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—The results of Hg content determination in the water of the Angara River source are considered in relationship with the seismic processes proceeding at different levels of the lithosphere in the Baikal Rift Zone (BRZ), the geodynamic rejuvenation of the South Baikal rifting attractor structure (RAS), and the time distribution of M ≥ 7 earthquakes which occurred at a significant distance from the water sampling station. The correlation coefficients calculated between the pairs Hg content–earthquake numbers n and Hg–logarithm of summary seismic energy lgΣES are most often low, thus indicating the absence of a statistically meaningful relationship between the remote seismic process and the dynamics of mercury release. However, the correlation coefficients in the vicinity of the Angara River source are high, thus proving the relationship of the mercury release with the deformation of this territory. The statistical validity of the «deformation–mercury release» cause-and-effect relationship is verified by the fact that strong geodynamic impacts precede all meaningful Hg release maxima. In the period 1997–1998, the South Baikal RAS produced the highest impact, being in the phase of the maximum geodynamic activity. The combined impact of the RAS and the South Baikal earthquake of 1999 resulted in a series of the maximum mercury contents within 1999–2000. The subsequent gradual relaxation of the RAS activity led to a reduction in the average annual Hg content. Remote M ≥ 7 earthquakes and close strong earthquakes of the BRZ are responsible for the significant Hg release maxima. The predicted trend of the average annual Hg contents is their considerable increase in the fields of fluid discharge of faults under the powerful geodynamic impact of the RAS or strong earthquake. We assume that in the study lithosphere area, the powerful geodynamic impact caused an opening of fault zones leading to decompression with boiling and degassing of mercury and its rapid rise to the surface.

We present the results of studying the Holocene sediments of Bolshie Toroki Lake, a shallow brackish lake with carbonate sedimentation and high bioproductivity, located in the eastern part of Baraba lowland (southwestern Siberia). The mineral component of bottom sediments was studied by such methods as X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, IR spectroscopy, laser granulometry, elemental analysis, and others. By the mathematical modeling of complex XRD patterns, Mg-calcites with different Mg contents and aragonite have been established in the assemblage of carbonate minerals. Their structural and crystallochemical features and quantitative ratios were determined. The obtained high-resolution carbonate record was compared in the dated section with the distribution of the ash content, which is determined by the bioproductivity of the basin, and with a number of geochemical indicators of climate changes. The use of such a complex approach allowed us for the first time to recognize four stages in the evolution of Bolshie Toroki Lake; these stages were caused by cycles of drying/wetting of the regional climate and fluctuations of the lake level in the second half of the Holocene. Stage I (middle of the Atlantic) corresponded to the formation of the lake; stage II (second half of the Atlantic) was characterized by shallowing of the lake in a dry and warm climate; stage III (most of the Subboreal), shallow basin in a dry and cool climate; and stage IV (from the end of the Subboreal until the present) was marked by an increase in the water level of the lake and climate humidization.

—The time span between 3 and 2 Ga in the geologic history encompassed a number of key events on the cooling Earth. The cooling interrupted heat transfer within and across the mantle, which caused changes in Earth’s major spheres and in the mechanisms of their interaction. The great thermal divergence at 2.5 Ga and differentiation into the depleted upper asthenospheric and primitive lower mantle affected the compositions of oceanic basalts. The lower mantle cooling recorded by a systematic decrease in the temperature of komatiite magma generation at the respective depths began at 2.5 Ga and was accompanied by increasing abundance of arc basalts and by changes in the behavior of the Sr, Nd, and O isotope systems. It was the time when the continental lithosphere consisting of subcontinental lithospheric mantle and crust began its rapid growth, while the crust became enriched in felsic material with high contents of lithophile elements. Magmatism of the 3–2 Ga time span acquired more diverse major-element chemistry, with calc-alkaline and alkaline lithologies like carbonatite and kimberlite. The dramatic changes were driven by subduction processes, whereby the crust became recycled in the mantle and the double layer (D”) formed at the core–mantle boundary. The events of the 3–2 Ga interval created prerequisites for redox changes on the surface and release of free oxygen into the atmosphere. In terms of global geodynamics, it was transition from stagnantlid tectonics to plate tectonic regime, which approached the present-day style about 2.0–1.8 Ga.

—This paper presents new data on the structure and lithologic, geochemical, and granulometric features of the Quaternary deposits of the Tologoi key section (upper Cenozoic, Transbaikalia). These data made it possible to determine the location of paleosol horizons throughout the section and their thicknesses. Four main sedimentation cycles have been identified; each of them terminated with the formation of soil horizons. It is shown that the climate during the formation of the deposits had a cyclic nature: Wet periods were changed by dry epochs of different durations. During warming and the formation of soil horizons, distant and medium-range provenance areas prevailed. In situ biochemical postsedimentary transformations of the deposits dominated in the periods of the most intense pedogenesis, as reflected in the changes in their chemical composition. It is shown that the warmest climate and the activation of weathering and leaching processes during the Pleistocene were in the period of the accumulation of a paleosol horizon in the section interval 16.4–15.0 m. It was a period of pedogenic and biologic activity and reduced salinization and carbonation. Stages with prevailing cryogenic environments are clearly recorded in the studied geochemical profile as involutions, pseudomorphs after ice wedges, and thick carbonate lenses. The deposits formed at these stages are characterized by minimum salinization, high calcification, and low leaching (hydrolysis) and oxidation indices as well as a positive Eu anomaly and high ΣCe/ΣY and low La/Sm values.

The mercury concentrations in the water of the Angara River Source (runoff of Lake Baikal) are compared to temporal distributions of earthquakes of various magnitudes that occurred at various distances from the water-sampling site. It is established that all significant mercury maxima in the water are preceded by strong geodynamic impacts in the Baikal Rift Zone. The predictive estimates of the average annual mercury concentration indicate a possible significant increase in its levels in local areas of fluid discharge of faults under an intense geodynamic impact. The opening of deep faults during strong movements is expected to lead to decompression with mercury degassing and rapid rise to the surface along the fault zones.

