Geoecological Risks Research Articles

Assessment of geoecological risks as an element of environmental safety management at metallurgical enterprises

Assessment of geoecological risks as an element of environmental safety management at metallurgical enterprises

Geoecological monitoring during mining operations

In recent decades environmental quality assessment has become a fundamentally important task in the operation of mining enterprises. This assessment becomes an integral part of the strategy for determining maximum permissible loads for mining regions and is aimed at reducing geoecological risk in them. Technological processes of mining and processing plants generate emissions of various pollutants into the atmospheric air, lead to violation of adjacent territories. Monitoring, primarily of atmospheric air and soils, is necessary to ensure the ecological balance of such territories. Lebedinsky Mining and Processing Plant is one of the most significant sources of gas and dust emissions from massive explosions in quarries during ore extraction, which form a large dust and gas cloud, creating a risk of deterioration of the life of the population in the surrounding area. The article examines the main pollutants in soils and in the atmospheric air during mass explosions, and determines the areole of their distribution from the work site. The forecast of an increase in the concentrations of detected harmful substances for the next 50 years is given. A methodology for conducting geoecological monitoring during mining operations is proposed. The research results may be useful in assessing geoecological risks and developing measures to reduce them.

Widening geographic range of Rift Valley fever disease clusters associated with climate change in East Africa

BackgroundRecent epidemiology of Rift Valley fever (RVF) disease in Africa suggests growing frequency and expanding geographic range of small disease clusters in regions that previously had not reported the disease....

Комплексная оценка геоэкологических рисков при ведении открытых и подземных горных работ

Introduction. Geo-ecological risk is the probability of adverse events leading to a violation of the stability of the existing ecological system or the natural and technical geo-system “rock mass – technology – mining”, formed as a result of mining activities. The main elements of geo-ecological risk in mining are dangerous geological (landslides, rock collapses, suffusion-erosion processes, karst, etc.) and hydrogeological processes. The purpose of the research. Development of a method for integrated assessment and management of geo-ecological risks in open-pit and underground mining operations. Methodology. The paper calculates the geo-ecological risk in relation to each technological process. At the same time, the ranking of the possibility of a negative process in mining activities is determined on the basis of an expert approach, taking into account the specifics of mining and technological operations. Statistical data and expert assessments formed the basis for determining the quantitative values of geo-ecological risks in mining operations. Results and discussion. The obtained quantitative values of geo-ecological risks indicate that a management system is needed. The developed geo-ecological risk management system makes it possible to conduct a comprehensive assessment of them in the conditions of mining and mining and construction production and, based on forecast calculations, determine the distribution zones of the most dangerous processes in the “rock mass – technology – mining” system. Conclusion. Research has been conducted on the formation of a comprehensive assessment of geo-ecological risks, as well as their forecasting during open-pit and underground mining operations. It is determined that the geo-ecological risk in open-pit mining consists of the risk of alienation and degradation of soil, the risk of pollutants into the atmospheric air, the risk of pollution and depletion of the water basin, and in underground mining – from the risk of atmospheric pollution of the working area, the risk of changes in the groundwater regime and the risk of geo-mechanical transformations of the rock mass.

Earthquakes in Turkey and Syria in 2023 and geodynamics of the Caucasus-Anatolian region

