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The paper presents the results of a comparative analysis of sapphire-bearing placers in South Primorye (Shkotovo Plateau, Russia) and in the adjacent Heilongjiang Province (the Muling deposit, China). The placers are confined to intraplate alkali basalts with similar geochemical characteristics and age. It was found that the same minerals from placers in Russia and China are very similar, although with some differences, the most apparent of which being the predominance of fancy-colored gemstones and rubies among Muling corundums and blue-green-yellow sapphires (BGY sapphires) in the Primorye placers. The minerals of the megacryst assemblage, including gem corundum, bear traces of magmatic corrosion and have an affinity with the host alkali basaltic melt. Magma chambers of an alkali basaltic volcano provide the conditions necessary for the growth of large and transparent crystals. It is suggested that the sapphires formed from gaseous aluminum chloride in miarolitic cavities. Megacrysts are rapidly transported to the surface owing to the explosive eruptions of basaltic volcanoes. Further erosion of megacryst-bearing rocks and redeposition of minerals in alluvium lead to the formation of zircon- and sapphire-bearing placers. The publication emphasizes economic importance of placers of gem corundum and zircon in alkali basalts and, hence, the need for their further study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gold-platinum mineralization was discovered in ultramafic–mafic rocks of the Ariadne massif of the Sikhote-Alin orogenic belt. In this article, we show that ultramafic (peridotite and pyroxenite) and mafic (ilmenite and hornblende gabbro) rocks form a single series with gradual accumulation of rare and rare earth elements of more differentiated varieties. New age determinations for zircon from ilmenite gabbro are given (164 ± 0.48 Ma). We distinguished four varieties of gold differing in the Au, Ag, Cu, and Hg contents. Platinum-bearing minerals are isoferroplatinum and cuprite. The isotopic composition of sulfides from ultramafic rocks suggests a mantle source, while sulfides from ilmenite gabbros are characterized by isotopically light sulfur, indicating the possible involvement of crustal rocks in ore genesis. Carbon isotope analysis of the carbon-bearing matter of mafic–ultramafic rocks showed the presence of mantle fluids and isotopically light biogenic matter from sedimentary rocks. The data indicate the influence of mantle and crustal processes on the formation of ore-bearing mafic and ultramafic intrusions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Within the territory of Primorye, regional boundaries between the high-rank stratigraphic subdivisions were discussed, including the boundaries between the Cretaceous and Paleogene, Paleogene and Neogene, and Neogene and Quaternary systems, as well as the boundaries between series within the systems. The following boundaries can be considered as the most valid and suitable as stratotypes: the Eocene, Oligocene boundary, attributed to the transition from the coal-bearing Khasanskaya Formation to the coal-free tuff siltstone Fatashinskaya Formation (Khasan Basin); the Paleogene, Neogene boundary, marked by the change in the lithological type of rocks from coal-bearing Upper Oligocene sediments to tuff siltstones and tuffs that make up the base of the Miocene (Rakovka Basin). It is proposed that the Miocene, Pliocene boundary be drawn within the basaltic lava complex with sedimentary rock members forming the Shufan and Shkotov volcanic plateau at the base of the Kedrovskaya sequence. The proposed Pliocene, Quaternary boundary corresponds to the base of the red-colored "pudding" sequence (Spassk Basin). The Cretaceous, Paleogene and Paleocene, Eocene boundaries cannot be determined with acceptable accuracy due to the lack of corresponding sections in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The paper presents an overview of the seismicity of the southern part of the Russian Far East in 2023 based on the data from the catalog of the “Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk” Regional Information Processing Center (RIPC) of the Sakhalin Branch of the Federal Research Center “United Geophysical Survey of the Russian Academy of Sciences” (SB FRC UGS RAS). The main parameters of seismicity, such as maps of earthquake epicenters and their macroseismic events, the statistical estimation of the seismicity level (SESL'09), Benioff graphs, and density maps of nominal elastic deformation in 2023 in comparison with the previous longer time interval, are given. A brief analysis of the most significant and interesting earthquakes for detailed study is given. The seismicity of the Kuril-Okhotsk, Sakhalin, and Amur and Primorye regions remained moderate during the year, within the background values. The strongest earthquake with Mw = 6.4 occurred in the southern part of the Kuril Island arc

The article examines the role and importance of the horse in the material and spiritual culture of the early medieval population of Primorye on the basis of a wide range of archaeological data (bone remains, artifacts, pictorial sources). The authors conclude that the insight formed on the basis of chronicle data about the significant share of horse breeding in the life support system of the carriers of the Mohe culture in Primorye during the VI–VII centuries does not find archaeological confirmation today. Horses played an important role in the economic life of the Balhae population, primarily served as a draught and transport animal, they also were a subject of barter and tribute, the basis of the Balhae army. This is reflected in a significant amount of direct and indirect data, and correlates with written sources. But such a significant place in everyday life and economy, which was occupied by a horse, is not widely reflected in decorative and fine arts, funeral rite of the Balhae people, in ideas and beliefs unrelated to the official religious doctrine. Despite the difficulties with gathering archaeozoological artifacts on the sites of Eastern Xia and the small amount of special study so far, indirect data indicate the widespread use of horses in everyday life and military affairs of the Jurchen people. Their culture was significantly influenced by the nomadic world, and statehood was formed quite late. Probably, that is why the image of a horseman, which appeared in the region at the turn of the VII–VIII centuries, was developed in the art of the Jurchen of Primorye region at the beginning of the XIII century, and images of a horse decorate individual household items and elements of a belt set.

The paper deals with glazed ceramics and porcelain from the sites of the Eastern Xia (Dong Xia) (1215–1234), found in Primorye. The artifacts under study are part of a group of prestigious items of the Jurchen population. The historical conditions for the formation of a changed regional settling model in the new state formation are characterized. The origin of glazed pottery and porcelain wares are analyzed, and the place they occupied in domestic and foreign trade among the Jurchens is explained. Items made in the Jin (1115–1234) and Southern Song (960–1279) kilns are considered separately. It has been established that after the conquest of Northern China, the Jurchens retained the production of kilns of Ding wares, Cizhou wares, Chün wares, Northern celadons, and items with colored lead glazes. Products made in kilns for producing Jian (temmoku) wares, Longquan celadon, and Ch'in-pai wares came to Jin from the Southern Song. The Song imperial style proved popular among the Jurchens. In general, the considered glazed ceramics and porcelain not only characterize trade relations in Jin on the eve of the formation of the Eastern Xia in 1215, but also the preferences of the Jurchen elite. The value of glazed ware increased as a result of the new political and economic situation.

