Northwestern Siberia Research Articles

GENERAL TRENDS IN GAS PROCESSING IN RUSSIA

The article discusses the main trends in the development of modern gas processing, analyzes the dynamics and regional structure of gas processing in Russia. The authors formulated the urgent problems of gas processing and identified the main promising directions for the development of the gas processing industry in Russia. A significant barrier is the lack of new technological solutions for the processing and utilization of all components produced with gas in the North of Western Siberia. Priority directions for the development of gas processing are associated with the construction of new gas processing and gas chemical facilities required for the qualified and efficient use of associated gas components.

OPTIMISATION OF PARASITOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION METHOD OF ARCHEOLOGICAL MATERIALS

Recently, interest in paleoparasitology and archaeoparasitology has significantly increased all over the world, which served as the basis for the development of an international protocol for special parasitological studies, which needs to be tested and adapted for each specific case. In this work, we conducted a paleoparasitological study of 29 samples obtained during the excavations of the city of Mangazeya (north of Western Siberia) using the modified method of Beltrame M.O. et al. In the course of the analysis, 1977 slides with sediment were examined and more than 87 thousand helminth eggs were found. It was established that the prevalence of the infection was 89.66%, the average intensity of the infection was 3349.38, and the abundance index was 103.55. The presence of 9 species of parasites was determined, with eggs of some of them found in a very few number, including 4 species that were not found earlier on this site. Statistical processing demonstrated the relationship between the number of slides examined and the number of helminth eggs found, while the Spearman correlation coefficient was 0.658 with a significance value of <0.05. Comparison of the parasitological research methods of archaeological finds showed that the use of the method of analysis we chose demonstrates more reliable results and allows us to detect parasite eggs in the sample in an insignificant amount.

Mapping Arctic Lake Ice Backscatter Anomalies Using Sentinel-1 Time Series on Google Earth Engine

Seepage of geological methane through sediments of Arctic lakes might contribute conceivably to the atmospheric methane budget. However, the abundance and precise locations of such seeps are poorly quantified. For Lake Neyto, one of the largest lakes on the Yamal Peninsula in Northwestern Siberia, temporally expanding regions of anomalously low backscatter in C-band SAR imagery acquired in late winter and spring have been suggested to be related to seepage of methane from hydrocarbon reservoirs. However, this hypothesis has not been verified using in-situ observations so far. Similar anomalies have also been identified for other lakes on Yamal, but it is still uncertain whether or how many of them are related to methane seepage. This study aimed to document similar lake ice backscatter anomalies on a regional scale over four study regions (the Yamal Peninsula and Tazovskiy Peninsulas; the Lena Delta in Russia; the National Petroleum Reserve Alaska) during different years using a time series based approach on Google Earth Engine (GEE) that quantifies changes of σ0 from the Sentinel-1 C-band SAR sensor over time. An algorithm for assessing the coverage that takes the number of acquisitions and maximum time between acquisitions into account is presented, and differences between the main operating modes of Sentinel-1 are evaluated. Results show that better coverage can be achieved in extra wide swath (EW) mode, but interferometric wide swath (IW) mode data could be useful for smaller study areas and to substantiate EW results. A classification of anomalies on Lake Neyto from EW Δσ0 images derived from GEE showed good agreement with the classification presented in a previous study. Automatic threshold-based per-lake counting of years where anomalies occurred was tested, but a number of issues related to this approach were identified. For example, effects of late grounding of the ice and anomalies potentially related to methane emissions could not be separated efficiently. Visualizations of Δσ0 images likely reflect the temporal expansions of anomalies and are expected to be particularly useful for identifying target areas for future field-based research. Characteristic anomalies that clearly resemble the ones observed for Lake Neyto could be identified solely visually in the Yamal and Tazovskiy study regions. All data and algorithms produced in the framework of this study are openly provided to the scientific community for future studies and might potentially aid our understanding of geological lake seepage upon the progression of related field-based studies and corresponding evaluations of formation hypotheses.

