Tidal modeling based on satellite altimetry observations of TOPEX/ Poseidon, Jason1, Jason2, and Jason3 with high prediction capability: A case study of the Baltic Sea

This research aims to optimize the utilization of long-term sea level data from the TOPEX/Poseidon,Jason1,Jason2,and Jason3 altimetry missions for tidal modeling.We generate a time series of along-track observations and apply a developed method to produce tidal models with specific tidal constituents for each location.Our tidal modeling methodology follows an iterative process:partitioning sea surface height(SSH)observations into analysis/training and prediction/validation parts and ultimately identi-fying the set of tidal constituents that provide the best predictions at each time series location.The study focuses on developing 1256 time series along the altimetry tracks over the Baltic Sea,each with its own set of tidal constituents.Verification of the developed tidal models against the sSH observations within the prediction/validation part reveals mean absolute error(MAE)values ranging from 0.0334 m to 0.1349 m,with an average MAE of 0.089 m.The same validation process is conducted on the FES2014 and EOT20 global tidal models,demonstrating that our tidal model,referred to as BT23(short for Baltic Tide 2023),outperforms both models with an average MAE improvement of 0.0417 m and 0.0346 m,respectively.In addition to providing details on the development of the time series and the tidal modeling procedure,we offer the 1256 along-track time series and their associated tidal models as supplementary materials.We encourage the satellite altimetry community to utilize these resources for further research and applications.

NEUMAG(BALTIC520)卷曲机温水循环系统缺陷原因分析及改进

文章分析了NEUMAG(BALTIC520)卷曲机原设计缺陷和结构特点,对卷曲机温水循环系统所存在的问题及其产生的原因进行了深入的分析,提出了卷曲机温水循环系统技术改进的可行性,制定了详细的改进方案并予以实施。

A sensitivity study of the WRF model in offshore wind modeling over the Baltic Sea

Accurate wind modeling is important for wind resources assessment and wind power forecasting. To improve the WRF model configuration for the offshore wind modeling over the Baltic Sea, this study performed a sensitivity study of the WRF model to multiple model configurations, including domain setup,grid resolution, sea surface temperature, land surface data, and atmosphere-wave coupling. The simulated offshore wind was evaluated against LiDAR observations under different wind directions, atmospheric stabilities, and sea status. Generally, the simulated wind profiles matched observations, despite systematic underestimations. Strengthening the forcing from the reanalysis data through reducing the number of nested domains played the largest role in improving wind modeling. Atmosphere-wave coupling further improved the simulated wind, especially under the growing and mature sea conditions.Increasing the vertical resolution, and updating the sea surface temperature and the land surface information only had a slight impact, mainly visible during very stable conditions. Increasing the horizontal resolution also only had a slight impact, most visible during unstable conditions. Our study can help to improve the wind resources assessment and wind power forecasting over the Baltic Sea.

A New Species Group in the Genus Tanytarsus van der Wulp (Diptera:Chironomidae) Based on a Fossil Record from Baltic Amber

A new fossil chironomid, Tanytarsus serafini, found in Baltic amber is described and illustrated based on adult males. The new species and similar extant species of the genus Tanytarsus van der Wulp are compared. Due to several distinct characters of wing, legs and bypopygium, a new species group for Tanytarsus serafini is proposed, and its diagnostic features are evaluated.

A New Species of Dactylolabis (Eobothrophorus) from Baltic Amber(Diptera:Limoniidae)

A new species, Dactylolabis （Eobothrophorus） hoffeinsorum sp. nov. from the Baltic amber is described, based on one male. The distinctive characters are the shape of the discal cell in the wing and the shape of the process on tergite IX. The description of Dactylolabis （Eobothrophorus） lauryni Podenas, 2003 is amended, based on an additional specimen. With the new species added herein, the number of species of this subgenus totals four. The wing venation, antennae, and tergal processes of all four species of the subgenus described from the Baltic amber are compared.

New Hormaphididae(Hemiptera,Aphidomorpha) from the Baltic Amber and its Palaeogeographic Significance

The present study describes a new genus and species Unicohormaphis sorini,which belongs to the subfamily Cerataphidinae.The contemporary distribution of aphids belonging to the Hormaphididae family is summarized and analyzed.According to the obtained data,the climate warming in Eocene was conducive to the expansion of the family over the areas of Europe.Subsequent climate changes,resulting from epeirogenic and orogenic movements towards the end of Eocene,led to a considerable cooling and drying of climate in the northern hemisphere.These processes contributed to the shrinking down of areas covered by subtropical forests,which constituted the habitat of Hormaphididae（Cerataphidinae）.Retaining their way of life,the Cerataphidinae were forced to limit their distribution,and the representatives of the family in Europe became completely extinct.

