12 research outputs found
Morphology of Khorgo Volcano Crater in the Khangai Mountains in Central Mongolia
Cenozoic basalt, which is widespread in Mongolia, has been attracting the attention of Central Asian researchers since the beginning of the last century. This study identified the geomorphological shape of the Khorgo volcano. The main purpose of the study is to determine the origin and morphological form of Khorgo volcano, a key representative of Cenozoic volcanism. In general, there are several types of morphological forms associated with lava overflow, and it is important to determine which types are the most common and also to establish a link between them. Geomorphological studies in this area have not been conducted in Mongolia. Spatial improvement and morphometric methods satellite imagery had identified Khorgo volcanic faults.Khangai magmatism had thinned its crust to 45 km during the Tariat-Chuluut volcanic activity. It can be concluded that this was due to the thinning of the continental crust in the Khangai Mountains because of mantle plume. During this time, tectonic faults formed were formed, which had broken through the earth\u27s crust. Part of this fault was formed in the vicinity of Khorgo Mountain from northwest to southeast, and lava flowed with the basic composition, which led to the formation of the current morphological form of Khorgo volcano. The lava flow was less than 45% silica and potassium-dominated, which blocked the Suman River valley and formed the present-day Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake. The morphometric analysis compared the morphology of a typical volcano, which showed that the mouth of the crater of the Khorgo volcano has a slope slanting about 45 degrees, it is about 100 meters in depth, with a diameter of about 500 meters. By comparing the basalt composition of the Khorgo volcano and its morphometric characteristics with other standard volcanoes, it has been determined that it is in the form of a lava dome
Impact of faulting on the depression morphology of Ulaagchinii Khar Lake in Mongolia
The geomorphology of the Ulaagchinii Khar Lake depression is predominantly governed by tectonic faulting. Morphometric analysis identifies a distinct network of orthogonal faults that are prominently manifested in both topographic and bathymetric patterns. These fault systems primarily trend northwest-southeast and north-south, intersecting near the lake’s central region. This central zone is characterized by pronounced linear formations and abrupt shifts in elevation, as depicted in isobath profiles, indicative of tectonic subsidence along fault zones. The lake depression exhibits strong tectonic control, supported by a high hypsometric integral (HI=0.91) and a notably elongated basin shape index (Bs=2.81). Further evidence for a tectonic origin includes a major east-west oriented fault extending 40.8 km with a steep inclination of 35°, and a vertical relief energy of 274 m. Significant depth variations, reaching up to 47 m in the lake’s western sector, further reinforce the influence of faulting on its morphological configuration. Complementary geomagnetic anomaly data also correspond with these structural features, affirming the presence of active tectonic processes within the depression. The orthogonal fault systems have not only shaped the physical structure of the depression but have also influenced its hydrological regime by enhancing groundwater infiltration, thereby contributing to the lake’s freshwater characteristics. This research underscores that the current morphology and hydrological compartmentalization of Ulaagchinii Khar Lake are the result of an interplay between tectonically controlled fault activity and Late Quaternary dune deposition
Implication of climate change on the volume of lakes in the forest-steppe zone, Central Mongolia: Ойт хээрийн бүсийн нууруудын эзэлхүүнд уур амьсгалын өөрчлөлтийн үзүүлэх нөлөө
