Geological Objects Research Articles

Hierarchical Exploration of Continuous Seismograms With Unsupervised Learning.

Continuous seismograms contain a wealth of information with a large variety of signals with different origin. Identifying these signals is a crucial step in understanding physical geological objects. We propose a strategy to identify classes of signals in continuous single‐station seismograms in an unsupervised fashion. Our strategy relies on extracting meaningful waveform features based on a deep scattering network combined with an independent component analysis. Based on the extracted features, agglomerative clustering then groups these waveforms in a hierarchical fashion and reveals the process of clustering in a dendrogram. We use the dendrogram to explore the seismic data and identify different classes of signals. To test our strategy, we investigate a two‐day‐long seismogram collected in the vicinity of the North Anatolian Fault, Turkey. We analyze the automatically inferred clusters' occurrence rate, spectral characteristics, cluster size, and waveform and envelope characteristics. At a low level in the cluster hierarchy, we obtain three clusters related to anthropogenic and ambient seismic noise and one cluster related to earthquake activity. At a high level in the cluster hierarchy, we identify a seismic burst that includes around 200 events with similar waveforms and high‐frequent signals with correlating envelopes and an anthropogenic origin. The application shows that the cluster hierarchy helps to identify particular families of signals and to extract subclusters for further analysis. This is valuable when certain types of signals, such as earthquakes, are under‐represented in the data. The proposed method may also successfully discover new types of signals since it is entirely data‐driven.

КОМПЛЕКСНА ХАРАКТЕРИСТИКА ГЕОЛОГІЧНИХ/ГЕОТУРИСТИЧНИХ ОБ'ЄКТІВ СКОЛІВСЬКИХ БЕСКИДІВ ЯК ПОКАЗНИКІВ ТЕКТОНО-СЕДИМЕНТАЦІЙНИХ ПРОЦЕСІВ ЗОВНІШНІХ КАРПАТ

A description of the geological/geotouristic "weekend" excursion from Lviv to the nearest part of the Carpathians is presented with an overview of the exposed deposits of the Western European platform and the Skole Beskyds on the route Lviv - Mykolaiv - Verkhnye Synyovydne - Kamyanka - Lviv. A comprehensive outline of the geological position of the route area is given. The main geological objects and observation points (stops) along the route are described. The proposed route will allow you to get acquainted with the whole complex of the sediments on both the Tethys Paleocean margin and the ancient Paratethys Sea, to trace some indicators of the beginning of growth of the Carpathian Mountains, as well as to see the main oil-generating strata of the entire Carpathian arc. In observation points 1 and 2 near Mykolayiv, we observe Miocene shallow-water sandy formations of Paratethys. Point 3 is the Uhersk gas field located in the Carpathian Foredeep. In point 4 (Verkhnye Synyovydne) the lithofacies of the transition link between the Tethys and Paratetys deposits are exposed, and the Paratetys deposits here are expressed by the Menilite Formation (Oligocene) - the main oil-generating stratum of the Carpathians. In points 5 and 6 (Kamyanka Stream) we observe the deepest-water sedimentary formations of the Outer Carpathian segment of the Tethys – the products of catastrophic (including turbidite) currents and background (hemi)pelagic sedimentation.

MODELING OF PHYSICAL FIELDS AND MONITORING GEOLOGICAL PROCESSES WITH USING DRONES (UAVs)

The paper demonstrates the advantages and possibilities of using drones for geophysical research, modeling of some physical fields, and monitoring of geological processes. Drones, which are able to integrate geophysical and other sensors, become a powerful and effective tool for geophysical and geological observations. Some examples of the use of drones for a detailed study of geological objects (such as slope processes, land erosion, quarries, etc.) are presented. Drones with special geophysical sensors (for example, magnetic) or similar drones to which these sensors can be attached can detect anomalies along the study areas. These data are important for modeling physical fields and monitoring their changes. Depending on the capabilities and the availability of certain sensors, drones can be used for surveys for various purposes related to magnetic cartography, the study of hidden minerals, the area of karst and flooded areas, etc. Drone's spatial data and 3D data, processed using special software, contribute to the monitoring of dangerous geological processes during some periods, the search for mineral resources in hard-to-reach places, and the research of the deep structure of the Earth. Keywords : Drone, Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), fixed-wing rotary-wing drones, geophysics, geology, geophysical sensors, geological monitoring, modelling.

