North Mongolia Research Articles

Skillful Long-Lead Seasonal Predictions in the Summertime Northern Hemisphere Midlatitudes

Abstract In contrast to boreal winter when extratropical seasonal predictions benefit greatly from ENSO-related teleconnections, our understanding of forecast skill and sources of predictability in summer is limited. Based on 40 years of hindcasts of the Canadian Seasonal to Interannual Prediction System, version 3 (CanSIPSv3), this study shows that predictions for the Northern Hemisphere summer surface air temperature are skillful more than 6 months in advance in several midlatitude regions, including eastern Europe–Middle East, central Siberia–Mongolia–North China, and the western United States. These midlatitude regions of statistically significant predictive skill appear to be connected to each other through an upper-tropospheric circumglobal wave train. Although a large part of the forecast skill for the surface air temperature and 500-hPa geopotential height is attributable to the linear trend associated with global warming, there is significant long-lead seasonal forecast skill related to interannual variability. Two additional idealized hindcast experiments are performed to help shed light on sources of the long-lead forecast skill using one of the CanSIPSv3 models and its uncoupled version. It is found that tropical ENSO-related sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies contribute to the forecast skill in the western United States, while land surface conditions in winter, including snow cover and soil moisture, in the Siberian and western U.S. regions have a delayed or long-lasting impact on the atmosphere, which leads to summer forecast skill in these regions. This implies that improving land surface initial conditions and model representation of land surface processes is crucial for the further development of a seasonal forecasting system. Significance Statement Useful seasonal predictions in the boreal summer midlatitude regions are of great value. In this study, we show that predictions for the boreal summer season are skillful more than 6 months in advance in several midlatitude regions, including eastern Europe–Middle East, central Siberia–Mongolia–North China, and the western United States. The forecast skill in these regions is associated with a circumglobal teleconnection atmospheric circulation pattern. Sources of the long-lead forecast skill include the global warming–related trend and anomalies in the ocean and land surface initial conditions. It is found that the wintertime snow cover and soil moisture in the Siberian and western U.S. regions have a delayed or long-lasting impact on the atmosphere, which leads to summer forecast skill.

Periodicity of Endogenic Events of West Transbaikalia and North Mongolia (Eastern Segment of the Central Asian Foldbelt): U–Pb Age of Detrital Zircon from the Present-Day River Sediments

Periodicity of Endogenic Events of West Transbaikalia and North Mongolia (Eastern Segment of the Central Asian Foldbelt): U–Pb Age of Detrital Zircon from the Present-Day River Sediments

Early cretaceous topographic evolution associated with the collapse of the Mongol-Okhotsk orogen in Western Transbaikalia: an integrated analysis

ABSTRACT The Early Cretaceous topographic evolution of Transbaikalia was largely governed by the tectonic evolution of the Mongol-Okhotsk orogen. The collapse of the Mongol-Okhotsk orogen triggered the formation of metamorphic core complexes and associated extensional basins, widespread throughout Transbaikalia, North Mongolia, and North China. Numerous lithofacies and biostratigraphic studies have been carried out from the sedimentary deposits of the Transbaikalia basins. However, the absence of absolute ages for the sedimentary series, as well as sediment source-to-sink analysis do not allow to accurately characterize the regional topographic evolution. We focused our study on the Gusinoozersk Basin of Western Transbaikalia, where extensive sedimentary sections of Lower Cretaceous deposits have been preserved. We provide new U/Pb (LA-ICP-MS) data on detrital zircons from sedimentary series and 40Ar/39Ar data on intruding rocks. We review the paleontological data to clarify the age of the paleogeographic events associated with the collapse of the Mongol-Okhotsk orogen, as well as to correct the age of faunal complexes in Western Transbaikalia. Our geochronological results show that the formation of the Cretaceous basins of Transbaikalia began around 136–130 Ma, accompanying the main episode of extension associated with the exhumation of the metamorphic core complexes. The lowest coarse-clastic formation characterizes the rapid subsidence and the predominance of proximal sediment sources. Distal provinces also made a contribution to sedimentation indicating the rise of a positive topography characterizing the exhumation of the metamorphic core complexes. Overlying fine-grained formations indicate a significant smoothing of the topography, suggesting that from middle Aptian, Western Transbaikalia developed in a relatively calm tectonic regime. We also show that the basins of Transbaikalia were formed both in conjunction with the exhumation of metamorphic cores complexes and reactivated structural sutures. Revised data on dinosaur fauna and palynology, together with the dating of host deposits, provide insights on the Early Cretaceous paleoenvironmental evolution.

