Prospection Research Articles

Eco-physiological approach to assessing the functional state of workers in geological prospecting expeditions during meridian movement between mid-latitudes and the Arctic region

BACKGROUND: The current challenge lies in defining the unique characteristics of compensatory and adaptive mechanisms formation, as well as the development of healthcare technologies for various forms of work in Arctic region conditions. AIM: To study associations between climate patterns and physiological responses to daily fluctuations in meteorological factors. Specifically, we aimed to investigate how these factors impact the cardiovascular system and psychophysiological well-being of workers during geological prospecting expeditions along the meridian travel between Tyumen (57° 09’ N) and Yamal (71° 11ʹ N). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 115 men aged 20–40 years in mid-latitude conditions (baseline data) and during occupational relocation to the Arctic region comprised the sample. The examination included recording key indicators of the cardiovascular system (heart rate, blood pressure, mean arterial pressure, pulse pressure), ECG in standard unipolar and augmented leads, and psychophysiological assessments (evaluation of trait and state anxiety, stress diagnostics, regulation of self-control, and emotional lability). Additionally, to calculate the natural and climatic contrast of regions in Western Siberia, meteorological data and geomagnetic activity indicators were analyzed based on eight daily measurements over 12 months across 11 years using a unified system of meteorological station indicators in Tyumen and Kharasavey. RESULTS: The cardiovascular system experiences desynchronosis during meridian movement from middle latitudes to the Arctic region. This condition is influenced by the interregional climatic contrast and the differences in daily rhythm characteristics of meteorological data between the initial and final destinations. The interaction within the system of meteorological rhythms plays an important role in these variations. CONCLUSION: The established associations within the ‘meteorhythms–biorhythms’ system underscore the necessity for developing regional norms for chronophysiological parameters of a healthy individual under specific environmental and climatic conditions. It also highlights the importance of dynamic monitoring of deviations in these parameters during occupational relocations between mid-latitudes and the Arctic region across different seasons. This approach is essential for the effective monitoring of maladaptive disorders and for predicting the potential development of pathologies.

Arc-shaped faults of the Golden Valley gold field of the Midlands greenstone belt in Zimbabwe and their role in localization of the ore mineralization

A detailed analysis of the geological and structural position of gold and tungsten deposits in the Golden Valley ore field of the Midlands greenstone belt has demonstrated that most of the gold deposits are controlled by arc-shaped faults that taken together form a semicircular structure with dimensions of 9×11 km. In addition, these arc-shaped faults apparently control the distribution of dikes of porphyry granites, that are associated with gold ore veins. Quartz-scheelite and gold-quartz-scheelite veins together form a second, less distinct, semicircular structure comparable in size to the first one. The highlighted structures were formed around isometric Late Archean granodiorite massifs, Lion Hill and Whitewaters, respectively, and are partially overlapped in space. The magnetic fi ld, also, reveals one additional arc-shaped fault and a series of linear faults. This arc-shaped fault, in conjunction with its associated branching veins of the Golden Valley and Patchway deposits, represents the so-called “horsetail” structure that is characteristic for gold deposits. This fault that is the most favorable structure for localization of gold ore veins, as well as the proposed junctions of arc-shaped and linear faults of radial and northwestern orientations, are considered as the most promising areas where geological prospecting is recommended.

FLI and FIB-4 in diagnosing metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease in primary care: High prevalence and risk of significant disease