Background. The intensification of natural disasters all over the world requires the development of new approaches to the study of geological processes. This particularly concerns the areas at the boundaries of lithospheric plates, which are characterized by earthquakes, increased seismicity, volcanism, intensive heat flows, geothermal manifestations, landslide processes, tsunamis, and other dangerous natural processes and hazards. The Caucasus-Anatolian-Arabian region is a complex highly-stressed geodynamic structure, characterized by an increased heat flow, seismicity, magmatism, and volcanism. The geodynamics of this region is determined by the collision of the Eurasian and Arabian lithosphere plates, as well as by the evolution of the Alpine-Himalayan belt and surrounding areas. A 7.8 magnitude earthquake hit the South-East Turkey and North-West Syria on February 6, 2023. This was the largest earthquake in Turkey since the 1939 Erzincan earthquake, and the second-strongest since the 1668 North Anatolia earthquake. More than 52,800 deaths were confirmed, with about 46,100 in Turkey and 6,700 in Syria. It is the deadliest natural disaster in Turkey’s modern history with the estimated damage of over $100 billion. Aim. To construct geodynamic models for the deep structure of natural hazard regions, which can contribute to the study of active continental margins. This information is necessary for earthquake forecasting and prognosis, as well as for assessing geoecological risks and preparing the population in the event of natural disasters and catastrophes. Materials and methods. The formation and evolution processes of geological structures in complex geodynamic settings, as well as the forecasting and prognosis of natural hazards, required an analysis of all available geological and geophysical data. The methods of mechanical and mathematical modeling were used to formulate and solve the research problems. Results. Geodynamic models of the regions of hazardous natural processes were constructed with the purpose of forecasting and preventing natural disasters and catastrophes. An algorithm for creating monitoring systems was proposed. Conclusion. In several years (1–10 years), another earthquake near Istanbul can be expected. In the case that no large earthquake occurs in the East Anatolian fault in 1–2 years, this event is likely to occur in 100 years only.

Geodynamics of the Caucasus – Anatolian-Arabian region and Turkey-Syria Earthquakes 2023

The activation of natural disasters in the world requires the development of new approaches to the study of geological processes, in particular, at the boundaries of lithospheric plates, characterized by earthquakes, increased seismicity, volcanism, landslide processes, tsunamis and other dangerous natural processes and hazards. Earthquake of M 7.8 struck south -eastern Turkey and north - western Syria on 6 February 2023. The M 7.8 earthquake is the largest in Turkey since the 1939 Erzincan earthquake, and the second-strongest recorded in the country, after the 1668 North Anatolia earthquake. More than 52,800 deaths were confirmed: more than 46,100 in Turkey, and more than 6,700 in Syria. It is the deadliest natural disaster in Turkey's modern history. The earthquakes caused over US$100 billion in damages. The geodynamic models construction for the deep structure of natural hazards regions is an important contribution to the study of active continental margins, which is necessary for the earthquake forecast, prediction and prognosis, assessing geoecological risks and preparing population actions in the event of natural disasters and catastrophes. The Caucasus - Arabian region is a complex highly-stressed geodynamic structure, characterized by increased heat flow, high seismicity, magmatism and volcanism. The geodynamics of the Caucasus - Arabian region is determined by the collision of the Eurasian and Arabian lithosphere plates, as well as the complex history of the development of the Alpine-Himalayan belt and surrounding territories. The problem solution of geological structures formation and evolution in various complex geodynamic settings and natural hazards forecast and prognosis requires an analysis of all available geological - geophysical data, as well as the formulation and solution of problems of mechanical and mathematical modeling. Slow lithospheric deformations are simulated by models of viscous flow in multi-layered, incompressible, high-viscosity Newtonian fluid, using Navier-Stocks equation and discontinuity equation. The solution of the inverse problem of geodynamics by the direct method is developed. The first inverse problem of geodynamics was solved - the restoration of the velocity fields, pressures and stresses at the depth of the lithosphere according to the available data on the velocities on the surface. The second inverse problem of geodynamics has been posed and solved - the determination of the movement of boundaries at the depth of the lithosphere based on the given movements of the surface. The solutions obtained can be used to analyze deep geodynamic problems, and together with geothermal modeling, geological and geophysical methods and seismic tomography can serve as a reliable apparatus for studying deep geodynamics due to the formation and evolution of geological structures and the lithosphere stress-strain state researches. The solution of the problem is analyzed on the example of the Caucasus - Arabian region geodynamics. The Geodynamic concept of geoenvironment has been developed. Geodynamic models of the regions of hazardous natural processes in order to predict and prevent natural disasters and catastrophes are constructed. An algorithm for creating monitoring systems is suggested.

ENGINEERING BIOGEOCHEMISTRY: FROM V.I. VERNADSKY'S FUNDAMENTAL IDEAS TO TECHNOLOGICAL SOLUTIONS

At present, it is possible to identify a number of new directions for the development of biogeochemical research, at the junction of fundamental and applied studies. A novel field of research is being formed, namely, engineering biogeochemistry, within the framework of which innovative biogeochemical technologies and technological processes based on modeling and management of ecosystematic biogeochemical cycles are being developed. The application of these innovative technologies for the restoration of disturbed and polluted impact ecosystems, in particular, polar ecosystems in the zones of operation of gas-producing enterprises, is considered. Technological examples of calculations of geoecological risks, as well as microbial contamination risks are given. A pool of the developed biogeochemical technologies and their connection with other innovative technologies within the framework of gas-producing companies is shown.

