculture) is one of the structural components of the fishery complex, the authors pay attention to both the peculiarities of its development in the conditions of the North and the Arctic, and the specifics of economic activity in the field of aquaculture projects. The article presents the results of a survey of the population of the Arctic territories of the Arkhangelsk Oblast on the consumption of fish and fish products, which allowed establishing various consumer profiles of preferences depending on their age category, as well as to identify the main reasons constraining the consumption of fish and fish products (among which: high price, availability of low-quality products in retail outlets, the lack of ability and desire to cook among the younger generation). Based on the results of expert interviews with producers of fish and fish products, as well as with representatives of the scientific community and authorities of the Arkhangelsk Oblast, a problem matrix was compiled and the necessary activities were identified to address key issues of the development of aquaculture projects in the region.

The article was prepared on the subject of ensuring the sustainable development of the territories in the Arctic zone on the environmental basis. The aim of the study is to develop a conceptual approach to assess the efficiency of public administration in the field of environmental development of territories in the Arctic zone, as the variety and importance of modern environmental risks constantly increase. Special, universal and general scientific methods of scientific cognition were used in the work. The article presents problems, conceptual approach and proposals to assess the efficiency of public administration of environmentally-oriented territorial development in the Arctic zone and improve environmental performance and ecological and economic efficiency of activities in the Russian Arctic region. The key tasks, constituent elements, objects and criteria for assessing the efficiency of this activity are outlined.

The newly obtained results of the frequency-resonance (FR) technologies application for the study of the sources and processes of seeps and pockmarks formation in the Arctic Region (Norwegian, Barents Sea) and the North Sea are considered. The experimental study of the seepage processes' source formation was carried out using modified methods of the FR-processing, and decoding of satellite images and photographs with the vertical scanning of the cross-sections. The study results of the methane seeps and pockmarks fields show that the intensity and dynamics of their formation partly depend on the inflow of gas fluids from deep sources because of active degassing processes. The use of FR-sounding technologies allows us to remotely determine the spatial regularities of zones of intense gas emission formation and the geological sources of migration probable depth. The study of seep and pockmark field results confirms the significant, but insufficiently taken into account, the influence of crust-mantle gas fluids on the nature and degassing processes features in the structures of the continental margins. New results confirm the crust-mantle gas fluids influence on the nature and degassing processes features in the scan points of Polar marginal structures. These data are important arguments in favor of the "volcanic model" of various structural elements formation in this Region. The FR- technologies data also showed a possibility of seeps and pockmarks use as shallow and deep hydrocarbon field indicators in gas emission areas. These independent data can be used in modeling the deep lithosphere structure and possible mechanisms of abiogenic hydrocarbon formation in Arctic margin structures. We suppose that hydrocarbons through deep channels migrate (from 57 km deep) to the upper crustal horizons where can form hydrocarbon fields. During this migration, gas seeps and pockmarks are formed on the sea bottom and part of the gas can migrate into the atmosphere. Modern degassing centers' studies have confirmed the presence of zones of active migration of gases into the atmosphere, which is an important influencing factor in the dynamics of global climate change processes on Earth. The experience of FR- technologies used in the fields of methane seeps and pockmarks study found in the structures of the Arctic Polar seas showed versatility and the possibility of their use in the study of large gas emissions in structures of different regions.

The article studies two closely related modern problems such as nuclear deterrence and nuclear security. The aim of the study is to develop and substantiate an Axiom for the scientific field of knowledge about coupled dynamic assessments of nuclear deterrence possibility and the need for guaranteed nuclear safety in the interests of the Russian Arctic region sustainable development. Actual aspects of ensuring nuclear safety and nuclear deterrence in modern conditions in the interests of the Russian Arctic region sustainable development and the Russian national security have been considered. The differentiation of countries and results of comparing the USA and Russia in the light of nuclear safety have been presented. Three stages of nuclear protection have been identified, within the framework of which it is necessary to solve issues of ensuring nuclear safety. An axiomatic approach to ensuring nuclear safety and nuclear deterrence in the interests of the Russian Arctic region sustainable development has been presented, and possibilities of its use described. Special, universal, and general scientific methods of scientific cognition were used in the work.

Abstract A detailed 3-D tomographic model of the whole mantle beneath the northern hemisphere (north of ~ 30°N latitude) is obtained by inverting a large amount of P-wave arrival time data (P, pP, and PP) to investigate transition of subducted slabs beneath Eurasia–Arctic–North America. We apply an updated global tomographic method that can investigate the whole mantle 3-D structure beneath a target area with high resolution comparable to that of regional tomography. The final tomographic model is obtained by performing independent calculations for 12 different target areas and stitching together the results. Our model clearly shows the subducted Izanagi and Farallon slabs penetrating into the lower mantle beneath Eurasia and North America, respectively. In the region from Canada to Greenland, a stagnant slab lying below the 660-km discontinuity is revealed. Because this slab has a texture that seems to be due to subducted oceanic ridges, the slab might be composed of the Farallon and Kula slabs that had subducted during ~60–50 Ma. During that period, a complex rift system represented by division between Canada and Greenland was developed. The oceanic ridge subduction and hot upwelling in the big mantle wedge above the stagnant slab caused a tensional stress field, which might have induced these complex tectonic events.

The results of studies on the content of aluminum and heavy metals in benthic sediments and algae in the estuaries of the Arctic island Vaygach are presented. This island is located on the Barents and Kara Sea border, and it is part of the Pay-Khoi ridge which can be called a “continuation” of the Ural Mountains to the north. The observations were conducted in Krasnaya and Varkulyakha Rivers located in the island’s southern part and flow into the Yugorsky Shar Strait. Krasnaya River is located near a polymetallic ore deposit, which was developed in 1931–1934. Reconnaissance fieldwork was carried out in the river estuaries through measurements of salinity and water level. Measurements of the mass concentration of elements in the studied samples of sediments and algae were carried out by atomic emission spectrometry. The preparation of plant samples was by microwave decomposition, and that for samples of bottom sediments was carried out by acid decomposition in an open manner. The obtained concentration samples were compared using “Tukey exploratory data analysis (EDA)”. The presence of anomalies in the high content of copper, manganese, and zinc in filamentous algae at the control site in the Krasnaya River estuary was revealed. For some elements, the enrichment index was calculated relative to the upper part of the earth’s crust content. It is assumed that the occurrence of this situation is due to the long-term consequences of mining polymetallic ores. The accumulation of metals in river estuaries may be related to the observed warming of the climate in the western sector of the Arctic region.

The successful development of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation is directly related to the reliable and efficient operation of local heat supply systems, including those with minimal anthropogenic impact on the environment. Today, the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation uses mainly imported fossil fuels for heat generation, most of which (with the exception of coal and wood in some places) are delivered from other regions of Russia, which is associated with great financial difficulties and complicated logistics of fuel delivery to consumers. On the example of Teriberka settlement, located in the Murmansk region on the coast of the Barents Sea, it is shown that one of the solutions to these problems can be the use of wind turbines for heat supply needs together with the local boiler house, operating on organic fuel. The main effect from the use of wind power plants is expressed in the reduction of the boiler house participation in covering the heating load schedule of Teriberka settlement by 7580% and, accordingly, by the same amount in saving fossil fuel consumed at the boiler house, as well as in reducing the negative impact on the natural environment.