The two large lakes in the center of Mongolia, located between the Khangay mountain ranges and branch ranges, are the sites of environmental changes affected by recent climate change. There is scarce research in Mongolia that examines and evaluates how climate change affects major tourism destinations that are part of the forest-steppe region with an abundance of climate resources. In this study, Trend analysis, Statistical analysis methods, and Water Normalized index (NDWI) were used. The results indicated that, in the area of Ulaagchiny Khar Lake, Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake, evaporation increased when the Mann-Kendall value of the average air temperature trend increased by Z=2.61 and Z=0.90, respectively. Precipitation decreased Z=-0.65 or sharply in the vicinity of Ulaagchiny Khar Lake, and the average air temperature increased, resulting in a sharp decrease in the volume of the lake y=-0.0067x+0.5307 R²=0.6957. But by time's periodicity, the water's volume increased from 1993-1999 before abruptly declining after that. However, precipitation Z=2.72 trend increased near Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake, while the lake's volume slightly decreased y=-0.0003x+0.3702 R²=0.0341, which is associated with an increase in air temperature. In terms of time, the volume of the lake around the Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake fluctuates according to the average annual temperature and precipitation. Given that the research region is located in the zone of permafrost discontinuous and continuous, probably, the recent permafrost loss has indirectly impacted the lakes' volume. It was determined that the decreased changes in the volume of these lakes are expected to increase in the future. This research may be used as a model to predict future environmental concerns caused by decreased water volume as a result of present climate change in lakes in semi-arid and dry climates
Geomorphological study of the origin of Mongolian Altai Mountains Lake depressions: implications for the relationships between tectonic and glacial processes
The lake depressions in the Mongolian Altai Mountains, and the issues related to their formation have yet to be thoroughly examined in previous research. Previous studies primarily focused on the paleogeographical evolution and glaciation dynamics of the Altai Mountains. This study presents relationships between tectonic and glacial processes that have formed the lake depressions, such asKhoton, Khurgan, Dayan, Khar (western), and Khar (eastern) in the Mongolian Altai Mountains. The depressions of Khoton, Khurgan, and Dayan lakes are situated along regional fault zones, extending in an northwest-southeast direction, forming intermontane depressions directly connected to the Mongolian Altai Mountains. However, the depressions of Dayan, Khar (western), and Khar (eastern) lakes have been dammed by moraine deposits in the near portion of the depression. The compliance matrix of tectonic geomorphological criteria indicates that the Khoton, Khurgan, Dayan Lake, and Khar (western) Lake depressions are more than 50% compatible. Similarly, the compliance matrix for glacial eomorphological criteria indicates more than 60% compliance for all lake depressions. The Mongolian Altai intermontane depressions are thus of tectonic origin, whereas the lakes have a glacial origin, resulting from dammed moraine sediments. The significanceof this work lies in demonstrating how geomorphological research can be employed to provide a detailed understanding of the pattern of lake depressions
Overview of research on traditional medicinal ingredients and raw materials mentioned in the source texts of Ami barigch-5 powder medicine
Based on the results of recent scientific research, Mongolian traditional medicine is one of the ancient medical practices with a history spanning 5,000 years. An invaluable contribution to the development of formulations in Mongolian traditional medicine is the work by Choijamts, titled “The Heart Essence of the Elixir Compiled from Various Essential Texts of Medicine: Ngo mtshar dga ston gter mdzod”. This work became widely renowned for its detailed explanation of the laws governing human health, the causes of illness, and the methods of healing, as well as for its exceptional collection of medicinal recipes. With the increasing need to systematically study traditional and modernized uses of medicines derived from plants, animals, and minerals, it is essential to elevate research to a new level. By studying traditional technologies and identifying proven medicinal compounds from ancient and rare texts, this research focuses on exploring the formula of Srog dzin-5 found in Choijamts’s work. This approach was chosen to contribute to the scientific understanding and application of traditional medicine. The Buddhist Lama Choijamts lived between 1860 and 1928. His work, “The Heart Essence of the Elixir Compiled from Various Essential Texts of Medicine: Ngo mtshar dga ston gter mdzod” commonly referred to as “Ngo mtshar dga ston gter mdzod” was initiated in 1921 and meticulously revised and completed in 1922. This monumental text comprises 