Local and Regional Aspects of Natural Hazards
Local and Regional Aspects of Natural Hazards
Contributor(s): Boian Koulov (Editor), Velimira Stoyanova (Editor)
Subject(s): Social Sciences, Economy, Energy and Environmental Studies, Sociology, Demography and human biology, Human Ecology, Rural and urban sociology, Environmental interactions, Human Resources in Economy, Socio-Economic Research, Green Transformation
Published by: Национално издателство за образование и наука „Аз-буки“
Keywords: natural hazards; local aspects; regional aspects; ecology; destruction of ecosystems; resource depletion; social inequality; economic inequality; conflict; climate change
Summary/Abstract: This book presents local and regional aspects of natural hazards. In 2021, five times more people have been affected by such events, compared to 1990. The basis for more frequent and more destructive natural disasters is the combination of resource depletion, destruction of ecosystems, and certain economic activities. Adverse consequences of natural hazards are increasing social and economic inequality and deepening ethnic and political conflicts. Problems, such as climate change and infectious diseases, are becoming an increasing challenge to national security and world peace.
- E-ISBN-13: 978-619-7065-82-4
- Page Count: 105
- Publication Year: 2021
- Language: English
Review of Local and Regional Aspects of Natural Hazards
Review of Local and Regional Aspects of Natural Hazards
(Review of Local and Regional Aspects of Natural Hazards)
- Author(s):Boian Koulov, Velimira Stoyanova, Kostadin Ganev, Bilyana Borisova, Nikolay Rachev
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Social Sciences, Economy, Agriculture, Energy and Environmental Studies, Sociology, Human Ecology, Human Resources in Economy
- Page Range:7-14
- No. of Pages:8
- Keywords:COVID-19; natural disaster; ground conditions; universal thermal climate index; superficial soil
- Summary/Abstract:This paper presents the local and regional aspects of natural hazards. In 2021, five times more people have been affected by such events, compared to 1990. The basis for more frequent and more destructive natural disasters is the combination of resource depletion, destruction of ecosystems, and certain economic activities. Adverse consequences of natural hazards are increasing social and economic inequality and deepening ethnic and political conflicts. Problems, such as climate change and infectious diseases, are becoming an increasing challenge to national security and world peace.
An Integrated Approach to Disaster Risk Assessment on the Example of Primorsko Municipality
An Integrated Approach to Disaster Risk Assessment on the Example of Primorsko Municipality
(An Integrated Approach to Disaster Risk Assessment on the Example of Primorsko Municipality)
- Author(s):Emil Bournaski, Georgi Belev, Donka Shopova
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Economy, Business Economy / Management, Energy and Environmental Studies, Socio-Economic Research, Transport / Logistics, Green Transformation
- Page Range:15-23
- No. of Pages:9
- Keywords:natural disaster; risk assessment; floods; intense rainfall; Primorsko
- Summary/Abstract:This paper demonstrates an application of the methodology of the Inter-American Development Bank for assessment and analysis of the risk of natural disasters for the territory of the municipality of Primorsko in Southeastern Bulgaria, implemented by a project of the Climate, Atmosphere and Water Research Institute. The following disaster processes and phenomena are considered: landslides, earthquakes, droughts, floods (channel and fast-flowing), storms, winter meteorological phenomena (snowfall, ice) with proven negative consequences in the municipality of Primorsko. The results show that the region is characterized by low and medium risk levels. Relevant recommendations for preventive actions have been provided to the municipal authorities.
