Relief Formation Research Articles

APPLICATION OF MORPHOMETRIC ANALYSIS FOR SMALL RIVER BASINS OF THE BAIKAL RIFT ZONE BASINS

The article discusses the use of morphometric analysis to study the features of formation and development of small river basins in the western branch of the Baikal rift zone basins (by example of the Ihe-Uhgun river basin). The author has prepared a hydrologically correct digital elevation model based on satellite data ALOS Digital Surface Model (DSM). A comprehensive assessment of the earth's surface was carried out, including for the purposes of geomorphological and hydrological analysis, as well as an automated calculation and mapping of standard morphometric indicators based on DEM data. The work is based on general physiographic research methods, the method of morphometric analysis of the relief using GIS, the method of geoinformation mapping. Statistical data of morphometric and hydrological indicators were collected using SAGA GIS, patterns of their distribution over the basin area were revealed, which, as a result, made it possible to draw conclusions about the factors and patterns of the river network development and determine the set of presented exogenous processes of relief formation in the Ihe-Uhgun river basin territory. The main factors in the small river basins development are: high base levels, complex tectonic structure of the territory, steep slopes and southern orientation of the slope exposure, etc. It was revealed that the geometry of the basin relief determines the direction and volume of surface runoff, as well as the intensity of exogenous geomorphological processes.

Features of aeolian relief formation of the sandy massif Suvinskii Kuitun in the Barguzin Depression

The principal objective of the article is the determination of the main features of the aeolian relief formation of the Suvinskii Kuitun sand massif, one of the regions of active modern aeolian morphogenesis in the Barguzinskaya Depression. A brief description of the morphology of the aeolian relief, characterized by the predominance of deflationary forms over accumulative ones, is given. Among the forms of active deflation, deflation basins dominate here, separated by elongated deflation inselbergs, composed of sands of lacustrine, alluvial, deluvial-proluvial, and aeolian genesis. The mineralogical and granulometric composition of sandy deposits in the southern part of the Suvinskii Kuitun, characterized by poor roundness of sandy grains, has been analysed. A distinct northeastward eolomotion was revealed towards the foothills of the Ikat Range and its accumulation there. The age of the aeolian sands, mainly related to the formation of the Tagar culture (the end of the Bronze Age) was determined. The phytomelioration carried out in the second half of the 20th century led only to a partial fixation of sands, without affecting their overall deflation in most areas of the Suvinskii Kuitun.

MODERN UKRAINIAN GEOMORPHOLOGY: ACHIEVEMENTS, PROBLEMS, PROSPECTS (ON THE OCCASION OF THE 70TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF GEOMORPHOLOGY AND PALEOGEOGRAPHY OF IVAN FRANKO NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF LVIV)

Representatives of the specialty, science or scientific field periodically discuss their condition, problems, prospects for development. This applies to a large extent to geomorphology as geological and geographical science. The analysis of its status, problematic issues, state and prospects of development was highlighted during the 70th anniversary of the Department of Geomorphology and Paleogeography of Ivan Franko National University of Lviv, which was celebrated by the geomorphological community of Ukraine and neighboring countries in 2020. The All-Ukrainian scientific-practical conference "Current state and prospects of development of geomorphology and paleogeography in Ukraine" was dedicated to this matter. It featured reports by Lydia Dubis, Jaroslav Kravchuk, Ivan Kovalchuk, Volodymyr Stetsiuk, Andriy Bogutsky, Roman Spitsa, Natalia Gerasimenko, Galyna Bayrak, Petro Voloshin, Oleksandr Mkrtchyan, Andriy Yatsyshyn and other researchers, which reflected modern trends in geomorphological and paleogeographical research. Given this fact, we will try to answer a range of questions that are raised by both the geomorphologists themselves and in specialists in related fields of geographical and geological science. These include, in particular: can we consider the attention, paid to the analysis of the current state of the science of relief and the processes of relief formation in Ukraine sufficient? What are the achievements of geomorphology of the 20s of the XXI century? How does Ukrainian geomorphology relate to foreign geomorphology in research methods, results obtained, and public recognition? What problems does geomorphological and paleogeographic science have to solve in order to remain modern and socially important? What obstacles does it have to overcome? What prospects await her? The highlighted research results are based on the analysis of publications, reports at conferences of various ranks, creative work of the founders of Ukrainian geomorphology, its protagonists who worked in the XIX - XXI centuries or continue to work today, summarizing the results of own research on geomorphological science. Key words: modern Ukrainian geomorphology, problems of geomorphology, prospects of geomorphological researches.

