Deviations of the РТ parameters from the background values, corresponding to the lithostatic pressure and the standard geotherm characteristic of the neighboring crustal blocks of the Yenisei Ridge, were recorded by geothermobarometry in the zones of dislocation metamorphism of the Yenisei regional shear zone (Eastern Siberia). To explain the reason for large deviations from metamorphic conditions for shear and collision, we worked out 3D and 2D thermomechanical numerical models. The paper presents two- and three-dimensional models of dissipative heating during friction and visco-plastic deformations. The modelling results are compared with geological observations on the metamorphic grade and the scale of deformations of the Yenisei regional shear zone. A detailed consideration is being given to the ratio of heat released during friction at the contact of shear fault blocks, or during viscous deformations of the rheologically layered zone of tectonic flow and blastomylonitization. Estimates of the magnitude of dissipative heating are obtained for typical parameters of shear zones. The model of viscous deformation of a shear zone of finite width, taking into account the rheological layering of the crust, predicts dissipative heating by 200–310 °C at strain rates of 2–4 cm/year. The model of obduction of the tectonic plate with a thrusting velocity of 5 cm/year yields estimates of frictional heating of rocks at the contact of blocks no higher than 130–190 °C. The characteristic time period of the stationary dissipative regime formation is 6–8 million years. Dissipative heating could be a heat source for the metamorphic complexes of the Yenisei regional shear zone, though melting conditions of metapelite were not attained.

The complex of geophysical methods was successfully applied in the Alakit-Markha kimberlite field of the Yakutsk diamondiferous province. A pipe was identified in the local forecast area specified within the field at the previous stage of prospecting. The studies using electric tomography (ET), radon survey (RS) and microseismic sounding (MS) covered an area of ≈1000⨯500 m. Based on the jointly processed ET and RS plan images and MS profiles, a tubular body was detected in the sedimentary cover. It is confined to a fault node and stands out among the host rocks by low electrical resistivity, increased soil radon concentrations and high spectral ratios of the horizontal and vertical components of microseisms. Its complex shape is manifested at the ground surface by two isometric structures (each being several hundred meters long), which jointly form a dike-like body at a depth of ≈40 m, as shown by the electrical tomography images. According to the MS data, its root part is detected to comprise one or two fractured narrow zones that are traceable to a depth of 2 km and below. The structure of the identified body and its chemical composition will be determined after exploratory drilling is complete. Today there are grounds to conclude that using ET, RS and MS methods jointly as a complex described in the article proved effective for identifying pipes controlled by fault zones in the sedimentary cover areas.

Magnetic exploration is the most informational and economical method of prospecting and exploration of iron-ore deposits. In rough-terrain and remote areas without any infrastructure, problems associated with ground-based methods can be avoided by using modern unmanned technologies that allow conducting geophysical surveys in a more efficient way. An unmanned aeromagnetic survey complex (aerial vehicle, UAV) Geoscan 401 was used to assess the possibility of using UAVs for aeromagnetic surveying of iron-ore deposits. Our experimental study was conducted in the well-studied area of the largest iron-ore deposit of South Yakutia. The UAV capacities were confirmed by comparing the aeromagnetic survey data with the available data obtained by ground magnetic exploration of the study area. By analysing magnetic fields, we established that the anomalies detected by the ground and aeromagnetic surveys were fully identical. Furthermore, a weak anomaly was discovered in the northeastern part of the study area (it was not reflected in the magnetic field from the ground survey data). Recalculation of the vertical gradient of the magnetic field shows that the anomaly is caused by a blind ore body. Its upper edge is located at a depth of 200–250 m from the day surface. In calculations for a data array without gradient intervals, a mean square error (MSE) amounts to 1.01 nT. An absolute error in the heights of the working and control flights did not exceed 1.5 m. Both the preliminary and control measurements were performed very efficiently. Profiles for UAV surveys were spaced by 100 m. A 1.0 km2 site was covered by one flight within approximately 20 minutes. The Geoskan-401 UAV is useful for obtaining orthophotos, topographic maps and 3D models of the surveyed territory as required for further studies consistent with the magnetic surveys. The aeromagnetic surveys were followed by trenching to verify the newly discovered anomalies. Based on the results of this experimental study, the forecast resources of the Sutam deposit should be increased by almost 250–350 million tons, i.e. plus 15 % to the previously explored and approved reserves of the Sutam field.