Geoecological risks in the valleys of small rivers of the forest-steppe zone of the Russian plain (on the example of the Chuvash Republic)

The Chuvash Republic belongs to the territories with a high frequency of occurrence of emergency situations of moderate severity. This is due to the intensive economic development of the region. The probability and intensity of the manifestation of georisks is different for individual landscapes, therefore it needs a detailed study. The study includes the study of the probability of the development of slope, climatic, hydrological risks, and the risk of wildfires on the territory of the Chuvash Republic. The analysis showed that the slope type of geoecological risk is confined to the river valleys of the region and has maximum values in the north of the Chuvash Republic. A high risk of flooding and flooding exists in the valleys of major rivers of the region (Volga, Sura) and their tributaries of the first order. On other watercourses, the hydrological risk is not significant. Climate and weather risks are associated with hurricane winds and dry winds. The southeastern part of the region suffers the most from them. The risk of fires depends on the composition and age of the stand. The maximum risk values are typical for the Prisursky forest area (southern and southwestern parts of the region). Based on the data obtained, the classification of the districts of the Chuvash Republic by the size of the georisks was carried out. Four groups of districts were identified according to the probability of natural emergencies and the main factors of their occurrence were described.

Methods for assessing hydrological and geoecological risks based on modelling

This study is intended for decision-makers in the field of water resources use (irrigation and hydropower) and for emergency prevention authorities. Another problem remains intensive technogenic pollution of the environment, including water bodies, and one of the main tasks in the conditions of technogenesis is the development of predictive models for the migration of polluting chemical elements and substances in the environment. To calculate the runoff of the river the HBV3-ETH9 hydrological model and the CMIP5 RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 climate projections were used, according to which the air temperature is expected to increase by 2.3 and 4.3 °C, respectively, in annual precipitation - by 10% of the norm. In the period 2023-2080, a gradual increase in annual runoff is expected by 9-23%, and according to the extreme scenario, by 9-36% of the norm, which is associated with intensive glacier water loss, seasonal snowmelt and rainfall. In the future, the passage of two flood peaks (in June and July) is possible. The increase in water content in April and May will contribute to increased mudflow and flood activity.

АНАЛИЗ ГЕОЭКОЛОГИЧЕСКИХ РИСКОВ НА ПРЕДПРИЯТИЯХ НЕФТЯНОЙ ПРОМЫШЛЕННОСТИ

The article defines the nature of the impact of oil industry enterprises on natural complexes and human health, and also analyzes geoecological risks to optimize production activities and reduce the impact on the environment

“Hot spots” of geoecological risk and problems of territorial planning

Introduction. The tasks of territorial planning are closely related to the problems of locating new high-risk facilities without increasing the environmental load. Thus, the task of locating high environmental risk facilities for recycling and deep processing of wastes appears to an essential economic and scientific problem that requires an immediate solution. The long-term consequences of such decisions should be forecasted and analysed.Aim. To identify “hot spots” according to their risk degree in order to exclude the most dangerous areas from further planning and use.Materials and methods. The stated problem is solved on the basis of environmental risk management, which includes the following concepts: 1) hazard identification; 2) vulnerability assessment; 3) risk analysis; 4) acceptable risk concept; 5) risk assessment; 6) risk mapping; 7) risk reduction measures, including a) legislative; b) organisational and administrative; c) economic, including insurance; d) engineering; e) modelling; f) monitoring; g) informational. Data and maps of hazardous natural and technogenic processes and potential damage to the territories of the Moscow Oblast were used.Results. When carrying out territorial planning and location of additional hazard facilities, representing an increased ecological load, such as incineration plants and landfills for recycling and deep processing of wastes, high ecological risk regions should be excluded from the potential location list. In the Moscow Oblast, these are primarily Lyuberetsky and Ramensky districts (east-southeast of Moscow). Lyubertsky district can be considered as a “hot spot” of the first class in terms of ecological risk due to the high natural hazard and potential damage. The findings obtained when determining “hot spots” based on geological, geodynamic, tectonic and socio-economic parameters, were confirmed by the areas of geochemical pollution and environmental stress zones.Conclusion. The developed method of identifying the risk “hot spots” represents a basis for solving the problems of territorial planning for the purpose of excluding the most ecologically stressed sites and selecting suitable sites for locating hazard facilities, in particular, recycling and waste processing plants.