Divergent metamorphism within the Namche Barwa Complex, the Eastern Himalaya, Southeast Tibet, China: Insights from in situ U–Th–Pb dating of metamorphic monazite

AbstractGeothermobarometry shows that metapelite samples from Namche Barwa Complex (NBC) reached upper amphibolite to near‐granulite facies during the peak metamorphic stage, with similar conditions of ~700–750°C/8–10 kbar, and then experienced retrograde metamorphism at ~630–700°C/4–7 kbar. In situ monazite laser ablation‐inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometry (LA‐ICP‐MS) U–Th–Pb dating suggests divergent metamorphism in the NBC: metapelite on the hanging wall of Namu–La thrust preserved a continuous metamorphic record of >19–3 Ma, whereas metapelite on the footwall yielded age ranges of >18–14 and 8–3 Ma, with a gap in recorded ages between 14 and 8 Ma. Monazite grains in the garnet porphyroblasts, more depleted in the heavy rare earth elements (HREE), yielded the youngest age of ~14 Ma. This is interpreted as the timing of upper amphibolite facies peak metamorphism in the metapelite from the NBC, with the NBC being exhumed coherently thereafter. Furthermore, the discrepancy between reported peak metamorphic ages of high‐pressure granulite (~40–30 Ma, ~25–20 Ma) and mid‐pressure metapelite (~14 Ma, this study) indicate asynchronous subduction–exhumation processes in the NBC. We suggest that crustal flow has played an essential role in exhumation since ~40 Ma, and recent surficial erosion (<8 Ma) intensified the exhumation of the NBC, with young leucogranite (<10 Ma) resulting from decompression melting. From ~3 Ma to the present, the interplay of erosion and tectonic movement caused ubiquitous rapid uplift, resulting in the concomitant exhumation of various types of rocks and the formation of the spectacular high relief between Yarlung Tsangpo Gorge and Namche Barwa Peak.

Accelerated method for the alclad alloy fatigue curve construction by the surface relief pattern

Highlights Action of fluctuating loads leads to the formation of the surface deformation relief. The intensity of the surface deformation relief indicates accumulated fatigue damage. The surface relief at the initial stage of the metal fatigue is extremely informative. The initial rate of the damage provides the possibility to construct a fatigue curve.

Photo-triggered surface relief formation of polystyrene films based on the Marangoni flow driven by a surface photoresponsive skin layer

Surface relief gratings (SRGs) are widely investigated in azobenzene-containing polymer films. We have recently demonstrated that a photoresponsive azobenzene layer existing only at the surface of a non-photoresponsive liquid crystalline polymer film can induce mass migration by patterned UV light irradiation, resulting in the SRG structure. This process is explained by the Marangoni flow triggered by the photoinduced surface tension change of the surface layer. In this work, we newly propose that the same strategy is applicable to an amorphous polymer material of polystyrene. The results obtained here indicate that photoinduced SRG formation is expanded for general amorphous polymers.

The Use of Ion Milling for Surface Preparation for EBSD Analysis.

An electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD) method provides information about the crystallographic structure of materials. However, a surface subjected to analysis needs to be well-prepared. This usually requires following a time-consuming procedure of mechanical polishing. The alternative methods of surface preparation for EBSD are performed via electropolishing or focus ion beam (FIB). In the present study, plasma etching using a glow discharge optical emission spectrometer (GD-OES) was applied for surface preparation for EBSD analysis. The obtained results revealed that plasma etching through GD-OES can be successfully used for surface preparation for EBSD analysis. However, it was also found that the plasma etching is sensitive for the alloy microstructure, i.e., the presence of intermetallic phases and precipitates such as carbides possess a different sputtering rate, resulting in non-uniform plasma etching. Preparation of the cross-section of oxidized CM247 revealed a similar problem with non-uniformity of plasma etching. The carbides and oxide scale possess a lower sputtering rate than the metallic matrix, which caused formation of relief. Based on obtained results, possible resolutions to suppress the effect of different sputtering rates are proposed.

