Geophysical Surveys Research Articles

The estimation of the parameters of the layers according to the data of the GWS in the “Bulla-Deniz” offshore field

The article is devoted to the analysis and interpretation of the data of the geophysical well surveys (GWS) using modern water saturation models to assess the strata properties of the studied field. At the first stage, reservoir layers and their clay content, porosity value, saturation character and oil-gas saturation coefficient are identified over the section by studying petrophysical properties of well section. The reservoirs of the studied section are represented by sandy-silty-clay deposits. Some difference was observed during comparing oil-gas saturation coefficients evaluated by core and the interpretation results (Archi-Dakhnov method) of well log data. In this regard, various existing methods were used to estimate oil-gas saturation.

Field tests of geological storage of CO 2 at the Otway International Test Centre, Australia: trapping and monitoring the migrating plumes

The capture and geological storage of CO 2 is essential for net zero. Large volumes of secure subsurface storage will be required, much in unexplored saline aquifers. At the Otway International Test Centre we have executed a series of storage tests, including geophysical surveys, geochemical and petrophysical characterization, drilling and instrumenting six deep wells and conducting two intensively monitored injections each of 15 Kt CO 2 . We summarize the execution and outcomes to draw out the implications for larger-scale storage and for migration trapping of CO 2 plumes. Immobilization of most of the plume is essential for long-term safety. Suitable saline aquifers should have sealing caprocks but need not have structural traps. Buoyant CO 2 could move kilometres beneath the seal, with immobilization occurring by capillary forces and dissolution. Predicting and monitoring plume behaviour with practical methods integrated with risk management will be necessary. We characterized and monitored migration trapping, demonstrated plume immobilization, and tested monitoring methods tailored to large saline aquifers. We developed pressure tomography and continuous seismic monitoring; these provide less detailed information than conventional methods but can be targeted at risks. Passive methods, such as the seismic response to earthquakes, can also act as sentinels for specific events. These methods can bridge the ‘monitoring gap’ between detailed but infrequent methods and more frequent but simpler methods and the results will enable better trade-offs between cost, complexity and risk for a technology crucial for controlling CO 2 levels in the atmosphere. Supplementary material : Detailed descriptions of unpublished modelling are available at https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.7148197

Exploring Medium and Low-Temperature Convective Geothermal Resources in Eastern China Through Acoustic-Emission Geomagnetic Bathymetry

Medium and low-temperature convective geothermal resources are a crucial component of China's geothermal wealth, primarily concentrated in the eastern coastal regions. To maximize the utilization of these resources, geophysical surveys are essential, with acoustic-emission geomagnetic bathymetry being a prominent and effective method employed in geothermal resource assessments. This study focuses on applying acoustic-emission geodetic bathymetry to survey specific geothermal sites, including the Xiu Yan Gou Tang Hot Spring, Fengcheng Gou Tang Hot Spring, and Hai Cheng Xi Huang di Geothermal Field. The results obtained through this method provide detailed insights into the distribution of both deep and shallow thermal storage spaces within these fields, shedding light on the intricate thermal circulation systems associated with them. These findings serve as a reliable foundation for planning and executing further geothermal resource development projects. Acoustic-emission geomagnetic bathymetry emerges as a comprehensive tool for understanding the nuances of medium and low-temperature convective geothermal resources.

Correlation between induced polarization and sulfide content of rock samples obtained from seafloor hydrothermal mounds in the Okinawa Trough, Japan

AbstractThe physical properties of seafloor massive sulfides are crucial for interpreting sub-seafloor images from geophysical surveys, shedding light on the evolution of seafloor mineral deposits. While some studies have explored the relationship between electrical properties and the volume of conductive minerals in rocks from seafloor massive sulfide deposits, they primarily focused on artificial samples, leaving the characteristics of natural samples less understood. Moreover, there has been no comprehensive study detailing the general characteristics of electrical properties, particularly chargeability and relaxation time, in relation to the volumetric fraction of sulfides in rocks from massive sulfide mounds in typical hydrothermal areas. In this study, we employed complex conductivity measurements, elemental concentration analysis, and mineral content identification on to rock samples from the active hydrothermal zones of the Okinawa Trough in Japan. The complex conductivity observed was remarkably high, with a pronounced imaginary component and a broad frequency range. This is attributed to induced polarization extending beyond our measurement range. The rock samples were rich in conductive sulfide minerals such as pyrite, chalcopyrite, and galena. Using the Cole–Cole rock physics model, we established a correlation between rock chargeability and relaxation time coefficient with the volume fraction of conductive sulfide minerals, which deviated from previous findings. The intensity of induced polarization was notably higher than anticipated in earlier studies using artificial samples. Furthermore, we observed a distinct positive correlation between the coefficient of relaxation time and the increase in sulfide volume, likely due to the geometric characteristics of the sulfide minerals. Our findings suggest that rocks in massive sulfide mounds may generally construct sulfide clusters that lengthen the conductive path of the electrical carrier. Graphical Abstract