The first results of palynological analysis of the bottom deposits of Kaskadnoe Lake and a reconstruction of vegetation and climate on the Oka Plateau over the last 14.2 ky are reported. It is shown that approximately 1.2–12.9 cal ka BP (GI-1) the regional climate was sufficiently warm and humid to allow the development of a forb–shrub tundra with spruce and larch stands. Cooling at approximately 12.9–11.5 cal ka BP (GS-1) led to the predominance of the forb–shrub tundra in the lake basin. Siberian pine settled on the Oka Plateau in a moderate–cold and humid climate at approximately 11.5–9.0 cal ka BP. The warmer and drier climate, which prevailed in the Middle Holocene approximately 9.0–4.5 cal ka BP, resulted in the retreat of dark-coniferous forests from the Kaskadnoe Lake basin. The spreading of larch and Siberian pine coincided with the onset of Neoglacial conditions in the Late Holocene. It was established that the environmental conditions on the Oka Plateau in the Late Glacial Period and Holocene were generally controlled by the interaction of the western atmospheric transport and the East Asian summer monsoon, the temperature variations caused by the insolation level, and the specific features of regional atmospheric circulation.

The early Mesozoic Baga-Khentei pluton is a part of the Daurian–Khentei batholite that was formed under the impact of the Mongolian plume on the lower horizons of the continental crust in the collision compression zone that appeared during closing of the Mongol–Okhotsk Ocean. Mantle and crustal melt sources were involved in the formation of the batholith and its margins. The Ikh-Narotin-Khid massif tends to the boundary of the rift region on the periphery of the Late Mesozoic area. The petro-geochemical similarity of its rocks to the composition of host gneisses suggests that the latter belong to the most likely substrate in the formation of palingenic granitoids of the calc-alkaline series. The differences in the rock compositions of large plutons are shown in minor differentiation of the Baga-Khentei massif, which is likely to be determined by the anatexis conditions and the subsequent formation of melts in the collision compression setting, while the granites of the Ikh-Narotin-Khid massif were formed under extension, which favored deep differentiation of magmatic melts.

The results of the study of carbonate-containing bottom sediments from the shallow brackish Lake Itkul (Western Siberia) are presented. The research methods include X-ray diffractometry (XRD), IR spectroscopy, laser granulometry, elemental analysis, etc. By the modeling of XRD carbonate profiles with the Pearson VII function, carbonate phases were identified and their quantitative ratios were determined. By the comparing of carbonate record with lithological, geochemical data in a dated sedimentary section, the evolution of the lake basin in the Holocene caused of climatic changes was reconstructed. Mineralogical signals of the global climatic event known as Bond event 4 in the South of West Siberia have been discovered.

This article presents first tephrochronological data on the volcanic activity in the valley of the Jom-Bolok River (East Sayan Mountains, Siberia), which is the largest manifestation of the Holocene eruptions in Central Asia. The data results from our study of the proglacial Kaskadnoe-1 Lake situated near the Jom-Bolok basalt field. The lake sediments include a series of tephra-rich layers. Radiocarbon dating of the lake sediments provided a robust age model which allowed us to build timing of eruptions formed the Jom-Bolok volcanic field. We recognize two large phases of volcanism separated by almost 5 thousand years dormant phase. The first phase is traced back to ca. 14.3 cal ka BP and lasted until 6.3 cal ka BP. Ten clusters of microtephra layers in the sediments of the first phase show 300-800 years recurrence of the volcanic events weakening upward. The event of 14.3-13.3 cal ka BP probably represents the strongest eruptions of the Jom-Bolok. The second phase started ca. 1.6 cal ka BP and highly likely continues in our days. Its strongest eruptions occurred between 1.6 and 0.8 cal ka BP with periodicity of 200 years. This tephrostratigraphy shows a multiplicity of the Jom-Bolok volcanic events and amplifies the earlier built scheme resulted from investigations of the stratified basalts, pyroclasts and lake damming events.

The first results of tephrochronological studies of Late Pleistocene–Holocene volcanic eruptions in the Zhom-Bolok River valley (Eastern Sayan) are reported. Based on the analysis of bottom sediments of the glacial lake Kaskadnoe-1, a detailed chronological scale of volcanic activity in this region has been worked out. It is established that the eruptions began at least 14 300 years ago and continued, gradually weakening, to 6280 years ago. In this period, ten groups of peaks of sediment enrichment in microtephra are registered for Kaskadnoe-1 Lake. The average interval between the stages of eruptions in this period was ~500–600 years. Between 14 300 and 13 400 years ago, the most large-scale volcanic events took place, eruptions were practically not interrupted, and the explosive activity was the most intense. The volcanic activity in the region in the period between 6280 and 2000 years ago is characterized by a relative rest. Later, eruptions resumed reaching peak values 1150 years ago and completing 800 years ago.

—Quantum-chemical calculations show a tendency of SiO2 molecule to transform from linear to isomeric cyclic (bent) form and back. In the latter case, the energy released during the transition isomeric SiO2 → linear SiO2 is about 240 kJ/mole. This hypothetic structural transition of submolecular SiO2 fragments in mantle minerals is supposed to initiate deep-focus high-energy earthquakes at the upper–lower mantle boundary. It is at this depth (600–670 km) that the subducting oceanic slab is delaminated: Its upper part moves “horizontally” along the upper–lower mantle boundary, while its lower part separated into blocks subsides into the lower mantle and reaches the Dʺ layer to accumulate there.

This paper considers the geochemical evolution of igneous and metasomatic rocks in the Baga-Gazryn Massif on the basis of new precision analytical data. The Baga-Gazryn rocks are characterized by enrichment in F, which is concentrated in Li–F mica, topaz, and fluorite. Along with F, zwitters and microclinites are enriched in Li, Rb, Cs, and ore elements Sn, W, Zn. High-charge elements (Zr, Hf, Nb, Ta, and Ti) and also Th and U are not very different in the Baga-Gazryn granites of various phases and metasomatic rocks.

The long-term data (1950–2017) on the chemical composition of the water from the source of the Angara River, which is the only run-off from Lake Baikal, a large and clean fresh water reservoir, are presented. The absence of water contamination despite the anthropogenic influence is shown. The similarity and constancy of the current composition of the waters in the lake and the Angara River are recorded. It is recommended to continue geochemical studies of this unique world heritage site.