Biostratigraphy and sequence stratigraphy of the Toarcian Ludwigskanal section (Franconian Alb, Southern Germany)

Extensive construction work at the canal cutting of the Ludwigskanal near Dörlbach, Franconian Alb, provided the opportunity to re-investigate a scientific-historical and biostratigraphically important reference section of the South-German Toarcian. The 16 m thick section, described bed by bed with respect to lithology and macrofossils, starts within the Upper Pliensbachian Amaltheenton Formation, covers the Toarcian Posidonienschiefer and Jurensismergel Formation, and ends in basal parts of the Opalinuston Formation. Carbonate contents are high in the Posidonienschiefer and successively decline within the Jurensismergel to basal parts of the Opalinuston. The high carbonate contents in the Posidonienschiefer are associated with comparatively low organic carbon contents. However, organic carbon contents normalized to the silicate fraction are similarily high if compared to other regions in Germany. Only the persistence of high organic carbon levels into middle parts of the Upper Toarcian differs from those of most regions in central Europe.Ammonite biostratigraphy indicates a thickness of >9 m for the Upper Pliensbachian, 1.15–1.20 m for the Lower Toarcian, 5.04 m for the Upper Toarcian, and >0.5 m for the Lower Aalenian. Despite the low sediment thickness, all Toarcian ammonite zones and almost all subzones are present, except for major parts of the Tenuicostatum Zone and the Fallaciosum Subzone.On the basis of discontinuities, condensed beds, and correlations with neighbouring sections in Southern Germany, a sequence stratigraphic interpretation is proposed for the Toarcian of this region: (i) The Posidonienschiefer Formation corresponds to one 3rdorder T-R sequence, from the top of the Hawskerense Subzone to a fucoid bed at the top of the Variabilis Subzone, with a maximum flooding surface at the top of the Falciferum Zone. (ii) The Jurensismergel Formation exhibits two 3rdorder T-R sequences: The first ranges from the basis of the Illustris Subzone (i.e., the Intra-Variabilis-Discontinuity) to the top of the Thouarsense Zone, with a maximum flooding surface within the Thouarsense Zone. The “belemnite battlefield” reflects a transgressive “ravinement surface” within the first Jurensismergel Sequence, not a maximum regression surface at its basis. The second sequence extents from the erosive basis of the Dispansum Zone to the top of the Aalensis Subzone, with a maximum flooding surface at the Pseudoradiosa-Aalensis Zone boundary. Finally, the Opalinuston starts with a new sequence at the basis of the Torulosum Subzone. Transgressive system tracts of these 3rdorder T-R sequences are commonly phosphoritic, while some regressive system tracts show pyrite preservation of ammonites. The maximum regression surfaces at the basis of the Toarcian and within the Variabilis Zone reflect a significant submarine erosion and relief formation by seawater currents, while this effect is less pronounced at the basis of the Dispansum Zone and basis of the Torulosum Subzone (i.e., the boundary Jurensismergel-Opalinuston Formation).

INTERACTION OF THE ABRASIVE MEDIUM WITH THE TREATED SURFACE AND THE PROCESS OF METAL REMOVAL DURING VIBRATION TREATMENT IN THE PRESENCE OF A CHEMICALLY ACTIVE SOLUTION

Interaction of working medium granules with the processed surface of the part is considered. It is noted that the processing methods are characterized by the dynamic interaction of the abrasive medium with the processed surface. It is indicated that during vibration treatment there is an impact contact of the abrasive granule with the surface of the part, which leads to the formation of characteristic traces during the formation of the surface relief. The types of impact of abrasive grains of working medium granules on the surface of the processed part are identified. It is indicated that the effect of abrasive grains depends on the geometric parameters of the tops of the grains and the working contour of the granule as a whole. The alternation of the operation of abrasive grains in the connection with the nature of the motion of the granule over the surface of the part is shown. The interaction of surfaces of bodies during vibration treatment is considered. The distinctive features of the vibration treatment method from other analogs are indicated. The conditions for the formation of the surface layer of the part during vibration processing are given. The analysis of the mechanical-physicochemical model of the micro-cutting process in the presence of a chemically active solution is carried out and a comparison of the intensity of technologies for vibration treatment of steel parts is given.

Triassic evaporites: a vast reservoir of brines mobilized successively during rifting and thrusting in the Pyrenees

Triassic evaporites have a very particular location in the Pyrenees, close to detachment areas between the basement and the sedimentary cover, and constitute an enormous chlorine and potentially brine reservoir. During the two successive deformation cycles related successively to the Cretaceous rifting and the convergence during early Cenozoic, brines were expulsed and implied in fault activity, breccia formation and fluid–rock interactions. Fluid inclusions from fault infillings and alpine-style fissures sampled all along the Pyrenean chain have a maximal chlorinity close to that of halite–water equilibrium at temperatures between 250 and 350°C. Mixing of brines with low-chlorinity waters formed a series of fluids covering an extensive range of salinities. During syn-rift events, the hotter dilute end-member is likely derived from seawater infiltrated and heated near the exhumed mantle as no emerged areas were present at that time. During convergence and thrusting, brines again predominated and mixing occurred with a colder end-member, probably of meteoric origin, consistent with a significant period of relief formation. Brines played, therefore, an essential role in mass and heat transfer during the whole orogenic cycle in the Pyrenees.

