FEATURES OF THE MANIFESTATION OF MODERN EXOGENOUS GEOLOGICAL AND ENGINEERING-GEOLOGICAL PROCESSES IN THE TERRITORY OF VITEBSK

Abstract

Exogenous geological and engineering-geological processes (EGIGP) is one of the most dynamic factors in the transformation of the earth's surface, which significantly affects both the geological environment and human economic activity. The spread, the intensity of development and the scale of the consequences of the processes in urban areas are becoming more tangible every year, often causing significant material damage. The purpose of the work is to consider the specific manifestations of modern exogenous geological and engineering-geological processes on the territory of Vitebsk for the subsequent development of recommendations to the executive authorities and environmental institutions of the city on the organization of engineering protection of the territory from the adverse effects of EGIGP. The work is based on the results of engineering-geological and ecological-geological studies of the city’s territory, which were conducted by the authors from 2003 to 2017 as part of the scientific team of the biological faculty of Masherov Vitebsk State University. The studies included ground-based visual observations of the development of EGIGP, including mapping and photographing, compiling and analyzing the collected data, computer processing of observational data, various maps and satellite images. Research results indicate that among modern exogenous geological and engineering-geological processes and phenomena: erosion, suffusion, slope processes, failures, flooding, waterlogging and frost heaving of the territory, precipitation and deformation of buildings have been widely developed in Vitebsk. It is noted that the degree of their knowledge in the city is not high enough and very uneven. The formulation of works on the evaluation of the manifestation of these processes is, as a rule, sporadic. Nevertheless the results of studies indicate that the problem under consideration is relevant for Vitebsk and requires further study of EGIGP, their negative impact on the state of the geological environment and, as a result, the entire infrastructure of the city.