The ionospheric vertical sounding i s a basic technique for studying the Earth’s ionosphere. Taking into account the fact that conditions for propagation of radio waves depend on the operating frequency , d iagnostics of the ionosphere is performed using digital ionosondes that measure the delay s of decameter radio signal s of different frequencies. An ionogram is a display of the data produced by an ionosonde. It is a graph of the virtual reflection height of the ionosphere (actually , time between transmission and reception of a radio signal ) versus sounding frequency. Vertical and near-vertical ionograms provide the major share of information about the space-temporal structure of the ionospheric plasma above the ionosonde . Of particular interest is investigating dynamic processes from the series of ionograms taken once each minute. Studying seismic ionospheric effects by minute ionograms can be highly informative. It is known that the parameters of the ionospheric layers can significantly vary both before and after an earthquake , and such deviations are detectable from ionosonde data. Recent observations show that the effects from an earthquake can occur at large distances from the epicenter. For instance , s oundings in the Irkutsk region detected the anomalies that occurred several dozens of minutes after the main shock of the 11 .03. 201 1 earthquake in Japan. At the initial phase, the anomaly was recorded as a multicusp structure i n the ionogram, which was probably related to the multiple layers of the ionosphere. Th is structure was interpreted by iterative reconstruction of the electron density profile in a one-dimensional approximation (stratified ionosphere) , and the interperation was published . At the next p hase, the ionograms showed a U-shaped structure with a specific multiple reflection. Multipath propagation is usually associated with additional off-vertical ray paths, which are caused by traveling ionospheric disturbance s (TIDs) . In this regard, it is appropriate to use a 2D model of electron density , depending on both the vertical and horizontal coordinates. In our study , geometric optics approximation was used to simulat e vertical ionograms under the conditions of strong horizontal gradients of electron density. The study results show that d ifferent positions of the U-shaped structure with respect to the main tra ce of the ionogram can be obtained for a single TID . Specific ray paths forming the additional trac es of the ionogram are described . D epending on the TID location , the U-shaped structure can occur with or without a specific multipath reflection.

Seven gamma-ray bursts – GRB 130907A, GRB 140311B, GRB 140129B, GRB 160227A, GRB 120404A, GRB 110801A, and GRB 120811C were observed by the MSU MASTER (Mobile Astronomical System of TElescope Robots) Global Network. Full automation of the observations provided for obtaining unique data on the properties of early optical radiation accompanying gamma-ray bursts. The data are compared in the optical (MASTER), X-ray (SWIFT X-ray Telescope, XRT) and gamma (SWIFT Burst Alert Telescope, BAT) ranges. Based on the data obtained, two groups are identified, and their radiation mechanisms are revealed. The effect of gamma-ray bursts on the biosphere of the Earth is determined, and the estimates and the scale of such an effect are considered.

Upper crust fault and fold patterns are studied with an innovative approach of controlled‐source seismic refraction profiling integrated with gravity data. The potentiality of the conventional method based on refrac‐ tion/wide‐angle reflection traveltimes, which has been so far applied to plane‐parallel layered earth, is extended onto deformed crust with lateral and vertical inhomogeneities due to advanced processing technologies. Performance of the approach is tested on data of the 1‐SB transect that traverses geologically studied areas and provides good refer‐ ence. Upper crust features revealed from seismic data agree with known geological structures, this indicating the basic applicability of refraction surveys to tectonically complex areas with 7 to 10 km wide low‐angle dipping fault zones between blocks marked by velocity anomalies to depths of 4–6 km. Joint interpretation of refraction and gravity patterns becomes possible within the limits of a seismic‐gravity model in which both are characterized by seismic‐ density and seismic acceleration values of the same dimension.

the Siberian craton to the north and the TarimNorth China cratons to the south, is a complex collage of microcontinental blocks, island arcs, oceanic crustal remnants and continental marginal facies rocks. It is one of the largest and most complex accretionary orogenic belts and the most important site of Phanerozoic continental growth on the Earth [Jahn et al., 2000, 2004; Kovalenko et al., 2004] The widespread occurrence of large volumes of granitoids, mostly with juvenile sources, is a typical characteristic of the CAOB. These granitoids have been intensely studied (e.g. [Jahn et al., 2000, 2004; Kovalenko et al., 2004; Sorokin et al., 2004; Vladimirov et al., 2001; Han et al., 2010; Wang et al., 2006, 2015; Wu et al., 2011; Li et al., 2013; Yarmolyuk et al., 2002]). However, these studies mainly focused on some certain countries or regions.

On the basis of isotopic-geochemical studies and analysis of geological evidences heterogeneity of Hamsara terrane has been determined. Formation of stationed metamorphosed layers underlying the Hamsara formation occurred not earlier than 630 Ma, probably in the oceanic island arc system. Acidic effusive rocks of Hamsara formation were formed in intraplate condition in the range of 462–464 Ma. Sediments of Hamsara formation couldn’t be the part of island arc system and belong to completely other period of geological region development. This is the time of completion of accretion-collision events in the northern part of Altai-Sayan fragment of CAFB adjacent to the Siberian platform.

Though Li isotope fractionation during mantle melting and differentiation of basaltic melts have been proved insignificant, Li isotopic systems during crustal processes remain unclear. To study this, we report combined petrological, Nd-Sr and Li isotopic data for the late Paleozoic coexisting I- and A-type granites in the East Junggar orogen of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt. The granites were formed responding to underplating of mafic magmas in the lower crust in a postcollisional, extensional regime, and intruded into the Paleozoic foldbelts that formed due to extensive oceanic subduction-accretion processes.

Cenozoic ridge subduction and the resultant slab windows have been well documented worldwide [Sisson et al., 2003], especially along the western margins of North and South America [Thorkelson, Taylor, 1989]. The principal characteristics of ridge subduction, which can be used to recognise the process in ancient orogens, include: intrusion of ridge-generated magmas into a forearc in a near-trench position [Marshak, Karig, 1977]; this can be regarded as the hallmark of ridge subduction.