ЧУЙСКИЙ ТРАКТ - ГЕОЛОГИЧЕСКИЙ МУЗЕЙ ПОД ОТКРЫТЫМ НЕБОМ

The article explores the potential of the Chuisky Tract as an open-air geological museum, the exhibits of which are landscape plots, geological sections, deposits and manifestations of various minerals, fossils, caves. The study contains a description of the geological structure of the surroundings of the Chuysky Tract and the most important geological objects identified along the highway line, which are currently natural monuments of federal and local significance, which can be used to develop new tourist routes along the Chuysky Tract in the context of preserving the natural heritage of the Altai Republic, which will expand the opportunities for the development of domestic tourism in the region.

TOURIST ATTRACTIVENESS OF GEOLOGICAL AND GEOMORPHOLOGICAL OBJECTS OF PRIGORGAN PRECARPATHIAN

Geological, geological-geomorphological, geomorphological and hydrological-geomorphological tourist attractions of the Prigorgan Precarpathian are characterized. They are mostly connected with Boryslav-Pokut (Internal) deflection zone, in which due to tectonic thrusts from the Carpathians flysch formations, massive conglomerates, sandstones come to the surface. Geological attractions are unique and typical outcrops of rocks, which reveal the internal structure and history of geological development of the Earth. Unique is the Pniv section of rocks in the form of folds, which reflects the possibility of traps for the accumulation of oil and gas layers. Other sections present rocks of different ages and lithological-facies composition of the local (Carpathian) stratigraphic scale. A notable attraction is the mud volcano from village Starunia which has been awarded the status of a geological monument. Geological and geomorphological attractions include typical or unique landforms in which the section of rocks is revealed and which have cognitive value. These are the terraces of the Prut, in which the root flysch incisions are revealed; mountain tops – observation points, from which the landscape of the Prigorgan Precarpathians opens and geological outcrops are present; rocks of massive rocks – local attractions, some of which, for example, Manyavsky Blessed Stone, have religious significance. Geomorphological tourist attractions include the leveled surfaces of the Precarpathians – Krasna and Loeva, which reflect the stage of geological development of the Carpathians. Presentable geomorphological objects are powerful pre-Carpathian rivers with strata of Quaternary pebbles and manifestations of modern channel processes. Hydrological-geomorphological objects are low waterfalls, of which there are about a dozen in the region and which cut through massive sandstones, conglomerates or flysch deposits. The attractiveness of the described geological and geomorphological objects of the Prigorgan Precarpathians has been assessed. The evaluation criteria were popularity, proximity to highways, cognitive value, size, landscape. Of the 27 objects, 8 have high, 13 medium and 6 low attractiveness. The described geotourism attractions have scientific, educational, environmental and recreational significance. It is advisable to involve them in the system of tourist routes of the Carpathian region. Key words: geotourism; geological, geomorphological, hydrological, complex attractions; Prigorgan Precarpathian.

