State Geological Map Research Articles

Compilation/Update of State Geological Maps in Georgia

Compilation/Update of State Geological Maps in Georgia

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

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

Geological facts, geological judgments, geological truth and the State Geological Map of the Ukrainian Shield

Geological facts, geological judgments, geological truth and the State Geological Map of the Ukrainian Shield

Reservoir-triggered seismicity: case study of the Dnister Hydro Power Complex (Ukraine)

The work considers the seismic activity around the Dnister Hydro Power Complex in the Dnister Reservoir area from 2012 to 2021. Maximum local magnitude of earthquakes for the studied period is ML=3.4. Hypocenters of earthquakes are at the depth of 1—3 km. They are located nearby to previously established faults and contacts of structures with a different lithological composition. Artificial water level regulation in the reservoir is related to the operation of the Dnister Hydro Power Plant and, according to our results, probably affects the occurrence of seismic events. Although the maximum water level changes only by 8.7 m, the region has increased natural seismicity and is located in the transition zone between 6th and 7th isoseims according to the seismic zoning map of Ukraine. Accumulated natural stresses can be triggered into earthquakes when there is a sudden change in water pressure. The seismicity of the region around the Dnister Reservoir was investigated for 10 years, taking into account the water level data in the reservoir, as well as comparing the location of earthquakes with the State Geological Map of the Crystalline Foundation. The profile of the State Geological Map of the Crystalline Foundation with the projected earthquakes hypocenters allowed to indicate that a significant number of earthquakes are located between different lithological structures. In order to assess the interrelationship between seismicity and water level changes in the reservoir, 111 periods of lowering or filling of the reservoir were selected. Parameters of seismic activity within the periods were calculated and analysed. Correlation between the sum of logarithms of energy with water volume changes and pressure changes in the Dnister Reservoir was established. Considering linear dependence it is possible to predict potential intensity of local seismicity caused by water level changes in the Dnister Reservoir.

Nyatygran intrusive suite, Bureya massif: Petrography, geochemistry, and age

The proposed review and analytical article provides updated information on the geology, petrography, mineralogy, and chemical composition of rocks of the Precambrian Nyatygran intrusive suite. The article provides a geochemical interpretation of the chemical and trace element compositions and presents the most actual data on the uranium-lead isotopic age of the rocks. The igneous formations of the Nyatygran gabbro-granodiorite-granite complex make up small intrusive massifs of gabbroids and granitoids, located near the ore-bearing Mel’gin trough, in the basins of the Verkhny Mel’gin, Chepkan, and Bureya rivers and their tributaries. In the gabbroids, the main rock-forming minerals are labradorite, andesine, bluish-green hornblende, and biotite. The gneissic granitoids are dominated by cataclastic quartz and feldspars (andesine, oligoclase, microcline) and contain abundant micas (biotite, sericite). The subalkaline leucogranites are dominated by oligoclase, quartz, orthoclase, and microcline; they also contain significant amounts of biotite and aegirine and rare amphibole (hornblende). The gabbro and gabbrodiorites of normal and elevated alkalinity are assigned to the high-aluminous high-magnesian rocks. The gabbroids represent I-type igneous rocks. The gneissic granitoids of normal and elevated alkalinity are predominantly high-aluminous, more ferroan than magnesian rocks, and are represented by S- and I-type granitoids. The determined isotopic ages of the Nyatygran suite formations are confined to the three main ranges: 933 ± 12–916,3 ± 7,2 Ma (1st magmatic phase: gabbro, gabbrodiorites, amphibole-biotite granites), 909,0 ± 6,6–907,3 ± 5,5 Ma (2nd phase: granodiorites and granites), and 806,8 ± 6,6–789 ± 4,0 Ma (3rd phase: biotite granites and granite-porphyry dikes). The Nyatygran suite age is established as Neoproterozoic and corresponds to the early Neoproterozoic, or Tonian (1000–720 Ma), according to the International Chronostratigraphic Scale, 2018. On the 3rd generation 1:1 000 000-scale State geological maps of the Russian Federation, it is presented as Early Proterozoic.

