Networks of dry valleys (or balkas) and hollows in the upper reaches of fluvial basins in extraglacial areas in the Penultimate Glaciation (Marine Isotope Stage 6—MIS 6) regions of the East European Plain demonstrate clear incision/aggradation rhythms corresponding to global glacial/interglacial climate cycles. The first phase of each incision/aggradation rhythm began after the global glacial maximum and was characterized by a cool and humid climate, permafrost and sparse vegetation, when high surface runoff and active linear erosion formed a dense network of gullies. The second phase occurred at the glacial–interglacial transition and the subsequent interglacial period with its warm and humid climate and dense vegetation. This phase was distinguished by the partial filling of fluvial forms with slopewash deposits, the transformation of gullies into dry valleys (balkas) and the subsequent stabilization of fluvial forms marked by the formation of mature soils on the sides and bottoms of balkas. The third phase of the rapid accumulation of balkas developed during the cold and dry part of the next glacial epoch, resulting in the balkas becoming shallow hollows filled in with sediments. The last full incision/aggradation rhythm occurred in the late MIS 6 to mid-MIS 2. The erosion network formed during the late MIS 6 was almost completely filled by mid-MIS 2, and its manifestation in the modern topography is limited to a network of shallow hollows in the upper parts of the fluvial systems. The modern (incomplete) incision/aggradation rhythm began in the late MIS 2 and caused the formation of the modern erosion landscape in the upper reaches of fluvial systems. This rhythm is now in the stabilization phase, and the main accumulation phase of this rhythm is still far in the future.

The headwaters of fluvial systems on the East European Plain between the boundaries of the Marine Isotope Stage 2 (MIS 2) and MIS 6 glaciations evolved during the last 150,000 years. At least three main events of high surface runoff caused intensive erosion: at the end of MIS 6, at the end of MIS 2 and in the Middle Holocene. Erosion developed in the territory with variable resistance of geological substrate, from hard-to-erode tills to weak sandy deposits. All erosional features in moraines formed in the pre-Holocene time. Even relatively large forms, such as balkas (small dry valleys), have not yet reached concave longitudinal profiles. A general tendency of their development was deepening. Short episodes of incision occurring during climatic events with increased water flow alternated with long periods of stabilization. Sand-covered areas are most favorable for linear erosion. The gullies formed in the Middle Holocene developed concave longitudinal profiles. The diversity of catchment areas, initial slope inclinations and sediment properties causing their resistance to erosion led to greater differences in the relief features and evolution of the upper reaches of the fluvial systems within the MIS 6 glaciation area compared to the more uniform landscape conditions in the extraglacial regions.

The study is based on the results of multibeam echo-sounding and high-frequency seismic profiling during the 2018-2022 cruises of the R/V “Akademik Nikolai Strakhov” and “Akademik Boris Petrov”. Regular changes of morphometric parameters and the internal structure of pingo-like formations of the shelves of the Pechora and Kara seas were revealed. A morphometric analysis of pingo-like formations was carried out, which made it possible to draw conclusions about their relative age, as well as the role of near-bottom currents and slope processes in their modern dynamics. It was found that the density and morphological variety of pingo-like formations depend on the geological and tectonic features of the bottom area, the presence and nature of permafrost, the intensity of degassing, and the time of shelf flooding during the Holocene transgression. Pingo-like formations on the shelf, where the depth exceeds 70-80 m, emerged at the early stages of the Holocene transgression, and by now the permafrost there has largely thawed out. At the same time, pingo-like formations are still prominent in the relief and actively transformed by bottom currents, slope and, possibly, pseudovolcanic processes associated with ongoing degassing. Pingo-like formations are rare within shallow (up to 20-30 m) shelf areas close to the shore, and, apparently, continue their evolution at present. At the same time, the large thickness and continuity of permafrost prevent active fluid flow, acting as a seal. Pingo-like formations in the shallow-water zones are mainly cone-shaped mounds without intensive degassing. The density of pingo-like formations is maximum at the intermediate depths (from 20-30 to 70-80 m), in the presence of insular or discontinuous permafrost, under high fluid flow intensity within the fault zones and oil- and gas-bearing structures. Near-surface sediments in such areas are characterized by a combination of localized processes of heaving and active degassing. It predetermines a wide variety of the morphological types of pingo-like formations.Keywords: Arctic, bottom topography, degassing, pingo-like features, acoustic anomalies, multibeam echo sounding, seismoacoustic profiling