Геологічні пам’ятки Середнього Подніпров’я та оцінка їх екологічного стану

The territory of the Middle Dnipro, one of the most developed regions of Ukraine, is characterized by a high geological diversity. There is a significant number of nature reserves of different subordination in this area. The paper describes geological natural monuments, which are identified within Middle Dnipro Ragion. The construction of the Kaniv and Kremenchug reservoirs led to the intensification of gravitational, erosion, abrasion processes along their banks, which has worsened the state of geological natural monuments. An inventory of geological objects of the Middle Dnipro and an analysis of their ecological status are necessary for further selection and study of special areas, and scientific monitoring will provide new knowledge about geological formations, their structure and history of origin. The paper presents geological and geomorphological features of the Middle Dnipro coastal strip. The complicated geological structure and dismemberment of the territory protects natural landscapes from human intervention. It is noted that, in recent years, exogenous processes associated with regional climate change have intensified. A total of nine natural objects of different rank have been identified, which are located in the coastal zone of the Dnipro and reservoirs. The natural and anthropogenic factors that affect the state of these geological natural monuments have been identified. The monitoring revealed vulnerable locations and suggested possible means of preservation for geological monuments within the Middle Dnipro. Natural hazards that cause gravitational movements and can destroy natural objects have been revealed to be the most dangerous processes. It is emphasized that it is impossible to avoid such threats, except for preventive measures of engineering and technical nature. Among the anthropogenic hazards are the extraction of construction minerals, construction and business activities within the objects of the nature reserve fund. Conservation measures for natural geological monuments include strengthening the protection of natural objects; the arrangement of monuments with state signs and demarcation of the boundaries of protected areas; display of information boards.

Features of the composition of gas sorbed in the rocks of the upper part of the sedimentary cover section

The topicality of the article is determined by the insufficient reliability of geochemical oil and gas exploration data for the localization of petroliferous geological objects. Geochemical surveys are carried out to mapping hydrocarbon anomalies caused by vertical migration of fluid from hydrocarbon deposits. Practice shows that not all anomalies in the content of hydrocarbons in the near-surface environment are related to the oil-bearing capacity of a given subsoil area. Therefore, when interpreting the data of geochemical oil and gas prospecting surveys, it is necessary to take into account not only quantitative indicators (namely, content of hydrocarbon gases on the surface), but also the composition of the gas sorbed by the near-surface substrate. The purpose of the article is to determine the composition of the dissipated gases in the rocks of the upper part of the section, to reveal the inter-component relationships, and, on this basis, to determine the genesis of each gas component sorbed by the rocks of the upper part of the section. To solve this problem, statistical processing of data on the component content of gas from core degassing of shallow (up to 30 m) wells drilled in the petroliferous territory of the north of Western Siberia was carried out. The obtained results confirmed the genetic heterogeneity of dissipated hydrocarbons and inorganic gases in the upper part of the sedimentary cover.

SOME ASPECTS OF POLISH-UKRAINIAN GEOLOGICAL AND GEOMORPHOLOGICAL RESEARCHES OF WESTERN VOLYN-PODILLIA DURING THE POLISH INVASION

The proposed article is based on an analysis of publications on field observations published in the then Polish and Ukrainian periodicals, collections of materials from scientific forums at various levels, works collections of individual Polish and foreign scientific institutes, etc. The purpose of the article was an attempt to analyze and generalize the research results of the study area in the field of Quaternary geology and geomorphology. It should also be noted that publications from the listed sections of physical geography are encountered quite sporadically and in significantly smaller numbers than articles on purely geological disciplines such as mineralogy, petrography, lithology, tectonics, etc. The study of geological and geomorphological objects and processes was carried out on the territory of Western Volyn-Podillia, which at that time was a part of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. The works mainly concerned the study of the stratigraphy of anthropogenic sediments distributed in the Podillia loess and loess soils, continental glaciations and related glacial and fluvial-glacial deposits, surface and underground karst, etc. It was established that significant in volume and depth of generalization of works on the geological and geomorphological structure the region features at that time was not. The studies that were carried out were not systematic, they were often carried out on the researchers initiative and without adequate funding, with localization mainly in the territory with open at that time deposits of certain minerals types. Analysis of publications can be stated as follows: the study of Quaternary deposits of the region and loess in particular was carried out with extensive use of laboratory studies, paleontological method, chemical, particle size distribution mineralogical and petrographic analyzes, the method of separation of loess minerals in heavy liquids, paleontological and archaeological observations, etc., were progressive at that time. It should be noted that individual reports on the determination of the age of the Quaternary strata were poorly synchronized with each other and a reliable generally accepted scale for the division of these deposits in this period was not agreed. During this period, factually substantiated schemes of geomorphological zoning of both the Podillia region as a whole and its individual components were proposed. Regular relationships of the relief features of the region with the lithogenic base, neotectonic movements, glacial and fluvial-glacial processes are traced. Significant progress is noted in the study of stratigraphy, lithology of local loess strata, problematic issues of their genesis are discussed. Among the few works on the study of the loess cover of Volyn-Podillia, the work of Yu. Polianskyi and Yu. Tokarskyi attracts attention first of all. The works on the study of loess are important due to: a) their almost ubiquitous distribution in the described territories; b) value for stratigraphic subdivision of the Pleistocene; c) controversial genesis; d) widespread use for the production of bricks and tiles. Work on the study of surface and underground forms of the Podillia karst has spread. Systematic mapping of individual underground cavities begins which gave impetus to their use in the future as objects of tourism. The largest number of works is devoted to the problems of studying the relief and modern physical and geographical processes in the interwar period. At the same time, along with purely descriptive publications, works appear where conclusions are based on the use of cartographic materials, which allowed researchers to identify significant patterns in the morphological features of the region. In the period under study, numerous publications by soil scientists also appeared, in which Quaternary sediments are considered as parent rocks on which soils were formed, the dependence of the type of soil on the lithology of the underlying rocks is established.
 In general, the works of Polish and Ukrainian researchers in the characterized period laid a reliable foundation for modern ideas about the geological and geomorphological features of the region.
 Keywords: geomorphological studies, Quaternary deposits, glacial deposits, stratigraphy, morphology, loess deposits.