Composition and Age of the Ayanka Flora (Late Cretaceous, Santonian-Campanian) of the Okhotsk-Chukotka Volcanogenic Belt: Response to the Criticism

The main critical remarks to the paper by M.G. Moiseeva, A.B. Herman, A.B. Sokolova entitled “On the Stratigraphic Setting and Composition of the Ayanka Flora from the Upper Cretaceous of Okhotsk-Chukotka Volcanogenic Belt, Northeastern Russia” (Stratigraphy and Geological Correlation, 2022, vol. 30, No. 4, pp. 76–99), stated by S.V. Shczepetov in his article “On the Ayanka flora from the Upper Cretaceous of Northeastern Russia” (Stratigraphy and Geological Correlation, 2022, vol. 30, No. 6, pp. 113–120), are considered. Additional arguments are given to confirm the conclusions we’ve made earlier: (1) all three taphofloras from the Obryvistaya River basin came from a single straton; it however was named differently on two separate sheets of the 1:200000 State Geological Map: the Auney Member on the northern sheet and the Makkoveyem Formation on the southern one; (2) according to the composition of the plants of these taphofloras, all of them are about of the same age and can be considered as a single Ayanka Flora; (3) the most probable age of the Ayanka Flora is Santonian-Campanian, since it is undoubtedly the most similar to the Santonian-Campanian floras of Northeastern Russia and Northern Alaska.

Results of the geological description of the tourist route in the Salair national park (Russia)

The article presents the results of a geological survey of a part of the Chumysh River valley, and an analysis of published state geological maps. The study area «Chumysh» crosses the main watershed of the Salair Ridge. A basis has been created for the adaptation of geological data for tourism and environmental education purposes at borders of the Salair National Park.

Basaltoids of the ostrogorsk complex: geology, age, geochemistry, geodynamics (Western Sikhote-Alin)

This review-analytical article presents the most important geological, geochronological and geochemical characteristics of the basaltoids of the Ostrogorsk complex. Some Early Miocene datings of the age of Ostrogorsk basaltoids on the State Geological Map of the third generation (sheet M-53) were not considered due to methodological considerations and, for greater objectivity, they are given by the author in this article. The basaltoids of the Ostrogorsk complex, like the alkaline basalts of the Ayakit complex, belong to intraplate rift basalts. The spectra of rare earth and rare elements in both complexes are very similar. The composition of basaltoids of the Ostrogorsk and Ayakit complexes is close to the composition of oceanic island basalts and recycled components, which suggests that they have a single mantle-crustal source.

Vendian of the Middle Urals: A review of some investigations in the beginning of the 21st century

Research subject. The research objects included a book section on the Vendian stratigraphy of the Yazvinsko-Kosva sub-zone of the Kvarkush-Kamenogorsk meganticlinorium, written for the Explanatory note to sheet O-40 – Perm of the State Geological Map 1000/3 of the Russian Federation, as well as the results obtained in the course of various thematic (stratigraphic, paleontological, litho- and isotope-geochemical, etc.) studies of the Vendian sedimentary sequences of the indicated territory.Materials and methods. The materials were facts, ideas and arguments in favor of certain conclusions and ideas of various authors. were analyzed. The methods included the comparison and analysis of facts, conclusions and ideas of predecessors.Results. It is suggested that the ideas about the architecture of the Vendian deposits of the western slope of the Middle Urals, dating back to the pioneering works of B.D. Ablizin and his colleagues, had almost reached perfection. At the same tim, the attribution of different formations to the regional stages of the Vendian of the East European Platform is still interpreted differently. Studies into the Vendian macrofauna on the western slope of the Middle Urals have also made significant progress in the first two decades of the 21st century, which, however, cannot be said about the studies of microfauna. The dating of detrital zircons from tillite-like conglomerates and sandstones of the Serebryanka and Sylvitsa groups should undoubtedly be continued. For the Vendian of the western slope of the Middle Urals, the dating of zircons from volcanic tuffs/ashes, as well as the search for correlations of already dated various igneous bodies with sedimentary sequences, is still relevant. This search is complicated by mountain taiga conditions. The prospects for studying the chemical composition of heavy fraction minerals, and reconstructing the composition and evolution of clastic sources for sedimentary sequences of the Serebryanka and Sylvitsa groups, seem almost boundless.Conclusions. The conducted analysis of works published in the first years of the 21st century on various aspects of the geo logy of the Vendian sedimentary sequences of the Middle Urals made it possible to identify their strengths and weaknesses and to outline directions for further research.