Kurgan Phenomenon in the Southern Caucasus: Results of an Interdisciplinary Multi‐Method Remote Sensing Survey Along the Kurekçay Valley (Goranboy Province, Western Azerbaijan)

ABSTRACTThis paper presents the results of a pilot study that combines findings from satellite remote sensing analyses and an intensive interdisciplinary survey conducted in November 2021 on kurgans along the Kurekçay Valley, in western Azerbaijan. Through the integration of various methods, including historical and contemporary satellite and aerial imagery analysis, topographic mapping and geophysical prospections, this research remotely maps and quantifies the density, size, morphology and distribution of the burial mounds in the area. Unlike previous studies focusing solely on individual burial mounds, this investigation adopts a broader approach by contextualizing the kurgans within their respective landscapes. The results contribute to a deeper understanding of the physical and symbolic aspects and relationships of these structures, providing valuable insights into the enduring burial practices that shaped the funerary traditions of the Southern Caucasus during the 4th and 1st millennium BCE. Furthermore, this approach supports an assessment of the condition of the individual kurgans, thereby opening new perspectives to develop innovative plans to protect these burial mounds and their settings.

Coastal Groundwater Bodies Modelling Using Geophysical Surveys: The Reconstruction of the Geometry of Alluvial Plains in the North-Eastern Sicily (Italy)

The integration of various geophysical methodologies is considered a fundamental tool for accurately reconstructing the extent and shape of a groundwater body and for estimating the physical parameters that characterize it. This is often essential for the management of water resources in areas affected by geological and environmental hazards. This work aims to reconstruct the pattern and extent of two groundwater bodies, located in the coastal sectors of the North-Eastern Sicily, through the integrated analysis and interpretation of several geoelectrical, seismic and geological data. These are the Sant’Agata-Capo D’Orlando (SCGWB) and the Barcelona-Milazzo (BMGWB) Groundwater Bodies, located at the two ends of the northern sector of the Peloritani geological complex. These two studied coastal plains represent densely populated and industrialized areas, in which the quantity and quality of the groundwater bodies are under constant threat. At first, the resistivity models of the two groundwater bodies were realized through the inversion of a dataset of Vertical Electrical Soundings (VES), constrained by stratigraphic well logs data and other geophysical data. The 3D resistivity models obtained by spatially interpolating 1D inverse VES models have allowed for an initial recognition of the distribution of groundwater, as well as a rough geological framework of the subsoil. Subsequently, these models were implemented by integrating results from active and passive seismic data to determine the seismic P and S wave velocities of the main lithotypes. Simultaneous acquisition and interpretation of seismic and electrical tomographies along identical profiles allowed to determine the specific values of seismic velocity, electrical resistivity and chargeability of the alluvial sediments, and to use these values to constrain the HVSR inversion. All this allowed us to recognize the areal extension and thickness of the various lithotypes in the two investigated areas and, finally, to define the depth and the morphology of the base of the groundwater bodies and the thickness of the filling deposits.

Geophysical modelling of the Bjerkreim–Lobe, southern Norway

SUMMARY The Bjerkreim–Sokndal (BKS) intrusion in southern Norway has been studied for decades due to the presence of magnetic remanence creating anomalies 12 000 nT below background as measured by airborne magnetic surveys. The strong magnetic remanence also makes the BKS intrusion a good Earth analogue for remote studies of planets that have prominent magnetic signatures, such as Martian geological environments. Although numerous geophysical surveys and samples have been collected in the area, there are limited 3-D geological interpretations of the subsurface. Here, we used existing geophysical data to conduct forward and inversion modelling of the Bjerkreim lobe to investigate the subsurface geometry of the BKS intrusion. An extensive petrophysical property compilation was used as input data for the models, in combination with airborne magnetics and digital elevation models. This petrophysical compilation was initially analysed using principal component analysis to understand which variables would have the greatest impact on the models. Forward and inversion modelling show that cross-cutting jotunite bodies, and small anorthosite blocks within the Bjerkreim lobe have a limited depth extent of 1 km. Massive and foliated anorthosites to the west of the Bjerkreim lobe extend to depths greater than 4 km indicating that the BKS intruded into these anorthosites. Complications in magnetic field fitting during the forward modelling of megacyclic units with strong magnetic remanence and the results from a new ground magnetic survey support the need to revisit mapped contacts of the cyclical units.