The paper considers the composition of sandy rocks from the Upper Triassic deposits of the Mongugai Formation of southwestern Primorye and presents the results of its paleogeodynamic interpretation. It has been established that, according to their mineralogical and geochemical parameters, sandstones are petrogenic, correspond to graywackes and, only partially, to lithite arenites, are characterized by a significant degree of geochemical maturity of the clastic material, and their formation occurred due to the erosion of significantly weathered parent rocks of the source areas. Generalization and paleogeodynamic interpretation of the data obtained indicate that sedimentation in the southwestern Primorye in the Late Triassic occurred in basins related to the active continental margin settings probably complicated by strike-slip dislocations along transform faults. The dominant source of detrital material was continental land: cratons and crystalline basement inliers surrounding the rift zones or along transform faults. Felsic granite-metamorphic complexes were eroded with the participation of sedimentary rocks enriched with ancient components. A secondary source was a deeply dissected continental-margin igneous arc, which supplied an additional amount of sialic material, as well as a small amount of the basic–intermediate volcaniclastic rocks into the basin. The U–Pb geochronological studies of detrital zircons from sandy rocks of the formation made it possible to establish the age and the possible position of igneous complexes, destruction of which formed the sediments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper deals with the main results of the studies of two sites – Koksharovka-1 settlement and Koksharovka- 8 burial complex – belonging to the period of medieval archaeology of Primorye in the X–XI centuries, which is poorly studied to date. The chronological range after downfall of the Bohai state and before the formation of the Jurchen Jin Empire remained without the attention of researchers for a long time. The study of these sites allows us to shed light on the post-Bohai period in the history of the region. The main object of excavations at the Koksharovka-1 settlement was an architectural complex located on an artifi cial earthen platform in the northern part of the site and consisting of seven buildings with a heating system. Similar structures, also built on an embankment platform, were partially excavated in the western part of the site. Studies of Koksharovka-8 burial complex have shown that it is directly related to the population of the settlement, which built the architectural ensemble on the northern platform. Geomagnetic studies carried out on the territory of Koksharovka-1 settlement, which revealed various types of layout, as well as archaeological material obtained during the long-term study, made it possible to establish that the site existed for a long time and covered both the Bohai and post-Bohai stages. It has been suggested that the Koksharovka-1 in the post-Bohai period was a major administrative center of a tribal or state entity that had once experienced Bohai infl uence and was largely independent of the Khitans. It is also noted that among the surface fi nds there were fragments of roof tiles, dating from the XIII–XIV centuries. It is not excluded that the settlement could have functioned at a later time.

The results of mineralogical and geochemical studies of terrigenous rocks of the Early-Middle Permian Reshetnikovka formation in the southwestern part of Primorsky Krai are considered. Based on the data obtained, conclusions are drawn about the geodynamic nature of the deposits, and the main sources of clastic matter are determined. It has been found that, in terms of their parameters, the sandstones of the formation correspond to arkoses and are petrogenic rocks that were formed by of geochemically “mature”, largely weathered parent rocks of sources areas. Judging by the mineralogical and geochemical features of sandy rocks, as well as the position of their composition points on discriminant diagrams, in the Early-Middle Permian time sedimentation took place in basins associated with the passive continental margin. These basins were intra- and intercontinental rifts and aulacogens. The sedimentation was mainly influenced by continental sources of supply – cratons and uplifted crystalline basement blocks, which framed rift zones. Acidic igneous rocks were eroded with minor participation of ancient sedimentary formations.

In the south of the Russian Far East, a new promising type of source of strategic and critically important metals (titanium, gold, platinum, niobium, hafnium, copper, antimony, etc.) has been discovered: these are complex ores and placers that are spatially and genetically related to the Late Mesozoic (Cenomanian?) synorogenic intrusions of ultramafic–mafic rocks of the Sikhote-Alin orogenic belt. One example is the Ariadnensky massif of ultramafic, mafic and granitoid rocks with gold-titanium mineralization in its mafic part, gold-antimony mineralization at the exocontact, and gold-copper mineralization in the circum-intrusive zone. The main mineralogical and geochemical features of these ore formations have been determined. The typomorphic properties of native gold from ultramafic rocks have been revealed. It is shown that mantle and crustal processes were involved in the formation of different types of ore. The materials we obtained provide new opportunities for the reassessment of potential of strategic metal resources in Primorye. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper considers archaeological evidences which are used as a basis for identifi cation of Yuan period sites in Primorye of Russia. The authors analyze epigraphic data, layout of so-called Yuan sites, flat and semicylindrical frontal tiles, glass items, glazed pottery, porcelain of cizhou kind and ceramics with low-temperature green glaze. It is concluded that there is no specificity in fortifi cation and structure of cities in Mongol Empire epoch and that distinctive for a number of Mongolian cities and settlements layout is not observed in sites attributed to Yuan period in Primorye. Standards and ornaments of tiles from supposed Yuan sites find full similarity with materials of Jurchen sites both in Primorye and in PRC, including Supreme Capital of Jin Dynasty which has no Yuan layer. Glass beads and ornaments are also specifi c for Jurchen sites of Jin and Eastern Xia. Cizhou porcelain and green glazed ware found in Primorye cannot be considered as a marker of Mongols’ presence in this territory. An analysis of historical data demonstrates that during the most of the XIII century Jurchen in Primorye and in adjacent areas of Northeast China kept their own statehood and were ruled by Mongol Empire remotely as a vassal state. It is proposed to use radiocarbon dating more correctly, which have a wide range, and may even directly contradict the material.