Geoecological risks of agricultural development in old-developed regions of Kazakhstan

The article is devoted to the problem of changing of agricultural geoecological risks in the conditions of intensification of crop production in the largest old farming area of Kazakhstan - North Kazakhstan region. As a result of virgin frontal plowing of steppe spaces, such erosion processes as deflation and ravine erosion on prone lands have intensified. The plowing of new land and the exponential growth of land under soil-depleting technical crops in the last decade threaten the environmental sustainability of agriculture in the medium- and long-term period. Due to these problems, a drop in the yield of grain and oilseeds cultures was fixed and this fact indicates the exhaustion of natural agropotential resources. An eventual scenario for the ecologically acceptable development of crop production is the intensified transition to adaptive landscape and accurate (precision) agriculture in combination with the combined use of mineral and biological fertilizers based on local raw materials.

Methodology for Evaluating the Environmental and Economic Damage While Discharging Chemical and Pharmaceutical Effluents into the Shalovka River Moscow Region

The findings of the researches on the geoecological conditions of the natural environmental components if discharging chemical-pharmaceutical effluents into surface watercourse have been given consideration and the methodology of the ecological situation based on geoecological risks has been developped. The effluents composition study of the plant purification facilities has been performed, the pollutants composition and concentration, including heavy metals, oil products, radioactive substances, volatile and semi-volatile compounds have been studied. The quantitive evaluation of the environmental and economic damage to the river Shalovka caused by the poor operational waste discharged has been performed. Compensatory environmental actions to implement innovative modern technologies for deepening purification of contaminated effluents will improve the geoecological situation in the area.

Multispectral Satellite Data and GIS for Mapping Vector Ecology, Monitoring, Risk Assessment, and Forecast of Vector Borne Disease Epidemics: A Systematic Review

The vector borne disease (VBD) epidemics trend have been gradually increased in the world, especially in India for several decades. Mapping the vector breeding habitats, spatial distribution and seasonal variation of vector density, epidemiological survey, and mapping the thematic layers of bio-geo-environmental risk variables, VBD occurrences with respect to space and time, disease surveillance, spatial analysis and spatial modeling for prediction of epidemic risk assessment, and forecast are herculean task, and are involved huge expenditure, man power, and long duration, by the time, then the situation would have been changed, whereas, remote sensing, GPS and GIS are the finest technology which have been used for achieving the task in time with high accuracy, reliable, and low cost. The earth environmental remote sensing of multispectral satellite data are readily available to process the past and present condition of the vector ecology based on the data derived from visible to Infrared (Near Infrared, Middle Infrared, Infrared, and Thermal infrared) i.e. 0.0.45 µm-0.52 µm (Blue), 0.52 µm-0.60 µm (Green), 0.63 µm -0.69 µm (Red), 0.76 µm -0.90 µm (NIR), 1.55 µm -1.75 µm (Infrared), Thermal IR bands 10.41 µm -12.5 µm, and 2.08 µm -2.35 µm, and spatial resolution ranging from 30 meters to less than 1 meters, and SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar), AVHRR (Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer), MWR (Microwave Radiometer), microwave remote sensing of various earth resource satellites have been used for the study of weather parameters and climate determinants, and were used to analyze spatial topology with vector abundance and VBD epidemics. The results could thus provide a new basis of guidelines for the control of mosquito vectors as well as disease epidemics early in advance. Mostly, the situation, when the diseases occurrences are strongly related to geo-ecological risk variables, viz; weather parameters, climate season, agriculture, vegetation, land-use / land cover, water features, and physiographic landscapes, and therefore, the data pertaining to bio-geo environmental variables have been included in the spatial prediction models. Remote sensing, and GPS have been used for data collection of vector data (mature and immature), epidemiological site specific information, geo-environmental parameters, and vectors breeding habitats, subsequently, GIS have been used to analyze and mapping epidemic hotspots of VBD based on climate determinants are provided the key elements for depicting thematic layers concerned in both the vector control, prevention measures, and epidemiological management processes in advance.

