Does the High Elevation Climate along Mt. Everest can be Represented by Lower Elevation Stations?

Climate change studies of the high mountain areas of the central Himalayan region are mostly represented by the meteorological stations of the lower elevation. Therefore, to validate the climatic linkages, daily observational climate data from five automated weather stations (AWS) at elevations ranging from 2660 m to 5600 m on the southern slope of Mt. Everest were examined. Despite variations in the means and distribution of daily, 5-day, 10-day, and monthly temperature and precipitation between stations located at a higher elevation and their corresponding lower elevation, temperature records in the different elevations are highly correlated. In contrast, the precipitation data shows a comparatively weaker correlation. The slopes of the regression model (0.82–1.13) with (R2>0.74) for higher altitude (5050 m and 5600 m) throughout the year, 0.83–1.12 (R2>0.68) except late monsoon season for the station at 4260 m and 5050 m asl indicated the similar variability of the temperature between those stations. Similarly, Namche (3570 m) temperature changes by 0.81–1.32°C per degree change in corresponding lower elevation Lukla station (2660 m), except for monsoon season. However, inconsistent variation was observed between the station with a large altitudinal difference (2940 m) at Lukla and Kala Patthar (5600 m). In general, climate records from corresponding lower elevation can be used to quantitatively assess climatic information of the high elevation areas on the southern slope of Mt. Everest. However, corrections are necessary when absolute values of climatic factors are considered, especially in snow cover and snow-free areas. This study will be beneficial for understanding the high-altitude climate change and impact studies.

Specific composition, numbers and biotopical distribution of snakes (Serpentes) on the southern slope of the Navagir mountain ridge (Abrau Peninsula) and some problems of its preservation

Seven species of snakes were revealed in 1997–1998, six of which (Natrix tessellata, N. natrix, Zamenis longissimus, Hierophis caspius, Platyceps najadum, and Elaphe sauromatus) were in the lower part of the slope, in the area of mediterranean vegetation. In 2001– 2003, the first three species were revealed only, and their numbers significantly decreased, reaching a maximum in the middle part of the slope, in the zone of transition from mediterranean vegetation to broad-leaved forests. In 1999–2000, the recreational load on the coastal area sharply rose, which probably was the cause for the species composition reduction and changes of the spatial distribution in snakes.

Trends in the Diurnal Temperature Range Over the Southern Slope of Central Himalaya: Retrospective and Prospective Evaluation

The Diurnal Temperature Range (DTR) profoundly affects human health, agriculture, eco-system, and socioeconomic systems. In this study, we analyzed past and future changes in DTR using gridded Climate Research Unit (CRU) datasets for the years 1950–2020 and an ensemble means of thirteen bias-corrected Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) models under different Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSP1-2.6, SSP2-4.5, and SSP5-8.5) scenarios for the rest of the 21st century over the southern slope of Central Himalaya, Nepal. Furthermore, the potential drivers (precipitation and cloud cover) of seasonal and annual DTR were studied using correlation analysis. This study found that the DTR trends generally declined; the highest decrease was observed in the pre-monsoon and winter at a rate of 0.09 °C/decade (p ≤ 0.01). As expected, DTR demonstrated a significant negative correlation with cloudiness and precipitation in all four seasons. Further, the decreased DTR was weakly related to the Sea Surface Temperature variation (SST) in the tropical Pacific and Indian Oceans. We found that the projected DTR changes in the future varied from a marginal increase under the SSP1-2.6 (only pre-monsoon) scenario to continued significant decreases under SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5. Insights based on retrospective and prospective evaluation help to understand the long-term evolution of diurnal temperature variations.

PRELIMINARY ESTIMATION OF THE INFLUENCE OF CYDALIMA PERSPECTALIS INVASION ON THE SPECIES COMPOSITION AND STRUCTURE OF EARTHWORM POPULATION (OLIGOCHAETA: LUMBRICIDAE, ACANTHODRILIDAE) IN THE RANGE OF BUXUS SEMPERVIRENS (WESTERN CAUCASUS)

