2009 Issue №1

The article examines the structure and dynamics of the World Ocean level during the past 140 years. The role of endogenous factor
in constant increase of water supply and subsequent rise of the sea level is defined as dominating. Two principle cycles in the sea level fluctuations were distinguished: a high-amplitude short-term cycle (2—3 years) and a low-amplitude long-term one (40—50 years). The concurrency of two events is traced: short-term cycles and major earthquakes in oceanic regions. It was shown that it is possible to estimate the area and amplitude of the seafloor submergence in the epicenter in relation to changes in water volume. Short-term cycles of sea level fluctuations usually coincide with changes in surface layer temperatures in middle latitudes, which could be regarded as a precursor of anomalous climatic conditions in the Northern hemisphere.

The possibility of creation of Atlas for specially protected area of nature is seen from a complex approach. The original structure and content of complex «Curonian Spit» National park are presented for the first time.

The article is devoted to economic globalization that is considered first of all as the process of formation and development of international production networks. The article shows the differences from the previous production internalization. The specific features of commodity chains and production networks forming in the process of globalization are provided.