This paper considers the results of the mineralogical and chemical study of sandstones and U–Pb isotope dating of detrital zircons from the Paleozoic–Early Mesozoic deposits of the Laoeling–Grodekovo terrane in western Primorye. It is shown that the sandstones of different age of the terrane differ markedly in their mineralogical and geochemical parameters and, hence, were derived from different sources. The sandstones of the Kordonka Formation are made up of fragments of basic and intermediate volcanic rocks of the oceanic island arc, as well as igneous and sedimentary rock associations of the oceanic island-arc basement. Eroded stable cratons and uplifted blocks representing crystalline basement inliers that are either flanked by rift zones or occurring along transform faults exerted a strong effect on the accumulation of sandstones of the Reshetnikovka, Barabash and Mangugai formations. The main suppliers of detritus were felsic igneous rocks with minor input from ancient sedimentary rocks. The rift margins and the eroded ensialic arc provided clastic material for the rocks of the Talmi Formation. The U–Pb geochronological studies of detrital zircons made it possible to constrain the age and possible position of igneous complexes that supplied clastic material to the sedimentary basins of the terrane. The sandstones were found to contain detrital zircons with concordant ages from 2553 to 205 Ma, which are dominated by Paleozoic zircons divided into several age groups. The zircons of Precambrian and Triassic ages are far fewer. In general, the revealed age ranges of detrital zircons from sandstones of the Laoeling–Grodekovo terrane agree fairly well with the known stages of granitoid magmatism in the eastern part of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the south of the Far East of Russia, a new source of critically important metals (titanium and iron) has been discovered—ilmenite-titanomagnetite ores of mafic-ultrabasic rocks of the Sikhote-Alin orogenic belt. The results of studying the opening of the ilmenite-titanomagnetite ores of the ultrabasic rocks occurring in the Koksharovsky massif conducted with using both ammonium hydrofluoride NH4HF2 and its mixture with ammonium sulfate (NH4)2SO4 are presented. The usage of mixture of these reagents has proved to facilitate better opening of titanium-containing mineral raw materials. The experience of deep processing of ilmenite-titanomagnetite ores will allow outlining the ways for the industrial development of complex deposits of the Far East. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Sporodophoron (Arthoniaceae, lichenized Ascomycota) is characterized by whitish, convex, and usually discrete or rarely becoming confluent sporodochia and conidia formed in zigzag-shaped and occasionally branched chains. It consists of four species, and only S. primorskiense was known in Russia, in a single locality in the Primorye Territory. Here we report the second locality of S. primorskiense and two localities of new to Russia S. gossypinum, all from the deciduous and mixed forests of the very south of the Primorye Territory. Morphology and chemistry of our specimens are briefly discussed in comparison with the literature data. Using HPLC-UV-MS, in S. gossypinum we detected several minor and trace compounds previously unknown to the species, namely confluentic acid, 4-O-methylolivetolcarboxylic acid, hyperlatolic acid, and perlatolic acid. Using mass-spectrometry, we found that “lepraric high unknown” substance has the same molecular formula and fragmentation pattern as lepraric acid. The find of S. gossypinum is also confirmed by the mrSSU sequence.

New records of one of the rarest longicorn beetle species of the Russian fauna, Pseudogaurotina magnifica (Plavilstshikov, 1958), in Primorskiy and Khabarovsk regions are presented. It was previously known only from three females, including two type specimens. A description of the male of this species that strongly differs from the female by the colouration of the legs and venter is given for the first time. The distribution area of P. magnifica covers at least more than half of the territory of Sikhote-Alin Mountain Range in the meridional direction, from the vicinity of Dalnegorsk in the south to the vicinity of Tumnin village in the north. The locality of the paratype of this species is established (Primorskiy Region, Sikhote-Alin Reserve, Serebryanka River basin, Serebryanyy Stream), while the locality of specimen in question, given by M.L. Danilevsky (Primorskiy Region, Serebryanyy Stream, about 60 km north of Nakhodka), is recognized as fictitious. The type locality of Gaurotina sichotensis Danilevsky, 1988 is designated (Primorskiy Region, eastern macroslope of the Sikhote-Alin, Kema River floodplain between the Gorelaya Polyana and the Yasnaya Polyana natural boundaries), whereas the type locality of this species indicated by M.L. Danilevsky (Primorskiy Region, western slope of the Sikhote-Alin) turned out to be fictitious as well. One of the two collected males of Pseudogaurotina magnifica in the Sikhote-Alin Reserve was found when shaking off a honeysuckle bush (Lonicera sp.). Based on this finding and some other data, it is assumed that this species is ecologically related to honeysuckle like the Carpathian endemic P. excellens (Brancsik, 1874). A strong morphological similarity between males of P. magnifica and males of Gaurotina sichotensis, a species that also inhabits the Sikhote-Alin Mountains, is noted. This fact seems to the authors very curious, although it is not excluded that G. sichotensis may be a synonym of P. magnifica.

A new promising type of mineral resources, such as complex ores and placers spatially and genetically related to Late Mesozoic ultramafic intrusions, has been identified within the Sikhote-Alin orogenic belt. It is exemplified by the Ariadnoe massif of ultramafic rocks, in the center of which there is a gold–titanium mineralization deposit, and at the exocontact, a gold–antimony mineralization. The main mineralogical and geochemical features of gold–copper formations in its circum-intrusive zone are determined. Special focus is given to the finds of cuproauride, which are uncommon for the study area. To reconstruct the conditions of forming these ores, the isotope composition of sulfur in sulfide minerals is studied. The obtained data indicate the significant metal-bearing potential of the ultramafic rocks in Sikhote-Alin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During epizootological examination of Popov Island (Primorskii Territory) in May 23–25, 2022, a total of 651 specimens of 4 species of ixodid ticks were collected off vegetation: Ixodes pavlovskyi pavlovskyi Pomerantzev, 1946 (77.5% of the total number), Ixodes persulcatus Schulze, 1930 (15.3%), Haemaphysalis concinna Koch, 1844 (4.5%), and Haemaphysalis japonica douglasi Nuttall et Warburton, 1915 (2.7%). These four tick species had been also recorded on the island previously, in 1982 and 2014. The ticks were distributed unevenly over the island; in particular, a local site (Cape Likander) was found where the density of ixodid ticks reached 100 ind./flag-h. In an individual PCR study of 387 ticks, RNA or DNA of human pathogens was detected only in specimens of the genus Ixodes. The tick-borne encephalitis virus was detected in 0.9 ± 0.50% of the ticks, borreliae, in 37.0 ± 2.60%, the human monocytic ehrlichiosis pathogen, in 9.0 ± 1.54%, and the human anaplasmosis pathogen, in 7.2 ± 1.39%. The observed population density of ixodid ticks and the level of their infection with pathogens do not allow Popov Island to be classified as an epidemiologically low-risk area; therefore, a complex of preventive measures is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. The changes taking place in Russia have revived interest in the functioning of zemstvo self-government bodies in difficult socio-economic, political and military conditions. The difficult situation aggravated the contradictions at the local level, which had a huge impact on the work carried out by the zemstvos. Purpose. To consider the contradictions that influenced the activities of the zemstvos during the existence of the Vremennogo Priamurskogo government. Materials and methods. The material for the study was the periodical press presented by newspapers. As well as documents from the Russian State Historical Archive of the Far East and the State Archive of Primorsky Krai. In the analysis of the material, such methods as problem-chronological, historical-genetic were used. Results. The activities of the zemstvo self-government bodies under the Vremennogo Priamurskogo government were carried out in conditions of socio-economic and military-political crisis. The crisis state of the region has aggravated the already existing contradictions: the loss of confidence on the part of the population and the conflict with the state power, having a strong impact on the work carried out by the zemstvos. Firstly, the zemstvos sorely lacked finances for the implementation of socio-economic and cultural and educational activities, since taxes and zemstvo fees stopped coming from the population. Secondly, the inconsistent policy of the government of S.D. Merkulova in relation to the zemstvos led to the inhibition of their activities, the loss of a number of ancestral functions, and even to liquidation. In such a situation, the zemstvos carried out mainly social and economic work, trying to demonstrate their importance to the population. At that time, cultural and educational activities were practically not implemented. Practical implications. The results of the research can be used in the educational process as material for lectures and teaching aids. Also in historical science, as a basis for expanding research on this problem.