Mapping potential signs of gas emissions in ice of Lake Neyto, Yamal, Russia, using synthetic aperture radar and multispectral remote sensing data

Abstract. Regions of anomalously low backscatter in C-band synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imagery of lake ice of Lake Neyto in northwestern Siberia have been suggested to be caused by emissions of gas (methane from hydrocarbon reservoirs) through the lake’s sediments. However, to assess this connection, only analyses of data from boreholes in the vicinity of Lake Neyto and visual comparisons to medium-resolution optical imagery have been provided due to a lack of in situ observations of the lake ice itself. These observations are impeded due to accessibility and safety issues. Geospatial analyses and innovative combinations of satellite data sources are therefore proposed to advance our understanding of this phenomenon. In this study, we assess the nature of the backscatter anomalies in Sentinel-1 C-band SAR images in combination with very high resolution (VHR) WorldView-2 optical imagery. We present methods to automatically map backscatter anomaly regions from the C-band SAR data (40 m pixel spacing) and holes in lake ice from the VHR data (0.5 m pixel spacing) and examine their spatial relationships. The reliability of the SAR method is evaluated through comparison between different acquisition modes. The results show that the majority of mapped holes (71 %) in the VHR data are clearly related to anomalies in SAR imagery acquired a few days earlier, and similarities to SAR imagery acquired more than a month before are evident, supporting the hypothesis that anomalies may be related to gas emissions. Further, a significant expansion of backscatter anomaly regions in spring is documented and quantified in all analysed years 2015 to 2019. Our study suggests that the backscatter anomalies might be caused by lake ice subsidence and consequent flooding through the holes over the ice top leading to wetting and/or slushing of the snow around the holes, which might also explain outcomes of polarimetric analyses of auxiliary L-band Advanced Land Observing Satellite (ALOS) Phased Array type L-band Synthetic Aperture Radar-2 (PALSAR-2) data. C-band SAR data are considered to be valuable for the identification of lakes showing similar phenomena across larger areas in the Arctic in future studies.

Results of Environmental Monitoring of the Natural Environment of the License Area of Oil and Gas Production in the North of Western Siberia

This paper presents data of the local environmental monitoring carried out for environmental components within the license oil and gas production area located in Tazovskiy Raion, Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug, Tiumen Oblast. The local environmental monitoring of the license area includes analyses of all environmental components: atmospheric air (snow cover), soils, surface water, and bottom deposits. According to the analysis of data obtained in 2006-2018, regulatory limits and average regional values established for contents of hazardous substances in the soil profile were exceeded. Besides, MAC values in surface water were exceeded.

Oil and gas potential of the deep-lying Jurassic and pre‑Jurassic deposits of the North of Western Siberia in unconventional traps

In-depth additional studies were carried out to assess oil and gas potential of deep-lying Jurassic and pre-Jurassic deposits of the northern territories of Western Siberia. As in previous work, the geological and mathematical program “Vybor” was used. Based on the first constructed series of model maps with probabilistic values of informative geochemical and geological parameters, the most promising both local and regional objects were selected. Increasing complexity of the traps structure with depth was noted. As a rule, from the Cretaceous deposits to the Jurassic and Paleozoic, the type of trap from the predominant anticline (in the Cretaceous) changes to a much more complex combined one, which requires special approaches (and new technologies) to identify and explore such objects. Studies based mainly on seismic data indicate rather high oil and gas content of both the Paleozoic and Triassic deposits, which have a platform occurence and large thicknesses, as well as crystalline basement formations. In this regard, unconventional combined traps of deep-lying deposits of the North of Western Siberia are of significant interest in terms of incremental oil and gas resources and reserves.

