scholarly journals The Effect of Formation Processes on The Frequency of Palaeolithic Cave Sites in Semi-Arid Zones: Insights From Kazakhstan

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aristeidis Varis ◽  
Christopher Miller ◽  
Patrick Cuthbertson ◽  
Abay Namen ◽  
Zhaken Taimagambetov ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Central Asia ◽  
Arid Zones ◽  
Arid Environments ◽  
Formation Processes ◽  
Cave Deposits ◽  
Central Asian ◽  
Cave Sediments ◽  
Analytical Potential ◽  
Sediment Cover ◽  
Semi Arid

Central Asian caves with Palaeolithic deposits are few but they provide a rich record of human fossils and cultural assemblages that has been used to model Late Pleistocene hominin dispersals. However, previous research has not yet systematically evaluated the formation processes that influence the frequency of Palaeolithic cave sites in the region. To address this deficiency, we combined field survey and micromorphological analyses in the piedmont zone of south Kazakhstan. Here we present our preliminary results focusing on selected sites of the Qaratau mountains. Sediment cover varies among the surveyed caves and loess-like sediments dominate the cave sequences. The preservation of cave deposits is influenced by reworking of cave sediments within the caves but also by the broader erosional processes that shape semi-arid landscapes. Ultimately, deposits of potentially Pleistocene age are scarce. Our study provides new data in the geoarchaeologically neglected region of Central Asia and demonstrates that micromorphology has great analytical potential even within the limitations of rigorous survey projects. We outline some of the processes that influence the formation and preservation of cave deposits inKazakhstan, as well as broader implications for the distribution of Palaeolithic cave sites in Central Asia and other semi-arid environments.

Yield Gain and Risk Minimization in Maize (Zea Mays) through Cultivar Mixtures in Semi-arid Zones of the Rift Valley in Ethiopia

1995 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 161-168 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amede Tilahun
Keyword(s):  
Arid Regions ◽  
Arid Zones ◽  
Pure Stand ◽  
Arid Environments ◽  
Risk Minimization ◽  
Growing Seasons ◽  
Maize Cultivars ◽  
Dry Spell ◽  
Yield Gain ◽  
Semi Arid

SUMMARYThe effect of mixtures of cultivars on yield and risk distribution in four maize cultivars grown at four different population levels was studied in semi-arid environments in Ethiopia. Mixtures yielded between 2 and 29% more than the pure stands, but late maturing pure stands produced more biomass than mixtures. Mixtures of cultivars with similar flowering periods yielded 60% more than the pure stands in dry growing seasons, but only 30% more when there was more rain. Yield gain was associated mainly with varietal synchrony of anthesis and silking. Mixtures composed of cultivars with different flowering times were less at risk from yield loss in the case of end-of-season drought and yielded 100% more than their late flowering component in pure stand. But in long growing seasons, with an early dry spell, pure stands of the late cultivar outyielded the mixtures whereas pure stands of the early flowering cultivars yielded less than the mixtures, except in years with a serious end-of-season drought. The results indicate that it would be profitable to grow mixtures in semi-arid regions if cultivars with similar height and synchronized flowering time were grown at populations of between 65 000 and 90 000 plants ha−1.

scholarly journals The conservation agriculture in northwest of Morocco (Merchouch area): The impact of no-till systems on physical properties of soils in semi-arid climate

2021 ◽  
Vol 234 ◽  
pp. 00037
Author(s):  
Abdelali El Mekkaoui ◽  
Rachid Moussadek ◽  
Rachid Mrabet ◽  
Said Chakiri ◽  
Ahmed Douaik ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Conservation Agriculture ◽  
Biological Properties ◽  
Water Retention Capacity ◽  
Arid Zones ◽  
Arid Environments ◽  
Retention Capacity ◽  
No Till ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Semi Arid

Conservation agriculture (CA) is characterized by three principles: minimum tillage, even the total absence of tillage in the case of direct seeding (NT), permanent soil cover by mulch, and diversification of crops. Its main objective is to control soil degradation by conserving the physical and biological properties and fertility of the soil, which leads to an improvement in productivity, while preserving the environment. Conventional tillage (CT) used in the arid and semi-arid environments of Morocco (particularly in the study site area of Merchouch) compromise the productivity of established crops in these regions. The work presented consists in the study of the impact of NT on the physico-chemical properties of the soil, especially organic matter (SOM), bulk density (BD), soil moisture (θg), and structural stability (SS) in semi-arid zones. The results show that the use of the NT system positively influences the accumulation of SOM, especially at the soil surface horizon (0-5cm). Concerning θg, there is a significant difference between the two treatments (NT and CT) at the average of the three depths and especially at the horizon 20-40 cm so NT increases the water retention capacity. This study also shows that the mean weight diameter (MWD) of the 3 tests (water, ethanol, and rehumectation) is higher for NT compared to CT. This shows that no-till helped to build a good soil structure over time, which is highly desirable for improving agricultural productivity and conserving natural resources, especially water.