An Integrated Approach to Geomechanical Modeling of the Urikhtau Oil and Gas Condensate Field to Optimize Well Design

Background: The rock and geological section of the Urikhtau oil and gas condensate field is a complex geological system, including a variety of rocks of different densities and angles of occurrence, as well as disjunctive faults, which in turn complicates the process of designing and constructing wells. This article discusses the experience of geological and geomechanical modeling at this field.
 Aim: The purpose of this work is to consider geological and geomechanical modeling at the Urikhtau oil and gas condensate field as a method for further application in the design of well construction, taking into account the complexity of the geological structure of the field.
 Materials and methods: To build a 3D model, data from seismic and geophysical surveys were used, as well as historical data to correlate calculations.
 Results: The result of the modeling is the development of recommendations for the well profile, its design and optimal values of drilling fluid density, which will create a safe “drillability window” for well construction.
 Conclusion: Geological and geomechanical modeling allowed us to develop key recommendations for well design, including optimizing drilling fluid density and ensuring wellbore stability.

The Application of Dual Frequency IP Survey to Identify the Concealed Ore Body in Pilbara Craton, Australia: A Case Study from Calvert Gold Deposit

The Mallina Basin in Western Australia, situated in the central part of the Pilbara Craton which is one of the world's oldest cratons, is a structurally deposited basin subjected to multiple episodes of deformation and magmatic intrusion. The Calvert gold deposit in Mallina Basin is heavily covered by Quaternary, thus, it is hardly to identify any distinct mineralization indicators, and there is no any significant progress in exploration so far. The SQ-3C dual frequency induced polarization facility that is developed by China is introduced to carry out the dual frequency IP survey, the author’s team have tested all the types of different rock samples to collect the geophysical parameters in the Calvert area, and the selection of suitable facility and working frequency is based on the geological characters of the Calvert deposit and the geophysical parameters of rocks, and some processes are undertaken to weaken the interference triggered by the electromagnetic coupling, and an IP anomaly zone was delineated. Through the drilling program in the IP anomaly zone, a gold ore body that has the same orientation with the IP anomaly zone was controlled; this result demonstrated the dual frequency IP survey is effective in the local area and provide an efficient technical method for the mineralization prospecting, and this geophysical survey project sets an example for the familiar type of gold deposit in the local area.

Interrelated Coastal Flooding, Erosion, and Groundwater Salinization on a Barrier Island During Hurricane Fiona

AbstractCoastal flooding transforms barrier island morphology and rapidly salinizes freshwater lenses that support island populations and ecosystems. Climate change is expected to increase coastal flood risks, and understanding future island vulnerability requires understanding erosion and salinization processes and their feedbacks. This study investigates how island morphology and groundwater salinity distributions on Hog Island, Prince Edward Island, Canada, responded to high water levels during post‐tropical storm Fiona (24 September 2022), the costliest hurricane to make landfall in Canadian history. Island morphology was monitored with drone‐based LiDAR, and beach groundwater dynamics were investigated with frequency‐domain electromagnetic geophysics surveys and monitoring wells. Comparing pre‐storm and post‐disturbance data revealed high dune scarping that thinned the ocean‐side foredune by 12.3 m on average and reduced the total island volume by 12%. Beach groundwater levels and electrical conductivity increased by up to 2 m and 19 mS cm−1, respectively, and the freshwater lens was lost under the eroded foredune. Measurements 9 months after the storm revealed early‐stage recovery of the foredune; however, high dune scarping prolonged recovery, and the island volume only increased by 1%. Without a stable ocean‐side foredune, the landward extent of recurring coastal flooding increased and limited freshwater flushing and aquifer recovery. Results indicate that rapid erosion from extreme coastal storms shifts coastal boundaries, salinizes formerly freshwater resources, and limits freshwater recovery. These findings emphasize the importance of understanding the often‐overlooked interconnections between coastal flooding, erosion, and groundwater salinization to effectively manage coastal resources in an age of environmental change.