The study of bottom sediments of Lake Baikal recovered by submarine drilling at the Selenga–Buguldeika saddle (core VER93-2 st. 24GC) allowed us to reconstruct the climatic events in the Baikal region in the last 20–25 k.y. On the basis of the data on distribution of chemical elements in the core section, the mineral composition of sediments was calculated by the physicochemical modeling method. A study of how ratios of clay minerals changed in the section allowed us to identify the Pleistocene–Holocene boundary, Bolling–Allerod postglacial warming, and Late Dryas cooling. The calculated data on mineral composition of bottom sediments from the core VER93-2 demonstrate a good fit to the X-ray diffraction analysis results. The proposed approach can be used in calculation of mineral compositions of other sedimentary sequences with known chemical composition.

The first results of anthracological investigation for Eastern Siberia on the carbonaceous remains of woody and shrubby plants at the archaeological sites Kovrizhka III and IV in the lower reaches of the Vitim River are presented. The results of anthracological studies enabled us to obtain new data on changes in vegetation and climate along the lower reaches of the Vitim River. As a result, new data on human habitation in the lower reaches of the Vitim River in the last glacial maximum and early Holocene were obtained.

The paper is focused on the evolution of the Earth starting with the planetary accretion and differentiation of the primordial material (similar in composition to CI chondrites) into the core and mantle and the formation of the Moon as a result of the impact of the Earth with a smaller cosmic body. The features of the Hadean eon (ca. 4500–4000 Ma) are described in detail. Frequent meteorite–asteroid bombardments which the Earth experienced in the Hadean could have caused the generation of mafic/ultramafic primary magmas. These magmas also differentiated to produce some granitic magmas, from which zircons crystallized. The repeated meteorite bombardments destroyed the protocrust, which submerged into the mantle to remelt, leaving refractory zircons, indicators of the Early Earth’s geologic conditions, behind. The mantle convection that started in the Archean could possibly be responsible for the Earth’s subsequent endogenous evolution. Long-living deep-seated mantle plumes could have promoted the generation of basalt–komatiitic crust, which, thickening, could have submerged into the mantle as a result of sagduction, where it remelted. Partial melting of the thick crust, leaving eclogite as a residue, could have yielded tonalite–trondhjemite–granodiorite (TTG) melts. TTG rocks are believed to compose the Earth’s protocrust. Banded iron bodies, the only mineral deposits of that time, were produced in the oceans that covered the Earth. This environment, recognized as LID tectonics combined with plume tectonics, probably existed on the Earth prior to the transitional period, which was marked by a series of new geologic processes and led to a modern-style tectonics, involving plate tectonics and plume tectonics mechanisms, by 2 Ga. The transitional period was likely to be initiated at about 3.4 Ga, with the segregation of outer and inner cores, which terminated by 3.1 Ga. Other rocks series (calc-alkaline volcanic and intrusive) rather than TTGs were produced at that time. Beginning from 3.4–3.3 Ga, mineral deposits became more diverse; noble and siderophile metal occurrences were predominant among ore deposits. Carbonatites, hosting rare-metal mineralization, could have formed only by 2.0 Ga. From 3.1 to 2.7 Ga, there was a period of “small-plate” tectonics and first subduction and spreading processes, which resulted in the first supercontinent by 2.7 Ga. Its amalgamation indicates the start of superplume–supercontinent cycles. Between 2.7 and 2.0 Ga, the D″ layer formed at the core–mantle interface. It became a kind of thermal regulator for the ascending already tholeiitic mantle plume magmas. All deep-seated layers of the Earth and large low-velocity shear provinces, called mantle hot fields, partially melted enriched EM-I and EM-II mantles, and the depleted recent asthenosphere mantle, which is parental for midocean-ridge basalts, were finally generated by 2 Ga. Therefore, an interaction of all Earth’s layers began from that time.

We present results of a thermomagnetic analysis of Late Pleistocene–Holocene bottom sediments from the gravity core GC-99 of the borehole BDP-99 drilled at Posolskaya Bank of Lake Baikal in the framework of the Baikal Drilling Project. The results are compared with the earlier analytical data on the samples from the lower (Miocene) section of the BDP-98 drilled on the Akademichesky Ridge. Native-iron particles were found in only 14 of 61 samples. Their content varies from ~ 10–5 to 10–4%, and their distribution is near-bimodal, with a distinct “zero” mode. The results of the thermomagnetic analysis are confirmed by a probe microanalysis: Only occasional native-iron particles were found. Nickel was detected in only one sample. The samples have a large number of magnetite and titanomagnetite grains. It is shown that the distribution of native-iron particles in the Baikal sediments depends on the rate of sedimentation: The rate increase is accompanied by the increase in the number of the “zero” group samples (free of iron particles). The conclusion is drawn that the native-iron particles in the studied sediments are predominantly of cosmic origin.

Eclogitized material from the oceanic lithosphere are the most likely source of alkaline basalt magmas in the formation of Late Cenozoic volcanic areas on the southwestern flank of the Baikal Rift Zone. Basaltic trachyandesites of the early stage of volcanism (Pg32 ~ 28–23 Ma) are rich in high field strength elements (HFSE), P2O5, F, Zn, Ga, Sr, Sn, and light rare earth elements (LREE); they are characterized by high values of the following ratios: Fe/Mn = 72–77, Sm/Yb = 7.7–8.5, Sr/Y = 57–63, and Ga/Sc = 2.1–2.3. At this stage, magmas are formed under conditions with a 2–8% degree of partial melting of the mantle substrate enriched with the material of the eclogite source (50–70%) (Cpx/Grt = 1.5–1.7). Basaltoid magmas of the final stage of volcanism (N13–N21 ~ 6–4 Ma) are formed from melting (1.5–4%) of a less fertilized mantle (Cpx/Grt = 2.1–3.1, Fe/Mn = 62–71, Sm/Yb = 3.5–4.6, Sr/Y = 29–44, Ga/Sc = 1.0–1.4). The directed variations of the compositions of the successive basaltoid magmas, which were formed in the Late Cenozoic, create an “eclogite trace” in this area.