Геополитические вызовы российской Арктике при углеводородном освоении территории

The article is devoted to the issues of geopolitical risks (GPR) in the hydrocarbon development of the Russian Arctic. The authors pay special attention to the analysis of modern geopolitical and geostrategic challenges of the Arctic region development. The article identifies the key geopolitical factors that affect the sustainable development of the Arctic and analyzes the similarities and differences in the geostrategic positions of the Arctic Five. One of the most important factors of the XXI century that determines the alignment and interaction of various geopolitical forces is the struggle for resources. In this regard, an increase in GPR in the Arctic, related to its resource potential, is inevitable. For oil and gas industry facilities, GPR can be transformed into opposite environmental factors in the form of additional opportunities or threats, which the authors identify in detail for each type of risk. The authors focus on such positions of the GPR, which are related to ensuring access and obtaining control rights over the Arctic's hydrocarbon resources from different countries, the uncertainty of the legal status of the Arctic region, and the use of geoecological risks (GER) as manipulative priorities of attention to Russia's actions in the Arctic.

INTEGRATION OF KNOWLEDGE AND DATA IN THE TASKS OF ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING OF EXPLOSIONS

This article is devoted to the problem of integrating knowledge and data in the field of geo-ecology. The study of the dependence of the impact of technogenic explosions on various objects on a complex of natural factors is an important component of forecasting geo-ecological risks. The methodology of geo-ecological risks assessment has been developed in ICM&MG SB RAS, in which a low-frequency seismic vibrator is used as an instrument. Vibration sources provide stable emission of seismoacoustic signals with specified parameters, which allows them to be used as test signals. The paper considers the aspects of the development of the scientific information system "Active seismology", into which the experimental data of geo-ecological monitoring of explosions were integrated, and the Knowledge Portal, which provides navigation and meaningful access to information resources of the subject area.

GEOECOLOGICAL RISKS OF TECHNOGENIC NOISES AT LOW FREQUENCIES

The article considers the estimation and prevention problem of ecologically dangerous influence of technogenic noises generated by moving transport, such as heavy tracked and wheeled transport, railway transport. The influence on the man and the environment of a low-frequency controlled CV-40 seismic vibrator [1] used for seismological research separately is considered. The influence of vibrations located in the area of low and infra-low frequencies is estimated. The field records of technogenic noises are analyzed. Numerical analysis and estimation of levels of geoecological risks associated with seismic vibration in the ground and acoustic oscillations in the atmosphere are presented. Spectral and spectral-time analysis of technogenic noises records are performed. The main ecologically dangerous frequency areas, which are the most characteristic for these sources, are separated. The dynamics of changes of the vibration velocity level over distances for heavy wheeled and tracked types of transport has been determined.

Оценка техногенной нагруженности Нижнетагильского городского пруда и управление геоэкологическими рисками на основе мультифрактальной динамики

Algoremediation which is a method of natural and waste water treatment due to the metabolic potential of chlorococcal microalgae is based on the principle of system stability. The method of pollution degree estimation of anthropogenic loaded water object based on the application of fractal calculation is shown. Factor analysis has been used to determine the parameters of the environmental system of Nizhny Tagil city pond which are the basis for a new approach to evaluating the efficiency of environmental protection measures through geoecological risk management.

Геоэкологические риски территории Краснодарского края: проблема интегральной оценки степени геологических опасностей