NATURAL RECREATIONAL RESOURCES OF CHORTKIV DISTRICT OF TERNOPIL REGION

The article presents a component-by-component analysis of natural recreational resources of the newly created territorial and administrative unit –Chortkiv district of Ternopil region. Geomorphological, water, biotic recreational resources are described. It is proposed to allocate the Chortkiv recreational area, which will include three recreational complexes: Monastyrysk and Buchach, Borshchiv and Zalishchyky, Chortkiv and Husyatyn. For the selected recreational complexes and nodes the types of recreational occupations according to the main groups of recreational resources are offered.The Monastyrysk and Buchach recreational complex has recreationally interesting landscapes that are part of the Dniester Canyon Landscape park, in particular the cascades of Rusylivsky and Sokiletsky waterfalls, the Zholoby cave (for cognitive recreation), and the mass recreation territory in the area of ​​the Lisova camp site, as well as the valley of the Strypa River from the village of Skomorohy (Buchach territorial community) to the village of Lytychi (Zalishchyky territorial community) for water tourism. Borshchiv and Zalishchyky recreational complex includes Borshchiv and Zalishchyky recreation centers and is characterized by very high recreational potential due to the aesthetic appeal of landscapes, a large number of living and inanimate objects, high climate comfort. The Dniester canyon, saturated with natural protection objects along its entire length, is favorable for the development of ecotourism, tourist and excursion cognitive recreation.Zalishchyky recreational center. Within the valley of the Dniester River in the vicinity of the village Khmelev, the valley of the river Dzhuryn near the village Nyrkiv and village Nahoryany (Chervonogorod waterfall) of Tovste territorial community, areas for mass recreation. The development of cognitive tourist and excursion recreation is promoted by Zhyzhavsk and Obizhevsk botanical reserves of national importance, in which forest and meadow and steppe groups with valuable relict shrubs are protected: Polish spiraea, Cyticus Podilskyy, dwarf cherry. Kasperivtsi Landscape Reserve of national importance with unique natural complexes in the valley of the Seret River with a picturesque reservoir, the presence of geological, paleontological and botanical objects of nature is a place of short-term recreation. In the valley of the Dniester and its tributaries there are ways to the surface of mineral waters – sulfate, chloride, like "Naftusya" or "Druskininkai" (Zalishchyky, Tovste), as well as medicinal peat bog (Tovste), which, in combination with a warm climate (climatotherapy), is the basis for the development of health and recreation.The unique flora of Western Podilsk Transdnistria is represented in Zhyzhavsk, Obizhevsk, Shutromyntsi, tract "Hlody" botanical nature reserves, can be the object of scientific and cognitive tourism for botanists, teachers, students, students of profile and secondary schools.Borshchiv recreation center also has a high recreational potential. Extremely interesting for the development of scientific and cognitive tourism are the outcrops of sediments belonging to the Paleozoic era (Trubchyn tract, Dzvenyhorodsk Silurian outcrops, Silurian and Devonian deposits in the Dniester, Khudykivsk outcrops of Lower Cretaceous deposits). In terms of completeness, number of fossil fauna and flora, accessibility for observation, most of them are of international importance and are stratotypes for the Eastern European platform.Chortkiv and Husyatyn recreation complex includes Husyatyn and Chortkiv recreation centers. Husyatyn recreation center specializes in the development of health and recreation. Husyatyn is a balneological resort with the use of low-mineralized water with a high content of organic substances such as "Naftusya" called "Novozbruchanska" and brines of high mineralization such as "Druskininkai" called "Husyatynska". Chortkiv recreational center specializes in short-term recreation, development of sports and recreation, which is facilitated by areas of river floodplains, slopes covered with forests, the river Seret for various types of water tourism.Key words: recreational resources, administrative district, recreational district, recreational complex.