Microelectrona cladara gen.et sp.nov.:A New Protodikraneurini from the Eocene Baltic Amber(Hemiptera:Cicadomorpha:Cicadellidae:Typhlocybinae)

A new genus Microelectrona gen. nov. and species Microelectrona cladara sp. nov. of the extinct tribe Protodikraneurini of the leafhoppers （Cicadellidae： Typhlocybinae） from the Eocene Baltic amber is described. The piece of amber containing leafhopper inclusion is broken, unveiling some of the morphological structures, and enabling their studies using scanning electron microscopy.

The effects of mean sea level rise and strengthened winds on extreme sea levels in the Baltic Sea

Mean sea level rise and climatological wind speed changes occur as part of the ongoing climate change and future projections of both variables are still highly uncertain. Here the Baltic Sea’s response in extreme sea levels to perturbations in mean sea level and wind speeds is investigated in a series of simulations with a newly developed storm surge model based on the nucleus for European modeling of the ocean(NEMO)-Nordic. A simple linear model with only two tunable parameters is found to capture the changes in the return levels extremely well. The response to mean sea level rise is linear and nearly spatially uniform, meaning that a mean sea level rise of 1 m increases the return levels by a equal amount everywhere. The response to wind speed perturbations is more complicated and return levels are found to increase more where they are already high. This behaviour is alarming as it suggests that already flooding prone regions like the Gulf of Finland will be disproportionally adversely affected in a future windier climate.

Object-based Classification of Baltic Sea Ice Extent and Concentration in Winter 2011

The Baltic Sea is a brackish, mediterranean sea located in the middle latitudes of Europe. It is seasonally covered with ice. The ice covered areas during a typical winter are the Bothnian Bay, the Gulf of Finnland and the Gulf of Riga. Sea ice plays an important role in dynamic and thermodynamic processes and also has a strong impact on the heat budget of the sea. Also a large part of transport goes by sea, and there is a need to create ice charts to make the marine transport safe. Because of high cloudiness in winter season and small amount of light in the northern part of the Baltic Sea, radar data are the most important remote sensing source of sea ice information. The main goal of the following studies is classification of the Baltic sea ice cover using radar data. The ENVISAT ASAR （Advanced Synthetic Aperture Radar） acquires data in five different modes. In the following studies ASAR Wide Swath Mode data were used. The Wide Swath Mode, using the ScanSAR technique provides medium resolution images （150 m） over a swath of 405 kin, at HH or VV polarization. In following work data from February 13th, February 24th and April 6th, 2011, representing three different sea ice situations were chosen. OBIA （object-based image analysis） methods and texture parameters were used to create sea ice extent and sea ice concentration charts. Based on object-based methods, it can separate single sea ice floes within the ice pack and calculate more accurately sea ice concentration.

Linkages between Arctic sea ice cover,large-scale atmospheric circulation,and weather and ice conditions in the Gulf of Bothnia,Baltic Sea

During years 1980/1981-2012/2013, inter-annual variations in sea ice and snow thickness in Kemi, in the northern coast of the Gulf of Bothnia, Baltic Sea, depended on the air temperature, snow fall, and rain. Inter-annual variations in the November--April mean air temperature, accumulated total precipitation, snow fall, and rain, as well as ice and snow thickness in Kemi and ice concentration in the Gulf of Bothnia correlated with inter-annual variations of the Pacific Decadal Oscillation （PDO）, Arctic Oscillation （AO）, North Atlantic Oscillation （NAO）, Scandinavian Pattern （SCA）, and Polar / Eurasian Pattern （PEU）. The strong role of PDO is a new finding. In general, the relationships with PDO were approximately equally strong as those with AO, but rain and sea ice concentration were better correlated with PDO. The correlations with PDO were, however, not persistent; for a study period since 1950 the correlations were much lower. During 1980/1981--2012/2013, also the Pacific / North American Pattern （PNA） and E1 Nino-Southern Oscillation （ENSO） had statistical connections with the conditions in the Gulf of Bothnia, revealed by analyzing their effects combined with those of PDO and AO. A reduced autumn sea ice area in the Arctic was related to increased rain and total precipitation in the following winter in Kemi. This correlation was significant for the Pan-Arctic sea ice area in September, October, and November, and for the November sea ice area in the Barents / Kara seas.

Oil and Gas Potential of Eurasian Western Arctic Shelf/Exploration in the Nearshore Area of Northeastern Baltic Shield

A number of large and unique oil and gas fields were discovered over the western Arctic shelf of Eurasia. Some of them were partially appraised. Also, there are three potentially hydrocarbon-rich but insufficiently studied areas in the region. The discovery of commercial accumulations there would substantially increase the petroleum potential of the entire region. These areas are northern Murmansk Oblast, on the Rybachy Peninsula, the Franz-Joseph Land area, and?the North Kara Shelf. It is suggested that oil and gas field discoveries in the former two areas are most expedient under current conditions. The oil and gas potential of the northwestern Kola Peninsula is reviewed in more detail.