Choosing the profile of an inclined – directional well in the Caspian Sea area of Turkmenistan

This paper aims to design a profile for a directional and production-appraisal well, specifically Well No. 707 in the West Cheleken field, situated in the Caspian Sea coastal water area. In the context of rapid changes in the energy sector, this study holds significance, offering economic benefits and contributing significantly to the energy security of the region and the global energy market. The main objective of this study is to optimise directional drilling for exploration wells in the Caspian Sea area of Turkmenistan, specifically focusing on improving efficiency and reducing environmental impact. To achieve this research objective, the author proposes designing a profile for a directional and production-appraisal well, utilising materials from geophysical surveys of previously drilled wells. This approach aims to avoid accidents and complications during the drilling process. Both the Close Approach software and safety regulations in the oil and gas production industry are employed to prevent collisions of wellbores. In conclusion, this research contributes innovative solutions to optimise directional drilling processes for exploration wells. It addresses potential complications in open wells and, importantly, mitigates the risk of wellbore collisions. Keywords: wellbore collision; complication; stabilization; accident; Apsheron; Akchagil; curvature; displacement.

Lessons learned from shallow subglacial bedrock drilling campaigns in Antarctica

Abstract We review successes and challenges from five recent subglacial bedrock drilling campaigns intended to find evidence for Antarctic Ice Sheet retreat during warm periods in the geologic past. Insights into times when the polar ice sheets were smaller than present serve as guiding information for modeling efforts that aim to predict the rate and magnitude of future sea level rise that would accompany major retreat of the Antarctic Ice Sheet. One method to provide direct evidence for the timing of deglaciations and minimum extent of prior ice sheets is to extract subglacial bedrock cores for cosmogenic nuclide analysis from beneath the modern ice sheet surface. Here we summarize the lessons learned from five field seasons tasked with obtaining bedrock cores from shallow depths (<120 m beneath ice surface) across West Antarctica since 2016. We focus our findings on drilling efforts and technology and geophysical surveys with ground-penetrating radar. Shallow subglacial drilling provides a high risk, high reward means to test for past instabilities of the Antarctic Ice Sheet, and we highlight key challenges and solutions to increase the likelihood of success for future subglacial drilling efforts in polar regions.

Influence of Selected Soil Properties on Groundwater Flow around Ariaria Dumpsite, Aba, Southeast, Nigeria

A study on the analysis of soil and groundwater characteristics due to municipal waste is indispensable to the sustenance of the environment and human health. This study is to evaluate the “Influence of selected Soil properties on groundwater flow around Ariaria dumpsite, Aba Southeast, Nigeria using Particle Size Analysis and Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) configurationˮ. The sieve analysis shows that the soil samples collected consist of 11.95% of Silt, 83.62% of Sand and 4.42% of little Gravel. The mean permeability of the study area ranges from 0.19 (cm/sec) to 0.49 (cm/sec), the mean infiltration rate ranges from 6840mm/hr to 31320mm/hr. The Longitudinal conductance and Transmissivity values range from 0.0060 to 0.0284Ω-1 and 3.8165 to 16.85892/day. The values of longitudinal conductance and transmissivity indicates that the aquifer has poor protection capacity rating and its classification of well is from very low potential to low potential. The soil samples of the study area are well sorted and the movement of leachate from the dumpsite into the subsurface is very fast because the Permeability (K) is good, Coefficient of uniformity (Cu) and Coefficient of curvature classified the soil samples collected from the area as well graded soil. From the geophysical survey (VES) results, the groundwater depths (upper and lower aquifers) within the study area ranges from 30m (98ft) to 60m (197ft) at average depth of 45m(147ft). The curve types are AHA, HKA and AKA. The SWL of the study area ranges from 12m to 19m deep. The recommend drill depth to groundwater of is 50m (164) for domestic and consumption purpose.

The fort of Ad Mures (Ács, Komárom-Eszergom County, Hungary)

The Roman auxiliary fort of Ad Mures (Ács-Bumbumkút, Komárom-Esztergom County, Hungary) has recently been studied intensively using geophysical surveys and a planned excavation by the team of the Institute of Archaeological Sciences of the Eötvös Loránd University. The paper presents the preliminary results of these investigations, focused on the layout of the fort and the relative chronology of the site, based on the data collected during the 2023 excavation. Results indicate several analogies with the fort of Ad Statuas (Ács-Vaspuszta).