Introduction and ObjectivesPublic health policies in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) are still lacking. This study aims to estimate the prevalence and severity of MASLD in primary health care (PHC) through non-invasive markers. Patients and MethodsTwo-phase study, including a retrospective (RETR) and a prospective (PROS) one, was carried out in PHC in Brazil. In RETR, metabolic and hepatic profiles of 12,054 patients, including FIB-4, were evaluated. In PROS, 350 patients were randomly selected and submitted to a clinical and nutritional assessment. ResultsRETR (65.4 % women, mean age 55.3 years old): dyslipidemia, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) present in 40.8 %, 34.3 %, and 12.2 % of the electronic health records, respectively. Fasting glucose >100 mg/dL in 34.5 %, and glycated hemoglobin higher than 5.7 % in 51.5 %, total cholesterol >200 mg/dL and triglycerides >150 mg/dL in 40.8 % and 32.1 %, respectively. Median FIB-4 was of 1.33, 5 % >2.67. No one had MASLD as a diagnostic hypothesis; PROS(71.8 % women, mean age 58 years old): body mass index (BMI) ≥30 kg/m² in 31.8 %. MASLD prevalence (FLI≥ 30 + cardiometabolic features) of 62.1 %; 39.4 % of patients had FLI ≥60, with higher BMI, waist circumference, fasting glucose, triglycerides, AST, ALT and GGT, as well as lower HDL-cholesterol (p < 0.001). FIB-4>1.3 in 40 % and NAFLD Fibrosis Score (NFS)>-1.45 in 59.2 % of steatotic patients. ConclusionsThere is a high prevalence of MASLD in PHC, with a significant risk of liver fibrosis. These findings reinforce we need to develop public policies to defeat MASLD epidemics.

Rocky Landscape of Gerdekkaya: An overview of the survey project in Çorum Alaca Region

The architectural elements and structure traces located on the rocky landscape, alongside the rock-cut tombs and the extensive illegal excavation activities causing damage, indicate the presence of a significant settlement in Gerdekkaya awaiting archaeological discovery. The settlement of Gerdekkaya can be identified as a fortification settlement from the Hellenistic period. New data regarding Gerdekkaya within the framework of rocky landscape is explored. The settlement, inhabited during multiple periods, was within the boundaries of the Mithradatic Kingdom's geography in antiquity and situated between the Mithradatids and its neighbor Galatia. This study involves the identification and interpretation of the currently available archaeological data from Gerdekkaya. It provides the first information about this settlement, located in the southwestern direction of the Mithradatic Kingdom's geography, referred to in modern literature as terra incognita, or unknown lands. Considering the fortress’s characteristics and location, this study defines an important fortification settlement in Gerdekkaya that will provide data for the Central Black Sea Region’s archaeology. It also offers guiding information for future planned excavations. In this context, information was gathered through archaeological survey and geological prospection

New Porphyry Copper–Molybdenum Ore Occurrence in Arganaty Granites of the Eastern Balkhash (Kazakhstan): Geology, Geochemistry, and Mineralogy

In the Balkhash region of Kazakhstan, there are numerous copper and copper–molybdenum deposits, including superlarge Aktogay, Aidarly, Kounrad, and large Sayak deposits. Despite the proximity to these ore districts, the Arganaty district of the Eastern Balkhash region has not attracted significant interest in terms of exploration for many years. Our recent work has identified previously undetected copper–molybdenum mineralization in the granites of the Arganaty massif and has provided a new perspective on the economic potential of this area. In this study, based on the geology, mineralogy, and geochemistry of the Arganaty granites using data from XRF and ICP-MS methods, we reassessed the geological structure and prospectivity of this area. Our investigations have found that the intrusive rocks of the Arganaty massif belong to I-type granites and were formed in a subduction setting rather than a collision setting, as was previously believed. This also indicates the high prospects of the territory in the context of the possible discovery of large Cu or Cu–Mo deposits.

Optical properties, inclusions, and chemical composition of blue corundum from the Stazh-2 deposit, South-Western Pamir