Assessment and Visualization of Emergencies Risks in Ukraine
Assessment and Visualization of Emergencies Risks in Ukraine
(Assessment and Visualization of Emergencies Risks in Ukraine)
- Author(s):Leonid Rudenko, Olena Dronova, Alla Bochkovska, Viktor Chabaniuk, Kateryna Polyvach, Svitlana Santalova, Marharyta Vyshnia
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Social Sciences, Economy, Supranational / Global Economy, Business Economy / Management, Agriculture, Energy and Environmental Studies, Sociology, Human Ecology, Rural and urban sociology, Business Ethics, Transport / Logistics
- Page Range:24-37
- No. of Pages:14
- Keywords:emergencies; risks; natural hazards; technogenic and social hazards; electronic atlas; Ukraine
- Summary/Abstract:Assessment and visualization of hazards and risks of emergencies are important tasks for Ukraine. The scientists from the Institute of Geography of Ukraine NAS were working on this theme during 2010-2014. The Atlas of natural, technogenic and social hazards and risks of emergencies in Ukraine became the result of this work. It was created for the first time in the country. The purpose of the Atlas is to provide a regional analysis of potential hazards and risks on the territory of the country. There are 143 maps in the Atlas which are structured in 5 sections: Introduction; Prerequisites for potential emergency sources; Hazards of possible deterioration in the living conditions of population and enterprises; Emergencies in Ukraine; Emergencies prevention. Atlas maps presented in electronic form on the master disk in quadtree format. The Atlas is created with the usage of so called Atlas Solutions Framework AtlasSF. The structure, goals,objectives, functions of the mentioned Atlas of Emergencies and tasks that can be addressed using it as well as gaps in risk management system in Ukraine have been outlined in the paper.
Archive Information Extraction for Ground Conditions Assessment
Archive Information Extraction for Ground Conditions Assessment
(Archive Information Extraction for Ground Conditions Assessment)
- Author(s):Boyko Ranguelov, Atanas Kisyov, Stefan Dimovski, Nikolai Stoyanov, Maya Tomova, Christian Tzankov, Bojourka Georgieva, Stoyan Christov, Stoyan Christov, Dimcho Solakov, Dragomir Gospodinov, Edelvays Spassov, Bogdana Milenkovich, Orlin Dimitrov
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Social Sciences, Library and Information Science, Archiving, Sociology, Human Ecology, Environmental interactions
- Page Range:38-44
- No. of Pages:7
- Keywords:ground conditions; archive information; methodology
- Summary/Abstract:This paper is targeted to the development of methodology, data sources and extraction from the archives of the parameters considering the soil ground conditions. The integral parameter reflecting the properties of the surface ground layers is so called Vs_30. This parameter is an integral characteristic of the ground conditions used in almost all procedures of the seismic hazard mapping software. The Vs_30 means the velocity of the transverse seismic waves to the depths of 30 meters of the ground layers. The transverse seismic waves (S-waves) are the most destructive component of any seismic influence. This parameter depends on many factors such as density and type of rocks and sediments of the surface earth’s strata, surface water level, the strength of the medium, etc. The main task – archive information extracted from old data sources - is solved for different geophysical parameters of the ground – rock composition, depth distribution of the different layers, density, porosity, water saturation and many others characterizing the first 30 meters of depth. The physical properties can be obtained by different geophysical methods, frequently used for completely diverse tasks, not related to the needed physical properties. The data collection can be done by in situ measurements, boreholes sampling, lab tests, etc. Due to the recent complicated densely populated areas in the large communities, very frequently such investigations are not possible due to the complicated conditions – buildings, stock, noisy environment, etc. Thus, the main sources of information are the old archives. Examples of the solutions are presented.
Universal Thermal Climate Index and Incidences of Stroke in the Age Group 60+ in Sofia, Bulgaria
Universal Thermal Climate Index and Incidences of Stroke in the Age Group 60+ in Sofia, Bulgaria
(Universal Thermal Climate Index and Incidences of Stroke in the Age Group 60+ in Sofia, Bulgaria)
- Author(s):Zornitsa Spasova, Tzvetan Dimitrov
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Social Sciences, Geography, Regional studies, Environmental Geography, Sociology, Human Ecology, Welfare services
- Page Range:45-53
- No. of Pages:9
- Keywords:Universal Thermal Climate Index; cardiovascular; stroke cases in Sofia
- Summary/Abstract:The prolonged heat load on human body negatively affects all people, but especially vulnerable are elderly people suffering from cardiovascular disease. In the present paper we study the link between human thermal comfort or discomfort and cases of stroke in the age group over 60, defined as "adults" (60-74 years) and "old" (75-89 years) from the criteria of the World Health Organization, considering their gender distribution. The data for the disease were provided by Adjibadem City Clinic Tokuda Hospital - Sofia and refer to the period 2007-2011. To determine the heat sensation, we used the so-called Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI), which is a world-renowned and widely used climate index that characterizes the heat impact on the human body. UTCI is of thermophysiological significance and is valid in a wide range of external weather conditions, including extreme weather events. It reflects the physiological reactions of the "statistically average person", based on the method of heat balance of the human body. The index is used to assess discomfort in both hyperthermia and hypothermia and is presented as temperature scaled. The average number of patients admitted during different UTCI values during the warm half of the year (covering the months of May-September inclusive) was compared. Concerning the total number of cases, the largest number of patients with stroke is observed at UTCI values defined as "very strong heat impact", and the lowest - at comfortable thermal conditions (the so-called weather with "No impact”). Weather defined as "Moderate heat exposition" and "High heat exposure" occupy intermediate values for the number of patients in the clinic. Men in the age group 60-74 were mostly negatively affected by weather defined as with "Very strong heat impact", and in the age group of old men this increase was not very pronounced. Older women may be most sensitive to weather with a "High heat impact", and with a "Very high heat impact" the number of hospitalizations was even decreasing. A similar trend is observed in older women. An analysis of the statistical significance of the established differences was made and the applicability of the obtained results for the purposes of public health prevention was evaluated.