The Early Paleometal period (second half of the 2nd millennium BC — end of the 1st millennium BC) is one of the least studied periods in the archeology of Primorye. There are not many studied and documented complexes. Their cultural chronology is still insufficiently developed. The identification of the archaeological cultures has not been completed and their subsistence systems have not become objects of research. The author makes an attempt to reconstruct the usage of plants by the populations of Primorye during this period. The research was based on the archaeobotanical analysis of plant seeds from the sites of this period, supplemented with the data on the finds of artifacts associated with agriculture. The data from 15 sites belonging to different cultures or groups of the Early Paleometal period were taken into account and analyzed. From 10 of them, the seeds were obtained with water flotation technique, which was not always carried out to a sufficient extent. In 5 sites, seeds were found on visual inspection (seeds accumulations, imprints on ceramics). Seeds of cultivated plants were found in all 15 sites. They were recovered from all flotation materials, even from small samples, which indicates the abundance of these remains in the sites’ deposits. The species composition of the seeds demonstrates the ubiquitous presence and, therefore, cultivation of two species of millet (Panicum miliaceum, Setaria italica). This is a typical set of cultigens for Primorye, where both species are consistently present on archaeological sites, starting from the Late Neolithic and in the following periods. Materials of Novoselische-4 and Anuchino-14 sites, where only P. miliaceum was found, look atypical. After the middle of the 1st millennium BC, naked barley was also found on some sites. The paucity of the data does not allow reliable reconstruction of the role of agriculture in the economy of the Early Paleometal population of Primorye. However, the presence of the cultivated plants on all the sites where the water flotation was used demonstrates their ubiquity, including the coastal settlements whose population’s economy was mainly based on marine resources. This clearly indicates an increase of a role of agriculture in this period. The lack of special studies of the functions of such artifacts as hoes, grinding slabs and grindstones, traditionally referred to as agricultural, makes us consider with reserve their interpretation as exclusively agricultural. Obviously, they represent tools with complex functions. Specialized agricultural tools are represented by reaping knives. In Primorye, they appear in the Early Paleometal period. Their presence on the sites is regarded as evidence of the existence of agriculture. However, their absence does not imply the opposite. The archaeobotanical data from the sites of the Early Paleometal period confirmed the existence of wild plants gathering amongst the population engaged in agriculture. The remains of 8 plant species, which were found on all the sites where the water floatation was employed, have been identified.

The paper presents an overview of the seismicity of the southern part of the Russian Far East for 2021: Amur–Primorye region, Sakhalin and Kuril-Okhotsk region. It is based on data from the catalog of the “Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk” Regional Information Processing Center of the Sakhalin Branch of the Federal Research Center «United Geophysical Survey of the Russian Academy of Sciences». Regression relationships between the energy characteristics of earthquakes in the catalog are given. The main parameters of seismicity are estimated: statistical estimation of seismicity level SESL’09; Benioff diagrams; density maps of conditional elastic deformation. The information about the most significant earthquakes in the responsibility zone of the SF FRC UGS RAS is given. According to formal indicators, the seismicity of these regions in 2021 was within the background values. The magnitude of the strongest earthquake recorded in the catalog of 2021, which occurred on September 20 within the Kuril-Kamchatka seismofocal zone at a depth of 41 km, was MW = 6.1. The strongest crustal earthquake in the Sakhalin region with Mwa = 4.4 occurred on April 18 near the settlement of Tymovskoe, where it was felt with an intensity of 5-6 points.

The paper addresses issues related to determining the typical signs of the Mongolian culture in the territory of the Jurchen settlements in Primorye. Research of the settlements dated back to the period of the Yuan Dynasty located in the territory of the Far East is a highly topical issue. Until recently, green glazed ceramics and roof tiles with triangular drips and decorative dragon ornaments have been considered as remarkable features for defining the Yuan cultural layer on the archaeological sites of Primorye. The archaeological material collected at Jurchen settlements has proved that these attributes are not conclusive in identifying the Mongol period. Nowadays, the only artifact that can be regarded as feasible evidence of the Mongolian activity in the territory of Primorye in the Yuan period is a bronze weight inscribed the Kublai Khan’s era name that was excavated in the 1970s. Considering that the information about this find has not yet been published, the goals of the research featured in this article are to introduce into scientific discourse new epigraphical data, and raise an issue of determining the markers indicative of the Yuan Dynasty at the sites of the Eastern Xia State. According to the written sources, after the capture of the state founder in 1233, the Mongols moved away and left the state under control of a hundred odd equestrians. The Eastern Xia became the Mongols’ vassal state and remained in this state for many years. When the Yuan Dynasty was established, the Mongols cancelled the former Jurchen administrative units in the invaded territories of the Liaodong Peninsula and Primorye, and the area was now under direct governance of the Yuan Dynasty. In Primorye, it presumably was the period when the Mongols began to build military settlements that represented a new type of fortification constructions. Nowadays, the archaeological site of Batjuki can be regarded as an example of such type of constructions. An analysis of the studied finds demonstrates that the attribution of archaeological material to indicators of Mongolian presence requires well-dated artifacts, which include epigraphical objects.