The first International Conference on Mechanical System Dynamics grandly convened in Nanjing, China

The first International Conference on Mechanical System Dynamics grandly convened in Nanjing, China

Loess soil distribution and properties in Mongolia

Loess and loess-like soil formations are distributed in 3 regions across Mongolia. The lower part of the Orkhon and Selenge river basin in North Mongolia is the main loess area and another two are located in east Mongolia, in the Onon and Ulz river basins and the Khalka Gol river area. Loess-like soil covers a total of 109,000 sq.km or 6.95 per cent of the territory of the country. Loess soil properties have been studied on the basis of 8 sections and 83 samples. Fine sand fraction is predominant in the loess granulometric composition and its mean value is 51.3 per cent, and silt content mean value is about 34.9 per cent. A typical loess is a non-stony silt or fine sand, but there are also gravel loess. The average stone gravel content in the loess sediments is 8.1 per cent, sandy loess doesn’t contain any stone, but coarse fragment is high (20.5 per cent) in gravel loess. There is higher sand content (57.0 per cent) in gravel loess as compared to sandy loess (47.4 per cent). Mongolian loess soil average calcium carbonate content is 2.9 per cent, and Organic Matter (0.93 per cent) is higher than Chinese loess (0.41 per cent). Using 14C isotope data analysis and sediment properties we have tried to define the loess stratigraphy. Lower base section of fine sand silty loess sediments or about 1-3 meter thick layers were mostly formed during the mid-Holocene (7.5-3.0 ka) period. Upper parts of silty loess or 1.0-0.7 meter top layers were accumulated in the late Holocene (3ka BP to present) period. Kastanozem topsoil humus horizon (15-30 cm) formation starts at 1.5-1.0 ka BP. Mid-Holocene period probably witnessed the most active loess accumulation with a warm and dry windy condition prevailing. Sandy loess with a thickness of 1-2 meters predominate in Mongolia, and in some places loess thickness reaches up to 20-30 meters.

Navigational Atlas of the Selenga River section within Mongolian People’s Republic, 1925

The article provides information on the manuscript atlas of the Selenga and Orkhon rivers within the Mongolian People’s Republic (MPR), compiled on the basis of data from 1924-1925. It was developed for the Selenga Technical Section of the Ministry of the River Fleet to guide navigation along the rivers of Mongolia. The shooting was carried out on a steam boat “Shilka”. The atlas is of interest for the dynamics of river channel processes in northern Mongolia. The materials provide information on where and how to carry out technical work to improve navigation. In addition to information on navigation, it provides economic and geographical information on the north of Mongolia in the 1920s.

The Initial Upper Paleolithic in Central and East Asia: Blade Technology, Cultural Transmission, and Implications for Human Dispersals

Archaeological assemblages labeled as Initial Upper Paleolithic are often seen as possible evidence for dispersals of Homo sapiens populations in Eurasia, ca. 45,000 years ago. While most authors agree that the IUP can be recognized by a set of shared features, there is far less consensus on what these features are, and what they mean. Because of methodological challenges inherent to long distance comparisons, documenting and establishing a firm connection between archaeological assemblages remain difficult and often draw legitimate skepticism. There could be many reasons why Paleolithic hunter-gatherers used comparable technologies, but it usually comes down to two kinds of processes: cultural transmission or convergence. In other words, technological similarities may illustrate a cultural link between regions or may be caused by mechanisms of independent reinvention between more distantly related populations. Here, I focus on three assemblages from the Siberian Altai, Zabaikal region, and North Mongolia to address one main question: is there such thing as a united IUP in Central and East Asia, or are we looking at unrelated yet comparable adaptive processes? First, I describe the common structure of lithic blade production at the sites, with special attention to derived features relative to the regional sequence. After comparing the complexity of the production system with those of other lithic technologies, I suggest that this coherent, intricate, yet unprecedented technological pattern found across contiguous regions in Asia is better explained by transmission processes than by multiple unrelated reinventions, or local developments. The blade production system described in Siberia and Mongolia reoccur as a package, which is consistent with indirect bias and/or conformist cultural transmission processes. Overall, the results point toward close contact between individuals and hunter gatherer populations, and supports the recognition of a broad cultural unit to encapsulate Asian IUP assemblages. Considering other lines of evidence, the geographical and chronological distribution of Asian IUP lithic technology is consistent with a dispersal of Homo sapiens populations in Central and East Asia during the Marine Isotopic Stage 3, although the geographical origin of such movement is less clear.

