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Volume XX |

Risk of Dynamics of the River Stream in Tectonic Areas. Case studies: Curvature Carpathian – Romania and Maghrebian Chain – Algeria

Abstract: The tectonic characteristics of the Alpine orogeny highlight some similarities in the genesis of landforms over large areas. This paper analyses the role of tectonic processes in two subsiding areas with uplift movements. The overall tectonic activity implies the formation and evolution of the hydrographic network and its correlation with the major relief structure, thus forming streams parallel to the high-altitude lines, as well as consistent, transversal, and subsequent streams.These tectonic processes are accompanied by antecedents and/or epigenesis common in the Eastern Carpathians, Romania. Hence the Bistrița River is longitudinal compared to the Bistrița and the Stânișoara Mountains, but also transversal in other sectors. In Algeria, the Northeast, especially the Zighoud Youcef zone (NE of Constantine), is characterized by a particular morphography and morphometry of the river basins which reveals reorganizations of the river network through their transversal or longitudinal characteristics compared to the structure and tectonics of the region. In areas with imminent catchments, the regressive erosion amplifies the slope dynamics and slope processes vulnerability.The uplift and subsidence movements impose reorganizations of the hydrographic network of the catchments with the alternation of the erosion and sedimentation processes it creates a certain fluvial style pattern. In the subsidence of the Întorsura Buzăului depression, the longitudinal profile of the Buzău River has a very low slope and its meanders create islets. This is subject to frequent floods which imposed the riverbed regularization. However, in Zighoud Youcef, the Oued Smendou River also indicates some similarities with the Buzău River structure due to subsiding areas of the Mila-Constantine basin.

Volume XX |

Estimating Soil Erosion Exerted by Water in the Lower Sector of the Jiu River Floodplain and Băilești Plain

Abstract: This paper aims to identify the main areas prone to soil erosion exerted by water within the Băilești Plain and in the lower section of the Jiu River Corridor, a region with a very high agricultural potential. The study is concerned with rainfall erosion. Computing this type of erosion helps us to give better solutions for mitigating topsoil loss rate. For quantifying the amount of soil eroded, we used and adapted RUSLE equation. The obtained values we computed for RUSLE within our area range between 0 and 8.89 t-1/ha-1/yr-1. The most exposed areas to soil erosion exerted by water are located on the steep slopes, in the North-East of our study area, where the rainfall erosivity factor has the highest values, soil erodability factor (K-factor) is also very high, and cover-management factor (C) has the biggest value.

Volume XX |

Comparative analysis on the role of vegetation in controlling the potential effects of gas stations on residential areas

Abstract: When considering human activities with potential negative effects in urban environment, gas stations are a hot topic. For over one century their presence increased associated to the number of vehicles used in cities, and frequently they are associated with residential areas – where the highest number of users are present. Acknowledging their potential effects, gas stations are a response to a high demand in cities – that of mobility. This is especially relevant in Central and Eastern Europe cities (such as Bucharest), which continue to be dominated by cars and alternative models of transportation are present in lower proportions. In the present study we started from extracting with field observations the present characteristics of gas stations in Sector 4 of Bucharest. We applied 31 field observation sheets using Survey 123, containing information about their emplacement and accessibility, the presence and structure of vegetation, etc. We compared results to those of 120 questionnaires applied to the population. Our results revealed the important role the presence of vegetation has on reducing the negative effects of gas stations (both observed and perceived), the differences between populations living in the proximity of gas stations and other residents, and also the fulfilment of legal requirements. We consider our results to be extremely relevant and useful instruments for urban planners and decision-makers in their efforts of improving the quality of life and wellbeing in cities.

Volume XX |

Analysis of the Relationships Between the Phreatic Aquifer and Natura 2000 Habitats from ROSCI0224 Scroviștea

Abstract: The analysis of the relationships between groundwater and terrestrial ecosystems contributes to the conservation of biodiversity and the quantitative and qualitative status of the aquifer.The main goal of the paper is to analyze the relationships between the phreatic aquifer of ROIL16 (Vlăsia Plain) and the six Natura 2000 habitats from the Site of Community Importance (SCI) ROSCI0224 Scroviștea. This work is based on hydrogeological, geological data, mathematical modeling of the phreatic aquifer (October 17-19, 2017), and the methodology used for study the relationship between groundwater bodies and terrestrial ecosystems, developed by the R.A.H. (2015). The evaluation of the dependence (high – A, medium – B, nule – C) relations, between the phreatic aquifer and the habitats, is made mainly by correlating the depth of the hydrostatic level with the depth of the root system of plant and tree species. The main findings based on the hydrogeological, ecological criteria, and analysis algorithms highlight the fact that most habitats and later the Scroviștea site are dependent on groundwater. The six Natura 2000 habitats (3150, 3160, 91M0, 91F0, 91E0 și 92A0) are analyzed individually concerning the depth of the groundwater level. In the evaluation of the degrees of dependence of the habitats, two other criteria are applied, maximum and arithmetic mean about their extension surface. Thus, four habitats (91M0, 91F0, 91E0, and 92A0) are identified with high dependence on groundwater, and two habitats (3150 and 3160) with nule dependence. Considering only this stage of analysis, it was considered that the SCI Scroviștea has a high dependence on the phreatic aquifer.For a correct assessment of the dependence relations between groundwater and habitats, analyzes related to the hydrodynamic and hydrochemical regime of the groundwater aquifer and the correlation of this information with analyzes from specialized studies performed for plant and tree species are required.

Volume XX |

How is COVID-19 reshaping temporary and circular labour migration: Serbia and North Macedonia perspectives

Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic has caused migrant workers worldwide to face numerous and specific challenges. This study aims to determine how the COVID-19 pandemic and its societal impact have influenced temporary and circular migrants from Serbia and North Macedonia. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 50 participants to gain a deeper understanding of their challenges and migration practices. Temporary circular labour migration from Serbia and North Macedonia are most intensive towards EU countries, which are geographically close and well-connected by traffic, and with which migrants have well-established migration ties. The results show that after the outbreak of the pandemic, respondents faced termination of employment contracts, reduced working hours and earnings. Most of the respondents returned and only a few found formal employment in the country of origin. Job-related impacts of COVID-19 on respondents are determined by temporary residence, a form of employment and the employment sector. Temporary and circular migrant workers from Serbia and North Macedonia involved in the essential sectors in EU countries are less likely to be severely affected by the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The results suggest that temporary and circular migration schemes should be improved after the pandemic, in a way that is sustainable even in times of sudden changes. In that regard, in addition to considering the needs of the labour markets of countries of origin and destination, the needs and the rights of migrants, should be prioritized in common solutions.