For the first time in Russia, a Hadean zircon grain with an age of 3.94 Ga (ID-TIMS) has been discovered in high-aluminous garnet granulites of the Aldan Shield among the U–Pb zircons with an age from 1.92 Ga. In this connection, the problems of its parental source, the petrogenesis of granulites that captured this zircon, and the mechanism of occurrence of these deep rocks in the upper horizons of the crust have been solved. The comparison of the geochemistry of garnet granulites and the middle crust has shown that the granulites are enriched in the entire range of rare-earth elements (except for the Eu minimum), as well as in Al2O3, U, and Th and are depleted in the most mobile elements (Na, Ca, Sr). In the upper part of the allitic weathering zone of the middle crust, which formed under conditions of arid climate, this zircon grain was originated from the weathered granites from the middle crust. In the latter case, they were empleced discretely in the upper granite–gneiss crust under high pressure conditions (the rutile age is 1.83–1.82 Ga). The zircon with an age of 3.94 Ga is comparable to the Hadean zircons from orthogneisses of the Acasta region (Canadian Shield, 4.03–3.94 Ga).

Based on measurements of the concentrations of C, N, P, and chlorophyll-a, as well as on palynological analysis of the core Vdr 2011 of peaty sediments from the Vydrinaya River along the southern coast of Lake Baikal, the geochemical characteristics of eutrophy were compared to pollen indices of changes in the environment and the mode of marsh ecosystem transformations into various trophic states was specified. It was shown that geochemical parameters of the changes in the environment may be considered as the characteristics of trophic conditions in ecosystems in the course of paleo-reconstructions.

Variations in the O, Sr, Nd, and Hf isotopic compositions in rocks of various ages, minerals, and mantle temperature in the geological history are considered. Two periods in the Earth’s history are studied: the beginning of the formation of the planet until the turn of (3.4) 2.7–2.5 Ga and the tectonic movement period in the last 2 Ga, and also the transitional period within 2.7–2.0 Ga.

The paper discusses a possible model of the ancient (Hadean–Archean) Earth’s geodynamic evolution. We believe that the early Earth was characterized by a stagnant lid regime and whole-mantle convection suggesting cells that convect through the whole mantle (from the core–mantle boundary to the lithosphere base). The lid tectonics was perturbed by asteroid–meteorite bombardments that destroyed the primary terrestrial partly granitoid crust. The destroyed crust together with the residual enriched mantle reservoirs sank into the lower mantle. In addition to the crust destruction, the bombardments led to emplacement of a huge proportion of basalt-komatiitic melts, which can be interpreted as mantle overturn events. In the Hadean, the Earth survived frequent large-scale asteroid–meteorite bombardments, which resulted in almost a complete destruction of the primary terrestrial crust. In the Early Archean, the Earth still experienced the same tectonic processes, as in the Hadean; however, meteorite impact was small-scale and the bombardments influenced only a limited area of a common, as it seems to us, subequatorial supercontinent. Those bombardments led to the sagduction of the Archean basalt–komatiiic terrestrial crust, which sank into the mantle, transforming into amphibolite–eclogite rocks giving rise to a tonalite–troondhjemite–granodiorite suite. As preserved in the zircon record, the formation of the Archean mantle-derived magmas occurred as pulses at 4.5, 4.2–4.3, 3.8–3.9, and 3.3–3.4 Ga. These peaks, most likely, correspond to the Hadean–Archean meteorite bombardments. There is evidence of formation of the subcontinental lithospheric mantle (SCLM) beneath the cratons between 3.3 and 3.5 Ga. This SCLM was markedly different from peridotites of modern ophiolites. However, the existence of ophiolitic peridotites indicates that modern style plate tectonic processes were in operation at that time, as we will discuss below. The transition from the early Earth (Hadean–Archean) tectonic style to the recent tectonics occurred between 3.4 (2.7?) and 2.0 Ga.

This paper considers the results of comprehensive lithological, biostratigraphic, and geochemical investigation of sediments in Khara-Nur Lake (Eastern Sayan Mountains) situated in the area of the greatest Holocene eruptions in the Central Asia Region. The age of the basal sediment layer is estimated at 6881 ± 53 years. The local natural environment and climate have undergone great changes since that time. The Holocene volcanic events did not exert a catastrophic impact on the regional landscape, but they caused dramatic changes in the local vegetation. The well-defined correlation of the regional events with the well-known records of the natural environment in the Northern Hemisphere is indicative of the decisive influence of global atmospheric circulation on restructuring the landscape and climate system in the Zhom-Bolok Region in the Middle–Late Holocene.

In the Late Paleozoic–Early Mesozoic, the Central Asian Rift System formed in the southern framing of the Siberian Craton. It has a specific structure owing to zoned magmatic areas comprising the largest world’s batholiths (Angara–Vitim, Khangai, and Khentei) in the core and coeval rift zones on the periphery. By the example of the Khangai batholith, which is the core of the Khangai zoned magmatic area, we have demonstrated that the batholith granites are a specific class of anorogenic granitoids. Each batholith is composed of nearly coeval rocks of widely varying compositions, from low-alkali to subalkalic and alkaline and from mafic to ultrafelsic. The geochemical and isotopic characteristics of rocks of the Khangai batholith are intermediate between the host continental crust and the juvenile mantle source. The melts from this mantle source formed lava sequences on the rift periphery of the batholith and were also manifested in its core as synplutonic mafic intrusions. The isotope-geochemical characteristics of the batholith granitoids evidence that mantle magmas took part in the formation of granite melts. With regard to the volume of the batholith rocks (~1 mln km3), the Khangai zoned magmatic area can be considered a silicic large igneous province, whose formation was controlled by a localized source of material and heat, i.e., mantle plume. We propose a model relating the composition, structure, and geologic position of batholiths to the impact of mantle plumes on the lithosphere of a folded area. The model assumes that mantle melts intruded into the base of crust by the underplating mechanism or formed underlayers, caused crustal anatexis, and were mixed with anatectic melts. The geochemical and isotopic characteristics of the resulted magmatic products were intermediate between the parameters typical of the convergent boundaries of lithospheric plates and those characteristic for intraplate environments.