Vendian of the Southern Urals: a review of research at the beginning of the 21st century

Research subject. The author investigates sections of the Vendian stratigraphy in the West Bashkirian subzone, written for an Explanatory Note to sheet N-40 – Ufa of the State Geological Map 1000/3 of the Russian Federation, as well as the results obtained with various thematic (stratigraphic, paleontological, lithogeochemical, paleomagnetic, etc.) studies of theVendian sedimentary sequences of the indicated subzone of the Bashkirian meganticlinorium. Materials and methods. A comparison and analysis of research materials was conducted. The research materials included facts, ideas and arguments in favor of certain conclusions and ideas of various authors. Results. A suggestion was made that studies into the architecture of the Vendian deposits of the Southern Urals, apparently, had almost reached perfection. At the same time, the affiliation of different formations to the regional stages of the Vendian of the East European Platform is still interpreted differently. Studies into the Vendian macro- and microfauna on the western slope of the Southern Urals can only be considered at their nascent stage. The dating of detrital zircons from sandstones of the Asha Group should undoubtedly be continued. For the Vendian of the western slope of the Southern Urals, the first steps have been taken regarding the dating of zircons from volcanic tuffs/ashes. These works are still far from being completed. The peak of paleomagnetic studies into the sedimentary sequences of the Vendian, to a certain extent, may have been passed; nevertheless, these research works should also be continued. Finally, only preliminary steps were taken more than 20 years ago in the study of the chemical composition of heavy minerals, which made it possible to obtain fundamentally new information on the composition and evolution of the sources of clastic material for the sedimentary sequences of the Asha Group. Works of this kind also needs to be continued. Conclusion. The conducted analysis of the studies into the Vendian sedimentary sequences of the Southern Urals published in the first two decades of the 21st century made it possible to identify their strengths and weaknesses, as well as to outline directions for further work.

Results and prospects of geological mapping of the Arctic shelf of Russia

The results of compiling the sets of the State Geological Map at a scale of 1:1,000,000 for the Arctic continental shelf of Russia are analyzed. Results are summed up, and the main problems of geological mapping are outlined. The results of geological and geophysical studies of the Arctic Ocean are of great importance for deciphering the geological evolution. The Arctic shelf is the widest shelf in the world, while the spreading ocean basin is one of the narrowest and is characterized by anomalous structural features. The main problems of geological mapping include identification the sedimentary cover/folded basement boundary, interpretation the geodynamic evolution of the shelf and adjacent ocean, determining the rates of sedimentation and stratigraphic subdivision of the sedimentary cover due to a small number of key boreholes. It is promising to further study problem areas with unclear features of geological structure as well as small-scale mapping in areas of industrial development on the Arctic continental shelf.

