Inclusion in 2024 of the former industrial site of the Vostsibelement plant (Svirsk) in the state register of objects of accumulated environmental damage with the assessment of the amount of its general impact on the environmental safety state of 6.35 is an important result for the ecology of the Baikal region. Such a high assessment determines the priority in the queue for reclamation and is largely based on a large volume of comprehensive initiative ecological-geochemical and engineering-geological studies carried out at the industrial site in 2021–2022 by researchers and students of the Irkutsk National Research Technical University, who were the first to qualify this object of the accumulated damage as highly dangerous. However, due to the continuous economic activity at the industrial site, including active uncontrolled activity on removing metal structures from walls and foundations, which caused redistribution of pollution on the territory, the question arose about the need to update knowledge about the situation at the site. The purpose of the study was to examine the current geoecological situation on the territory of the industrial site of the former Vostsibelement plant. To accomplish the set goal a set of field and laboratory studies was carried out in 2024: 81 samples of technogenic soil were collected and analyzed. Based on the results of the work performed, a comparison was made of the results of ecological and geochemical works conducted in 2021 and 2024. It was shown that the dispersion halos of the main arsenic and heavy metal contamination have noticeably changed. Arsenic concentrations in the surface layer of technogenic soil have increased, which should be taken into consideration when developing a project for engineering and geological works and the liquidation of the studied object.

Geoparks are special areas combining geological and geomorphological features with cultural and environmental components such as geotourism, scientific and educational activities, and local economic development. This research adopts a comparative case study methodology to analyze the management structures, geotourism strategies and conservation outcomes of geoparks in China and Russia, two countries with contrasting political, cultural and environmental contexts. By examining historical trajectories, policy architectures and socio-economic dynamics, the paper identifies systemic similarities, such as the integration of geoparks into UNESCO Global Geopark networks, and key differences, including the centralized, state-led management model in China compared to the decentralized, regionally adaptive approach in Russia. While China’s top-down management system delivers rapid infrastructure development and standardized conservation practices, it faces challenges of over-commercialization and environmental fragmentation. In contrast, Russian geoparks benefit from local decision-making but face funding inconsistencies. Comparing the geoturism and geopark systems in China and Russia the paper describes best practices and lessons learned that can be applied to enhance geoturism and conservation efforts in both countries.

The purpose of the International Chinese-Russian Geological Expedition of students and teachers in Nanjing and the Yangtze River Delta (China) from October 26 to November 9, 2024 was to establish common connections and patterns in the geological structure and development of the Siberian and South China platforms. The group visited a number of sites of high scientific importance in order to understand the formation patterns of the modern appearance of East Asia beginning from the Late Permian-Early Triassic period (about 250 million years ago). Based on palaeomagnetic data, it was revealed that at the Permian-Triassic boundary these lithospheric blocks were located more than 1,500 km apart separated by the Mongol-Okhotsk Ocean, which closed at the end of the Early Cretaceous period (about 125 million years ago). That was the time when Siberian platform featured active tectonic and magmatic processes related to the Tunguska syneclise trap formation while calm sedimentation of terrigenous-sedimentary strata in marine conditions took place on the South China platform. These geological processes have become the main objects of the research presented in the article. The methodology consisted of collecting and analyzing quantitative data indicating the synchronicity of specified events in time, which will find application in solving a wide range of geological problems including interregional correlations of stratigraphic sections, tectonic-magmatic processes, study of catastrophic phenomena, etc. Materials from paleontological, isotopic, paleomagnetic and other studies (authors’ and published by other researchers) were used as a factual basis. The conducted research has shown that the deposition time of the Katangsky volcanic complex basites of the Tunguska syneclise corresponds to the Permian-Triassic boundary of the Meishan section D (Changxing District, Zhejiang Province, South China).

This research presents a detailed structural mapping and prospects identification study of the Otio Field located in the Niger Delta. The study integrates 3D seismic data and well logs to delineate subsurface structures and assess the hydrocarbon potential of the field. Five key horizons were evaluated using petrophysical analysis, revealing porosity values ranging from 18 to 27 %, water saturation levels between 20 and 31 %, and Net-To-Gross ratios of 59 to 96 %. Time-depth structure maps were generated for each horizon, allowing for the identification of two prospects, namely the North-Eastern and South-Eastern prospects. The North-Eastern prospect was ranked higher due to its larger estimated hydrocarbon volume, with Sand E2 identified as the most promising reservoir based on volumetric analysis. This study underscores the importance of integrating seismic and petrophysical data for effective exploration and field development, providing a basis for future drilling decisions in the Otio Field. The research method started with the subsurface evaluation of the “Otio Field” integrating well log data from the field and seismic data spanning the field. The databases used for this project are three Dimensional (3D) seismic cube, base map, six well data in LAS format and check shot data for only one well. The results show the identified hydrocarbon bearing zones are Sands D, E1, E2, H and J as interpreted from gamma-ray and resistivity logs. The sand correlation across the field showed uniform sand development from well to well. The checkshot is interpreted as good because of the absence of outliers or spurious values. The plot is a gentle slope that eventually steepens because of com-paction of the underlying units that causes Two-Way Time to decrease. The results from the structural Interpretation, sixteen faults (F1–F16) were interpreted across the field as seen on seismic section. Faults in the field trend in the East-West direction with majority of them dipping north except for faults F4 F6, F7 and F9 dipping south. In the conclusion, the 3D structural analysis of Otio Field in the Niger Delta enhanced understanding of its structural styles and hydrocarbon traps. Eight reservoirs were identified, with five hydro-carbon-bearing sands (D, E1, E2, H, J) mapped, consisting of sands sealed by shales.