scholarly journals Environmental flows in integrated sustainable water resource management in Tuyamuyin water reservoir, Uzbekistan

2021 ◽  
Vol 937 (3) ◽  
pp. 032024
Author(s):  
U Makhmudova ◽  
A Djuraev ◽  
T Khushvaktov
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Water Supply ◽  
Central Asia ◽  
Water Resource ◽  
Supply System ◽  
Water Supply System ◽  
Aral Sea ◽  
Central Asian ◽  
Sustainable Water Supply ◽  
Semi Arid

Abstract Climate change is causing extreme recession of the mountain glaciers in Central Asia. Also increased evapotranspiration from higher temperatures in arid and semi-arid zones in Uzbekistan. Additionally, climate change has an effect increased exceptional water deficits. In such scenarios Environmental despite for a more sustainable water supply system, available reservoir capacity. Central Asia unlock watershed region, its main rivers are the Amu Darya and the Syr Darya, and its key problems of the region the efficient use of water from these rivers. Supplying water to the Khorezm oasis and Karakalpakstan, Tuyamuyin reservoir is the main water resource. With an increasing population of the region and Aral Sea ecological problems, mounting demand exists for a more sustainable water supply system. Water reservoirs of Central Asian river contribute to the improvement of water resources management in the lower part of the region and thus, play a strategic role in regional water supplication. 70% of Central Asia is arid and semi-arid regions and therefore, water supply for irrigation and population purposes is the main water sector of all Central Asian countries.

scholarly journals Quantitative and Qualitative Assessment of Groundwater from Semi-Arid Zones in the Context of Climate Change, Example of Essaouira Region, Morocco

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammed Bahir ◽  
Salah Ouhamdouch ◽  
Driss Ouazar ◽  
Nabil El Moçayd
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Qualitative Assessment ◽  
Arid Zones ◽  
Arid Environments ◽  
Climate Data ◽  
Quaternary Aquifer ◽  
Remarkable Effect ◽  
The Past ◽  
Semi Arid ◽  
Isotopic Technique

Abstract This study aims to assess the effect of climate change on water resources in semi-arid environments, taking the Essaouira region as an example. Analysis of climate data shows a downward trend in precipitation of 12 to 16% and an increase in air temperature of 2.3 °C over the past three decades. The piezometric study shows a continuous drop in the piezometric level which exceeds 12 m for the Cenomanian-Turonian aquifer, 17 m for the Plio-Quaternary aquifer, around 8 m for the Barremian-Aptian aquifer and 5 m for the Hauterivian. Hydrogeochemical analysis shows that (i) the groundwater mineralization is controlled by the dissolution of evaporitic and carbonates minerals, by the reverse ions exchange phenomenon, and by the marine intrusion, especially at Plio-Quaternary aquifer; (ii) the groundwater quality in the study area deteriorates gradually over time and space. The isotopic technique shows that (i) the groundwater recharge in the study area is ensured by precipitation of oceanic origin without significant evaporation and that (ii) climate change has no remarkable effect on the isotopic content of the groundwater of the study area. However, the results of this article reflect that the Essaouira basin is very vulnerable to climate change.

scholarly journals Environmental resilience of rangeland ecosystems: assessment drought indices and vegetation trends on arid and semi-arid zones of Central Asia

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dildora Aralova ◽  
Kristina Toderich ◽  
Ben Jarihani ◽  
Dilshod Gafurov ◽  
Liliya Gismatulina ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Central Asia ◽  
Drought Indices ◽  
Arid Zones ◽  
Semi Arid

Problems of military-political interaction between the countries of the West and Central Asia at the turn of the XX–XXI centuries

2020 ◽  
pp. 27-33
Author(s):  
Boris G. Koybaev
Keyword(s):  
Central Asia ◽  
The United States ◽  
Military Bases ◽  
Islamic State ◽  
The West ◽  
Regional Environment ◽  
Western Influence ◽  
Central Asian ◽  
Political Interaction ◽  
The Military

Central Asia in recent history is a vast region with five Muslim States-new actors in modern international relations. The countries of Central Asia, having become sovereign States, at the turn of the XX–XXI centuries are trying to peaceful interaction not only with their underdeveloped neighbors, but also with the far-off prosperous West. At the same time, the United States and Western European countries, in their centrosilic ambitions, seek to increase their military and political presence in Central Asia and use the military bases of the region’s States as a springboard for supplying their troops during anti-terrorist and other operations. With the active support of the West, the Central Asian States were accepted as members of the United Nations. For monitoring and exerting diplomatic influence on the regional environment, the administration of the President of the Russian Federation H. W. Bush established U.S. embassies in all Central Asian States. Turkey, a NATO member and secular Islamic state, was used as a lever of indirect Western influence over Central Asian governments, and its model of successful development was presented as an example to follow.