Background. The Stazh-2 deposit of blue corundum is a representative object in the post- Soviet territory with prospects for mining of jewelry crystal raw materials. In terms of its geological position, the deposit can be classified as a contact-reaction (bimetasomatic) deposit formed in the contacts of granite veins and magnesites, being comparable to the world-famous Kashmir Sumjam deposit. During its study at the end of the last century, no mineralogical studies of blue corundum were conducted using precision methods, such as IR, Raman and absorption spectra, DiamindView luminescence, in order to establish patterns in color distribution, solid and gas-liquid inclusions, deformations and chemical composition. Determination of these parameters could serve as a basis for the involvement of crystal from this deposit in the jewelry industry.Aim. Examination of blue corundum from the Stazh-2 deposit located in Archean magnesite marbles of the Goran metamorphic series of the South-West Pamir using IR, Raman spectra, absorption spectra, and DiamondView luminescence to establish color distribution within crystals, solid and gas-liquid inclusions, deformations, and their chemical composition.Materials and methods. Four polished plates weighing from 0.48 to 0.76 carats with an area of about 1 cm2 and a thickness of 1.5—2 mm, as well as two faceted inserts — “Oval” 2.86 carats, 9.5x7.5 mm, and “Circle” 1.35 carats, 9 mm. The inserts were prepared from samples from the collection of the Department of Mineralogy and Gemology, Russian State Geological Prospecting University (MGRI). The research methodology comprised (1) optical microscopy using a Leica S9D stereomicroscope; (2) infrared spectroscopy in the mid-IR range from 400 cm-1 to 4500 cm-1 with a Nicolet iS50 FT-IR Thermo Scientific FT-IR spectrometer, detector DTGS KBr, aperture 200, resolution 4 cm-1 , PIKE DRIFTS attachment; (3) Raman spectroscopy using a confocal Renishaw InVia Qontor Raman-microspectrometer with an excitation solid-state laser 532 nm, nominal power 100 mW and diffraction grating 1800 lines/mm; (4) UV-Vis-NIR absorption spectroscopy by a PerkinElmer Lambda 1050WB spectrometer in the range of 270—1200 nm, a spectral resolution of 0.5 nm, a scanning speed of 56.7 nm/min; (5) micro-X-ray fluorescence analysis using a Bruker TORNADO M4 micro-XRF spectrometer with an X-ray tube power 20 W and a vacuum mode of 20 mbar, an X-ray beam diameter of 50 μm; (6) luminescence imaging in short-wave radiation 225 nm, recorded using a Diamond View device. Instrumental studies were carried out at the Gemstone Research Laboratory of Gokhran of Russia.Results. (1) For the first time, spectrometric data of blue corundum from the Stazh-2 deposit were obtained by IR-, Raman, and UV-Vis-NIR spectroscopy methods, as well as micro-XRF. (2) In blue corundum, a local (focal) content of chromium, an element alien to granites, was established. Here, metasomatites with corundum were formed. Areas with chromium exhibit sharp rectilinear boundaries. (3) Zircon, diaspore, boehmite, muscovite, calcite, as well as gas-liquid inclusions with CO2, were determined in the composition of blue corundum. (4) Two color generations due to newly formed fractures and minerals were identified. (5) The inclusions of diaspore, boehmite, muscovite, and calcite are the result of the hydration and carbonation reactions that occurred between corundum and anorthite at later development stages. (6) The blue corundum samples contained Ti and Fe with a predominance of Ti over Fe, which is a distinctive feature of the Stazh-2 deposit from other deposits of blue corundum and sapphires.Conclusion. The obtained materials can be used by Gokhran of Russia for identifying sapphires of the contact-reaction (bimetasomatic) genesis, which include Kashmir sapphires of the highest quality, as well as for educational purposes.

Using data storage and management systems to optimize geological prospecting works

Using data storage and management systems to optimize geological prospecting works

Identification of new objects promising for porphyry molybdenum-copper mineralization when creating the State geological map 1000/3: Sheets O-55, O-56 (Northern Priokhotye, Magadan region) as an example

The Motykleisky, Chistoozerny, and Pavlovichsky new ore clusters promising for porphyry molybdenum-copper mineralization have been identified in the Magadan region due to results of creation of the State Geological Map 1000/3, sheets O-55, O-56. The porphyry-type mineralization is associated with the Priokhotsky plutonic belt of Albian-Cenomanian granitoids of the Magadan suite of the calcareous-alkaline series (K/Na &amp;lt;1). The granitoids are dominated by porphyritic tonalites and quartz diorites of type I magnetite series, often adakitic in composition. The mineralization is accommodated by the Jurassic-Lower Cretaceous island-arc sedimentary-volcanic formations. Relationship between the mineralization and granitoids is substantiated by the U-Pb SIMS SHRIMP and Re-Os TIMS dating. In potential ore clusters, the mineralization is manifested by extensive fi lds of hydrothermal-metasomatic alterations (propylites and quartz-sericite-pyrite metasomatites). Recommendations are given for follow-up large-scale geological survey and prospecting in the area of the potential ore clusters.