The earthworm fauna and population structure in Colchic ecosystems of the southern slope in the Western Caucasus were studied. First, in May 2013 we have sampled earthworms of the forest communities. This research was repeated in 2018 after Buxus sempervirens L. destruction by Cydalima perspectalis Walker (Lepidoptera, Crambidae). Altogether 13 earthworm species were registered in the soils of original B. sempervirens phytocenose and derived phytocenoses of the Western Caucasus. Endemicity of earthworms in the study area was higher than in most regions of Russia. The earthworm samples in 2013 and 2018 were similar in species composition, but differed in terms of dominant species. The structure of the earthworm population in the soils of the secondary phytocenoses has become closer to the earthworm communities of the other forests in the Western Caucasus. Analysis of the relative position of taxocenes in 2013 and 2018 space NMDS model, allows to put forward a hypothesis about the reduction of their total "ecological niche" after the disappearance of B. sempervirens . We believe that a broader “ecological niche” in 2013 is associated with a greater mosaicism (diversity) of the worm habitat formed by boxwood communities.

BIOLOGICALLY ACTIVE COMPONENTS OF THE EREMURUS HISSARICUS ROOT

Полисахариды из растений E. hissaricus, которые наиболее распространены в районе южного склона Гиссарского хребта Республики Таджикистан, недостаточно исследованы. В доступной литературе сведения по вопросам выделения и очистки, а также физико-химических свойств полисахаридов из корнеклубней E. hissaricus отсутствуют. К тому же не исследовались вопросы выделения и изучения основных компонентов биохимических соединений, таких как жировая фракция, фенольные, азотистые соединения и белки, водорастворимые сахара, а также моно-, олиго- и полисахариды из целых корней E. hissaricus в разных фазах развития, что и явилось целью данной работы. Для изучения использовали корни E. hissaricus, выращенного на высокогорной биологической станции Сиякух Института ботаники, физиологии и генетики растений АН РТ (южный склон Гиссарского хребта, 2200 м над уровнем моря). Исследовано содержание основных компонентов биохимических соединений – жировая фракция, фенольные соединения, белки и азотистые соединения, водорастворимые сахара, а также полисахариды из корней эремуруса гиссарского в разные периоды развития. Установлено, что в фазе покоя содержание жировой фракции, фенольных соединений и водорастворимых сахаров в корнях эремуруса гиссарского увеличивается по отношению к другим фазам. Polysaccharides from plants of E. hissaricus which are most widespread in the region of the southern slope of the Gissar Range of the Republic of Tajikistan, are insufficiently investigated. In available literature of the data concerning selection and cleaning and also physical and chemical properties of polysaccharides from korneklubny E. hissaricus are absent. Besides questions of selection and studying of principal components of biochemical connections, such as fatty fraction, phenolic, nitrogen compounds and proteins, water-soluble sugar and also mono-, oligo- and polysaccharides from the whole roots E. hissaricus in different phases of development were not investigated that is the purpose of this work. For studying used the roots E. hissaricus, grown up at the mountain biological station Siyakukh at Institute of botany, physiology and genetics of plants of AN of RT (the southern slope of the Gissar Range, 2200 m above sea level). The content of the main biochemical compounds – fat fraction, phenolic compounds, proteins and nitrogenous compounds, water-soluble sugars, as well as polysaccharides from whole roots of E. hissaricus in different periods of development has been studied. It was found that in the deep-dormant phase the content of fat fraction, phenolic compounds and water-soluble sugars in the roots of E. hissaricus increases in relation to other plant grows phases.

The structural positions of the ophiolite complex in the Earth crust of the western Tien-Shan

The westernmost parts of the Tien Shan region are located between two areas of crustal suturing, formed by the closure of the Turkestan Ocean, and probably the closure of a second ocean, the Gissar Ocean. Regional correlation of these sutures, however, has been problematic due to the lack of geological and geophysical data, as well as conflicting interpretations within the literature of various geological bodies. We summarize the information about Paleozoic ophiolites of westernmost parts of the Tien Shan for the international geoscientific audience from the literature and our own unpublished data. We focus on the best-known examples of Southern Tien Shan ophiolites which are remnants of Paleo-Asian Ocean, aligned in two main belts in Uzbekistan. Ophiolites reveal a wide age spectrum ranging from the Ordovician to the Devonian on the northern slope of Southern Tien Shan, and the Early Carboniferous on the southern slope. Considering all data on these ophiolites as well as regional considerations lets us conclude that a single ocean located subduction of the Turkestan Ocean basin under the northern Karakum-Tadjik terrane caused back-arc continentalo ruisft.i ngo iunththwearGdi ssar region in Early Carboniferous resulted in the formation of a small basin with oceanic crust. By late Carboniferous/early Permian times, both oceanic basins were subducted.