Short report on the excavations of the Legionary Bath of Brigetio in 2023

Since 2015, excavations have been carried out in different parts of the legionary fortress in Brigetio. Due to the systematic geophysical surveys of the praetentura, a large building complex came to light, which could be identified as the bath of the fortress, even before the fieldworks started in the territory. In the area of this building complex, the excavations started in 2021, and continued in the next two years. Now, an approximately 1800 m2 surface of the bath is excavated. During the last season of the fieldwork several heated and unheated rooms and three new (possible) pools and four praefurnia were unearthed. The north-eastern closure of the bath was identified, and parts of the northern apses of the basilica thermarum were unearthed. A huge number of coins and bronze small finds were discovered, and thanks to the brick stamps, some new data have become available on troop movements and military history of the Pannonian ripa.

Challenging Classifications? Interpreting a “Difficult” Enclosure at Inchnadamph in Northwestern Scotland

ABSTRACT This paper explores some challenges of archaeological interpretation and classification through an enclosure at Inchnadamph in Sutherland, northwestern Scotland, a site that has proven difficult to interpret. Despite a small number of archaeological interventions, including topographic and geophysical survey and excavation, the site remains enigmatic. We discuss the different interpretations suggested for the site in turn, concluding that the enclosure does not fit readily into existing classification schemes. This raises issues surrounding the use of classification systems, prior assumptions, and the need for critical thinking in interpretation. These are universal issues, applicable beyond the Scottish example chosen, and this paper highlights concerns and difficulties encountered by all who deal with the classification of sites and monuments. Ultimately, this challenges some of our preconceptions and sheds light on the limits of our knowledge, as well as the limits of our classification systems.

Analysis of protected species observer data: Strengths, weaknesses, and application in the assessment of marine mammal responses to seismic surveys in the northern Gulf of Mexico 2002-2015.

Visual observation data collected by protected species observers (PSOs) is required per regulations stipulated in Notices to Lessees (NTLs) and geophysical survey Permits (Form BOEM-0328) issued to seismic operators in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM). Here, data collected by certified and trained PSOs during seismic surveys conducted between 2002-2015 were compiled and analyzed to assess utility in assessing marine mammal responses to seismic noise and effectiveness of required mitigation measures. A total of 3,886 agency-required bi-weekly PSO Effort and Sightings reports were analyzed comprising 598,319 hours of PSO visual effort and 15,117 visual sighting records of marine mammals. The observed closest point of approach (CPA) distance was statistically compared across five species groupings for four airgun activity levels (full, minimum source, ramp up, silent). Whale and dolphin detections were significantly farther from airgun array locations during full power operations versus silence, indicating some avoidance response to full-power operations. Dolphin CPA distances were also significantly farther from airguns operating at minimum source than silence. Blackfish were observed significantly farther from the airgun array during ramp up versus both full and minimum source activities. Blackfish were observed significantly closer to the airgun array during silent activities versus at full, minimum source, and ramp up activities. Beaked whales had the largest mean CPA for detection distance compared to all other species groups. Detection distances for beaked whales were not significantly differences between full and silent operations; however, the sample size was very low. Overall results are consistent with other studies indicating that marine mammals may avoid exposure to airgun sounds based on observed distance from the seismic source during specified source activities. There was geographic variability in sighting rates associated with specific areas of interest within the GOM. This study demonstrates that agency required PSO reports provide a robust and useful data set applicable to impact assessments; management, policy and regulatory decision making; and qualitative input for regional scientific, stock assessment and abundance studies. However, several improvements in content and consistency would facilitate finer-scale analysis of some topics (e.g., effort associated with specific activities, observer biases, sound field estimation) and support statistical comparisons that could provide further insight into marine mammal responses and mitigation efficacy.