Cyanotoxins as an Emerging Risk – Molecular Methods for Detection (Study In Bulgaria)
Cyanotoxins as an Emerging Risk – Molecular Methods for Detection (Study In Bulgaria)
(Cyanotoxins as an Emerging Risk – Molecular Methods for Detection (Study In Bulgaria))
- Author(s):Krasimira Vasileva, Stanimira Arsova, Vessela Georgieva, Tzveta Georgieva
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Social Sciences, Geography, Regional studies, Environmental Geography, Sociology, Health and medicine and law
- Page Range:54-64
- No. of Pages:11
- Keywords:toxic microcystins; qPCR
- Summary/Abstract:Occurrences of cyanobacterial mass in freshwater lakes are usually formed by Anabaena, Microcystis and Planktothrix, which can produce cyclic heptapeptide hepatotoxins - microcystins. Hepatotoxins are inhibitors of protein phosphatases that cause bleeding in the liver of humans and animals, but also show strong tumor-promoter activity. Toxic cyanobacterial species are a risk factor for the environment and human health that requires their early detection at low concentrations. Such an approach is the application of methods for detecting DNA from toxic microalgae in water samples by polymerase chain reaction. Microcystis contain the peptide synthetase gene cluster, which is a complex of 10 genes, mcy (A-J), which control the synthesis of polyketides and peptide synthetases associated with microcystin synthesis. Only microcystin-producing cyanobacteria carry the mcy genes that can be used as a biomarker for early detection. Also the genetic differences within this gene cluster determines the level of production of secreted microcystins. The aim of the present study is early detection of toxic microalgae by real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) in samples taken from Bulgarian dams. Two test approaches were used - TaqMan and SYBR Green I dye. The obtained results prove the presence of cyanobacteria in all the samples and they were also compared with hydrobiological analysis which proves them. PCR methods provide qualitative results that can be used for early detection for potentially toxic cells at the beginning of the bloom, when the toxin concentrations are too low to be detected.
Analyses on the General Characteristics of Soils in Urban Forest Parks in Kardzhali
Analyses on the General Characteristics of Soils in Urban Forest Parks in Kardzhali
(Analyses on the General Characteristics of Soils in Urban Forest Parks in Kardzhali)
- Author(s):Miglena Zhiyanski, Maria Sokolovska
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Economy, Geography, Regional studies, Agriculture, Regional Geography, Environmental Geography
- Page Range:65-75
- No. of Pages:11
- Keywords:Kardzhali case-study; Urban forest parks; Superficial soil; General characteristics; Experimental data
- Summary/Abstract:The aim of present study is to analyze the general characteristics of soils in urban forest parks in a case-study region of Kardzhali and to define tendencies of the current soil processes. The superficial soil in three forest parks Arpezos-North, Central City Park and Prostor Park located in urban and peri-urban zones are studied along a transect with three plots in three repetitions. The general soil characteristics are analyzed following standard procedures. Based on the results it could be summarized that the soils in the studied parks are in good ecological condition in terms of stock of nutrients and organic matter. The lower C:N ratio (Prostor Park) indicates faster nitrogen release into the soil and availability for plants. The higher ratio (Arpezos-North Park and Central City Park) leads to an equilibrium state between the processes of mineralization and immobilization. Alkalization processes are more pronounced in the surface layers of soils in urban parks (Arpezos-North Park and Central City Park) than in park in peri-urban area (Prostor Park). Regarding the heavy metals and metalloids content it was determined a tendency in superficial soils of Prostor and Central City Park, to contain more Cu, Zn, Pb and Ni. The analyses on the current condition of soils, as a fundamental component of urban forest parks in Kardzhali case-study provides a basis for further monitoring on the status of green system in the city and to support the outlining measures for their sustainable management.