Probabilistic analysis of geological and structural Prospects for Oil and gas Potential in Western Yakutia Using three-Dimensional Empirical Mode Decomposition of Potential Fields

Further development of modern formal approaches to extracting geo-structural information from gravimetric and magnetometric data is herein discussed. A practical example of using 3D GEMD (three-dimensional controlled empirical mode decomposition) algorithm to calculate potential fields transforms associated with the impact of deep and medium (of different ranks) geological structures on the adjacent territories of Western Yakutia was considered. Two types of reference groups were determined based on analysis of the known hydrocarbon fields in the Lena-Vilyuy and Lena-Tunguska oil and gas provinces. Statistical efficiency of the observed fields, fields’ area transforms (modified functions of empirical decomposition), and also spatially-linked combinations of the said attributes, aiming to solve the forecasting tasks, was determined. As a result of integration within the testing area, layout diagrams of deep geological and structural prerequisites for oil and gas potential, similar to group standards, were drawn up. A geological interpretation of forecasting and geophysical constructions is presented. It is shown that a number of identified areas predicted with high probabilities correlate with depressions of rift zones. Combined with thick volcanogenic-sedimentary formations, the latter forms most prospective oil and gas content pre-requisites.

Oil-and-gas potential of the northeast Predpatom trough

This article discusses the geological structure and prospects of the oil and gas potential in the northeastern part of the Predpatom trough. The materials of the study included geological findings from deep drilling and data from direct geochemical studies conducted in recent years. It describes the specific features of the structural plans of the upper versus the lower part of the geological cross-section. It is assumed that deep drilling in the area of the Ulugur structure has not reached the target productive horizons in the autochthonous part of the section. After acquiring more recent seismic data, there is a proposal to drill a deeper exploratory well in the area. As another priority target for oil and gas exploration, a potential zone of Vendian clastic deposits wedging on the southwestern slope of the Suntar uplift has been identified. A forecast has been made for the distribution of lithological traps stacked with well-sorted granular Vendian reservoirs in the northern parts of the Ergedzheysky and Ulugursky license areas. In the allochthonous part of the section, the potential for oil and gas content in carbonate deposits from the Vendian and Lower Cambrian periods is highlighted in reservoirs formed by secondary processes. It is assumed that thrust deformations could lead to the circulation of aggressive solutions, resulting in the formation of secondary fractured cavernous reservoirs. Subsequently, hydrocarbon accumulations may migrate and accumulate within these reservoirs. Good gas prospects were also noted in the upper part of the section, where gas deposits were confirmed in newly discovered fields. The results of direct geochemical testing of the Ulugur and Ergedzheysky license areas are presented, enabling the preliminary delineation of promising zones and areas in the studied territory. At the same time, narrow elongated geochemical anomalies are associated with the prospects of the allochthonous part of the section, while isometric anomalies are linked to the autochthonous part of the section. The need to consolidate all available geological and geophysical information on the Pre-Atomic deflection within the framework of case studies is noted.

Geological Structure and Prospects of the Oil-And-Gas-Bearing Mozambique Continental Margin

Geological Structure and Prospects of the Oil-And-Gas-Bearing Mozambique Continental Margin