A synthesis of paleoclimate responses from Lake Baikal during the MIS 11 interglacial is presented based on proxy records from two drill sites 245 km apart. BDP-99 is located in vicinity of the delta of the major Baikal tributary, whereas the BDP-96 site represents hemipelagic setting distant from riverine influence. The comparison of thicknesses of interglacial intervals in these contrasting depositional settings confirms the extended ca. 33-kyr duration of the MIS 11 interglacial. The new BDP-99 diatom biostratigraphic record matches that of the BDP-96-2 holostratotype and thus allows establishing establishes robust correlation between the records on the same orbitally-tuned timescale. The first detailed MIS 11 palynological record from the BDP-99 drill core indicates the dominance of boreal conifer (taiga) forest vegetation in the Baikal region throughout the MIS 11 interglacial, since at least 424 ka till ca. 396 ka. The interval ca. 420–405 ka stands out as a "conifer optimum" with abundant Abies sibirica, indicative of climate significantly warmer and less continental than today. The closest Baikal analog to this type of vegetation in the history of the current Holocene interglacial is at ca. 9–7 ka. The warm conifer phase lasted for ca. 15 kyr during MIS 11 interrupted by two millennial-scale cooling episodes at ca. 411–410 and 405–404 ka. Reconstructed annual precipitation of 450–550 mm/yr during the MIS 11 interglacial is by ca. 100 mm higher than during the Holocene; regional climate was less continental with warmer mean temperatures both in summer and in winter. At both drill sites, the two-peak structure of the MIS 11 diatom abundance profiles reflects the orbital signature of precession in the interglacial paleoclimate record of continental Eurasia. MIS 11 interglacial was characterized by the sustained high level of primary production and accumulation of autochthonous organic matter at both study sites. The responses of paleoclimate-sensitive indices in the mineralogy of the MIS 11 sediments in BDP-96-2 are consistent with those during the Holocene. Illitization of secondary clay minerals in the Baikal watershed was an important process, but it appears to have been subdued during the first half of the MIS 11, apparently due to elevated humidity and muted seasonality of regional climate.

The results of studies on the distribution regularities are presented for polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) of different degrees of chlorination and for organochlorine pesticides (OCPs): hexachlorobenzene (HCB), hexachlorocyclohexane (HCCH), and DDT with its metabolites in the soils along the Lena River valley and in background areas of Eastern Siberia and Mongolia. A statistically reliable correlation is found between the PCB–OCP and Corg concentrations. The highest levels of HCB are registered in the soils between 50 and 60° N. The concentrations of αand γ-HCCH increase reliably, while those of pp′-DDT and pp′-DDE decrease from south to north. A trend of the decrease in concentrations from Mongolia to the Laptev Sea is revealed for tri-, tetra-, and penta-chlorine-substituted PCB congeners. However, the soils sampled northwards from 60° N show a reliable increase in the concentrations of tetra-, penta-, and hexachlorine-substituted congeners.

The onset of the modern tectonic style that combines plate-related and plume-related mechanisms has been discussed. Such a tectonic style could have started on the Earth when all layers of our planet had formed. Analysis of available geological data shows that the solid inner core crystallized by 2.7 Ga. Typical geologic complexes appeared on the continents as a result of plate tectonics processes at that time. The layer D″ that accumulates lithospheric slabs, which do not remain at the upper-lower mantle interface but can go down to the core-mantle boundary, was finally produced by 2 Ga. At pressures and temperatures of the D″ layer perovskite, a principal mineral of the lower mantle transforms into postperovskite phase. The isotope data suggest the existence of mantle (EM-I and EM-II) domains, being the sources for oceanic island basalts (OIB) and the depleted upper mantle (asthenosphere), the source for mid-ocean ridge basalts (MORB), from at least 2 Ga. It is accepted that the recent tectonic style started on the Earth at that period. Deep-seated processes suggest the involvement of all Earth’s layers. The asthenosphere–lithosphere interaction is responsible for different types of large surface structures that develop as fold mountains, oceanic spaces, and subduction zones. The descending lithospheric slabs (cold mantle material) and ascending mantle material in hot mantle provinces or the so-called low shear velocity provinces are responsible for the lower mantle convection. The plume is produced in the layer D″, which accumulates the descending lithosphere slabs as well as light elements released from the outer liquid core, which are oxidized in this layer, thus resulting in thermochemical plume formation. At the same time the molten ferric iron penetrates the core. So, we see the interaction of all Earth’s layers. The article also considers the evolutionary history of the Siberian continent over 700 Myr as early as the breakdown of Rodinia and the formation of mountain folds and rifting structures and the associated metallogeny.

The new high-accuracy data on U–Pb zircon geochronology, Sm–Nd systematics, and geochemistry of anorthosites of the Anabar Shield are discussed. It is established that anorthosite massifs are composed of gabbro–anorthosites (1.96 Ga old) and oligoclasites (1.93 Ga old) in association with monzodiorites (1.84–1.90 Ga old) and porphyroblastic granites. These rocks were generated in the Archean (3.2–2.7 Ga ago) in the lower crust from quartz–diorite melts under the plume tectonics regime in line with the filterpressing mechanism. The rocks were successively exhumed to upper levels of the crust owing to the Paleoproterozoic impact-triggered process to form a tectonically juxtaposed complementary magmatic complex.

The paper is focused on the fundamental problem of influence of extraterrestrial factors on the Earth’s geologic and tectonic evolution. Extraterrestrial factors played a decisive role in the Earth’s genesis, the formation of the first Hadean continental crust, and the beginning of the Archean era. Their significant influence persisted in the later epochs: Even in the Phanerozoic, extraterrestrial factors might have had a considerable influence on the environment. The sialic cores of protocontinental crust (4.4–3.9 Ga) with first-generation greenstone zones (3.8–3.2 Ga) and the global system of granite–greenstone belts (3.1–2.7 Ga) formed in the rotation–plume regime, mainly in the subequatorial hot belt. The formation of these global structures was, to a large extent, influenced by asteroid impacts, which caused the impact-triggered genesis of mantle plumes. Dramatic changes in the subsequent geologic history began at 2.7–2.0 Ga; at 2.0 Ga they terminated with the Moon’s transition to an orbit similar to the present-day one (50 ± 3 Earth’s radii), accompanied by the abrupt slowdown of the Earth’s axial rotation, the termination of formation of the layer D″, and the start of recent plate tectonics, which is accompanied by the plume tectonics.