Краснодарский край – один из основных центров рекреации и туризма в России, а Черноморское побережье является главной курортной зоной. Южная часть Краснодарского края в полосе шириной до 200 км относится к Крымско-Кавказскому сейсмическому поясу и является сейсмоопасной территорией, здесь с различной степенью вероятности возможны сейсмические сотрясения интенсивностью 8–9 баллов. Угрозу для безопасности региона представляют эндогенные геологические процессы, прежде всего связанные с сейсмичностью региона, и экзогенные природные геологические процессы. В связи с этим остро стоит проблема оценки интегральных геоэкологических рисков в зонах расположения курортов и рекреационной деятельности. Одним из путей управления геоэкологическими рисками является комплексный анализ причин и факторов их возникновения как основы разработки природоохранных мероприятий. К первоочередным вопросам данной проблемы для территории Краснодарского края следует отнести оценку факторов опасности интегрального сейсмического риска и экзогенных природных процессов на региональном и локальном уровнях. Цель работы – интегральная оценка на региональном уровне степени эндогенных и экзогенных геологических опасностей Краснодарского края. Методы исследования. Методы исследования включали анализ и синтез геолого-геофизических материалов и инженерно-геологических данных с выделением наиболее значимых факторов геоэкологического риска Краснодарского края. Методика оценки степени опасности интегрального геоэкологического риска должна учитывать факторы, обусловленные как непосредственно сейсмическими воздействиями, так и вызванными ими последующими угрозами экзогенных геологических процессов. В связи с этим рассматриваются вопросы картирования отдельных факторов и интегральной оценки потенциальных геоэкологических рисков. Результаты работы. В работе приведены разработанные карта оценки интегрального риска проявления опасных экзогенных геологических процессов и карта интегральной оценки потенциального риска эндогенных и экзогенных процессов территории Краснодарского края.Приведена таблица критериев для балльной оценки геоэкологических эндогенных и экзогенных рисков. Наименьшим потенциальным риском природных опасностей характеризуются северные районы. Зоны высокого и очень высокого потенциального риска локализованы в пределах Северо-Западного Кавказа и Черноморского побережья Краснодарского края. Для этих территорий требуется первоочередная разработка мероприятий по управлению рисками. Krasnodar Region is one of the main centers of recreation and tourism in Russia, and the Black Sea coast is the main resort area. The southern part of the Krasnodar Region, in a strip up to 200 km wide, belongs to the Crimean-Caucasian seismic belt and is an earthquake-prone area, here seismic shocks with an intensity of 8-9 are possible with varying degrees of probability. Endogenous geological processes, primarily associated with the seismicity of the region, and exogenous natural geological processes pose a threat to the security of the region. In this regard, there is an acute problem of assessing the integral geoecological risks in the zones of the resorts location and recreational activities. One of the ways to manage geoecological risks is a comprehensive analysis of the causes and factors of their occurrence as the basis for the development of environmental protection measures. The priority issues of this problem for the territory of Krasnodar Region include the assessment of the hazard factors of integral seismic risk and exogenous natural processes at the regional and local levels. The aim of the work is an integral assessment at the regional level of the endogenous degree and exogenous geological hazards in the Krasnodar Region. Methods. The research methods included the analysis and synthesis of geological and geophysical materials and geology-engineering data with the identification of the most significant factors of the Krasnodar Region geoecological risk. The methodology for assessing the degree of the integral geoecological risk danger should take into account the factors caused both directly by seismic influences and the subsequent threats of exogenous geological processes caused by them. In this regard, the issues of mapping individual factors and an integral assessment of potential geoecological risks are considered. Results. The paper presents the developed map for assessing the integral risk of manifestation of hazardous exogenous geological processes and the map for the integrated assessment of the potential risk of endogenous and exogenous processes in the territory of Krasnodar Region. A table of criteria for the scoring of geoecological endogenous and exogenous risks is presented. The northern regions are characterized by the lowest potential risk of natural hazards. Areas of high and very high potential risk are localized within the Northwestern Caucasus and the Black Sea coast of the Krasnodar Region. For these territories, priority development of risk management measures is required

Geoecological Risk Assessment Methods of Anthropogenic Risks Occurrence in Aridic Territories

Problems of the territory ecological state monitoring, prediction and mapping constantly remain relevant in conditions of modern urbanization. The space extension of built-up areas, traffic load increase, different types of industrial fields development, manufactures and service industries at the cups of XX-XXI centuries form positive environment for technogenic accidents initiation, consequently, increase technogenic risk level. It leads to the necessity of technogenic influence comprehensive study on natural system components and adversity reveal on the territories. Geoecologic risk assessment method of anthropogenic risks occurrence on the Astrakhan region territory is proposed in this work. Proposed results have a great meaning for management decision-making, directed on the territory safety protection and mitigation from technogenic influence.