Soil conditions and climate change: a case study of the Republic of Bashkortostan, Russia

摘要

The paper reports the observed data of average annual temperatures and precipitation for the period 1985-2016 for the regions of the Republic of Bashkortostan and an analysis of the influence of climate change on the soil climate. The Republic is one of Russia's largest producers of agricultural products, and the forest cover of the territory is almost 40%. Given the existence of extensive oil pipelines and water supply networks, the issue of soil climate is relevant also to the management of such infrastructure. The average annual air temperature in the region has increased by 0.7°C and some weather stations have recorded absolute increases in maximum temperatures. Thus, there is an increase in the length of the vegetative period but at the same time there is increased risk of drought. Further, the average annual rainfall is increasing. The importance of the depth of freezing of the soil for agriculture was considered; deep and unstable freezing zones were identified. The height of the snow cover has also decreased. The paper considers implications for engineering systems such as pipelines and basements for different buildings and constructions.