Estimating spatial distribution of aridity and moisture indices of Mongolia using remotely sensed time series data

The aim of this study is to estimate the spatial distribution of aridity and moisture indices using remotely sensed time-series data. For the analysis, we have chosen two simple climatic indices. One of two indices was the De Martonne aridity index, and the other one was the Mezentsev moisture index. The study area covers the total territory of Mongolia (~1.566 × 106 km2). Both indices could be estimated from meteorological station-based air temperature and precipitation. However, meteorological station-based recorded precipitation and temperature data with long coverage are only available from a limited number of stations with insufficient spatial coverage. In other words, these datasets suffer from uneven geographic coverage, with many areas of the Earth poorly represented. In this study, therefore, we have used satellite-derived temperature and precipitation data. Monthly mean air temperature has been estimated from MODIS LSTd, LSTn, and elevation using RF regression. Precipitation data has been extracted from Climate Hazards Group Infra-Red Precipitation with Station (CHIRPS) datasets. CHIRPS is gauge-satellite combined precipitation data. Based on De Martonne and Mezensev formulas, and satellite-derived meteorological data, spatial distribution maps of aridity and moisture indices in Mongolia were generated. The study result showed that aridity was observed in all areas of southern Mongolia, and some areas in the west, and grassland areas in the east, which is largely included in the dry steppe, desert-steppe, and gobi desert zones. Moisture was observed in the forest and forest-steppe areas in north, central, northeastern, and eastern Mongolia. A comparison of the aridity index and moisture index shows the following: of the total territory, aridity is 31.9:31.4 percent, humidity 14.7:13.4 percent respectively. Dry steppe, desert steppe, and Gobi desert zones are extremely sensitive to water resource variability and availability.

Review of studies of the Noin-Ula archaeological site (Northern Mongolia)

In the article, the author examines and analyzes in detail the publications devoted to the study of the archaeological site Noin-Ula, located in the North of Mongolia. With the discovery of this burial ground began archaeology of the Xiongnu, one of the ancient peoples who roamed throughout Central Asia from late 3rd century BC to late 1st century AD. Fragments of ancient Chinese and Parthian fabrics, embroidery, lacquered, bronze, iron and other items have been preserved in the elite mounds of Noin-Ula. The article summarizes the results of almost a century of study of the archaeological site, provides the most complete bibliography. В статье автор подробно рассматривает и анализирует публикации, посвященные изучению археологического памятника Ноин-Ула, расположенного на севере Монголии. С открытия этого могильника началась археология хунну, одного из древних народов, кочевавших на территории Центральной Азии с конца III в. до н. э. и до конца I в. н. э. В элитных курганах Ноин-Улы сохранились фрагменты древних китайских и парфянских тканей, вышивок, лакированных, бронзовых, железных и других изделий. В статье подводятся итоги почти столетнего изучения археологического памятника, приведена наиболее полная библиография.

Late Mesozoic topographic evolution of western Transbaikalia: Evidence for rapid geodynamic changes from the Mongol–Okhotsk collision to widespread rifting

The Mesozoic geodynamic evolution of Transbaikalia has been largely controlled by the scissors-like closure of the Mongol–Okhotsk Ocean that separated Siberia from Mongolia–North China continents. Following the oceanic closure, the tectonic evolution of that region was characterized by collisional uplift and subsequent extension that gave rise to the formation of metamorphic core complexes. This complex tectonic setting prevailed simultaneously between 150 ​Ma and 110 ​Ma both in Transbaikalia, North Mongolia, and within the North China Craton. Published paleobotanical and paleontological data show that the oldest Mesozoic basins had formed in western Transbaikalia before the estimated age of extension onset. However no precise geochronological age is available for the onset of extension in Transbaikalia. The Tugnuy Basin, as probably the oldest Mesozoic basin in western Transbaikalia, is a key object to date the onset of extension and following changes in tectonic setting. In this study, U–Pb (LA-ICP-MS) dating of detrital zircons from three key Jurassic sediment formations of the Tugnuy Basin are used to identify the potential source areas of the sediments, understand the changes in sediment routing and provide insights on the topographic evolution of western Transbaikalia. Our results show several significant changes in tectonic regime after the closure of the Mongol–Okhotsk Ocean. A wide uplifted plateau formed during the closure of the Mongol–Okhotsk Ocean, determining the Early Jurassic drainage system reaching the Angara-Vitim batholith to the north and shedding sediments to the continental margin to the South. The following collisional event at the end of the Early Jurassic led to the uplift of the collision zone, which partially inverted the drainage system toward the North. A strike-slip displacement induced by the oblique collision initiated some of the early Transbaikalian depressions, such as the Tugnuy Basin at about 168 ​Ma. A phase of basin inversion, marked by folding and erosion of the Upper Jurassic sediments, could correspond to the short-term collision event that took place during the latest Jurassic–earliest Cretaceous in the eastern Central Asian Orogenic Belt. The following inversion in tectonic regime from compression to extension is consistent with the mid–lower-crustal extension that led to the formation of the numerous metamorphic core complexes throughout northeastern continental Asia during the Early Cretaceous.