Surface relief evolution and fatigue crack initiation in René 41 superalloy cycled at room temperature

Surface relief evolution and fatigue crack initiation of René 41 superalloy was studied. The material was tested in two thermodynamical states: solutionised and aged. Cylindrical specimens were cycled at total strain amplitude 0.8% at room temperature. In order to study relevant mechanisms resulting in surface relief formation and eventually fatigue crack initiation, cycling was interrupted at definite number of elapsed cycles. After each interruption, the specimen surface was observed by means of scanning electron microscopy and thin lamellae were cut out of the surface and observed by means of transmission electron microscopy. Cyclic deformation was found to localise since the first cycle, causing the formation of persistent slip bands and persistent slip markings in the form of slip steps, extrusions and later intrusions as well. Continuous cycling led to the formation of new persistent slip markings as well as widening of the already existing ones. The role of persistent slip markings in fatigue crack initiation at room temperature was found to be crucial in this superalloy. The results were thoroughly discussed in relation to theoretical models of surface relief formation.

STUDY OF DIRECT LASER RECORDING OF MICRO-RELIEF ON A TWO-LAYER a-Si/Ag STRUCTURE

This paper presents the results of direct laser recording on a two-layer amorphous silicon / silver structure deposited on a glass substrate by magnetron sputtering. The absorption spectra of a-Si films of various thicknesses and a glass substrate are investigated. A method is proposed for direct laser recording of microstructures by focused radiation of a single-mode semiconductor laser with a wavelength of λ = 405 nm on a two-layer a-Si / Ag medium from the side of a glass substrate. The formation of the micro relief is studied during direct recording by semiconductor laser pulses with λ = 405 nm on the a-Si layer. Parameters of two-layer structure a-Si / Ag for direct laser recording are optimized.

Optimization of technogenic landscapes of the Crimea. Report 1. Quarries and pits

The main forms of anthropogenic relief formation (defensive ditches, mounds, canals, quarries, dumps, etc.) from the Neolithic to the present, which were marked by the presence of 152 abandoned and 137 active quarries on the territory of the peninsula, are considered. The basic principles and approaches to the reclamation of anthropogenic landforms are stated. Improvement options should be determined by the specific conditions of the technogenic landscape, as well as the suitability of the quarry for the intended use and the possibility of its transformation and, of course, the need of the ecosystem and society for an optimized object of the proposed type. The versions of optimization of open-pit workings during dry and wet rock excavation are considered. It is noted that in conditions of water shortage, preference should be given to the creation of reservoirs at the place of workings. The basic requirements for reclamation for agricultural and forest lands, the formation of sozological reserves by the formation of artificial reservoirs for various purposes: a reservoir to maintain ecological balance and preserve biological diversity (landscape-ecosystem function), a reservoir as a recreation area (recreational function), a reservoir as a source of drinking water (hydrological function), a reservoir for fish farming, including professional fishing (economic function). Possible approaches to optimization of quarries are discussed. An assortment of plant species suitable for creating coastal communities with a coastal protection function is presented.

On the role of interfacial elasticity in morphological instability of a heteroepitaxial interface

In this paper, we discuss a theoretical approach to morphological instability analysis of the coherent interphase boundaries in strained heterostructures. Taking into account the fact that, under certain conditions, the atomic arrangement of solid–solid interfaces is thermodynamically unstable, the evolution equation describing the kinetics of the relief formation is obtained. The considered process is controlled by interface diffusion activated by the nonuniform stress field which occurs due to mismatch between materials and the initial interface perturbation. To define the stress distribution along the curved interface, we use constitutive equations of bulk and surface/interface elasticity modeling the interphase domain as a negligibly thin layer adhering to the bulk phases. This allows us to take into account the surface energy variation related to the interface relief evolution and analyze, in addition to other parameters, the effect of elastic constants that characterize the mechanical behavior of the interphase layer. With the use of the first-order approximation of the boundary perturbation method, the solution of the linearized evolution equation leads to an estimation of equilibrium surface shape.