Quantitative prediction methods and applications of digital ore deposit models

With the depletion of surface mineral deposits, attention has shifted to deep mineral exploration prospecting. The emergence of three-dimensional digital ore deposit models, facilitated by the advancement of computer technology, has transformed traditional two-dimensional geological models into computer-recognizable numerical-symbolic digital models. This transformation allows qualitative geological concepts, originally expressed in natural language, to be quantitatively expressed, thereby enhancing the accuracy of deep mineral exploration. This paper first outlines the development from traditional ore deposit models to digital ore deposit models, asserting that digital ore deposit models can encompass a more comprehensive array of multidisciplinary geological information, including mineralogy, ore deposit types, structural geology, geochemistry, and geophysics. Building upon digital ore deposit models, a three-dimensional geological model is constructed, combining regional metallogenic regularities, identifying ore-forming favorable information, and conducting quantitative extraction. Subsequently, a comprehensive prospecting model is established, followed by the integration of deep learning methods for deep-seated mineral exploration, forming a unified system of quantitative prospecting methodology for hidden mineral deposits under the framework of geological prospecting models, three-dimensional geological modeling, and three-dimensional quantitative prospecting. Finally, using the Zaozigou gold deposit in Gansu Province as a case study, this approach is applied to mineral exploration prospecting, delineating prospective target areas and providing valuable reference for future exploration efforts.

Water inrush-induced failure during deep excavation for a metro station in karst regions in Shenzhen, China: Cause diagnosis and post-accident restoration

With the rapid development of urban underground space in karst areas, water inrush disasters during deep excavations have become widespread. However, there is a notable scarcity of comprehensive systematic studies on the causes of these disasters and environmental responses to them, and the required post-disaster restoration measures. This study investigates several water inrush disasters that occurred during the excavation for the Longdong Village Station on Shenzhen Metro Line 16, China. Through an extensive review of the geological and hydrological conditions, design and construction plan, and field monitoring data, several potential causes of the water inrush-induced failure were revealed, including i) special natural karst geology and hydrogeological conditions, ii) imprecise geological pre-investigation owing to limitations of geological prospecting technology, and iii) possibly unreasonable geological drilling and excavation operations. The magnitudes of all the monitoring items rarely varied throughout the implementation of the post-disaster restoration measures, which demonstrated the success of the measures and plans adopted after the water inrush accidents. This case provides a reference for the prevention of similar water inrush disasters and the required post-disaster restoration measures.

Osinskaya subformation of the Usolsky formation of the Lower Cambrian of the central and southern parts of the Nepa-Botuoba anteclise: structure, formation conditions and biostratigraphical characteristics

Relevance. Geological prospecting carried out recently throughout the Lena-Tunguska oil-and-gas province makes studies of carbonates of the Osinskaya subformation particularly relevant, as they make it possible to establish the patterns of hydrocarbon trap formation. Aim. To present the results of the lithological and facial, biostratigraphic and petrophysical studies of the Osinskaya subformation in the southern and central part of the Nepa-Botuoba anteclise. Objects. Carbonate rocks of the middle Osinskaya subformation of the Usolskiy Formation of the Lower Cambrian Tommotian Stage, studied from well cores. Methods. GIS complex, detailed lithological and sedimentological description of the core, sequential stratigraphic analysis, petrographic analysis of 300 samples and examination of paleontological remains taken from the core; analysis. Results. Based on these studies, three sedimentation zones were identified, traced, and described for the first time: deep-water, marginal, and shallow-water. The deep-water zone is characterized by uncompensated sedimentation, the presence of single reefs, and confinement to depressions and troughs. It was flanked by an edge zone of carbonate platform associated with elevated thicknesses of the subformation and distribution of reefs over the area. It was followed by a shallow-water zone, represented by medium and reduced thicknesses of the Osinskaya subformation, its sediments are composed of carbonate grained and clayey rocks with small single reefs. The localized marginal zone of the extended carbonate platform agrees with the previously identified Chambinsko-Altybsko-Mirninskaya and Verkhnetokhomsko-Katsko-Pilyudinskaya zones of distribution of reef-like organogenic structures. On the basis of the studied wells, the structure of three formations according to the lithologic-facial profile was described. The paper introduces the authors’ variant of conducting the boundaries of the members. It was revealed that in the deep-water zone the prospects of searching for reservoir rocks are associated with single carbonate structures, in the marginal zone with area bioherms, and in the shallow-water zone with detrital deposits and shallow bioherms. The paleontological finds are shown to be confined to the selected sedimentation zones and beds. It was determined that algae diagnosed in the boudstones (autochthonous) were involved in the formation of the second and third strata, the edge zone of the carbonate platform. Archaeocyaths were diagnosed in detrital carbonate rocks of the second pack (allochthonous) in well no. 7 and autochthonous in boudstones of well no. 2X. Cribriciates were diagnosed in the boudstones of the third member (autochthonous). Archaeocyaths, cribriciates, namacalatusses, and calcareous algae studied from the cores of wells West Yaractinian no. 45, 361, Bolshetyrskaya no. 7, 3X, 2X, 4X, 5X, 6X were major edificators of Early Cambrian organogenic structures (biostromes, bioherms, bioherms massifs, reef formations).