Parageneses of cryogenic formations of gas emission funnels (Part 2). Cryogenic factor in formation of gas funnels

The subject of this research is frozen rocks that compose gas emission funnels in the north of Western Siberia. The object of this research is the cryogenic factor that causes the formation of gas emission funnels. The authors substantiate the thesis that gas emission funnels are cryogenic phenomenon, and the processes preparing the explosion cannot be accurately interpreted without taking these features into account. The analysis of research materials on gas emission funnels, discovered in the north of Western Siberia, allows concluding that surface conditions may have a significant impact upon the formation of gas emission funnels. Special attention is given to consideration of the hypothesis of formation of gas emission funnels due to local heat penetration and gas supply from the depth. The necessary conditions are described. The article provides the examples of using geophysical methods for detecting of gas supply channels. It is concluded that gas emission funnels are the result of self-development of fluid-dynamic geosystems, which represent local, ice subsurface gas-saturated formations that are in a inequilibrium thermodynamic state with respect to the enclosing permafrost formations. The authors' special contribution consists in examination of the external and hidden mechanisms of the emergence of inequilibrium conditions od the mechanism that launches an explosion. The novelty of this research lies in the development of technique for determining the processes that cause the emission of underground gas, based on the analysis of cryogenic formations, which compose the walls of gas emission funnels.

Фундаментальные аспекты генезиса катастрофических выбросов газа и образования гигантских кратеров в Арктике

The article considers the fundamental aspects of powerful explosive degassing of the Earth in the north of Western Siberia (mainly Yamal). The author presents the results of a comprehensive analysis and compilation of a large volume of factual materials obtained during field studies of a number of catastrophic gas blowout objects in 2014—2020. The author outlines that most of the craters found in Yamal are confined to the zone of anomalous heat flow in the area of the Bovanenkovskoye field. The researcher substantiates the process formation model of gas-saturated cavities in the massifs of ground ice, heaving mounds, blowouts and self-ignition of gas with the formation of giant craters and formulates the main features of powerful explosive degassing in the Arctic.

SOCIO-CULTURAL CONTACTS OF FOREIGN TRAVELERS IN THE TOBOLSK NORTH IN THE XIX - THE BEGINNING OF THE XX CENTURIES

The publication considers the features of socio-cultural contacts, mainly in the north of Western Siberia. The participants of them were foreign travelers and the local Russian and native population. Travelling in traditional culture and in later times was considered a way out of the ordinary. Memoirs created by educated travelers indicate the existence of sustainable cultural stereotypes. Peoples of the outskirts and especially the indigenous population were perceived as a passive object outside of civilization. The negative impact of the “cultural peoples” leads them to the edge of death. The only way to salvation is assimilation and acceptance of European values. Many travelers such as M. Castrén, A. Ahlquist, O. Finsch, S. Sommier, U. Sirelius, K. Karjalainen, S. Patursson agreed with this position. Their memoirs distort not so much the facts as the picture of the life of aboriginal people. Subjective silence and not quite correct estimates indicate that the archaic or its components were preserved not only in the worldview of the aborigines, but also among a number of highly educated individuals.

New Catastrophic Gas Blowout and Giant Crater on the Yamal Peninsula in 2020: Results of the Expedition and Data Processing

This article describes the results of an Arctic expedition studying the new giant gas blowout crater in the north of Western Siberia, in the central part of the Yamal Peninsula in 2020. It was named C17 in the geoinformation system “Arctic and the World Ocean” created by the Oil and Gas Research Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences (OGRI RAS). On the basis of remote sensing, it can be seen that the formation of the crater C17 was preceded by a long-term growth of the perennial heaving mound (PHM) on the surface of the third marine terrace. Based on the interpretation of satellite images, it was substantiated that the crater C17 was formed in the period 15 May–9 June 2020. For the first time, as a result of aerial photography from inside the crater with a UAV, a 3D model of the crater and a giant cavity in the ground ice, formed during its thawing from below, was built. The accumulation of gas, the pressure rise and the development of gas-dynamic processes in the cavity led to the growth of the PHM, and the explosion and formation of the crater.