Macrofungi diversity in Lawu Mountain Forests and their potential uses as medicinal mushroom for inducing immunity against Covid-19

Macrofungi is one of bio-medicinal sources containing various bioactive compounds, such as β-glucans, which are scientifically proven as immunity booster against coronavirus, including Covid-19. Lawu Mountain Forest has been reported as one of the macro fungi-rich ecosystems in Java. Due to its unique geography, each side of the mountain has a different climate with the southern slope is typically more suitable for various species of mushroom to grow. The aims of this study were to assess fungal diversity in the southern slope of Lawu Mountain Forest, and to ascertain their potential uses for medicinal purpose, particularly for boosting immunity against Covid-19. Cruise method was used to identify macroscopic fungi collected along the hiking trail of Lawu Mountain Forest at the elevation ranges of 1800- 3100 m asl. Their morphological characteristics, including color, diameter, veil surface, lamella (ring and pore, type of lamella, and volva), stem shape, length and diameter, were observed. The study found 46 species from 15 families of macrofungi. Seven species potentially containing bioactive compounds as immunomodulator for boosting immunity were Auricularia auricula, Cerrena unicolor, Lentinus edodes, Pleuretus ostreatus, Stereum hirsutum, Schizophyllum commune, Trametes versicolor.

Distribution Characteristics of SOC, STN, and STP Contents Along a Slope Aspect Gradient of Loess Plateau in China

In this study, the effects of slope aspects and depths on soil organic carbon (SOC), soil total nitrogen (STN), and soil total phosphorus (STP) were quantified in disturbed restoration regions of Gaolan County, located in the Gansu Province of semi-arid loess Plateau of China. Soil samples were collected at 0–10, 10–20, 20–40, 40–60, 60–80, and 80–100 cm on southern, southwestern, western, northwestern, and northern slope aspects of three hills. A total of 75 soil profiles and 450 soil samples were analyzed. Results showed that the SOC, STN, and STP content varied from 1.65 to 12.87 g/kg, 0.45 to 1.53 g/kg, and 0.07 to 0.78 g/kg, and the SOCD, STND, and STPD at 0–100 cm varied from 3.9 to 9.5 kg/m2, 0.58 to 1.35 kg/m2, and 0.33 to 0.56 kg/m2, which increased from the southern to northern slope aspects. The SOC, STN, and STP contents and SOCD, STND, and STPD were mainly in the 0–60 and 60–100 cm soil layers. The vertical descent rate was γSOC > γSTN > γSTP for both content and density. For a single soil nutrient, the decline rate of its content and density on the northern slope aspect was greater than that on the southern slope aspect, that is γN > γ All > γS. The correlation degree between soil properties and SOC and STN content were above 0.6, the overall correlation with STP content was <0.6. These results confirmed that topography (slope aspects) was the most significant factor controlling the distribution patterns of SOC, STN, and STP in hill ecosystems. Overall, the northern slope aspect (vs. southern slope aspect) was more favorable to the preservation of SOC, STN, and STP. Accordingly, in the Loess Plateau and similar fragile environments, soil nutrient protection and vegetation restoration are selective to some extent.

Projected Drought Conditions over Southern Slope of the Central Himalaya Using CMIP6 Models

Nepal is located on the southern slope of the Central Himalayas and has experienced frequent droughts in the past. In this study, we used an ensemble of 13 biased corrected models from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) to assess the future drought conditions over Nepal under three shared socioeconomic pathways (SSP126, SSP245, and SSP585) using the Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) at annual timescale. The monthly correlation between observed and CMIP6-simulated historical SPEI is 0.23 (p < 0.01), which indicates the CMIP6 model ensemble can simulate the drought characteristics over Nepal. In the future period (2020–2100), the duration and severity of droughts are projected to increase with higher emission scenarios, especially for SSP585. Our results indicate enhanced drought intensity under SSP126, whereas, under SSP245, the drought frequency will be slightly higher. The drought frequency is projected to increase in the early future (2020–2060), decreasing in the late future (2061–2100) under all SSP scenarios. The results further indicate more prolonged and severe droughts in the early future under SSP585 as compared to SSP126 and SSP245. The findings of the present study can help drought mitigation as well as long-term adaptation strategies over Nepal.