Abstract—The morphotypic variability of the anteroconid shape of the first lower molar of fossil and modern (continental and insular) populations of the reed vole (Alexandromys fortis) from the territory of Primorye (the south of the Russian Far East) has been analyzed. The morphotypic variability is considered based on the study of variations in the structure of the labial and lingual sides of the anterior unpaired loop and structural features of the lingual reentrant angle 4. Thirty-six morphotypes of the structure of the unpaired anterior loop of anteroconid m1 have been revealed using the developed combinatory matrix. The most widespread morphotype on the continent is IIICa, which prevailed in the Late Pleistocene. The features of the morphotypic composition of m1 in the differentiated populations of the reed vole on the Durnovo, De-Livron, and Vera islands (Peter the Great Bay) are determined both by the phenotypic and genotypic characteristics of the founders of the insular populations. The original new habitat conditions must have initiated a high rate of evolution, released hidden diversity, and increased the number of rare morphotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mesocyclops pehpeiensis Hu 1943 has been found in the Bogataya River, which connects the Bogatinskii Reservoir to Brazhnikov Bay, both near Vladivostok. This is the first record of this species from the Russian Far East. The morphology of this species is described and illustrated, and an identification key to this species is given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We analyzed human impact on landscapes on the example of Steklyanukha-2 Medieval fortress, which is a multi-layered archaeological site, and adjacent territories. Buried soils, rampart matrix, cultural layer and surface soils were sampled within the fortress. Along with the material sampled at the site, two sections of the Upper Holocene deposits of the high floodplain of the Steklyanukha River were studied. The results of studying the sporo-pollen spectra and diatoms are presented. The paleo-landscapes during the formation of various archaeological cultures have been restored and the signs of anthropogenic impact on vegetation have been identified. The buried soil in the section of the high floodplain is a natural archive for the environment history during the appearance of the people of the Yankovskaya Culture on this territory. The soil was formed under conditions of decreasing watering in the valley; the age is estimated at more than 2 ka. Oxbow lake deposits had been accumulated from 1.6 to 0.5 ka, when the valley was actively developed in the Middle Ages. Floodplain deposits at the top of the sections indicate that the valley has been heavily watered during the Little Ice Age. Pollen signs of settlements of the lower part of the valley in the Early Iron Age, Mohe and Late Middle Ages were found. Signals of the development of secondary birch and oak forests are identified. Ambrosia and Xanthium pollen, which are reliable evidence of agricultural activity in the valley, was found in the cultural layer and sediments that formed in the Middle Ages. The pollen of plants common in anthropogenically disturbed territories was also found. The study of diatoms in a depression within the fortress confirmed the archaeologists’ assumption that it was used to store water reserves. The pollen spectra from the surface soils in the fortress and the high floodplain reflect the active agricultural development of the nearby river valleys since the second half of the 19th century. The largest amount of pollen of alien and synanthropic plants and weeds, as well as spores of pathogenic fungi (pathogens of soybeans and rice) and fire indicators were found here.

Purpose. The article is devoted to the current topic - territorial self-government institutions. The policy of the Vremennogo Priamurskogo government with regard to zemstvos was the subject of analysis. The author aimed to examine the policy of the government of S.D. Merkulova with regard to the territorial self-government institutions. Materials and methods. The study was based on published and unpublished sources. Analytical, systematic, comparative-historical, historical-genetic and historical-typological methods were used in the analysis of the material. Results. The Vremennoe Priamurskoe government had not established a clear and consistent policy with regard to the territorial self-government institutions. Rather, it was forced to immediately respond to events. The government of S.D. Merkulova wanted to deprive the zemstvo of political functions. Zemstvo institutions sharply opposed. As a result, the government accused them of complicity with the communists and the collapse of economic and cultural life in Primorye. Based on this, the merkulovskoe government tried to subjugate the volost administration, eliminating the volost zemstvo unit and replacing it with rural self-government, but failed due to distrust of the population. This led to the fact that the Priamurskoe government decided to restore the territorial self-government system at all levels, but wanted to keep the zemstvo apparatus under full control, for which it changed the electoral legislation. This allowed the election of people loyal to the government to the zemstvo. However, the government of S.D. Merkulova could not agree with the zemstvos on the division of powers. Therefore, the government it actively intervened in zemstvo affairs, and as a result, limited their political, socio-economic, economic and cultural activities. Practical implications. The results of the study can be applied in the historical science and education.

The Kordonka Formation (lower Silurian) forms a lens-shaped tectonic block up to four km wide, extending southward from the Pogranichny village area (Primorsky Krai) for about 30 km. The formation is composed of argillaceous slate, volcanic-sedimentary rocks with horizons of sandstones, siltstones, conglomerates, and cherts, and also contains flows of basalts and andesite-basalts. The results of lithological-geochemical study of the terrigenous rocks of the formation indicate that the Kordonka Formation was accreted in the outer pre-oceanic part of the paleo-island arc system. The eastern part of the formation is intruded and partially assimilated granitoids of Middle Paleozoic and Late Permian age. The early phase of the granitoids was dated by U-Pb zircone 373.5±1.7 and 383.5±1.6 Ma (Late Devonian). The late phase is characterized by 261.2±1.2, 257.4±0.93 and 261.5±1.6 Ma (Wuchiapingian and Capitanian stages of the Middle and Late Permian). The Devonian granitods first identified in this area may be evidence of the Kordonka block accession to the Bureya-Jiamusi-Khanka orogenic belt consolidated during the Ordovician. The Kordonka terrane thus marks an independent Early-Middle Paleozoic episode in the formation and closure of the Central Asian paleo-ocean.

В художественной коллекции Музея истории Дальнего Востока имени В.К. Арсеньева хранится более 200 произведений живописи и графики, посвященных Владивостоку. Они созданы во второй половине XX – начале XXI века. Приведенный в статье краткий обзор этого массива позволяет говорить о разнообразии техник и приемов, о широте образов, стремлении авторов запечатлеть неповторимое лицо города, о трансформации натурного подхода в символическое видение. Материалом исследования послужили произведения М.В. Филиппова, В.И. Герасименко, Б.Ф. Лобаса, И.В. Рыбачука, Ф.Н. Бабанина, А.В. Телешова, П.Я. Рогаля, Ж.С. Кочубея, И.А. Кузнецова, К.И. Шебеко, В.А. Гончаренко, В.П. Белоусова, Ю.С. Рачева, Е.В. и О.В. Осиповых, Л.А. Козьминой, В.А. Камовского, П.П. Куянцева, А.П. Заугольнова, С.М. Черкасова.

The paper presents an overview of the seismicity of the southern part of the Russian Far East for 2020: the Amur–Primorye region, Sakhalin and Kuril-Okhotsk regions. It is based on the preliminary data from the earthquake catalogs of the Sakhalin Branch of the Federal Research Center “United Geophysical Survey of the Russian Academy of Sciences” (SB FRC UGS RAS). An analysis of the seismicity of the regions for 2020 in comparison with the previous decade is performed. Information about the earthquakes of 2020, which are the most significant and worthy of separate study, is given. These events occurred in the SB FRC UGS RAS responsibility zone: an earthquake near the Zeyskaya HPP, a deep-focus earthquake in the Tatar Strait, an earthquake at intermediate depths in the Southern Kuril Islands, a reverse fault earthquake on the bend of the Pacific lithospheric plate in the Northern Kuril Islands. According to formal indicators, the seismicity of the regions in 2020 remained within the background values, but it approached the upper limit of their range in the Kuril-Okhotsk region and in the mantle under the territory of the Sakhalin region.