The compilation, synthesis, description, and interpretation of regional geology and tectonics of major regions, such as Northeast Asia (Eastern Russia, Mongolia, Northern China, South Korea, and Japan) and the Circum-North Pacific (the Russian Far East, Alaska, and Canadian Cordillera), requires a complex methodology that includes: (1) definitions of key terms; (2) compilation of a regional geodynamics map that can be constructed according to modern tectonic concepts and definitions; and (3) formulation of a comprehensive tectonic model. This article presents a summary of the regional dynamics and tectonics of Northeast Asia as developed for a new summary geodynamics map of the region. This article also describes how a high-quality summary geodynamics map and companion tectonic analysis substantially aids in the understanding of the origin of major rock units, major structures, and contained mineral and fuel resources, and provides important guidelines for new research. * Prepared in memory of Leonid M. Parfenov, the leader of the geodynamics map team for the International collaborative project on NE Asia tectonics and metallogenesis.

The Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB) was produced as a consequence of the successive closure of the Paleoasian Ocean and the accretion of structures formed within it (island arcs, oceanic islands, and backarc basins) to the Siberian continent. The belt started developing in the latest Late Neoproterozoic, and this process terminated in the latest Permian in response to the collision of the Siberian and North China continents that resulted in closure of the Paleoasian ocean (Metcalfe, 2006; Li et al., 2014; Liu et al., 2009; Xiao et al., 2010; Didenko et al., 2010). Throughout the whole evolutionary history of this Orogenic Belt, a leading role in its evolution was played by convergent processes. Along with these processes, an important contribution to the evolution of the composition and structure of the crust in the belt was made by deep geodynamic processes related to the activity of mantle plumes. Indicator complexes of the activity of mantle plumes are identified, and their major distribution patterns in CAOB structures are determined. A number of epochs and areas of intraplate magmatism are distinguished, including the Neoproterozoic one (Rodinia breakup and the origin of alkaline rock belt in the marginal part of the Siberian craton); Neoproterozoic–Early Cambrian (origin of oceanic islands in the Paleoasian Ocean); Late Cambrian–Early Ordovician (origin of LIP within the region of Early Caledonian structures in CAOB); Middle Paleozoic (origin of LIP in the Altai–Sayan rift system); Late Paleozoic–Early Mesozoic (origin of the Tarim flood-basalt province, Central Asian rift system, and a number of related zonal magmatic areas); Late Mesozoic–Cenozoic (origin of continental volcanic areas in Central Asia). Geochemical and isotopic characteristics are determined for magmatic complexes that are indicator complexes for areas of intraplate magmatism of various age, and their major evolutionary trends are discussed. Available data indicate that mantle plumes practically did not cease to affect crustal growth and transformations in CAOB in relation to the migration of the Siberian continent throughout the whole time span when the belt was formed above a cluster of hotspots, which is compared with the African superplume.

The investigations of POPs in soil and air in three urban and rural sites of the Mongolia are presented. The POPs distribution in air repeats the POPs distribution in soil on the area investigated. The POPs levels in soil and air are lower than maximum permissible concentrations (MPC) and preliminary permissible concentrations (PPC) of PCBs and OCP accepted in Russia. POPs levels in Mongolian soil obtained in the investigation are comparable with those from background areas of the world. POPs levels in Mongolian air are in the frame of concentrations found in the world. The PCB homological pattern in soil near electric power station in Ulaanbaatar is close to homological pattern in PCB technical mixture (Sovol or Arochlor 1254). The homological patterns in soil from other sites changed due to the redistribution of PCB congeners in the environment. The ratio of DDT and its metabolites indicates fresh entrance of DDT in the environment of Mongolia due to the atmospheric transboundary transport from countries using DDT (China, India) or from local agricultural sources. Hazard indexes in result from human exposure with POPs in soil and air are lower by 2-4 orders than 1 that denotes the possible default of disturbances in target organ and system. CR under the same scenario corresponds to the first diapason that is taken by population as negligible risk, not differ from usual everyday risks. Such risks don’t require additional measures for the reducing of risks and their levels are a subject of periodical control. The necessity of additional investigation of POPs distribution and the fate in Mongolian environment is indicated.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5564/mjc.v12i0.176 Mongolian Journal of Chemistry Vol.12 2011: 69-77

The fragments of the Chelyabinsk meteorite studied are represented by light-gray granular rock of chondritic structure. The chondrules and their cementing matter are mainly constituted by olivine and orthopyroxene. The matrix consists of a pyroxene-olivine aggregate with plagioclase, apatite, melted glass, and the inclusions of ore minerals: taenite, kamacite, troilite, pyrrhotite and pentlandite (more rarely), and individual grains of chromite and ilmenite. The comparison of the composition of the Chelyabinsk meteorite to the average composition of LL chondrites had shown their complete convergence. The concentrations of sidero- and chalcophile rare elements in the meteorite, normalized to CI chondrites, are much close to the values for LL chondrites and almost reproduce the character of their distribution in the spider diagram. However, some high-charged and lithophile elements (Nb, Zr, Hf, Sr, Ba, Th, and U) not belonging to the mentioned groups are characterized by somewhat increased contents. The enrichment of the samples of the Chelyabinsk meteorite in rare-earth elements compared to LL chondrite (5.18 against 3.58 ppm) is also revealed. This is related to the higher concentrations of light lanthanides in the meteorite samples, which is seen from the increased La/Yb ratio compared to the value for LL chondrite (1.9–2.3 and 1.4, respectively). Iron-nickel alloys are the main magnetism carriers in the Chelyabinsk meteorite. The compositions of kamacite, taenite, chromite, and Fe-sulfides are not much different. The optical and microprobe data are confirmed by the thermomagnetic parameters as well: (1) The specific magnetization of 4–6 Am2/kg points to small variations in the concentrations of magnetic minerals. (2) The M(T) curves for all the samples nearly repeat each other, and the Curie temperatures of 490–520 and 740–770°C are registered in the curves of the first and second heating, hence, these curves correspond to kamacite of various composition, right up to pure iron. (3) The monocline ferrimagnetic pyrrhotite of TC = 320–340°C is registered in the treated fragments in both the M(T) curves of heating and cooling. (4) The concentrations by thermomagnetic analysis amount to 0.6–1.6% (0.9% average) for kamacite, 0.7–1.5% (1.1% average) for taenite, and 0–1.5% (0.4% average) for monocline pyrrhotite. (5) No magnetite was found in the M(T) curve during the first heating of the samples. Hence, the content of magnetite is much below 0.1.