Automatic vectorization of rectangular manmade objects: a case study applying OpenCV and GDAL on UAV imagery

Abstract. UAV imagery has a big role in environmental mapping: various indices regarding plant health, soil condition or geological objects can be determined, or 3D models can be built for accurate measurements. Automatic vectorization of satellite images is widely applied nowadays for land coverage determination purposes. However, larger resolution UAV images are hard to process following this theory: too many details result in a long computing time. We propose a FOSS (free and open-source software) analytical solution for detecting and vectorizing quasi-rectangular shaped (mainly manmade) objects on relatively high-resolution images. Our sample area is the cemetery and its surroundings in Istenmezeje, Heves County, Hungary. The graves are good examples of regular, rectangular manmade objects. The traditional cadastral mapping of these sites means a large amount of digitizing work. We have used Python environment for conducting image analysis: delineating and vectorizing the grave outlines for the large-scale mapping of the cemetery. Open-source programming libraries were used during the process: OpenCV and GDAL/OGR. With these tools, we were able to digitize the graves automatically with systematic errors. Approximately 70–80 of 100 graves were correctly recognised (their number varies depending on the adjustable variables: the size and detailedness of the contours to be detected). Our approach is a relatively new methodology in large-scale cartography: computer vision tools have not been used widely for mapmaking purposes. The development of artificial intelligence and open-source tools connected to it may contribute to the broader dissemination of similar methodologies in cartography and GIS.

НЕЙРОСЕТЕВОЙ ПОДХОД К ЭКСПРЕСС-МОДЕЛИРОВАНИЮ СИГНАЛОВ ЭЛЕКТРОКАРОТАЖА В РЕАЛИСТИЧНЫХ МОДЕЛЯХ СЛОЖНОПОСТРОЕННЫХ ТЕРРИГЕННЫХ ОТЛОЖЕНИЙ

The article proposes a new algorithmic approach to resistivity logs simulation based on convolutional neural networks wich allows constructing algorithms for solving forward problems for specific logging tools in detailed models of near-wellbore space with thin layers, accounting for radial resistivity changes, borehole wall irregularities and drilling fluid displacement by the logging tool. Experimental algorithms for expressmodeling for three common Russian galvanic and induсtion logging methods in two-dimensional models of the near-wellbore space have been implemented based on the proposed approach. Logs simulation using the developed neural network algorithms is multi pletimes faster than using numerical solvers. The proposed solutions open up possibilities to use more sophisticated basic geoelectric models of the near-wellbore space. The use of models adequate in complexity to the actual target geological objects will increase the reliability of interpretation results of resistivity logs measured in complex geological conditions.