The rate of soil losses on arable land depends to a large extent on the set of sown agricultural crops. Socioeconomic changes over recent decades have affected the range of crops cultivated in the agrarian regions of Russia, leading to changes in the soil-control indices of agrocenoses (C factor). The objective of the study was to identify changes in the C factor of crop rotations for periods of snowmelt and rainfall runoff during 1996–2012 and 2014–2022 at the level of administrative regions of the Russian Federation and their municipalities. The dynamics of cropland areas was estimated according to official statistical data. It was found that although the C factor of rainfall runoff grew during 1996–2012 in most regions, it became stabilized in the southern part of European Russia over the last decade. In the Volga region, the Urals and Siberia, the C factor of rainfall runoff continues to grow due to the increase in the proportion of row crops in crop rotation. However, the change in the C factor was below 20% across the most part of the regions in the past 30 years. A high variability of C factor values and trends was established at the level of municipalities. The C factor variability is at its lowest in the regions where chernozem predominates. The higher C factor in the period of rainfall runoff decreases soil fertility. The most vulnerable to soil erosion are regions where by the end of the 20th century soil losses from arable land were larger than elsewhere (Kursk, Orel, and Tula oblasts, the Republics of Mordovia and Tatarstan).

—The article develops a methodology for an integral assessment of anthropogenic impact with spatial resolution for the municipalities of the Baikal Natural Territory, taking into account the impact on the atmosphere, water, and forest resources; impact of agriculture; solid waste; disturbed lands, and objects of accumulated damage; as well as background impact. Taking into account the significance for the Baikal Natural Territory, the methodology for constructing an integral index for the first time, in addition to official statistics, was supplemented with calculated indicators of emissions from motor vehicles and small vessels, emissions from autonomous heating systems in rural areas and cities. For this, an algorithm was proposed for the first time, including determination of the number and area of buildings based on remote sensing materials, and the amount and type of fuel used, and type of installation based on surveys of the population and heads of settlements. Also, using satellite images, the areas of disturbed lands in all municipalities were calculated and the degree of hazard of their geomorphological position was determined. To determine the weight of indicators, the authors conducted a survey of experts representing the scientific community (specialists in the field of integrated assessments of certain types of impacts or environmental problems of the territory), the expert community (leading rating agencies), and the environmental management system of regions included in the Baikal Natural Territory. The integral indicator made it possible to construct a rating of municipalities and identify key factors in shaping the environmental situation. According to the integral index, five types of territories are identified, followed by subtypes based on the nature of anthropogenic impact on the environment. A high level of impact is typical of large cities and locations of enterprises, especially mining, where a full range of load components operate. An increased level is observed in cities, suburban municipalities with a high load from the life of the population, as well as in large agricultural areas with a developed mining. The average level is typical for a small number of rural areas and towns due to load from agriculture and forestry. A reduced level of impact is formed mainly in semiperipheral areas, where there is a load on forest resources, and some suburban areas with more developed agriculture. A low level of anthropogenic impact is typical for peripheral, sparsely populated municipal districts with a noticeable share of pollution from autonomous heating systems. A special role in shaping the environmental situation is played by large tracts of disturbed land, high volumes of solid waste, and objects of accumulated hazard left over from the Soviet industrialization period.

Integral Assessment of Anthropogenic Impact on the Baikal Natural Territory: Methodological Approaches and Typology of Municipal Units Интегральная оценка антропогенного воздействия на Байкальской природной территории: методические подходы и типология муниципальных районов