The distortion and misinterpretation of TEM responses caused by the IP effect

Abstract Transient electromagnetic surveys are commonly conducted to map the distribution of resistivity, a key physical property in mineral exploration and other geological prospecting problems. However, the responses obtained in regions associated with chargeable minerals are always distorted by the induced polarization effects. In this study, the distorted responses are initially simulated in the frequency domain employing the Cole–Cole complex resistivity model and subsequently converted into the time domain through a time-frequency transformation method. A uniform half-space model is employed to validate the algorithm and illustrate the distortion characteristics of the responses in polarizable formations. A three-layer model is designed to estimate the misinterpretation of slightly complicated models. An actual misinterpretation is demonstrated by field responses containing induced polarization effects collected in the Wulong Gold Mine. The results show that the distortions under different geoelectrical conditions are consistent, enhancing the responses in the early stage and counteracting the responses in the late stage. The strong induced polarizable effects distort the responses by causing explicit sign reversals, whereas the weak induced polarizable effects only distort the decay rate of the responses. These distortions are prone to causing misinterpretations and resulting in excessively intricate geological structures.

Geological structure and metallogeny of Precambrian sedimentary structures of western Aldan-Stanovy Shield

The article presents the results of the study by various geologists of the geological structure and prospects of ore-bearing trog complexes performing structures such as throgs, which were identified at different stages of geological research in the western part of the Aldan-Stanovy shield. The main types of traction complexes and their sections were determined. The nature of the occurrence of sedimentary (terrigenous), volcanogenicsedimentary and metavolcanic rocks performing throgs and forming throg complexes was established. The nature of the ratio of these rocks in the context of the trog complex in the studied trogs was described. The results of the study of trog complexes showed that they are generally characterized by facies variability, heterogeneity of metamorphism and dynamothermal processing of rocks (especially in the sides of trogs) with the formation of mylonites and cataclasites. It was established that the throgs are confined to three regional systems of discontinuous disturbances. Both consonantal and secant discontinuities were marked inside the throgs, defining their block tectonics. The results of determining the geological age of the rocks of the trogovoi complex were presented. The trog structures are characterized by ore mineralization associated with the processes of sedimentation (ferruginous quartzites, copper sandstones) and volcanogenic ore formation (copper-crusted and polymetallic mineralization), as well as with the processes of metamorphogenic-hydrothermal redistribution of ore matter (stratiform scheelite mineralization, ore-bearing quartz veins). It was also found that the metallogeny of the trog structures has not been studied sufficiently. Nevertheless, the majority of geologists who studied the trogovye complexes noted in their reports that Precambrian trogovye complexes can be considered as important and metallogenically promising geological objects in the western part of the Aldan-Stanovy Shield and deserve more in-depth study.