System research of priority geological objects in the Pripyat trough with the intent of increasing the hydrocarbon resource potential

A new direction of system research in the Pripyat Trough to increase the hydrocarbon resource potential of the bowels on the basis of modern geological and geophysical technologies has been justified. Two-type priority objects, which are oil and gas prospecting and research polygons, are distinguished. The first-type object is represented by large oil multifield and prohibitive structures in the highly promising areas and sections. The second-type object includes the structures of the western part of the Central Zone of the Pripyat Trough where a rather high level of direct oil and gas occurrences is established.

Paleontological monument of nature “Mamontova Gora” exposure (Yakutia, Eastern Siberia, Russia)

The Mamontova Gora (“Mammoth Mountain”) exposure is the Neogene – Pleistocene key section of Siberia. This outcrop is located in the lower reaches of the Aldan River, 325 km above its mouth and extends for almost 12 km. It consists of an 80-meter structural plateau (80-meter terrace), 50- and 30-meter alluvial terraces. Sediments from the Middle Miocene (16-10 Ma) to the Upper Pleistocene are exposed on the 80-meter terrace. The basement of the 50-meter terrace is composed of Middle Miocene sediments, overlain by Pleistocene sediments. On a younger 30 m terrace, the deposits are dated from the Upper Pliocene to the Upper Pleistocene. The Mamontova Gora outcrop is one of the richest localities of the Neogene flora of Eurasia. There are numerous finds of remains of Miocene evergreen and thermophilic plants (tree stumps, leaf imprints, cones, nuts, seeds). More than 250 genera of fossil plants have been found on Mamontova Gora. This outcrop is also well known to paleontologists due to the abundance of bone remains of mammals of the Middle Pleistocene (early type mammoth, eastern horse, broad-fronted moose, long-horned bison) and Late Pleistocene (representatives of the mammoth fauna: woolly mammoth, woolly rhinoceros, Lena horse, reindeer, saiga-antelope, steppe bison, Arctic fox, wolverine, cave lion, etc.). It was revealed that the ancient frozen sediments on the Mamontova Gora outcrop abound with viable microorganisms and traces of their vital activity. A strain of microbe Bacillus sp. was isolated from ~ 2 - 3 Ma permafrost layers of this outcrop. A large group of microorganisms including fungi was isolated from the ancient ice wedge. Pleistocene permafrost deposits contain invertase, urease, catalase and dehydrogenase enzimes. Mamontova Gora is a unique geological object in Russia. By the decree of the Council of Ministers of the Yakutia Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of 18.02.1987 No. 56 Mamontova Gora was given the status of a “natural monument” and a specially protected natural area of regional significance. The article presents the main results of studies of ancient flora and faunas of Mamontova Gora.

Petrographic and Petrochemical Characteristics of Suevite Matrix, Western Part of the Kara Astrobleme (Russia)

The Kara Astrobleme is a unique geological object located in the northwestern part of the Arctic zone of Russia. Impactites from the Kara crater are diamondiferous to various degrees. At present the Kara suevites are relatively poorly studied. Until now the petrographic features of the matrix have been described in general terms, and petrochemically the cementing mass of the suevites has not yet been studied. In 2015 suevite breccias of the southern part of the Kara Astrobleme were subdivided into three different types. It was later suggested that the suevites of the western part of the impact crater, located at the Put’yu and Sayakha rivers, could be type II suevites, but at the same time they had a number of distinctive features which might be associated with different formation conditions of these rocks. Hence it is relevant to study the matrix of the suevites of the mentioned areas to clarify their facies and formation features. The paper presents results of a comprehensive study with a detailed description of the suevite matrix at Put’yu and Sayakha rivers conducted for the first time for the suevites of the Kara Astrobleme. Through optical and microprobe studies we described petrographic and petrochemical features of the cementing mass of the suevites. We discovered that the matrix of the studied rocks was characterized by the similarity of the mineralogical composition, but differing in structural and content features. We found that all the studied rocks belonged to the aerodynamic ejection facies, within which they differed in the temperature conditions of formation which might be associated with the different initial position of the suevite material in the impact cloud. The research results clarify the type and facies of suevites in other areas of the impact structure that will allow defining facies variability and detail characteristics of suevite breccias of the Kara Astrobleme. The obtained data demonstrate genetic regularities of impactites and allow predict the diamond content of the Astrobleme as a whole.