129 chapters. The 58th chapter specifically addresses remedies for heart diseases, prescribing the “Ami Barigch-5” formula mixed with molasses. It describes the medicine as effective for treating heart conditions, insanity, seizures, emotional distress, heart palpitations, and shortness of breath. The composition and potency of this powdered medicine were examined in comparison to other formulations and raw materials described in historical texts and primary sources. Research further indicates that the Ami Barigch-5 powder medicine, with its carefully curated ingredients and therapeutic properties, has been validated through pharmacological and clinical trials, confirming its efficacy as a traditional medicinal recipe
Climate change impact of land cover changes in the Kharhiraa-Turgen mountain region
The study region experiences marked seasonal climatic contrasts, primarily influenced by the Central Asian anticyclone during winter and the South Asian continental depression in summer. The Mongolian Altai Mountains serve as a significant orographic barrier, further shaping local climatic patterns. Although spatial variability in precipitation is relatively limited, the steady increase in temperature-exacerbated in recent decades by global climate change - has intensified climatic differentiation across the region. This warming trend contributes to growing heterogeneity in environmental conditions and landscape processes, underscoring the area’s heightened sensitivity to ongoing climatic shifts. The aim was to illustrate climate and land cover shifts in the Kharkhiraa-Turgen mountain region using Landsat satellite data at a spatial scale. Temporally, changes were assessed between 2002 and 2021 at five-year intervals. By 2021, grassland coverage dominated the landscape, occupying 46.1% of the land cover, an increase of 1.9% from 2015. Conversely, bare land decreased from 37.2% in 2000 to 30.2% in 2021, while wetlands along riverbeds expanded from 14.35% in 2000 to 17.5% in 2021. In January 2000, the average air temperature was -20.5°C, compared to -18°C in January 2021, reflecting a 2.5°C increase. July temperatures rose from 16.2°C in 2000 to 17.4°C in 2021, a 1.19°C change. Summer precipitation in 2021 (151 mm) surpassed that of 2015 (70.1 mm), 2010 (118.3 mm), 2005 (106.9 mm), and 2000 (96.5 mm), indicating a relative increase in precipitation in the area. The prevalence of bare soil in the region is closely associated with the mountainous terrain, steep slopes, and patterns of soil erosion. Harsh climatic conditions further exacerbate rock exposure and hinder soil stabilization. Rainfall predominantly runs off the surface rather than infiltrating, which, in turn, facilitates the development of wetlands and water bodies in certain areas
Estimation of the burned area with severity and its influencing factors for wildfire using Sentinel-2 satellite imagery: Ой, хээрийн түймрийн шатсан талбай, түүний шаталтын зэрэглэлд нөлөөлөх хүчин зүйлсийн хамаарлын судалгаа
Wildfire is a natural disaster that harms human and animal habitats and the socio-economy. Remote sensing techniques are commonly used in the research of natural disasters, natural resources and monitoring. Timely and accurate estimation of the location of forest fires is particularly important for post-fire management and decision-making. Sentinel-2 satellite images of the European Space Agency ‘ESA’ were used to estimate the area affected by forest fires at Bayan-Uul and Bayandun soums in Dornod province, and classified the burn severity levels and comparison with other influencing factors in this study. The normalized burn ratio ‘NBR' and indices on pre-fire and post-fire were calculated. The total burned area was calculated as 58,131.6 ha, and low, moderate-low, moderate-high, and high burn severity levels cover 15,423.7 ha (26.3%), 29,529.4 ha (50.4%), 13,160.2 ha (22.5%), and 18.3 ha (0.03%), respectively. The 87.6% of the burned area is situated in Mongolian territory, while the remaining area (12.4%) belongs to the Russian Federation. Comparing 10 natural and geographical factors that can influence the burn severity and calculating the correlation coefficients by Pearson. Four of them related a positive lower, and six of them related negative lower. The weak relationships of Normalized Difference Vegetation Index ‘NDVI’, elevation were 0.4 and 0.23. However, the precipitation correlation was -0.22 (negative weak). The distribution of wildfire is strongly influenced by the wind, and the correlation coefficient demonstrates a negative correlation with no effect on combustion. The conditions of socio-economic and ecological disastrous consequences such as loss of plant species and resources, changes in plant structure, depletion of pasture resources, extinction of rare animals and plants, reduction of forest resources, and large-scale air pollution resulting in the loss of human and animal in post-fire. Therefore, this research is important to due for studying the burning, distribution and, coverage area of the fire, and create conditions for the prevention of future risks