Alpine tectonic movements and salt tectonics of Eastern Ukraine

Within Eastern Ukraine, in the course of previous studies, neotectonic movements were established, caused by both salt tectonics and Attic (post-Miocene - pre-Pliocene) thrust dislocations of northeastern vergence. They are partially displayed in modern relief. The aim of the study was to reveal the structural results of the interaction of post-Pliocene fold-thrust deformations and modern salt tectonics of Eastern Ukraine. Research methodology. The base of the Cenozoic deposits of Eastern Ukraine was chosen as an indicator surface reflecting both those and other movements. Its initial orientation is horizontal. Deviations from the horizontal reflect the direction and amplitude of deformations. The morphology of this surface was depicted by isolines with a vertical step of 20 m. To build a map of the supporting surface, state geological maps and data from more than 2,100 wells drilled in this area were used. Research results. A map of the shape of the Cenozoic base in tectonic blocks between the Attic thrusts and beyond their development has been constructed. Uplifts of this surface, which are not associated with thrust movements, have been revealed. The dimensions of such uplifts are 8÷30 × 6÷15 km with vertical amplitude of 40 - 100 m or more. The uplifts are usually contoured by ring or arc compensation troughs a few kilometers wide and 20-100 m deep. Some of these uplifts are associated with the known salt domes of the area. Other uplifts do not contain such domes. It is possible that they formed over salt "pillows", which did not have enough salt reserves to form salt diapirs. The area of distribution of such uplifts approximately corresponds to the area of distribution of Devonian salt deposits at a depth of 5-10 km or more. Scientific novelty. Neotectonic uplifts were discovered, similar in shape and size to those caused by salt tectonics, but located outside the areas of distribution of known salt-bearing strata. It is hypothesized that this is related to the older Hercynian overthrusts. The uplifts are located above the hanging blocks of the Hercynian overthrusts in the north and south of the study area. These thrusts were formed on the northern and southern sides of the former Dnieper-Donetsk depression during its destruction by the Hercynian folding. It is possible that the nappes over thrusts the Devonian salt-bearing deposits with metamorphic rocks of the crystalline basement. The decrease in the level of the World Ocean in the Quaternary period further increased the lithostatic load on the salt-bearing strata. This activated the isostatic upwelling of salt and the formation of gently sloping neotectonic uplifts. Practical significance. These results clarify the geological structure of the territory and make it possible to expand the area of hydrocarbon prospecting.

Комплексный анализ геоданных для определения перспектив нефтегазоносности: на примере осадочного бассейна Бхима, Республика Индия

The article considers the author's experience in comprehensive analysis of geodata within the carto-graphic support of geological and geophysical research, aimed at determining the prospects of oil and gas bearing capacity of sedimentary basins. The study was carried out as part of the National Seismic Program (NSP) in 2016-2020. The article describes the current state topographic and geological maps of the Republic of India, as well as other geodata that were used during the processing and interpretation of field seismic data. The detailed analysis of geodata was carried out during the verification pro-cess of seismic profiles spatial positions that allowed to reveal errors in design of the original geophysical survey network (and their potential sources) within sedimentary basin of Bhima with perspective resources awaiting detection. The results of the analysis facilitated additional seismic surveying in the new field season to meet the baseline goals of the National Seismic Program of the Republic of India. The experience of integrated use of geodata and organization of a unified geoinformation space pre-sented in the article is relevant when conducting regional and prognostic-mineralogical studies on the territory of the Russian Federation in order to form and increase the fund of objects of prospecting reserve for the most important and scarce types of minerals.

ОПЫТ СОЗДАНИЯ ПРОГНОЗНО-МИНЕРАГЕНИЧЕСКИХ КАРТ ПО ОТКРЫТЫМ ГЕОЛОГО-ГЕОФИЗИЧЕСКИМ ДАННЫМ В ГИС-СРЕДЕ

The issues of using GIS tools for the preparation and design of predictive-metallogenic maps in ac-cordance with the current normative documents and the experience of domestic geological cartography are considered. Predictive and mineralogical maps of scale 1 : 1 000 000 and 1 : 200 000 for the Baikal-Amur group of metallogenic provinces were made in the ArcGIS environment. Open and stock geological and geophysical data were used as the main sources of information – unified digital models of the State Geological Maps at a scale of 1 : 1 000 000 (third generation) and 1 : 200 000 (second generation), digital maps of the anomalous magnetic field and the field of gravity in the Bouguer re-duction at a scale of 1 : 2 500 000, objects of geological and geophysical study and others. The fea-tures of these data use in the formation of mathematical, topographic and thematic basis of maps are noted. Recommendations on application of ArcGIS tools for cartographic works are given, examples of prepared predictive-metallogenic maps sheets are presented.