The article presents the application results of a set of geophysical methods to study the Kaspinsky ore cluster in the Krasnoyarsk Krai. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the efficiency of various modern methods when solving the problem of identifying the boundaries of intrusive massifs and analyzing tectonic disturbances that play a key role in the formation of gold-sulfide-quartz mineralization. The geophysical complex included unmanned magnetic exploration (SibGIS UAS complex), non-contact electric field measurement (BIKS non-contact measurement of electric field hardware complex) and electromagnetic sensing with induced polarization (Mars hardware and software complex). Magnetic exploration allowed to identify small diorite massifs of the Olkhovsky complex and their contacts with carbonate deposits, as well as to identify tectonic faults. Electrical exploration contributed to the analysis of small faults and distribution of induced polarization, which is important when searching for mineralization zones. Also, the study included a three-dimensional cascade inversion of magnetic exploration data for intrusive body localization. Conducted work resulted in the conclusion that the presented methodology is not optimal and the complex of geophysical methods is redundant. It is proposed to exclude the method of non-contact measurement of electric fields in further researches due to the small amount of useful information and interpretation problems as compared with the method of electromagnetic sensing and induced polarization. In addition, the main change in the methodology is the sequence of work stages. The data obtained as a result of the conducted research served as one of the bases for setting up drilling operations at the exploration stage.

The purpose of the research is to study the formation conditions of natural waters of the eastern part of the South China Platform in the subduction influence zone under the effect of endogenous and exogenous processes of natural and man-made genesis. The material obtained during the study enables the analysis of the structure of domestic drinking water supply in the eastern regions of China as well as the availability and quality of water resources. The relevance of the study is determined by the fact that the country is currently suffering an acute shortage of fresh water, which is caused by a number of reasons, including economic growth, industrialization, urban development, intensive (often uncontrolled) use of water resources in agriculture and industry of various types, as well as pollution caused by excessive eutrophication. One of the solutions of the water supply problem is understanding of the formation conditions of natural waters and analysis of the dynamics of regime-forming factors. The latter include natural, climatic, geological, structural, and man-made characteristics that determine various elements of the regional water balance. Based on the structural and hydrogeological analysis, recommendations are proposed in order to optimize the structure of water supply and provide rational use of surface and groundwater. The results of the conducted analysis can serve the basis for further research aimed at developing an effective water resources management strategy in Jiangsu, Anhui, and Zhejiang provinces.

The purpose of the work is to calculate the component-fractional composition of the produced formation fluid using complex laboratory studies. The relevance of the study is determined by the obtaining of reliable data on formation fluid characteristics in order to ensure effective management of hydrocarbon production and processing. The laboratory studies resulted in the determination of the phase composition of downhole samples, which were presented by formation gas. Dependences of density and viscosity on pressure were determined for each sample, which enabled better assessment of fluid behavior under various production conditions. In addition, the conducted studies allowed us to identify the influence of geological factors on fluid composition and properties, which is important for optimizing production processes. Formation gas was subjected to degassing and a detailed component-fractional composition of degassing gas and degassed condensate was determined. The compositions of all the gases studied have been presented in two forms: an expanded component-fractional form (non-hydrocarbon components and hydrocarbons from methane to pentanes are presented individually, and hydrocarbons heavier than pentanes are grouped into narrow ten-degree fractions ranked by hydrocarbon boiling points) and a standard form (components heavier than pentane are presented as fractions by the number of carbon atoms with a more or less heavy residue). The composition of formation gas was calculated based on degassing gas and degassed condensate composition using the material balance principle. The data obtained can be used to analyze the hydrocarbon production process and further enhancement of the efficiency of the Kovykta field development. The research results contribute to deeper understanding of formation fluid characteristics and open new prospects for improving hydrocarbon production and processing technologies.

The problem of intensified marginal erosion of lowland reservoir shores is relevant today, since settlements, agricultural lands, forests and industrial enterprises fall into the danger zone every year. The current situation in the field of studying the marginal erosion of reservoir shores requires to improve the existing methods and to create new ones. The purpose of the study performed is to identify the most significant factors and conditions that determine the intensity of the marginal erosion of reservoir shores. The research involves collection and analysis of data from previous studies, field observations of the Volgograd reservoir shores, a survey of the local population regarding the manifestation and activity degree of marginal erosion, as well as engineering and geological zoning of the coastal area. E.G. Kachugin and N.E. Kondratiev’s methods for calculating the total energy of waves are applied. The obtained results have been processed using the methods of mathematical statistics. The subject of the study is marginal erosion of the reservoir shores, the object of the study is the coastal area of the Volgograd reservoir. The main development patterns of marginal erosion of the Volgograd reservoir shores have been identified and the factors influencing this process (condition factors, process factors) have been specified. The simplest temporal patterns of the marginal erosion process are presented in the form of a kinematic model. According to the calculation results, which are based on the correlation analysis, the wave energy, water level fluctuation, and the erosion index of rocks composing the coastal slope had the greatest impact on the process of marginal erosion of Volgograd reservoir shores. The data obtained during the study will be used for further modeling and forecasting of the marginal erosion process of the Volgograd reservoir shores.