The study addressed seasonal and interannual variations in the components of the trophic status (organic carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus; silica; suspended matter; and chlorophyll-a) and ionic composition (bicarbonates, sulfates, chlorides, calcium, magnesium, sodium, and potassium) in the headwater streams of the Angara River since the 1950s. The results show that the concentrations and seasonal variations of these components and long-term trends of their mean annual concentrations resulted from the interplay of biological, hydrological, and anthropogenic processes operating in Lake Baikal and reflect the current ecological state of the lake.

Currently, many countries of the world experience drinking water scarcity. In this aspect, Russia has an advantageous position, having on its territory Lake Baikal, the largest storage of fresh water. UNESCO declared Lake Baikal as a World Heritage Site whose state scientists from Russia and other countries monitor and study. An analysis of the literature and the author information about the Baikal aquatic ecosystem has shown 70-year invariability of macroelement water composition of Lake Baikal and its only outflow, the Angara River. The water of Baikal and the Angara River has a constant calcium bicarbonate composition and is saturated with oxygen, 10-14 mg/l or rarely more. The average mineralization of water in Baikal and the Angara source for the study period (1950-2018 and 1997-2018) is 95-97 (87-112) mg/l. The analysis of the 13-year (2006-2018) data on the trace element concentration in the Angara source has revealed a complex pattern of changes in concentrations of some elements. The time trends of the concentrations for the bulk of elements sometimes indicate abnormal (minimum-maximum) concentrations regardless of the season. This can be only due to “one-time or instantaneous” natural or anthropogenic changes in the Baikal environment. The Baikal tributaries indicate different chemical composition, which can be due to not only drainage of rocks with different content but also the anthropogenic impact. A simultaneous testing of water (during a month) has shown that some macro- and trace elements (F-, HCO3 - and SO4 2-, as well as Li, Mo, B, U, Fe, etc.) have at the same time the similar concentrations in the water from Baikal, the Angara source and most tributaries.

The Phanerozoic within-plate magmatism and the related deposits of Siberia are reviewed. The formation of post-perovskite at about 2.5 Ga in the Earth’s interior and the isotope characteristics of within-plate igneous rocks have shown that plate tectonics and deep geodynamics started to operate at about 2–2.5 Ga. The assembly and breakup of supercontinents under the effect of the superplumes formed in layer D″ is considered. Thus, the supercontinent–superplume cycles spanning about 700 Ma are recognized in the Earth’s history. The manifestations of the within-plate magmatic activity are found throughout the whole Phanerozoic. It was demonstrated earlier that between 570 and 160 Ma, the Siberian continent drifted within the African hot mantle field or large low shear velocity province (LLSVP). At least four plumes, excluding the superplume leading to the breakup of Rodinia at 750 Ma, interacted with the Siberian continent. The superplume leading to the breakup of Rodinia was also responsible for the origin of ultramafic intrusions with carbonatites hosting rare-metal (Nb, Ta, REE) mineralization as well as ultramafic–mafic intrusions with Cu–Ni–Pt mineralization localized along the rift zones. The plumes originated in other Phanerozoic cycles formed most likely at the lower-upper mantle boundary, where most of the stagnant slabs is accumulated. Those plumes were responsible for the origin of within-plate igneous rocks. The granitic batholiths formed in the centers of zonal area surrounded by rift zones containing abundant rare-metal intrusions with rare-metal mineralization. Gold, tin, base metal, and porphyry copper deposits are also related to these zonal area. The studies have shown that the formation of folded zones and related deposits which surround these zones as well as the structures of cratons and their metallogenic specialization should be considered in terms of both plate tectonics and plume tectonics.

The type of convergent boundaries forming in the area of mantle plumes is considered. These convergent boundaries (West Pacific type) are characteristic of the western margin of the Pacific. West Pacific-type boundaries are a regular succession of structures from ocean to continent: island arcs, marginal basins, rift basins, and associated OIB-type volcanics at the continental edge. The convergence zones are up to a thousand kilometers wide. Studies of the history of the part of the Central Asian Fold Belt forming the folded periphery of the Siberian continent have shown that the continent drifted above the African plume or corresponding low-velocity mantle province for most of the Phanerozoic (up to the Early Mesozoic inclusive). This fact determined the West Pacific type of convergent boundaries for the accretionary structures of the Central Asian Fold Belt. The drift of Siberia from African to Pacific province in the Late Cenozoic determined the structure and development of the convergent boundary in the western Pacific, including extensive intraplate magmatism in continental Asia in the Late Mesozoic and Cenozoic.

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were measured in soil in some industrial towns (Ulaanbaatar, Suhbaatar, Erdenet, Darhan, Tsetserleg, Hovd, Ulaangom, Altay, Bayanhongor, Arvayheer, Saynshand, Choybalsan) and in background and rural areas of Mongolia. The average sum of all investigated PCB congeners in soil of Mongolia comes to 7.4 ng/g dry weight (DW) and varies from 0.53 ng/g DW till 114 ng/g DW. PCB levels in soil from towns are significantly higher than those in soil from background and rural areas. The PCB homological composition in soil sampled in highly-PCB-polluted sites is similar to the PCB homological pattern in Sovol and Aroclor 1254. Significant correlation between soil organic carbon and low chlorinated PCB both for towns and background sites was found. Significant differences in PCB means in soil in different natural zones were found.