State geological mapping and domestic geographic information systems. Why import substitution is stalled in geology

The issues of import substitution of geoinformation systems used in the geological industry when creating sets of State geological maps of the scale of 1:1,000,000 and 1:200,000 are considered. The current state of the issue is described. Additional functionality is indicated, which is necessary for the construction and preparation for publication of digital models of the maps of the set. Examples of domestic GIS are given, which can replace the foreign analogues in use. The problems and difficulties arising in this case were revealed. The ways of their solution are suggested.

Aldan-Vilyui ore-placer gold-bearing province, Russia

Analysis of materials of the State Geological Map 1 : 1 000 000 (3rd generation) for the southern Sakha–Yakutiya territory in the course of compilation of the Minerogenic forecast map of the Russian Federation and its continental shelf, 1 : 2 500 000, and of the Map of the distribution regularities and forecast for porphyry goldcopper, large-tonnage black-shale gold, and epithermal gold deposits of the Russian Federation, 1 : 2 500 000, has allowed the authors to substantiate distinguishing the new Aldan-Vilyui ore-placer gold-bearing province with a total area of 450 000 km2 in the basins of the Lena, Aldan, and Vilyui rivers. The authors estimate the metallogenic potential of the province at 5000 t of gold. In the near future, this province may become a new extensive resource base of gold and related elements for the Russian Federation.

ЧЕТВЕРТИЧНЫЕ ОТЛОЖЕНИЯ И РЕЛЬЕФ ОНЕЖСКОГО ОЗЕРА

Many publications have been devoted to the geological and geomorphological study of both Lake Ladoga and Lake Onega – the largest lakes of Northwest Russia and Europe. The last comprehensive geological studies of Lake Onega were carried out by Polar Marine Geosurvey Expedition as part of a geological survey at a scale of 1: 500,000 [12] and by Finnish researchers [19] at the beginning of the 21st century. Subsequently, these data were included in the third-generation State Geological Map at a scale of 1:1 000 000 [13]. Study of the basin’s geological structure was resumed in 2016 by researchers from the Northern Water Problems Institute of the Karelian Research Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg State University, Lomonosov Moscow State University and Herzen State Pedagogical University of Russia, as well as representatives of other scientific organizations. The works included geological sampling, drilling from ice platform, seismoacoustic profiling and side-scan sonar. The aim of the works was to clarify data on the structural features of the Upper Pleistocene and Holocene deposits of Lake Onega and the genesis of the lake basin relief. Based on the data obtained in the course of field studies, a new distribution scheme of the Lake Onega Quaternary deposits was drawn up. Comparison of the scheme with the data on the bottom topography made it possible to characterize its genesis and draw up a geomorphological scheme. The data presented in this article can be used to update and supplement the State Geological Map of the Northwest Russia, as well as to solve other problems of Quaternary geology and paleogeography.