Sustainable Consumption and Production in the Baltic Sea Region

Economic activity always has an impact on the environment, but the potential degree of this impact depends on consumption and production pattems. The aim of this paper is to analyse the environmental and well being impacts of consumption and production systems in Baltic Sea Region and draw conclusions about transferring of best practises in Latvia. This study is based on indicator analyses, focusing on data of environmental impacts from consumption and production in the region, and analyses drivers behind these impacts. The paper concludes two trends--Scandinavian countries and Germany which have more advanced economies demonstrate much higher ecoefficiency and environmental management practices compared to the new EU member states. The example of the Baltic Sea region shows that high income levels and a stable development path in the old EU member states provide grounds for technology advancement to reduce the environmental impact of production. However Baltic States and Poland on average demonstrate much more sustainable consumption patterns. But the trends in these countries are negative--they try to copy lifestyles and consumption patterns of more advanced economies with higher ecological footprint. Challenge for Latvia is to improve its ecoefficiency but at the same time develop more sustainable consumption patterns.

China and Russia on the Baltic Sea: Between Rivalry and Cooperation

The Russian-Chinese cooperation conducted on sea basin conducted in the 21st century is aimed at limiting the US ability to control global transport routes,especially energy transport carriers.The community of interests outlined in this way allows for undertaking a number of political and economic initiatives and the use of demonstration of strength in regions where the national interests of both countries are located.Its scope is limited by existing divergences,which particularly concern the European policy of both countries.Chinese plans to build the One Belt One Road transport system are violating the status quo in Eurasia in favour of Beijing.While under the Asian policy both countries have managed to reach a compromise regarding the way of economic activity and the formula for building this merger,the scale of divergence of interests in Europe limits the possibility of reaching a similar agreement.Russia’s goal is primarily to limit the US’s ability to control northern shipping routes,followed by maintaining political and economic influence in Europe in the context of China’s increasing activity and the gradual decrease in the demand for energy resources.For China,the goal is to make the most effective use of the transport system to Europe,ultimately based on the One Belt One Road project.Therefore,the only common strategic goals of both countries in relation to Europe are striving to transfer the burden of US maritime activity from Asian reservoirs to the waters of the Artic and North Atlantic the seas surrounding Europe.However,the Chinese from this group exclude the Baltic Sea,which is to be an area of political stability.However,in the assumptions of Russian policy,the Baltic is to be a substitute region for conducting Arctic rivalry.The existing discrepancies mean that the scope of European cooperation of both countries is limited and will focus on limiting the American dominance on maritime shipping routes and economic undertakings enabling the realization of the interests of both countries.

Observed Changes in Long-Term Climatic Conditions and Inner-Regional Differences in Urban Regions of the Baltic Sea Coast

This paper presents research outcomes from an investigation into climate change and urban impacts on climate development in urban regions of the Baltic Sea coast. The cities considered were Rostock and Stockholm, and their surrounding regions. The objectives were: 1) to determine whether significant changes in temperature and precipitation have occurred and, if so, to what extent;and 2) to establish whether there is a noticeable urban heat island effect in Stockholm and the medium-sized city of Rostock. Climatic trends were detected by linear regression and the Mann- Kendall test. Different precipitation trends were detected over the whole period of observation. Average annual temperatures increased significantly in both case studies, particularly from the 1970s with highest trends in winter and lowest in autumn (Rostock) and summer (Stockholm). Although changes in temperature extremes were detected for both regions, no overall long-term trend for precipitation extremes was observed. The average temperature in the city of Rostock (Stockholm) was approximately 0.3°C to 0.6°C (1.2°C) higher than in the surrounding rural areas had seasonal variations, with maxima in the warm season. The main outcomes were that significant changes in climatic conditions, particularly temperature patterns, have been occurring in the case study regions since the 1980s, and that there is a considerable urban heat island effect in both Stockholm and Rostock. This could encourage urban planners to consider specific climatic conditions and small-scale climatic influences also in relatively small coastal urban conglomerates in mid latitudes which can follow from land use changes.

Drowned Early Mesolithic Landscapes on the Baltic Sea Bed in the Lithuanian Waters

This paper presents underwater relict forest fossil and ancient coast formation exploration results in the eastern Baltic Sea. Tree fossils and sediment layers discovered in the sea-bed were dated with 14^C along with palynological and dendrological analysis. Based on the obtained data, a fragment of submerged early Holocene landscape, coastline of the Yoldia Sea and Ancylus Lake has been reconstructed. The research data determine that vegetation and natural conditions of the Yoldia Sea coastal were favourable for Early Mesolithic communities. Well-preserved relict pine forest dates are also crucial to Baltic Sea water level dynamics analysis during the period： end of Yoldia Sea-Ancylus Lake.