Experience in applying the method of fractal analysis to clarify the boundaries of facies zones when introducing digital technologies in the exploration process

In order to improve the efficiency of exploration drilling at various greenfield license areas owned by Rosneft Oil Company, Tyumen Petroleum Scientific Center LLC has been actively developing and implementing various innovative technologies in recent years that allow increasing the probability of discovering new hydrocarbon deposits. One of such approaches is the use of different methods based on the principles of fractality of geological objects. The article presents the results of using the fractal analysis method to solve one of the applied problems of oil and gas geology, namely, the correction of the boundaries of facies zones on facies maps, which are the basis for constructing risk maps for the "reservoir". It is shown that the boundaries of the facies zones on facies maps, built mainly on seismic data and a limited amount of materials from exploration drilling, have a large variability. The found statistical relationship between the distribution of the total reservoir thicknesses in different facies zones and the fractal dimension of the traps made it possible to correct facies and risk maps.

Development of Quick Digital Field Recording and Mapping Method of Geological Objects for Hydraulic Engineering

During the fieldwork of hydraulic engineering, practical engineers normally document geological information manually. Although there are some GIS-based digital tools for geology, they are not perfectly applicable to hydraulic engineering. As a result, the current work mode is ineffective, unmanageable, error-prone, and not conducive to subsequent analysis. To address this problem, we developed a digital tool which enables geological recording and quick modeling based on 3D real scenes in the field of hydropower projects. There are three modules in the surface tool: object recording, image interpretation, and field analysis. The object recording module is to mark geological points (e.g., drills and shafts), lines (e.g., faults, stratigraphic boundaries), and surfaces (e.g., slope and stocking yard) on a 3D scene and then store them in the database. The image interpretation is to interpret the 2D information in images to 3D models loaded in 3D software for further studies, such as GOCAD. The field analysis includes surface fitting, stability analysis of blocks, occurrences calculating, rock recognition, and 69/sketching. The tool is helpful for recording data, drawing geological boundaries, and building a preliminary model in the geological survey.

A novel approach to resource potential estimation and field development of non-structural traps with limited data: a case study of Achimov formation in Western Siberia

Background. The West Siberian basin which is one of the main oil and gas regions of Russia is characterized not only by classical structural traps but also by extremely complex geological objects of Achimov sequence. Thereby, it is quite difficult to evaluate perspectives of license areas within which we can discover those Achimov type of deposits, especially at regional stage exploration in terms of a complete absence of 3D seismic data and uneven coverage of area by 2D seismic surveys. Aim. This article is devoted to the methodology description for probabilistic assessment of the resource base of non-structural traps in the Achimov strata in areas with different 2D-seismic exploration degree. Materials and methods. The methodology based on the “density” method which in relation to the evaluated area uses statistics of estimated parameters and number of bodies in the field analogs. The general line of this paper is how to use this methodology for resource base evaluation in the zones of Achimov deposits intersection as the most promising from the point of further development. Results. As part of the project evaluation according to the proposed approach, the resource base was divided into components — resources of objects in areas of possible intersection and resources of single, non-intersecting objects. Conclusions. It provides an opportunity to spot and conduct a technical and economic assessment of previously uneconomic reservoirs.