Tectonic geomorphology of the lake depressions in the Mongolian Altai mountains, western Mongolia
This study explores the tectonic geomorphology of lake depressions in the Mongolian Altai Mountains (MAM), focusing on three prominent lakes: Tolbo, Achit, and Uureg. These lakes are situated within tectonically active zones in the westernmost part of Mongolia, providing valuable insights into the interplay between geological processes and geomorphological evolution. The study investigates the structural characteristics and faults influencing lake depressions, utilizing satellite imagery, morphometric analysis, and geomorphological criteria interpretation. The morphometric analysis reveals significantly high HI (%) values for the Uureg, Achit, and Tolbo lake depressions, suggesting active tectonic movements in these regions. Additionally, the Smf, Bs, RSl, and Re indices support the evidence of ongoing tectonic processes. Since the northern MAM are located within a transpressional stress regime, the associated basins are expected to reflect this tectonic setting. Accordingly, all intermontane basins in the region are characterized as half-ramp, remnant low, or ramp basins. Each depression is shaped by different fault regimes, including thrust, strike-slip, and tilted thrust faults. These depressions are controlled by neotectonic processes associated with the Indian–Eurasian plate collision. Their dynamic nature underscores their significance as key tectonic features in the MAM. This case study deepens our understanding of the dynamic interplay between tectonics and lake depression formation in seismically active regions. It contributes valuable insights into the geomorphological evolution of mountainous landscapes
Gastric Endometriosis
Objectives: First reported in 1950, endometriosis is characterized by the presence of endometrial glands and stroma outside the endometrial cavity. Methods: A forty year old Mongolian woman had symptoms of epigastric and right upper quadrant pain, slow digestion, early satiety, and occasional diarrhea when diagnosed with gastroptosis in 2014. In December 2016, her symptoms became more severe and, at times, dry food would become stuck in her throat. Results: The patient was successfully treated by surgery and has not shown evidence of recurrence, although prolonged observation is necessary. Conclusion: The treatment of choice for extrapelvic endometriosis is surgical resection
Genetic and antigenic characterization of H5 and H7 avian influenza viruses isolated from migratory waterfowl in Mongolia from 2017 to 2019
The circulation of highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses (HPAIVs) of various subtypes (e.g., H5N1, H5N6, H5N8, and H7N9) in poultry remains a global concern for animal and public health. Migratory waterfowls play important roles in the transmission of these viruses across countries. To monitor virus spread by wild birds, active surveillance for avian influenza in migratory waterfowl was conducted in Mongolia from 2015 to 2019. In total, 5000 fecal samples were collected from lakesides in central Mongolia, and 167 influenza A viruses were isolated. Two H5N3, four H7N3, and two H7N7 viruses were characterized in this study. The amino acid sequence at hemagglutinin (HA) cleavage site of those isolates suggested low pathogenicity in chickens. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that all H5 and H7 viruses were closely related to recent H5 and H7 low pathogenic avian influenza viruses (LPAIVs) isolated from wild birds in Asia and Europe. Antigenicity of H7Nx was similar to those of typical non-pathogenic avian influenza viruses (AIVs). While HPAIVs or A/Anhui/1/2013 (H7N9)-related LPAIVs were not detected in migratory waterfowl in Mongolia, sporadic introductions of AIVs including H5 and H7 viruses into Mongolia through the wild bird migration were identified. Thus, continued monitoring of H5 and H7 AIVs in both domestic and wild birds is needed for the early detection of HPAIVs spread into the country