Landscapes, paleosols and climate in the north of Mongolia during the Holocene

Integrated paleogeographic studies have been performed on the loess and soil sequence in the lower reaches of the Orkhon R., northern Mongolia. The samples were taken continuously through the sequence and studied using a broad assortment of field and laboratory analyses. There are five paleosols exposed in the section under study crowned with the present-day soil and separated from each other by loess horizons or proluvial-deluvial deposits. The dating by radiocarbon proved the soil development beginning from the early Holocene. The two lower soils (PS4 and PS5) formed at that interval are noted for the minimum salinity and a considerable content of carbonates. The soils dated to the middle Holocene (PS3 and PS2) contain the least proportion of organic matter and increased salinity, which may be attributed to a dryer climate (even at optimum intervals) than in the early and late Holocene. In common with the present-day soil, the PS1 buried soil is characterized by negligible (or absent) salinity, and a noticeable accumulation of organic matter and carbonates indicative of favorable warm and relatively wet conditions. All the pollen assemblages indicate the dominance of grass vegetation; it may be safely suggested that open meadow and steppe landscapes, occasionally replaced by semi-deserts, prevailed in the considered region during the Holocene.

On the Problem of Distinction between Recent Geodynamics of Central and East Asia

Abstract—The Central Asian and East Asian transitional zones are distinguished in Central and East Asia south of the Late Precambrian–Paleozoic fold belts of the Southern Russia and Kazakhstan and east of the Siberian Platform which are parts of the North Eurasian lithospheric plate. These transitional zones separate the plate from the Indian, Australian, and Pacific plates. The Central Asian zone is presently dominated by tectonic transpression accompanied by the thrusts and strike-slip deformations extensively developed under the influence of the Hindustan indenter pressure. The East Asian zone is mainly controlled by transtension with extensive shear strain processes associated with the deep submergence and, apparently, gradual disintegration and disappearance of the Pacific slab at a depth. This regime can also be connected with the ascending mantle plumes beneath Transbaikalia and North Mongolia. The Cenozoic rift structures and large depressions prevail in the East Asian transition zone. The difference in the geodynamic regimes in the transitional zones is demonstrated by seismic data and by the analysis of geophysical fields and anomalies in their deep structure. The boundary between the zones approximately coincides with the extended submeridional 102°–104° E geodivider which is identified based on numerous geological and tectonic manifestations in the North, Central, and South Asia. In the central part, the geodivider is supported by the data on recent crustal block structure, seismicity, active faults, and deep structure anomalies.

Класс Salicetea herbaceae Br.-Bl. 1948 в Алтае-Саянской горной области

Класс Salicetea herbaceae Br.-Bl. 1948 в Алтае-Саянской горной области

Circulation Factors for the Current Low Water Level within the Lake Baikal Drainage Basin

We examined the relationships between the dynamics of surface inflow into Lake Baikal and the runoff of the main tributaries of the Baikal drainage basin and regional and global circulation parameters to determine the role of certain of the meteorological factors in the current low water level within the Baikal catchment area. A decrease or an increase in the runoff of Baikal’s rivers in the summer months depends on the synoptic situation in the south of East Siberia and in the north of Mongolia where southern cyclones provide the main influx of moisture to the Baikal region. We used different indices as climatic and circulation factors which characterize the specific features in the forms of atmospheric circulation in high and low latitudes of the northern hemisphere (NAO, AO, SCAND, and others) as well as the anomalies of mean monthly values of surface pressure and geopotential heights of isobaric surface AT-500 in the zone of 43–50°N and 90–115°E. It was found that the low water level within the Lake Baikal drainage basin has persisted since 1996 but it has manifested itself particularly clearly due to the lake stage reduction. In the south of Siberia and in the north of Mongolia, since the early 21st century there has been an enhancement in anticyclogenesis processes accompanied by an increase in air temperature, surface pressure and geopotential altitudes at the level of the mid-troposphere (5 km). The more favorable conditions for river runoff formation are created during the development of the ridge of elevated and low pressure over Ural and the associated ridge of low pressure over Siberia, with cyclogenesis processes occurring in front of them over the territory of Mongolia and the south of East Siberia at the Earth’s surface. Elevated precipitation and runoff are observed at the time of blocking anticyclones over Transbaikalia and the Far East, which are responsible for a long-lasting persistence of Mongolian cyclones.