Paleocryogenesis and erosional landform development in the Baikal region, Siberia, during the second half of the Late Pleistocene and the Holocene

In the Cis- and Trans-Baikal regions of the southern part of Eastern Siberia, the detailed study and dating of geoarchaeological deposits and the erosion channel network (gullies, floodplains, and river terraces), along with the interpretation of high-resolution satellite images, have revealed areas of modern cryogenic processes as well as horizons with cryoturbations from the second half of the Late Pleistocene and the Holocene (MIS 3–1). Modern cryogenic landforms are found in swampy areas on gentle slopes, floodplains, and river terraces and are mainly represented by cryogenic cracks, hummocks, and thaw sinks; in river beds they are represented by icings. This paper establishes the formation ages of cryogenic horizons and distinguishes the permafrost phenomena of MIS 3–1.The stages of cryogenesis are associated with cold events, permafrost aggradation, the activation of cryogenic processes, and ice wedge polygon relief formation. During interglacials and interstadials, climate warming lead to permafrost degradation, ice thawing, active layer growth, erosion, cryokarst (thermokarst) development, suffusion, the acceleration of slope processes, the infilling of cryogenic relief forms, erosion network changes, the activation of erosion-accumulative processes, and sedimentation in river valleys.The second half of the Late Pleistocene contains five stages of active cryogenesis (49–42 k, 38–32.5 k, 29–23 k, 21–14.5 k, 12.9–11.7 k cal. BP),11Most dates are calibrated BP. Uncalibrated dates are presented as BP. each of which can be further divided into shorter phases. For example, in the Nadeino section (Western Trans-Baikal), three layers are distinguished with cryoturbations dated ~14.5–14.4 k, ~12.7–12.5 k, and 11.9–11.7 k cal. BP. In the Nizhniaia Bulanka section, one cryogenic horizon (formed at ~12.8–11.8 k cal. BP) was identified. Cryogenic horizons are categorized as syngenetic or epigenetic depending on the formation process.Polygonal-block reliefs (hummocks) are clearly visible in high-resolution space images of river basins on floodplains, terraces, watersheds, and gentle slopes within arable lands. These hummocks range from 4 to 50 m wide and 0.5–3 m high, and are divided by swales and hollows. The paleocryogenic relief on the watersheds and slopes formed in Early MIS 2 (29–23 k cal. BP) and, subsequently, experienced several stages of aggradation and degradation, resulting in a hummocky-hollow relief with sporadic permafrost distribution. Degradation of the permafrost during Late Glacial (15–11 k BP) and Early Holocene warming caused the formation of thermokarst (cryokarst), sheet and gully erosion, suffusion, sedimentation in river valleys, and changes in the microrelief of the upper links of the erosion network. Existing dells, rills, and gullies are the modern manifestations of paleocryogenic depressions and troughs.

Hydrological characteristics of snow melt erosion areas in the Krasnoyarsk forest-steppe

Hydrological factors determine the features of relief formation in all territories where surface runoff is formed. They determine the degree of ruggedness and the nature of the relief. Changing from year to year, they interact with the underlying surface, activating the processes of erosion and planar flush of the fertile topsoil on it. The need to model and determine their intensity in different periods is due to the annual use of these territories for agricultural needs, during their plowing and sowing. The article analyses the main characteristics of surface runoff on the territory of the Krasnoyarsk forest-steppe. The result of hydrological and geomorphological analysis of the catchment area in the key study area is presented. The main indicators of autumn soil moisture are characterized and their effect on the washout of the solid fraction within the key site Dolgiy Log is estimated.

The material removal and the nanometric surface characteristics formation mechanism of TiC/Ni cermet in ultra-precision grinding

In this paper, the material removal mechanism of TiC/Ni cermet is firstly investigated based on the analysis of the nano-indentation and the diamond scratching test, and the grinding induced surface damage mechanics is then explored according to the surface topography, the surface morphology and the material microstructure analysis. The results show that the material removal experienced plastic deformation, plowing and fracture under the dynamic scratching process, where the material microstructure plays a determinant role on the obtained surface characteristics of the TiC/Ni cermet. To achieve a smooth surface and ductile material removal by the ultra-precision grinding process, a group of the machining parameters is selected to reveal the formed nanometric surface characteristics, where the dislodgement of the hard TiC particles and the surface relief formation were induced by the varied material removal rate between the binding phases and the TiC hard particle under the scratching of the diamond grits. In addition, the preferred TiC (200) crystalline plane in the ground surface layer appears for the interface fracture between the TiC grains and the rim structure, while the Ni (111) crystalline plane shows a preferred growth for the extrusion in the subsurface deformed layer.