Parageneses of cryogenic formations of gas emission funnels (Part 1). Morphology of cryogenic formations

The subject of this research is the cryogenic formations found in gas emission funnels in the north of Western Siberia. The object of this research is cryogenic processes that prepare the explosion, which forms a gas emission funnel. The study of cryogenic structures that shape the walls of gas emission funnels is based on the structural-genetic analysis, which reveals the peculiarities of the initial cryogenic structure of frozen rock, as well as the cryogenic textures modified as a result of dynamic metamorphism. The authors examine such aspects of the topic as the general orientation of plastic and explosive deformations under the influence of high pressure. Analysis is conducted on the role of intra-ground gas filtration in transformation of the initial cryogenic structure. Special attention is given to the patterns of emergence and development of the local geodynamic system that ultimately substantiates the formation of gas emission funnel. The novelty of this research consists in the establishment of paragenetic relations between the processes of gas filtration and deformations of gas-saturated ice surface material (from viscoplastic motion to brittle fracture). The main conclusions are as follows: such external influences as increase in the temperature or pressure change thermodynamic conditions, which lead to multi-phase structural transformation of the initial cryogenic structure of the cryolithic zone; a series of plastic and explosive deformations instigates the intense heat and mass transfer, redistributing the substance in the liquid, solid and gaseous state; in frozen rocks, ice is the most deformable component, thus, most information on the processes preceding the formation of gas funnels can be acquired by studying the morphology of cryogenic formations observed in the walls of the funnels, as well as in the unthawed fragments of frozen rocks thrown to the surface. The authors’ special contribution lies in examination of the complete lifecycle of the development of selected geosystems, from the initial stage –  formation of conditions for decomposition of the gas hydrates, to the final stage – explosion and emission of ice surface material.

Archaeoparasitological data and pathoecology of the town of Mangazeya in Western Siberia in the 17th century

In 2002–2003 years, excavations were conducted in the town of Mangazeya, one of the northernmost Russian settlements in Western Siberia. Herein, we report data on the incidence and range of intestinal parasites discovered in samples taken from the occupation layer of Mangazeya and human and animal coprolites.Among the eggs found, Diphyllobothrium sp. and Opisthorchis felineus eggs predominate. They were discovered in most of the examined samples. Considering the obtained results in a historical context, it can be concluded that the most frequent parasitoses in humans and dogs were associated with the consumption of raw fish. Consumption of poorly cooked and/or raw fish most likely derived from relatively stable dietary habits of the first Russian settlers in the region. The clinical problem can also be explained by the adaptation of the settlers to the conditions of the Far North where raw fish was served as an antiscorbutic agent. Taenia sp. eggs found in samples of toilet contents probably indicate that the fish-based diet was supplemented by beef and/or pork.Our analysis also revealed eggs of two geohelminth species, Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichuris trichiura, in human coprolites and samples of toilet contents. Eggs of these geohelminths don't reach the invasive stage at the latitude of Mangazeya. Nevertheless, we cannot exclude that local secondary foci of these invasions could have formed under certain conditions leading to infestations in the town.This study made it possible to supplement, confirm, and reconstruct, in some detail, certain aspects of the economic activities conducted by the inhabitants of Mangazeya. For example, the high incidence of diphyllobothriasis and opisthorchiasis in dogs gives evidence that raw fish was an integral part of their diet. The discovery of Oxyuris equi eggs in a sample from the occupation layer confirms that the population of Mangazeya kept horses. The discovery of Alaria alata and Capillariidae sp. eggs in dog coprolites and samples from the occupation layer allows us to partly determine possible risk factors for some parasitoses in humans.We took the pathoecological approach in this study, as particularly suitable for this kind of research, and, for the first time, it allowed us to outline the urban environment that appeared in the Far North of Western Siberia in the 17th century.