New data on David's myotis, Myotis davidii (Peters, 1869) (Mammalia, Chiroptera, Vespertilionidae), in Siberia and the Urals.

BackgroundDavid's myotis, Myotis davidii, is a vespertilionid bat inhabiting the wide spaces of the Palearctic region. Although previously registered in the north of Mongolia (50° N.L.) and the southern Urals (52° N.L.), data on the ecology of the species on the northern periphery of the range was missing.New informationThe northern border area of M. davidii in Siberia shifts by 350 km and the area increases by about 150,000 km2, in the Ural area by 150 km. Pups in the north of the range appear from the second half of June to July inclusive. Our data reveal that individuals from the Urals and the North Caucasus are genetically similar.

Analysis of the Current Epidemiological Situation in Natural Plague Foci around the World. Enhancement of the Effectiveness of Epidemiological Surveillance in Natural Plague Foci of the Russian Federation and Forecast of their Epizootic Activity for 2019

The paper presents the analysis of epidemic activity of natural plague foci around the world, including in CIS and the Russian Federation, over the period of 2000–2018. It was established that in 2010–2018, epidemic manifestations took place in natural plague foci where the main carriers are synanthropic (black, multinippled rats) and commercial (marmots, souslik, ground squirrels) species of rodents. Retaining of low epizootic activity of lowland natural plague foci in the territory of the Russian Federation is observed. In 2018, plague epizooties were detected in the territory of the Gorno-Altai high-mountain and Tuva mountain natural foci, the total coverage area being 2641 km2. 13 strains of the main subspecies and 6 strains of Altaic subspecies of plague microbe were isolated. Demonstrated were the prospects of GIS-technology usage for the enhancement of epidemiological surveillance over plague in Russia. Epizootiological forecast for persisting challenging epidemiological situation in Kosh-Agach district of the Republic of Altai and Mongun-Taiginsky, Ovyursky and Tes-Khemsky Kozhuuns of the Republic of Tuva was substantiated. Recorded was high probability of retention of strained epizootic and epidemiological situation in the south and central parts of the desert zone in the Republic of Kazakhstan, high-mountain areas of the Republic of Kyrgyzstan. Also conservation of epidemic risks for the territories of the countries in Africa (Republic of Madagascar), South (Peru, Bolivia), and North (USA) America, China, and Mongolia was noted.

ДАШДОРЖ - ЛАМА-МОЛИТВА (УСТНЫЕ ЛЕГЕНДЫ О МАГИЧЕСКОЙ СИЛЕ СВЯЩЕННОГО СЛОВА)

The belief in magic effects of a holy text, sacred name of a deity, a prayer word or sound is very strong in the culture of Mongolian peoples. This primarily manifests in Buddhist church service and related rituals, but also fills everyday life of the Mongols. Reading canonical tracts, magic formulas (mantras and dharanis), including these in various writings, attributing magic powers to specific books, using prayer wheels and flags - this all pervades the Buddhist Mongols’ view of the world order. A local tradition that existed in the capital of North Mongolia at the close of the 19 th and beginning of the 20 th century stands out - a belief that saying the name of the local lama Dashdorj and telling about some episodes of his life are vested with similar miraculous powers. Some oral legends of him, portraying Dashdorj as a miracle worker, have been recorded. The roots of these legends are rather unclear. There are some mentions of one Dashdorj in historical sources who used to be a senior lama (da-lama) in a monastery in the capital. He was well known for criticizing Manchurian authorities and corrupt Mongolian officials. His anti-Manchurian views and outspoken opinions might have become the reason for his popularity and for attribution of specific sanctity to his name.