High mortality of yesso scallop at the age of 0+–2+ is detected recently on aquaculture farms in Primorye (Japan Sea). Pathological changes and death of the mollusks are observed more and more frequently with increasing of their density and number of plantations. High values of damage and mortality of mollusks grown in cages are not caused by violation of the cultivation technology but by influence of pathogenic species. At the eastern coast of Primorye, high mortality of the scallop spat occurs because of their soft tissue detachment from the shells by alveolates of gen. Perkinsus (for instance, up to 78 % of scallops at the age of 5–6 months are damaged in the Moryak-Rybolov Bay). In Peter the Great Bay, 58–80 % of scallops at the age 2+ grown in cages have blackening, stratification and abnormal shape of shells, besides, all mollusks from the Voevoda Bight aged 2+ have large fouling (on average 8 % of their total weight). In the Nakhodka Bay, located between these areas, 60 % of the mollusks suffer both from soft tissue detachment and abnormal shape of their shells. In total, representatives of 14 groups of parasites are found in tissues and on shells of cultivated yesso scallop, including epibionts (macroalgae, sponges, ascidians, shellfish, bivalves and gastropods, polychaetes, barnacles) and pathogens (fungi, flagellates, ciliates, turbellaria, alveolates, bacteria). Some parasites are found on gills of scallops (ciliates Trichodina sp. for 22.2 % of mollusks, turbellaria for 37.1 %, flagellates for 100 %), whereas zoosporangia Perkinsus infect mantle, gills and muscle for 55.5 % of mollusks. However, the scallops collected from nature habitats in Peter the Great Bay, have no external signs of infection in the first year of life, the scallops at the age 1+ year have no lesions and changes of the shell shape, with minor exclusion, and only at the age 2+ their shells are damaged for 58–80 % of mollusks. The fouling of shell is not a direct cause of the scallops death, but contributes to their weakening and development of diseases. So far as external damages of shells are highly variable, mixed infection of cultivated mollusks can be assumed.

The discovery of early medieval Buddhist religious buildings is quite rare for the archaeology of Primorye region. The paper is dedicated to the study of an idol temple discovered in Southern Primorye. The results of 2010–2011 excavations are introduced into scientific discourse, during which the remains of a fenced religious building with a tiled roof, as well as archaeological material discovered inside, were revealed. The collection of finds includes numerous fragments of roof tiles, ritual dishware represented by cups-lanterns and tripods, metal and stone artefacts. Counterparts to the archaeological material have been found at the sites of the Bohai period in the territory of Primorye region, including the temple complexes of this period.

The paper analyzes the forms and morphological details of the ceramics of Nikolaevskaya (Smolninskaya) culture of Primorye of the 10th –12th centuries on the basis of published and unpublished sources. The author examines the history of scientific studies of the culture and provides a brief description of the sites. Material obtained at different time periods in the valleys of the Partizanskaya, Sergeevka, Arsenyevka and Ussuri rivers is analyzed. As a result of the study, the typical forms of ceramics of the culture in question were identified. These are pots, earthenware pots, steamer pots, which are the most common form, dishes and bowls, jars, vases and lids, which were identified and systematized on the basis of archaeologically intact and partially preserved vessels. The selected vessels have counterparts in the ceramics of the medieval cultures of Primorye: Bohai (698–926), Pokrovskaya (9th–13th centuries AD), culture of Jin (1115–1234) and Eastern Xia (1213–1246) as well as in the cultures of the Korean Peninsula: in the state of Baekje during the periods of Hanseong (18 BC–475 AD) and Sabi (538–660). The morphological features of the ceramics of Nikolaevskaya (Smolninskaya) culture are determined, which, in addition to preserving the traces of pitting as a technical ornament, are cultural features characteristic of this ceramic tradition. Fragments of the bottom, which are rounded at the junction of the bottom and body, and the shape of vessel handles can also act as cultural markers.

Rare-earth element (REE) mineralization in weathered granites of Primorye is localized in the basement rocks and rocks surrounding coal-bearing basins, which have been recently deformed and undergone argillic metasomatism. It was shown that the clay material from the zones of intense argillization can be a source of deficient REE and yttrium. The ion-sorbed and carbonate REE+Y species in them in combination with the clay composition of most of the ores make it possible to use inexpensive and low-toxicity salt and hydrochloric acid solutions during heap leaching. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Russian Far East saw rapid development in the latter half of XIX – early XX centuries. The Eastern periphery of the Russian Empire attracted attention of foreign scientists. The objective of the present research was to analyze works published by American, British, and German researchers in the second half of XIX – early XXI centuries and devoted to the "late Imperial" history of the Russian Far East. Since the very first foreign publications on the history of accession of the Amur and Primorye regions, foreign studies focused not only on Russia’s foreign policy and military aspects of its eastward expansion but also on the geographical, demographic, social, and economic factors of the colonization. In the late XX century, Western publications featured mostly intercultural, inter-ethnic, and sociocultural problems, as well as ideological aspects of state policy and the changing image of the Russian Far East. English- and German-language scholars offered a great variety of concepts; however, two main trends stood out quite clearly. Most researchers emphasized the impact of the geopolitical context and the role of Russia’s expansionist policy, as the country fought for power in the Pacific Rim. However, some authors acknowledged Russia's objective necessity to strengthen its position on the Pacific coast, protect its Far Eastern territories, and develop their economy.

The article presents the history of the development and the current state of tin mining industry in Primorye Region and its leading ore district. The main features of tin mineralization are characterized by examples of some typical deposits. In the description of the deposits, the authors focused on the ore composition determining their commercial value as well as on prognostic estimates. It is shown that the revival of regional tin mining industry is associated with polymetallic state of ores in the prevailing cassiterite-sulfide deposits, in which tin exists with other economically important elements such as Zn, Cu, Ag, Pb, In, and Au. The article provides a detailed description for the Arsenyevskoe deposit. With its considerable reserves of tin and a unique combination of diverse mineralization, this deposit is considered here as a geological object that reflects main features of metallogeny of tin in Primorye. A brief outline is given to the Iskra tin deposit, the last of the discovered (1989) and exploited (1992–2001) deposits in Primorye.