Sedelnikovaea baicalensis (Lecanoraceae) — new lichen genus and species for Europe

2018 ◽  
Vol 52 (2) ◽  
pp. 407-416
Author(s):  
T. V. Makryi
Keyword(s):  
Central Asia ◽  
Lichen Species ◽  
Significant Part ◽  
The Urals ◽  
Southern Siberia ◽  
Central Asian ◽  
Northeastern Siberia ◽  
Mountain Belts ◽  
First Time ◽  
Vast Range

Sedelnikovaea baicalensis, the Siberian-Central Asian lichen species, is recorded for the first time for Europe. Based on all the known localities, including those first-time reported from Baikal Siberia, the peculiarities of the ecology and distribution of this species are discussed, the map of its distribution is provided. It is concluded that the species was erroneously considered earlier as a Central Asian endemic. The center of the present range of this lichen is the steppes of Southern Siberia and Mongolia. Assumptions are made that S. baicalensis is relatively young (Paleogene-Neogene) species otherwise it would have a vast range extending beyond Asia, and also that the Yakut locations of this species indicate that in the Pleistocene its range was wider and covered a significant part of the Northeastern Siberia but later underwent regression. Based on the fact that in the mountains of Central Asia the species is found only in the upper mountain belts, it is proposed to characterize it as «cryo-arid xerophyte» in contrast to «arid xerophytes». A conclusion is made that the presence of extensive disjunctions of S. baicalensis range between the Southern Pre-Urals and the Altai-Sayan Mountains or the Mountains of Central Asia is unlikely; the lichen is most likely to occur in the Urals and most of Kazakhstan.

Language as a Factor in the New Identity Formation (Illustrated by Central Asian States)

2019 ◽  
pp. 175-187
Author(s):  
Tetiana Liashenko
Keyword(s):  
Central Asia ◽  
Russian Federation ◽  
Russian Language ◽  
Political Space ◽  
Sources Of Information ◽  
Positive Image ◽  
Central Asian ◽  
The Russian Federation ◽  
National Languages ◽  
The Russian Language

Attempts to build a “Russian world” within the former Soviet republics of Central Asia by introducing an idea of a single linguistic, cultural and political space with the Russian Federation are studied in the article. The threats to the Central Asian countries’ information space are analyzed. The data on gradual changing of orientations of the Central Asian states’ citizens when choosing sources of information is provided. It is concluded that the technologies of the Russian Federation’s propaganda in Central Asia are aimed primarily at the formation of the president of Russia positive image among the widest possible groups of population. Attempts to push so-called “the Russian world”, which already jeopardize global peaceful balance, are grounded, in particular, on a widespread use of the Russian language within the territories of the former USSR that serves to propagate an idea of a single linguistic, cultural and political space. At the same time, a revival and development of national languages and cultures are intensively ongoing in all new independent states. It provokes a confrontation that often causes points of tension and conflicts. A large number of the Russian media, including federal state editions, TV channels. the Sputnik news agency etc. operates in Central Asian information space. Using own controlled media, the Kremlin seeks to convince the Central Asian states’ citizens that the Russia’s foreign policy is a right one, as well as to form a positive image of Russia and president Putin as a politician who is capable to ensure stability and security in the Central Asian region. The Russian Federation pays a special attention to Eastern Kazakhstan, where a large number of ethnic Russians is concentrated. Kazakhstan has much in common with Ukraine on its ethnic population composition, economic situation and geographical proximity to Russia. As in Ukraine, the ethnic Russians make up about 1/5 of the population in Kazakhstan, meanwhile the Russian language is widely used in all spheres. Russia calls its initiative a “humanitarian project”, but there is no doubt that the Kremlin is fighting for minds of younger generation, trying to impose own culture and values on young people. Recently, while alternative sources of information have been spreading, more and more Central Asian habitants opt for online information in their national languages, considering Russianspeaking news resources to be a propaganda.

New European Union strategy for Central Asia

2020 ◽  
pp. 72-79
Author(s):  
S. Gavrilova
Keyword(s):  
European Union ◽  
Central Asia ◽  
Economic Cooperation ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Asian Countries ◽  
Energy Potential ◽  
High Importance ◽  
Central Asian ◽  
New Strategy ◽  
Central Asian Countries

For several decades, the European Union has been steadily increasing its presence in Central Asian countries. The EU's interests in the region are due to a number of reasons, including the desire to expand its influence in the Central Asian countries, the high importance of the region as a transit corridor between Europe and China, the prospects for economic cooperation, and the importance of the region's energy potential. In May 2019 The European Union has presented a new Strategy for Central Asia, designed to intensify cooperation in a number of areas of interaction. The new strategy is aimed at both implementing these interests and expanding cooperation in a number of other areas.

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