The growth trend of planted trees (Pinus sylvestris L.) in the early stage of plantation establishment

This study examined the growth of planted Scots Pine trees of different ages growing in the Tujyin Nars National park, located in Selenge aimag in the north of Mongolia. A total of seven, 50 x 20 m (0.1 ha) sized sample plots were established using a completely randomized sampling design. The tree growth monitoring was carried out between 2003 and 2017, by an annual repeated measurement at the end of each growing season. The total height, annual height increment and diameter at breast height were measured at sample plots and tree samples were taken for laboratory analysis. For statistical analysis, a One-way analysis of variance (One-way ANOVA) and F-test were applied. Our findings showed that the annual height (F=15.21, P<0.0001) and radial increments (F=15.76, P<0.0001) varied among plantations commensurate to their age. In our study, the highest height (46.5±6.1 cm) and radial (4.1±0.8 mm) increment were occurred in 12 and 10 years old plantations. Therefore, a strong positive correlation (r=0.99) between tree increment and plantation age was observed in plantations below 12 years of age. After this age, increment values were relatively stable, which tended to gradually decrease with plantation age. Our findings confirm that initial planting design leads to overcrowding with plantation age; therefore, implementation of a thinning practice is necessary after a plantation reaches 12 years of age. The ever-decreasing trend of both radial and height increments in plantations beyond 12-years of age supports the importance of thinning as a practice to reduce competition and to support the growth of remaining trees in older plantations.

Origin and Background Estimation of Sulfur Dioxide in Ulaanbaatar, 2017

Particulate matter studies have been conducted regularly in the capital city of Mongolia. In contrast, studies related to the source and general estimation of levels of sulfur dioxide (SO2) over whole years are lacking. To explore the yearly trend in SO2, whole-year data of air pollutants were obtained from the Air Pollution Reducing Department. The results showed that the annual average concentration of SO2 was 32.43 µg/m3 at the Amgalan official monitoring station in 2017, which changed from 53 µg/m3 in 2016, representing a reduction of around 40%. The back-trajectory model and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)’s hybrid single particle Lagrangian integrated trajectory model (HYPSLIT) were used to determine the source of SO2. A total of 8760 backward trajectories were divided into eight groups. The results showed that 78.8% of the total trajectories in Ulaanbaatar came from an area inside Mongolia. The results showed that pollutants enter Ulaanbaatar mainly from the northwest and north during the winter season. There are industrial cities, such as Darkhan and Sukhbaatar, in North Mongolia. Air pollutants created in the industrial area traveled into Ulaanbaatar during the winter season.

Geodynamic, Tectonic, and Magmatic Indicators of Large Uranium Clusters of the Transbaikal–Mongolia–North China Province

The Transbaikal–Mongolia–North China province of East Asia is ranked as the most productive uranium province. Its area contains hundreds of occurrences, dozens of deposits of different (endo-, exo-, and polygenic) types, and several large uranium-bearing clusters and districts. The largest F–Mo–U clusters were revealed in the Mongol–Argun and Inshan–Liaohe volcanoplutonic zones (VPZ) in the western and southwestern periphery of the Great Xingan belt, respectively. Tectonic data on the Late Mesozoic (J2–K) Tulukuev (Southeastern Transbaikalia), Dornod (East Mongolia), and Guyuan–Duolung (Inshan–Liaohe, China) depressions of the above-mentioned VPZ are analyzed to distinguish their important structural details, which are responsible for the distribution of uranium-bearing fields and deposits in the volcanic rocks. Some of the deposits are associated with paleovolcanic necks, extrusive rocks, subvolcanic bodies, and dikes and have complex morphology. Other deposits are localized in stratified volcanic–pyroclastic rocks or within the basement rocks of the depressions. Recent geochronologic, geophysical, and seismotomographic data indicate not only the synchronous formation of the ore clusters in the Early Cretaceous (Valanginian), but also their localization within a crust of moderate (36–42 km) thickness above the periphery of a stagnant slab in the mantle transition zone. The coincidence of the slab boundary projections and area of their influence with the spatial position of large F–Mo–U ore clusters (Streltsovka, Dornod, and Guyuan–Duolung) separated from each other by hundreds and thousands of kilometers is regarded as evidence for the possible influence of deep geodynamics on the formation of the corresponding mineralization. Some of the aforementioned and similar clusters of the province seem to be insufficiently studied. This refers, in particular, to the exploration of the thick volcanic–pyroclastic fields associated with volcanic paleocenters within the clusters, as well as the basement rocks of the basin.