A new progressive and efficient production sharing Contract for upstream oil and gas industry

After the pandemic, the structure of the upstream petroleum business changed. Exploration and production (E&P) companies no longer base their investment decisions on the geological prospectivity of the offered blocks but rather on how the fiscal systems adopted by host governments behave under such uncontrolled and unexpected events. Many E&P companies couldn't survive during the pandemic. This is because many governments adopt regressive and front-end-loaded systems that are not designed to accommodate such periods of low oil prices. This research, therefore, presents a new methodology to design the main fiscal elements of production sharing contracts (PSCs). These elements are: royalty, cost recovery limit, production sharing, and income tax. The performance of the proposed PSC model under different oil prices, production rates, and development costs is investigated using deterministic sensitivity analysis. Our results showed that the proposed PSC model is a progressive and win-win fiscal system. The performance of the proposed PSC model is compared with Ghana's fiscal system and the new Nigeria's Petroleum Industry Act (PIA 2021) under a wide range of oil prices, production rates, development, and operating costs. The comparative study proved that the proposed PSC model enhances the survival and sustainability of E&P companies during periods of falling oil prices. The comparative study proved that, unlike the proposed PSC model, Ghana's fiscal system and PIA 2021 are regressive. Furthermore, the contracting parties are not in a win-win situation.

Rapid X-ray fluorescence analysis as a modern alternative to traditional spectral methods in geochemical prospecting

The purpose of the study is to present the research results of the capabilities of modern portable rapid X-ray fluorescence analyzers when solving problems of geological and geochemical prospecting. On example of the applied SciAps X200 analyzer, the metrological indicators for the analysis results by portable instruments have been studied. The accuracy assessment results of analytical studies according to state standard reference samples are shown. Reproducibility of the analysis results is calculated on the basis of samples from promising gold sites of the Bodaibo synclinorium. The method is proved to be of high precision, and measurement errors in many cases are many times lower than the permissible certified values. The reproducibility is shown as 0,5–20 % depending on the element, which in most cases is significantly lower than the methodology permits. The results of interlaboratory comparative tests confirming the comparability of the analytical results of stationary and portable X-ray fluorescence analyzers are presented. For a number of significant elements, the authors have substantiated the lack of need to refine the results of the field rapid X-ray fluorescence analysis using labor-intensive and expensive methods with acid decomposition - atomic emission and atomic absorption spectroscopy. It has been proved that introduction of portable express equipment into geological prospecting works will make it possible to conduct real-time “on site” analytical studies.

Advancements and research priorities in the field of Earth Science in the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia)

This article presents the significant findings of research in the field of Earth Science in the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia). The main focus of future research includes the investigation of the geological structure and evolution of the Earth’s crust in Yakutia, exploration of ore-forming systems for strategic mineral types, identification of oil source rocks, and the discovery of natural naphthide accumulations. These findings serve as a fundamental basis for enhancing the level of geological exploration of the subsurface, development of advanced technologies for geological exploration and prospecting in specific geological settings. It is essential to monitor the natural environment and climate of the region, establish a comprehensive system for observing, analyzing, and forecasting the response of ecosystem components to both natural and anthropogenic changes, and develop technologies for the restoration of disturbed areas. The recognition of the importance of ensuring a sufficient number of highly qualified staff members is also acknowledged.

Geological Structure and Prospects of Hydrocarbon Potential of Paleozoic Deposits in Southeastern Regions of West Siberia

Abstract —In this paper we analyze the geological structure and prospects of hydrocarbon potential of the Paleozoic deposits in southeastern regions of West Siberia, including the Tomsk, Novosibirsk, Omsk regions and the southwest of the Krasnoyarsk Territory in the left-bank part of the Yenisei River. In the process of our studies, we analyzed the tectonic structure of the basement and made a conclusion that most of the studied area is occupied by the Central West Siberian zone of Late Hercynides. In the northeast of the Tomsk region and the adjacent area of the Krasnoyarsk Territory, the cis-Yenisei Upper Protezoic–Paleozoic sedimentary subbasin, lying on the pre-Baikal basement, developed. We constructed regional-zonal models of the Riphean–Cambrian deposits of the cis-Yenisei subprovince and Paleozoic deposits in the area of distribution of Hercynides and analyzed the material composition and age of the rocks of the pre-Jurassic basement. We assessed hydrocarbon potential of the Upper Proterozoic–Paleozoic deposits, identified prospective blocks and objects, developed seismogeological criteria to identify and map in detail the Paleozoic oil and gas prospective reservoirs and constructed seismogeological models of reference fields.