Geophysical survey based on hybrid gravimetry using relative measurements and an atomic gravimeter as an absolute reference

Gravimetry is a versatile metrological approach in geophysics to accurately map subterranean mass and density anomalies. There is a broad diversification regarding the working principle of gravimeters, wherein atomic gravimeters are one of the most technologically progressive class of gravimeters which can monitor gravity at an absolute scale with a high-repetition without exhibiting drift. Despite the apparent utility for geophysical surveys, atomic gravimeters are (currently) laboratory-bound devices due to the vexatious task of transportation. Here, we demonstrated the utility of an atomic gravimeter on-site during a gravity survey, where the issue of immobility was circumvented with a relative spring gravimeter. The atomic gravimeter served as a means to map the relative data from the spring gravimeter to an absolute measurement with an effective precision of 7.7μ\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$${\\upmu }$$\\end{document}Gal. Absolute measurements provide a robust and feasible method to define and control gravity data taken at different sites, or a later date, which is critical to analyze underground geological units, in particular when it is combined with other geophysical approaches.

Investigation of the subsurface structure at the target site in Kumamoto, Japan, and the distributed data of the blind prediction exercise: report for the experiments for the 6th international symposium on effects of surface geology on seismic motion

This technical report explains details on the results of the investigation to build a subsurface structural model and a selection of earthquake data at the target site of the blind prediction exercise for “The 6th International Association of Seismology and Physics of the Earth’s Interior/International Association of Earthquake Engineering International Symposium on the Effect of Surface Geology on Seismic Motion (ESG6).” The selection process of the target site in the Kumamoto Plain, Japan, in ESG6 was explained with a historical review of the blind prediction tests in the previous ESG conferences. We have collected existing subsurface structural and earthquake data and conducted geophysical and geotechnical surveys in and around the target site to generate important velocity structure and the earthquake data used in the blind test. Microtremor data were obtained in triangular arrays ranging in side lengths from 1 to 962 m, and active surface wave data were derived along a 36-m line at the site. These data were provided for the prediction of a subsurface structural model in the first step of the blind prediction exercise. We also conducted a velocity logging in a borehole to a bottom depth of 39 m at the site and laboratory tests of soil samples from the borehole. We constructed a velocity profile of the shallow and deep sedimentary layers from a combination of the geophysical and geotechnical data at the site, and validated it by comparing the characteristics of the ground motion data from the moderate event. This “preferred velocity model” was provided as a standard model to the participants in the second and third steps of the blind prediction test to predict the earthquake ground motions of a moderate event and the mainshock of the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake.Graphical

The settlement of Konoplyanka 2: a new site of the Cherkaskul’ Culture in the steppe Trans-Urals (results of research on line 1)

This article presents the results of chronostratigraphic analysis of cultural deposits in a sector of line 1 of the Konoplyanka 2 settlement in the southern Trans-Urals. During the excavations, materials of the Srubnaya (its Srubnaya-Alakul’ variant) and Cherkaskul’ Cultures were obtained. The Srubnaya-Alakul’ population was actively settling across this territory in the first third of the 2nd millennium BC. The Cherkaskul’ population came into the region later from the northern areas. Identification of Cher-kaskul’ objects in the multilayer steppe sites is a topical scientific problem. During the excavations of the Konoplyanka 2 settle-ment, the remains of house 1, which contained four wells, a household pit and a sacrifice place were studied. Intriguing was the discrepancy between the obtained data and the results of the geophysical survey. While the intensive rounded magnetic anomalies, as expected, matched the wells and a household pit, the linear magnetic anomalies did not correspond to the con-tour of the house walls. Studies have revealed that house 1 was erected during the Srubnaya-Alakul’ building phase. Investiga-tion of the spatial distribution of pottery was undertaken to clarify the position of the Cherkaskul’ deposits. The study included three analytical stages: the distribution of shards by depth, correlation of pottery types with soil layers, and the planigraphic distribution of fragments. As a result of this exercise, another structure — Cherkaskul’ house 2 — was found above the Srub-naya-Alakul’ house 1. Comparing the contours of this structure with the results of geomagnetic mapping suggests that the linear anomalies mark the walls of the actual Cherkaskul’ house. As such, two houses attributed to two building phases were identified at Konoplyanka 2; their dimensions and configuration were established, and the organization of the internal space has been considered. Noteworthy, the settlement does not contain layers of the final period of the Bronze Age. Due to this, we are dealing with a rare example of the satisfactory preservation of the Cherkaskul’ deposits. Thus, the settlement of Konoplyanka 2 contri-butes to the list of the known sites of the Cherkaskul’ Culture in the steppe Trans-Urals, representing a prospective object for further archaeological research.