Succinite, Baltic Amber:A Chemical Masterpiece of Nature

Succinite,Baltic amber,is one of the most appreciated fossil resins.Its beauty has fascinated people since prehistoric times.It is a substance,and also gemstone,whose uniqueness is due to its compelling,though still not fully understood,physicochemical nature.In this article,some facts about the physical and chemical properties of succinite in order to find an answer for questions about the unique properties of this resin,such as color,transparency,texture etc.,are discussed.These properties are among the factors that determine the choice of Baltic amber as a gemstone.Commonly known properties of succinite,but also some less obvious features,have been linked to the organic and inorganic chemical composition and structural factors,including the sophisticated supramolecular structure masterfully created by nature.Changes of the properties of succinite used as a jewelry stone are discussed as a reflection of changes in its physicochemical nature.In this light,some methods that can be used to identify succinite(i.e.,infrared spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy)and their relevance to the classification of fossil resins are briefly discussed.This article highlights an important point:only by understanding the chemical and physical nature of the material we able to identify,modify and effectively use the goods that have been given to us by mother nature.

Baltic Linen公司产品配套范围扩大

最近,纽约Valley Stream的Balic Linen 公司推出二只新的产品系列:盥洗配套产品及窗帘产品,这两个新系列都能与公司现有的产品及盥洗毛巾相配套的。新的窗帘是直接能与新的寝用产品配套的,新的窗帘有12种提花图案可供选择; 质地有微纤、小山羊皮、纱线染色的、雪尼尔纱线染色的及素色提花的。

Distribution of mercury in different environmental compartments in the aquatic ecosystem of the coastal zone of the Southern Baltic Sea

The aim of this study was to characterize mercury （Hg） contamination in the coastal waters of the Southern Baltic Sea, and to investigate transformations of Hg in the initial links of the marine food chain. Concentrations of Hg in water, particulate matter, plankton and macrophytes at various stations in the coastal zone （a bay with restricted water exchange, near an industrial city, river mouths, and the open sea） were measured in 2006–2008. Hg concentrations observed in the Southern Baltic varied greatly, showing the highest average values in all environmental compartments near the river mouths. In shallow, sheltered parts of the gulf, where water exchange is restricted, Hg concentrations in the water and in macrophytes were elevated relative to those in the coastal zone of the deeper part of the bay and in the open Baltic. Distance to the river mouth, terrestrial runoff, and quantity and quality of organic matter were more important than seasonal variations in controlling Hg and HgSPM concentrations in water samples. Mercury concentrations in the surface microlayer at the air/sea interface were over 10 times higher than those in the bulk surface water. Concentrations of Hg in macrophytes in the winter were significantly higher than those in the warm seasons （spring, summer, autumn）. This was probably the combined effect of higher availability of Hg in porewaters and leaf growth inhibition.

Populism and Political Party Institutionalisation in the Three Baltic States of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania

The three Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania make for interesting comparative case studies in the rise of contemporary populism in Europe. All three countries share a similar modem history, democratic political system, level of economic development and are in the same western-oriented regional clubs （NATO, European Union, OSCE, European Council and, in the case of Estonia and Latvia, OECD, etc.）. However, they do differ in the extent to which populism has played a role in their national politics. Populism has played a marginal role in Estonian politics, but has long been central to the Latvian party system and influential in Lithuanian politics. This article tackles two key issues in the study of populism. First, it focuses on political party institutionalisation as the key variable in explaining the differing impact of populist political parties across the Baltic states. It examines and explains the higher turnover of political party creation and destruction in Latvia and, to a lesser extent, Lithuania and argues that institutions--and par- ticularly the laws that frame party organisations and participation in elections-- create political opportunities for populist parties. The second part of the paper considers the different types of populist parties to have emerged in the Baltic states in recent decades. While previous studies of populism in the Baltic states （such as Auers and Kasekamp in J Contemp Eur Stud 17（2）：241-254, 2009; Auers and Kasekamp, in： Wodak et al （eds） Right wing populism across/beyond Europe, Bloomsbury Academic Press, London 2013） have explicitly focused on Radical Right Populist parties, this article additionally identifies a number of parties in the region that are not explicitly radical right, but are certainly populist.

C3和C5航线运价影响因素研究

为了更好地掌握C3和C5航线运价指数的波动规律,降低航运经营者和投资者贸易投资的风险,基于AIS数据建立短期运价回归模型。在船舶运力和油价的基础上,提出区域运力作为影响航线运价的新因素,并采用多元线性逐步回归法在未加入区域因素和加入区域因素的2种情况下分别对C3和C5航线运价进行回归分析。实例验证表明,加入区域因素后C3和C5的短期运价回归模型拟合度较未加入区域因素时回归模型的拟合度分别提高了0.072和0.071,短期预测的效果较好,可为航运经营者提供一定的决策支持。