The relative paleointensity of sedimentation is studied for sediments stripped by deep-water drilling in Lake Baikal (BDP-99 borehole). Two intervals are considered: 0–420 ka (Brunhes chron) and 1.05–1.09 Ma (before, during, and after the Matuyama–Jaramillo reversal). For these intervals, curves of the ideal magnetization of samples are plotted. The paleointensity data obtained along the borehole section reveal four excursions for the Baikal sediments whose identification on the inclination–depth curve is complicated. The lower part of the section (Matuyama–Jaramillo subzones) shows a paleointensity decrease by a factor of five or more relative to periods of invariable polarity.

We performed a thermomagnetic analysis of 91 samples and a probe microanalysis of five samples of sedimentary rocks from the lower zone of the borehole BDP-98 drilled at the bottom of Lake Baikal. The results show the scarcity of native iron: It was found only in five samples. Its concentration varies from ~10 –5 to 7 × 10 –4 %. The distribution of native iron by content is bimodal, with a distinct “zero” mode. This scarcity of native iron in the Baikal sediments distinguishes them from continental (Eurasia) and oceanic (Atlantic) sediments of different ages. It is due to the high rate of sedimentation in the studied interval of BDP-98. © 2013, V.S. Sobolev IGM, Siberian Branch of the RAS. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Fossil diatoms or Bacillariophyta are microscopicunicellular organisms with siliceous cell–frustule consisting of two separate valves that play an importantrole in marine and lake sedimentation. The data ofdiatom analysis provide reliable spatial and temporalreconstructions of the natural environment and theclimate of past geological epochs [1].The possibility of investigation of fossil Bacillariophyta by the oxygen isotope method in order to obtainpaleoinformation was originally demonstrated by L.Labeyrie [2]. The plotted isotope curves indicate variations in the temperature and isotope composition ofwater (δ

Major elements and Re–Os isotope ratios were analysed in situ on individual sulfide grains in spinel peridotite xenoliths hosted by Quaternary intraplate basalts from the Tariat volcanic field, Central Mongolia. The sulfides are dominantly high-temperature (>900 °C) Fe-rich monosulfide solid solution (MSS). Some sulfides with low Ni contents may be residual MSS, whereas other sulfides defining a negative Ni–Cu correlation may be crystallization products of fractionated sulfide melts. The subchondritic 187Re/188Os and 187Os/188Os of some sulfides also indicate they are residual MSS. Os isotope compositions of sulfides reveal the presence of Archean to Proterozoic lithospheric mantle beneath the region. The sulfides have TRD model ages ranging from 3.0 to 0.2 Ga, with peaks at 1.5–1.3, 1 and 0.7–0.5 Ga. The peak ages are indicative of significant events in the lithospheric mantle at those times. The timing of these events is remarkably consistent with those of the major crust-building events within the Tarvagatay Terrane where the Tariat volcanic field is located. The similarity in the ranges of crustal U–Pb ages and Nd model ages, and our sulfide Os model ages, suggests that the sulfide ages may date metasomatic events in the underlying lithospheric mantle, which were related to tectonothermal events that affected the overlying crust. Radiometric ages from the Tarvagatay Terrane appear to correspond to the Archean model ages from its SCLM counterpart. The last two events (1.1 and 0.7–0.5 Ga) recorded in the Tarvagatay Terrane suggest involvement of the “CAOB mantle” and development of significant juvenile crustal growth in the orogeny.

Remote-sensing, cosmogeological, tectonic, geophysical, structural, compositional, isotopic, and geochronological criteria permit identifying the Kotuikan ring structure in the northern Siberian Platform as a Paleoproterozoic large astrobleme, close in age to the Vredefort and Sudbury impact structures. Also, indirect evidence for two more large impact structures was obtained here. This confirms widely hypothesized massive bombardment of the early Earth by asteroids and a possible effect of large impact events on the Earth’s mantle dynamics and rotation regime, that is, the tectonic evolution of our planet, including plate tectonics.

Convergent plate boundaries like that between the present western Pacific and eastern Asia constitute a special type related to subduction in provinces of mantle superplumes. The West Pacific-type convergent boundaries may reach thousands of kilometers across and consist of several structures that regularly grade one to another from ocean to continent: island arcs, marginal and back-arc basins, and continent-margin rifts with OIB volcanism. Convergent boundaries of the West Pacific type contributed to Phanerozoic crust growth in Central Asia as accretionary structures of the Central Asian orogen on the southern periphery of Siberia belonged to such a convergence zone. The lithosphere of Siberia interacted with hot mantle as the continent moved over the African superplume, or over the respective large low shear velocity province (LLSVP), from the Vendian to the Early Mesozoic. In the Late Cenozoic, Siberia left the African LLSV province and shifted to the Pacific LLSVP. The influence of the latter has controlled the structure and evolution of the convergent boundary in the western Pacific, namely, widespread within-plate magmatism in continental Asia in Late Mesozoic and Cenozoic time.

The phanerozoic within-plate magmatism of Siberia is reviewed. The large igneous provinces (LIPs) consecutively arising in the Siberian Craton are outlined: the Altai-Sayan LIP, which operated most actively 400–375 Ma ago, the Vilyui LIP, which was formed from the Middle Devonian to the Early Carboniferous, included; the Barguzin-Vitim LIP (305–275 Ma); the Late Paleozoic Rift System of Central Asia (318–250 Ma); the Siberian flood basalt (trap) province and the West Siberian rift system (250–247 Ma); and the East Mongolian-West Transbaikal LIP (230–195 Ma), as well as a number of Late-Mesozoic and Cenozoic rift zones and autonomous volcanic fields formed over the last 160 Ma. The trace-element and isotopic characteristics of the igneous rocks of the above provinces are reviewed; their mantle origin is substantiated and the prevalence of PREMA, EM2, and EM1 mantle magma sources are shown. The paleogeographic reconstructions based on paleomagnetic data assume that the Iceland hot spot was situated beneath the Siberian flood basalts 250 Ma ago and that the mantle plumes retained a relatively stable position irrespective of the movements of the lithospheric plates. At present, the Iceland hot spot occurs near the northern boundary of the African large low shear velocity province (LLSVP). It is suggested that the within-plate Phanerozoic magmatism of Siberia was related to the drift of the continent above the hot spots of the African LLSVP.