Растительность класса Scheuchzerio–Caricetea fuscae Tx. 1937 в районе горного массива Янганапэ (восточный макросклон Полярного Урала)

Растительность класса Scheuchzerio–Caricetea fuscae Tx. 1937 в районе горного массива Янганапэ (восточный макросклон Полярного Урала)

Echoes of the Kronstadt Events of 1921 in Arkhangelsk Province

The country-wide uprisings of the winter and spring of 1920–1921 still lack a coherent explanation and require further reflection. This article reconstructs events of this period in one of the most “quiet” territories of Soviet Russia, the Arkhangelsk province, using political summaries and secret reports, as well as investigative files and later memoirs. It was understood, both locally and centrally, that peasants were eager to follow the “successful example” of mass resistance to the authorities. The aim of the state was not only to use punitive measures to prevent mass protests and to minimize the influence of “irritants”, but above all to disrupt the distribution of undesirable information. The use of a large number of informers recruited from various sections of society allowed competent authorities to have an overview of what was happening in the country and to respond promptly to any potential unrest. Secret information, including that received from foreign sources, forced local authorities to prepare in advance for possible events in the provincial center, and to make efforts to prevent possible peasant revolts in bordering territories in the north of Western Siberia and in the Velsk uyezd and Vologda province. The actions of local authorities were on the whole successful; unrest in the Arkhangelsk province was avoided. However, the sense of danger that persisted as a result of these events, despite the end of the Civil War, contributed to a social mistrust that lasted for many years.

Identification of Potential Gas-Bearing Intervals in the Upper Cretaceous Shale Deposits in the North of Western Siberia (Based on the Example of the Medvezh’e Gas Field)

Identification of Potential Gas-Bearing Intervals in the Upper Cretaceous Shale Deposits in the North of Western Siberia (Based on the Example of the Medvezh’e Gas Field)

Geo-ecological characteristics of the small lakes bottom sediments in the North of Western Siberia

The article analyzes and provides data on the processes of accumulation of heavy metals by bottom sediments from the point of view of environmental assessment. The purpose of this paper is to identify the degree of anthropogenic influence on the lakes of the Tazovskiy and Surgut districts, and assess the ecological state of water bodies and adjacent territories. The main processes occurring in natural reservoirs, which lead to the transfer of toxicants into the environment, are considered. The data of quantitative chemical analysis of bottom sediments of two groups of natural reservoirs with an assessment of their ecological state according to the results of statistical processing of the measured values were obtained. Excess concentrations of metals were recorded: for mobile forms – 2200 times for Fe, 1050 times for Mn, 35 times for Cr, 20 times for Co, up to 15 times for Ni, 5 times for Cu, 3 times for Pb, for acid-soluble forms – 45 000 times for Fe, 550 times for Pb, up to 75 times for Ni, 525 times for Mn, 105 times for Cr, 50 times for Cu, 16 times for Co. The geochemical interpretation of the results of the factor analysis is presented.

Катагенетическая характеристика органического вещества пород Гыданской параметрической скважины

The study of dispersed organic matter of the Mesozoic sediments of the Gydan parametric well 130 (north of Western Siberia) made it possible to reveal its genesis, maceral composition, and secondary changes. Obtained information allowed reconstructing and the catagenetic zoning of the section, determining the position of the lower boundary of oil occurrence, the main zones of oil and gas generation

Лексика рыболовного промысла и водных пространств территории Конды в аспекте принципов номинации