The results of a comprehensive interpretation of geophysical fields (magnetic, gravity, and radioactivity) of the Southwestern Primorye (Khasansky district) are given. The authors present schemes that reflect the relationship of geophysical fields with various shallow and deep geological structures and faults of various orders. The deep boundaries of the local granitoid massifs of Jurassic Age that occur on the surface have been determined. The areas of Cenozoic magmatism are outlined. An anomalous zone of increased values of the radioactive field associated with the intrusions of magmatic bodies with a high potassium content was identified. The existence of a long-lived fluid-permeable zone that controls magmatic processes in the region is hypothesized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The results of long-term studies of the dolichopodid fauna of Primorsky Territory (Primorye) by Soviet and Russian authors are presented in the form of an annotated list of species for the first time. For this paper, originally published localities were checked, if they were referenced, and the exact locations of some collection points were established according to the museum collections. The latter material is included into the checklist. In addition, a new material of Dolichopodidae is included, collected by Dr. O. Kosterin in 2020. Hydrophorus cinipunctus and Hydrophorus viridis are reported from Primorye for the first time. Findings of Dolichopus campestris, Hydrophorus freyi, Medetera stackelbergiana and Sciapus nervosus are the first reliable records from Primorye. In total, 204 species from 30 genera of long-legged flies are listed.

Three species of the family Teloschistaceae (lichenized Ascomycota) are described as new to science from Southern and Eastern Siberia and the Far East. Corticolous Caloplaca saviczii belongs to the genus Caloplaca s. str.; it has C. cerina-like apothecia and green to grey-green, crateriform soralia with a white rim. Lendemeriella aureopruinosa is a saxicolous taxon with a thin grey thallus and small apothecia 0.3–0.6 mm in diameter, with a dark orange disc usually bearing epipsamma and often with a grey true exciple containing the pigment Cinereorufa-green. Orientophila infirma is a corticolous species with an endophloeodal thallus and small orange apothecia, 0.2–0.3 mm in diameter, usually with an inconspicuous thalline exciple. All new taxa presumably have a boreal north-eastern distribution in Asia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comparative study of growth rate and size-age structure of gray sea urchin Strongylocentrotus intermedius is conducted for six its aggregations along Primorye coast on the data collected in diving surveys in 2015–2017. Some aspects of the method of the sea urchin individual age determination by concentric growth bands on interambulacral plates of its carapace are discussed (the plates are processed by M. Jensen method). The group growth is described with Bertalanffy equation. Considerable spatial variability of the growth rate is found between the aggregations that provides some distinctions in size structure of the sea urchins. The highest growth rate is observed for three habitats: Kreyser Rock Island — Cape Lisuchenko, Oprichnik Bay — Cape Grozny, and Cape Sosunov — Plitnyak Bay, where the sea urchins reach the commercial size mostly at the age from 3.5+ to 4.5+. On the contrary, 50 % of the sea urchins become large enough for commercial fishery at the age of 6+ in the Ezhovaya Bay, and the lowest growth rates are noted at Cape Yuzhny and Cape Nadezhda where the majority of sea urchins never reach the commercial size. The maximum age of S. intermedius (19 years) is registered for a specimen with size 73 mm caught at Cape Sosunov. Mean and maximum sizes of individuals in the aggregations of slow-growing S. intermedius are lower than in the aggregations with comparatively high growth rates; such aggregations are also distinguished by lack of commercially-sized individuals. Age structure of all aggregations shows strong irregularity of annual recruitment, particularly low portion of the sea urchins at the age of 1+ is noted. Anyway, the frequency goes down from the age of 7+...9+ that indicates mass elimination of elder animals.

The totality of structural-tectonic, lithologic-mineralogical, isotope-geochemical data on the geology of Primorye and adjacent territories of Northeast China and the Amur Region allows us to justify the criterions for the existence of an ancient sialic crust in its foundation. The main of them are the following. 1. Mesozoic terrigenous rocks of the Sikhote-Alin folded formations are characterized by the Proterozoic model age, with more ancient for arkoses - to 2460 Ma (TNdDM2). They are composed mainly of granite-metamorphic mineral association and have zircons reaching the age of up to 2500 Ma. The terrigenous flysch is arkose-dominant. 2. Тhe territory of South-Western Primorye, is covered by Cenozoic basalts with Proterozoic model ages and anomalously low isotope ratios of lead [Pb206/Pb204], analogous to basalts developed on the ancient AR-PR1 lithospheric blocks. 3. Structural deformation tectonic plan reflects presence of a single ancient rigid foundation of the territory with conformly react to a change of the compression-tension regimes in long time cycles. 4. The abundance of potassium- and barium-rich magmatism with geochemical characteristics of kimberlites-lamproites very spread within Primorye and Amur Region. A similar type of magmatism is not typical for areas with juvenile crust and reflects the presence of the mature continental lithosphere. Since the late Proterozoic, the sialic crust of Primorye has been consistently degraded as a result of delamination and basification processes.

The bottom trawl survey (430 stations) was conducted over the shelf and continental slope in the Russian sector of the Japan Sea (total depth range 10–750 m) on April 1 — July 8, 2015. In total, 211 taxa of invertebrates were recorded in the trawl catches. Most of them belonged to sea stars (36), shrimps (32), gastropods (27), bivalves (23), crabs and craboids (11), polychaetes (11), coral polyps (10), and sponges (10). The total biomass of macrozoobenthos in the surveyed area was assessed as 1572.5 . 103 t (136.6 . 103 t in Peter the Great Bay, 341.5 . 103 t at southern Primorye, 686.0 . 103 t at northern Primorye, and 408.4 . 103 t at western Sakhalin) that was higher than the mean long-term level. The total stock of commercial invertebrates was assessed as 630.0 . 103 t. Its highest portion (265.2 . 103 t or 42.1 %) was concentrated in the western Tatar Strait. The average biomass of macrozoobenthos was 13.5 ± 1.1 g/m2 , including 6.3 ± 0.5 g/m2 of commercial species. The most abundant groups were basket stars (372.2 . 103 t), crabs (231.6 . 103 t), shrimp (226.9 . 103 t), sponges (182.9 . 103 t), sea lilies (167.5 . 103 t), sea stars (77.2 . 103 t), sea urchins (59.0 . 103 t), craboids (48.7 . 103 t), and bivalves (49.5 . 103 t). Vertical distribution of both total and commercial benthos was distinguished by peaks on the upper shelf (10–50 m) and upper slope (300–400 m). Over the surveyed northern Japan Sea waters, 18 biocoenotic complexes of trawl macrozoobenthos were identified. The largest area was occupied by the complex of immobile sestonophagous sea lily Heliometra glacialis (131 stations in the depth range of 104–692 m with average biomass 5.5 g/m2 ), other wide-spread complexes were those of polyphagous snow crab Chionoecetes opilio (71 stations, 27–552 m, 4.4 g/m2 ), mobile sestonophagous basket star Gorgonocephalus eucnemis (40 stations, 58–372 m, 6.6 g/m2 ), and polyphagous fawn sea urchin Strongylocentrotus pallidus (40 stations, 17–351 m, 4.7 g/m2 ).