Health Condition of Pinus Peuce and Pinus Heldreichii Forest Stands in Mountain Areas in Bulgaria
Health Condition of Pinus Peuce and Pinus Heldreichii Forest Stands in Mountain Areas in Bulgaria
(Health Condition of Pinus Peuce and Pinus Heldreichii Forest Stands in Mountain Areas in Bulgaria)
- Author(s):Plamen Mirchev, Georgi Georgiev, Margarita Georgieva, Sevdalin Belilov, Mihail Kechev, Vyara Petrova
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Economy, Geography, Regional studies, Energy and Environmental Studies, Regional Geography, Environmental Geography
- Page Range:76-85
- No. of Pages:10
- Keywords:Macedonian and Bosnian pines; health condition; remote sensing; defoliation; biotic factors
- Summary/Abstract:In the period 2020-2021, the health status of 11 stands of Pinus peuce and P. heldreichii was assessed in Pirin Mt. (4 stands), Rila Mt. (3 stands), Slavyanka Mt. (2 stands), Vitosha Mt. (1 stand) and Konyavska planina Mt. (1 stand). The survey was based on remote sensing and terrestrial verification. The remote sensing data was obtained by capturing with unmanned aerial vehicle ‘Autel Robotics EVO II’ equipped with multispectral camera ‘Parrot SEQUOIA’. In field studies, an assessment of the defoliation of tree crowns and a registration of damages caused by abiotic and biotic factors was conducted. The defoliation in P. peuce stands varied between 21.3% and 44.8%, and in P. heldreichii stands – between 24.5% and 49.5%. Abiotic damages by strong wind, wet snow and ice-break were registered in studied stands. Among the biotic factors, the main damages were caused by fungal pathogens (Heterobasidion annosum, Diplodia sapinea, Cenangium ferruginosum) and bark beetles (Ips sexdentatus, I. amitinus, etc.).
Productivity and Physiological Response of Four Hybrid Poplar Clones Grown on Different Type of Substrate
Productivity and Physiological Response of Four Hybrid Poplar Clones Grown on Different Type of Substrate
(Productivity and Physiological Response of Four Hybrid Poplar Clones Grown on Different Type of Substrate)
- Author(s):Maria Glushkova, Svetoslav Anev
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Economy, Geography, Regional studies, Energy and Environmental Studies, Environmental Geography
- Page Range:86-96
- No. of Pages:11
- Keywords:hybrid poplars; growth; productivity; photosynthesis; water use efficiency
- Summary/Abstract:In order to reveal the productivity and physiological response of different poplar clones 200 cuttings of 4 hybrid poplar clones – “BL”, “Agathe”, “45/51” and “37/61” were set in rooting containers in 2 variants of cultivation - soil substrate and compost. The necessary growing activities for the poplar saplings were taken during the growing season, including watering and treatment against pathogens and insect pests. The growing parameters - height and diameter of the seedlings of 1-year-old seedlings were measured and the differences between poplar clones were reported. The rate of light-saturated photosynthesis and transpiration rate were measured with a portable infrared gas analyser Li-6400 and water use efficiency was calculated. The effect of genotype (clone) and substrate on the health status, growth in height and diameter and the physiological indicators - intensity of photosynthesis, intensity of transpiration and water use efficiency were studied. The results of the study showed the presence of significant clone differences of the studied functional parameters pertained to the growth and productivity of the studied four hybrid poplar clones at a young age. Poplar clone “BL” was found to show the best growth characteristics compared to the others at the age of seedlings one year. The growing substrate has also a significant effect on the variability of growth and physiological parameters among different poplar clones.
About the Authors
About the Authors
(About the Authors)
- Author(s):Author Not Specified
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Essay|Book Review |Scientific Life, Editorial
- Page Range:97-105
- No. of Pages:9