GEOLOGICAL STRUCTURE OF A SEGMENT IN THE CHORNA TYSA RIVER BASIN (UKRAINIAN CARPATHIANS), A HIGH-POTENTIAL SITE FOR RECREATION AND TOURISM

The segment has a rather complex geological structure. The Svydovets massif is characterized by a complex division of structural overthrust sheets – Dukliansky, Porkuletsky and Chornohirsky overthrusts. The northern part of the site is located in the Slavsko-Verkhovynsky subzone of the Krosno zone. The Dukliansky overthrust represents Svydivets and Blyznytsia subzones, the Porkuletsky overthrust represents the Luzhansky subzone, and Chornohirsky – Yalovychorsky or Hoverliansky subzones. Each overthrust sheet shows the presence of ridgelike anticlinal folds that are deformed by thrusts and faults in fold parts. The Krosno zone is blocked by the thrusts of the Dukliansky and Chornohirsky overthrust sheets. A significant area within the study segment is occupied by the Inner Gorgans (near the water divide), which are confined to the raised base of the Silesian sheet, where the Gorgan folds were formed. The main morphostructural element is the massive Bratkivsky ridge, whose structure is dominated by resistant rocks of the Paleocene and Eocene, in particular the sandstones of the Yamna and Vyhodsky suites. The territory of the Chorna Tysa basin upper part is located in a seismic zone where resonant earthquakes of magnitude 4-6 periodically occur. Slow tectonic movements in this area are +1.5 –2.0 mm per year. Apart from analyzing the geological structure of the Chorna Tysa basin segment, which is a promising area for recreation and touristic development, this paper aims to outline the possibilities of using the geological structure and relief to develop educational forms of tourism, including geotourism. It is most often the geological structure (tectonics, diversity of rocks, long history of geological development, formation of mountain relief, etc.) that creates attractive sites – picturesque landscapes, outcrops of rocks, peaks, relict landforms, waterfalls, gregots, i.e., massive rock stream accumulation, and others). It can thus be concluded that the geological structure is crucial in forming promising tourism and recreation proposals and in the development of prospective infrastructure. Therefore, it is imperative to keep in mind the geological structure and landforms, when planning the development of recreation and tourism. Key words: geological structure (tectonics and lithology); landform, recreation and tourism; geotourism; geotourism attractions; Chorna Tysa; Ukrainian Carpathians.

Paleogeography and neotectonics of Kaniv dislocations (Ukrainian Shield, Ukraine) in the Neogene-Quaternary period

ABSTRACT This article studies methods and approaches to the reconstruction of geomorphogenesis and tectonegenesis of Kaniv dislocations (Ukrainian Crystalline Massif) during the Neogene-Quaternary period. The main patterns of relief formation and evolution of tectonic movements were established, and the nature of the influence of glacial processes on relief and structure formation was determined. On the basis of structural and morphometric analysis, the tectonic evolution of Kaniv dislocations was reconstructed at the latest and modern stages. A number of structural and morphometric models with the use of spatial GIS analysis were created. Maps of palaeo- and modern relief, reflecting the morphological features and evolution of this region, were constructed. On the basis of morphometric data, the main factors and stage of morphogenesis, direct and indirect connections between old and newest geological structures and forms of modern relief were established, and a number of local structures of diapiric origin were identified. Peculiarities of the geologo-geomorphological structure of Kaniv dislocations at each stage of their formation were determined. The proposed method can be used for reconstruction of tectogenesis and palaeogeographical events of other regions studied for the purpose of examining the influence of physical and geographical conditions and geological-geomorphological processes for biota development.

Feasibility Demonstration of the Effective Design of the Opener Group of the Seeder for Winter Wheat in Arid Conditions

The article is devoted to improving the winter wheat seeding technology. Choosing the rational design of the opener group enables the placement of crop seeds in a deeper moisty soil layer for their rapid germination with the formation of a surface relief from furrows. Seeds are placed into furrows at the optimal depth 4-5 cm and furrow slices are formed by the soil thrown out of the furrow by chisel-shaped openers and compacted by individual rollers for each opener. That solves the problem of insufficient soil moisture in arid regions.