The archaeological monuments of the Primorye of the Jurchen culture of the Jin Empire periods (1115–1234) and the Eastern Xia state (1215–1234) are analyzed in the paper. In 1215, the commander Pusian Wannu created the Jurchen state of the Eastern Xia. Primorye became part of it. Pusian Vannu had to settle in Primorye and control the sea and land routes of communication. By now, 34 mountain fortifications have been recorded in Primorye. The uniform fortification and planning standards of mountain fortification structures have been revealed by the excavations. The mountain fortified settlements were built on the spurs of Sikhote-Alin. Their shafts repeated the morphological structure of the spurs. Layouts of these mountain settlements are not closed to the river. This seems to be due to the grazing of horses. The author analyzes the fortification details: ramparts, walls, towers, gates, warehouses, stone cores, redoubts on the example of the fortified settlement Sibaigou. Most of the mountain settlements are single-layered. The single-layered mountain fortifications are divided by the author into two groups: 1) used, 2) unfinished. Multy-layered mountain fortified settlements: Ananievskoe, Lazovskoe, Novogordeevskoe, Kunaleyskoe contain two construction strata. The lower horizon has been referred to the Jin Empire, the upper one – to the Eastern Xia state. It has been established that dwellings of the lower horizon were not destroyed. Consequently, they were abandoned by the population in a calm environment. A new mountain fortified settlement was constructed on this place by East Xia. Many of the upper horizon dwellings were burned but not looted. On the author’s opinion, the artefacts from the upper stratum of Anaievskoe hillfort have the analogies in the Mongolian layer of Karakorum.

X-ray diffractometry, X-ray fluorescence, and ICP-MS have been used to study the phase and elemental composition of the thermal coal from the Pavlovsk brown coal deposit and their ash-forming compounds. The results of the spectral analysis methods were combined with the data of thermal gravimetry, elemental analysis of OM, and scanning electron microscopy. The metal-bearing potential of the thermal coal from the deposit and the prospects for the associated extraction of useful components have been estimated. A set of analytical methods is proposed for the rapid assessment of the content of valuable and significant elements in solid fossil fuels for the comprehensive development of the coal deposits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The report on catch of sexually mature male of rainbow trout Parasalmo mykiss is presented. The fish was caught on May 23, 2018 in the Matveevka River mouth (the tributary to the Botcha River, mainland coast of the Tatar Strait). Data on cases of catching of this species in the rivers in the basins of the seas of Japan and Okhotsk are generalized. Possible reasons for the penetration of P. mykiss into the Botcha River are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The basic features of mineralogy and geochemistry of the gold-ilmenite placers, which are spatially and genetically associated with the Ariadnoye intrusion of ultrabasites (the right bank of the Ussuri River), are provided. The composition of platinum and gold was studied, and a complex of associated high-tech metals was revealed. It has been established that ultrabasites acted as the main supplier of useful components into the placers. Insightful mineralogical and geochemical studies of ore-bearing intrusions of ultrabasites of the Sikhote-Alin orogenic belt will expand the prospects for the raw material base of strategic metals in the southern part of the Far East. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The documentation, proceeding from social-democratic organizations of Primorye during the revolution of 1905–1907 is considered and political reaction, presented in the Collection of Illegal Publications of the Center for Social and Political History (CSPI) at the State Public Historical Library (GPIB). Documentary collections of the library are equated to archival collections and are an important component of the Archive Fund of the Russian Federation, and the documentation contained in them, as a rule, belongs to the category of particularly valuable or unique. The Center for Social and Political History of the State Public Historical Library contains in its collection illegal publications of the Russian Social-Democratic Labor Party (RSDLP), including publications of local organizations and groups. Primorye organizations include 13 documents, which are charters, cash reports, conference resolutions, mandates to deputies, reports on the status and activities, political proclamations. Most of the documents come from the Vladivostok organization of the RSDLP – officially approved by the leading organization of the Primorsky district of the RSDLP, which included all the Social Democratic groups of the Primorsky region. The aim of the article is to reconstruct the organizational structure, status and activities of the organizations of the Russian Social Democratic Labor Party in the Primorsky region of the Amur governor general-governorate and to determine the functional role and significance of the historical documentation presented in the department of the rare book of the CSPI, according to the surviving historical sources. Being historical sources and performing a retrospective function, during the period of its operation the collection documents carried social, political, ideological, and regulatory functions. Their importance for studying the social and political movement in the Far East, Siberia and the country as a whole can not be overestimated.

The nesting biology of the scaly-sided merganser (Mergus squamatus) was investigated over 17 years (2001–2017) in both artificial and natural nest sites in Primorye. Artificial nest sites were provided along fifteen rivers. A total of 205 nests were recorded: 190 nests in artificial sites and 15 in natural cavities. The occupation rate of nest boxes (27.8%) was significantly higher than that of nest tubes (20.2%). The clutch size averaged 11.08 ± 0.05 (N = 145) eggs. Inter- and intraspecific nest parasitism was described, and the effect of parasitism on nest success was evaluated. Clutch onset (average in terms, i.e., median clutch) during the study period was revealed to be more advanced compared with the initial years. Apparent nest success (70.4 ± 4.0%) was independent of the cavity type, with no significant difference noted between artificial and natural sites. The artificial nest program is an effective way to increase the productivity of this endangered bird species. A total of 1334 ducklings reliably hatched in artificial nest sites during 2002–2017. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cited data on anthropogenic pollution of the estuaries in south Primorye (northwestern coast of the Japan Sea) are briefly reviewed and analyzed. The estuaries are ranked by concentration of pollutants in the sewage disposed to the rivers and by integrated abiotic index calculated as the sum of toxicity in the bottom sediments and concentration of petrohydrocarbons in water and grounds. By these parameters, the oligohaline estuaries of big rivers as the Razdolnaya and Artemovka have the highest level of pollution, the mesohaline estuaries as the Tesnaya, Gladkaya, and Kievka have the intermediate rank of anthropogenic impact, and the polyhaline estuaries of small rivers as the Sukhodol, Shkotovka, Barabashevka, and Ryazanovka are low polluted. The estuarine ecosystems are generally well-adapted to high variability of environmental factors, and therefore are highly resistant to anthropogenic pollution. There is concluded that, despite of considerable pollution in some cases, dynamics of the estuaries dwellers abundance is determined mainly by natural factors, first of all by the volume of freshwater discharge, the estuarine ecosystems in Primorye function normally, and the state of their biological resources is sufficient. Thus, fishery, aquaculture, and recreations have at present good prospects in the estuaries and adjacent marine and river waters, in parallel with other economic activity, as hydraulic constructions, certainly under condition of all requirements of the nature protection legislation and with ecological monitoring. For these water bodies, technological and economic development can successively coexist with traditional nature management and wildlife preserving.