Introduction: fishery in the North of Western Siberia has since ancient times been one of the main occupations for both indigenous people and the newcomers. Due to the natural, climatic and geographical conditions of the territory, fishery here has a number of features related to its ways and methods, tools, etc. The peculiarity also lies in the fact that there is a mixture of traditions of indigenous peoples and newcomers in the fishery of the region. In this regard, there is a variety of vocabulary that reveals all aspects of this type of activity. The linguistic realities of one of the oldest crafts need to be studied since they contain significant information about the culture of long-term contacting ethnic groups, their ideas about the world. Objective: to examine the vocabulary of fishery and water spaces in the semantic and etymological aspect; to identify the principles of its nomination. Research materials: the vocabulary of fishery and water spaces collected in Kondinsky District of Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Okrug – Yugra. Results and novelty of the research: the relevance of the work is due to the attention of modern linguistics to lexical layers that have a linguistic potential, as well as the incomplete study of the researched vocabulary. The scientific novelty of the work consists in the fact that for the first time a comprehensive analysis of the fishery vocabulary of the territory of Konda River region is carried out: its origin is established; the nomination principles are studied. As a result, it was found that the vocabulary of fishery and water spaces is etymologically heterogeneous. It includes all-Russian language units, units of Russian dialect origin, and lexemes with Ugric roots. The principles of nomination are universal for both Russian and Ugric names.

IMPROVING ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND ENERGY SAVING AT THE PURTAZOVSKAYA INDUSTRIAL SITE OF LLC “GAZPROM TRANSGAZ SURGUT”

This article describes an original engineering solution for the modernization of electrical heating of a water conduit in the harsh conditions of the North of Western Siberia. The novelty of the proposed solution consists in the introduction of additional control of the switching on of the line from the water intake wells to the water filtration station of the rotational housing complex of the compressor station of the Purtazovskaya industrial site of LLC “Gazprom Transgaz Surgut”. The proposed rationalization solution has no analogues in the field electrical heating of the water conduit. The relevance of the proposed innovation determines its significance and relevance in the harsh conditions of the North, its application reduces labor costs and determines the economic efficiency and safe transportation of the existing water supply source to the harsh conditions of the North of Western Siberia at the Purtazovskaya compressor station of the Novo-Urengoysky linear production department of the main gas pipelines of LLC “Gazprom Transgaz Surgut”. The purpose of the study was to propose a rational solution for changing the design power supply system for heating lines for water supply pipelines of a rotational housing complex. The objectives of the study included: analysis of the shortcomings of the design power supply system; proposal of a methodology for modernization of the control system for the operation of electric heating lines; reconstruction of the electrical heating system. A feature of the innovation is the complete autonomy of the compressor station. Electricity is generated by its own power plant. The heat is supplied by its own boiler room. The source of water supply for household drinking and industrial fire-fighting needs is the existing and functioning water intake from underground sources (artesian wells). The only method of industrial electrical heating of pipelines up to thirty kilometers long, which does not require an accompanying network, is the SKIN system. The research methodology consisted in changing the power supply scheme of heating lines for water supply pipelines and its installation, which made it possible to obtain an up-to-date technical solution for the conditions of the Far North and contributed to an increase in energy efficiency and energy saving.

The prevalence of helminthiases in North-Western Siberia rural indigenous and long-term resident people in 1988-89 and 2018-19

ABSTRACT The aim of this work was to compare the prevalence of opisthorchiasis, diphyllobothriasis, and ascariasis among the rural indigenous and long-term resident people of Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug (KMAO) in the years 1988–89 and 2018–19. Helminth infections were identified by faecal microscopic examinations conducted during health check-ups. We analysed 399 medical records for years 1988–89 and 549 records for 2018–19. There were found a decrease in the prevalence of ascariasis among the indigenous people, but the region remains a hotbed of fish-transmitted helminthiases. The spread of D. latus infestation has remained close to 5% in the indigenous adults. The number of opisthorchiasis-infected children, both indigenous and non-indigenous, has increased significantly (p < 0.05). Among the indigenous adults, opisthorchiasis in 2018–19 was at as high level as in 1988–89 (57.5% vs 54.4%). The non-indigenous adults had O. felineus infestations in 2018–19 frequently than in 1988–89 (p = 0.06). The results of our study on the prevalence of helminth infection in the population of the northern Ob River basin agree with the many years average annual incidence of helminthiases in KMAO.