Organization of Geoparks in Russia and Peculiarities of their Legal Regime

The paper examines the features of the international status of "UNESCO Global Geopark" that are important for the development of Russian legislation regulating Geoparks. The criteria for the status of a “UNESCO Global Geopark” that affect the national legal regime of the Geopark include the criterion for the presence of geological objects with a protected status on its territory. The author has analyzed the references to national legislation contained in the criteria for UNESCO Global Geoparks. The paper highlights the differences between the UNESCO Global Geopark, the World Heritage Site and the Biosphere Reserve, analyzes the cases of overlaps between the Geopark concept and the concept of a World Heritage site or a biosphere reserve. Also, the author shows that the term Geopark is extremely rarely used in federal legislation (single strategic planning documents) in the context of the need arising in the constituent entities of the Russian Federation to regulate the processes of creation and functioning of Geoparks. The author has proven the connection between the Russian legislation on Geoparks, regardless of the further fate of its development, with the legislation on specially protected natural areas.The author determines four possible types of organization and functioning of geoparks in Russia: 1) a geopark as a tourist and recreational zone; 2) a geopark without a legal regime for a tourist and recreational zone and without a legal regime for a specially protected natural area; 3) a geopark with a legal regime of a specially protected natural area in the form of a state paleontological, mineralogical or geological reserve; 4) a geopark as an independent category of a specially protected natural area approved by regional regulatory legal acts. The author specifically describes the legal regime of each type of the Geopark. The author makes suggestions and recommendations for the development of federal and regional legislation on Geoparks in Russia.

Utilization of Gravity Satellite Data to Imaging Subsurface Conditions, Case Study: Lake Toba, North Sumatera

The purpose of this study is to utilize satellite gravity data for free to interpret subsurface conditions. The data can be obtained from the topex site with a latitude range is +/-80,738. The author tries to interpret the gravity data for Lake Toba, North Sumatra. The area is attractive because it has a sizeable geological object in the form of a large lake and a fault called the Sumatran fault. This gravity data is processed like ordinary gravity processing so that Complete Bouguer Anomaly (CBA) is obtained, then regional-residual separation is carried out using a moving average. From CBA, it can be seen that there are two closures just below Lake Toba. There are two possible chambers under Lake Toba, namely the central and southern parts. In addition, it is also clear that the lineament of the Sumatran fault is also visible, as well as three other lineaments which may be faults that are not identified from the surface. So, we can take advantage of this free gravity satellite data for interpretation of sizeable geological objects that can be applied to other areas. It is helpful to know the general picture of regional geology before conducting a more detailed survey.

Monitoring of radionuclides in the natural waters of Novosibirsk, Russia

Results of the investigation of 238U, 232Th, 226Ra and 222Rn content in the natural waters of Novosibirsk city and adjacent territories are presented for the first time. Hydraulic interrelations between the aquifer systems of Quaternary, Neogene and Paleogene sediments, Upper Devonian – Lower Carboniferous sediments and Upper Paleozoic granites predetermined the features of hydrogeological structure. Twenty-five chemical types of water were established, with the domination of HCO3 Mg–Ca, HCO3 Na–Mg–Ca and SO4–HCO3 Na–Mg–Ca. The amount of total dissolved solids varies from 127 to 1848 mg l−1, pH from neutral to alkaline (6.9–9.5). The values of Eh vary from reductive −157 mV (O2dissolved = 0.3 mg l−1) to oxidative +280 mV (O2dissolved = 19.4 mg l−1). Silicon content varies from 0,14 to 11,77 mg l−1. The ranges within which the concentrations of radioactive elements vary in natural waters are: radon (222Rn) 0–1216 Bq.l−1, uranium (238U) 9.75∙10−8 – 0.098 mg l−1, thorium (232Th) 2.2∙10−7 – 2.1∙10−3 and radium (226Ra) 1.6∙10−12 – 3,5∙10−7 mg l−1. The maximal content of these elements in the waters of boundary territories reach 222Rn – 43,764 Bq.l−1, 238U–6.5 mg l−1 and 226Ra – 3.7∙10−7 mg l−1. The 232Th/238U ratio is 4.20∙10−5 – 2.96. The concentrations of uranium and thorium in the geological objects of Novosibirsk vary within the ranges (mg.kg−1): 238U = 1.6–3.6 and 232Th = 5.55–13.6 for sedimentary rocks, and 238U = 0.2–47.2 and 232Th = 0.8–44.1 in intrusive formations. It is established that waters with high radon content relate to the aquiferous zones of Upper Devonian - Lower Carboniferous shale rocks and hornfels, as well as Upper Paleozoic granites. The highest concentrations of radionuclides are characteristic of the aqueous scattering halos of the uranium ore deposit.