ХАРАКТЕР РАСПРЕДЕЛЕНИЯ РЕДКОЗЕМЕЛЬНЫХ ЭЛЕМЕНТОВ В МЕЗОЗОЙСКИХ ОСАДОЧНЫХ ПОРОДАХ НИЖНЕГО ПРИАМУРЬЯ

The article presents original data on the contents of rare earth elements (REE) and characterizes their distribution in Mesozoic sedimentary rocks of the Lower Amur region. The author compares various parameters of the studied rocks with similar parameters in the standards of the same rocks. The stratigraphic divisions made on the M-54-I sheet of the 1:200,000 scale State Geological Map belong to the Amur (or Chayatyn) subzone (SFPZ) of the West Sikhote-Alin Structural-Formation Zone (SFZ). Among them, the Zhorminsky (K1 zm) strata, Silasinsky (K 1-2 sl) and Utitsky (K2 ut K2) formations are distinguished. The stratons are composed of sandstones and siltstones in different ratios. They also contain conglomerates, tuffs of different composition, and andesites. The REE content in siltstones is higher than in sandstones. Higher concentrations of elements were found in the studied rocks relative to the rocks of the Caucasian Folded System (CC). Compared to the aleuropes of the Russian platform, the sandstones of Priamurye subzone have less REE content, and the siltstones have more. Compared to PAAS (post-Archean Australian shale), the REE content is less. Chondrite normalized REE contents. The trend of the charts is negative. The same behavior of elements is characteristic of the distribution spectra in the studied sandstones, siltstones, RAAS, aleuropesstones of the Russian platform, and rocks of the Caucasian SS. In most of the rocks presented, the LRSE/TRSE is higher than 8, this indicates that the sedimentation basin of detrital material has a predominantly acidic composition. There is a significant negative europium anomaly – from 0.34 to 0.71 in sandstones, and from 0.47 to 0.75 in siltstones. It also indicates the acidic rocks erosion. Consequently, a set of parameters determines the rocks acidic composition in the demolition areas.

CLASSICAL IDENTIFICATION OF CAUSAL-CONSEQUENTIAL RELATIONSHIPS OF APPLIED GEOLOGICAL SURVEYS AND THE LATEST SCIENTIFIC IDEOLOGEMES (in memory of Vitaly Opanasovych Vashchenko)

Vitalii Opanasovych Vashchenko belongs to the cohort of geologists-practitioners, who are distinguished by versatile geological and general educational knowledge, broad outlook, outstanding organizational skills, good physical training, talent of a journalist and writer, detective thinking. Vitaliy Opanasovych, the head of the Geological Survey Party of the Lviv Geological Exploration Expedition of Zakhidukrgeologiya State Enterprise, directed all abilities to the creation and description of geological maps of various scales for the Carpathian and Volyn-Podilsky regions of Western Ukraine. V.O. Vashchenko played a significant role in creating a number of maps of the new series of the State Geological Map— 200. All the activities of Vitaliy Opanasovych are aimed at increasing the glory of geological science in Ukraine. In collaboration with famous scientists and practitioners V.O. Vashchenko found geological indicators of the geodyna - mic conditions of structural-facies units, the material-spatial analysis of which made it possible to state unequivocally that the Carpathian folded structure is distinguished by a pronounced covering structure. He devoted a lot of efforts to the study of geological monuments of Ukraine, and he is one of the co-authors of this multivolume edition. From 1961 until his last days V.O. Vashchenko devoted his entire life to geological surveying, the creation of geological maps that served as a reliable basis for the discovery of deposits and determined the direction of development of the explora - tion industry. Among the numerous awards and distinctions of Vitaliy Opanasovich Vashchenko: the medal named after V.I. Luchyt sky, the title of «Honorary Explorer of Ukraine», Honorary Diploma of the State Geological Survey, Gold Badge and Medal «For Merit» of the Union of Geologists of Ukraine, Honorary Diploma of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine. The main feature of his geological life is the unconditional authority and respect of colleagues and friends.

Geological-geophysical models of the crust for the White Sea region

The study of the White Sea region and the adjacent area aimed to model the structure of the crystalline portion of the crust at the contact of the northeastern slope of the Fennoscandian Shield and the Russian Plate. Modeling was based on geological, geophysical and DSS profile data, State Geological Map of the Russian Federation (scale 1:1 000 000), Explanatory Notes to Sheets Q-35, 36, 37, and 38 (third generation, 2009), and Tectonic Map of the White Sea and Adjacent Areas (2012). A model was constructed using GIS INTEGRO software (VNIIgeosystems), specifically its procedures for calculation and visualization of 2D and 3D models showing crust density and magnetic fields. The model of the study area shows the structure of the crust and the characteristics of its horizons.