Syn-tectonic deposition of the Late Permian coal-bearing Yamaan Us Formation of the Tsagaan Tolgoi sub-basin, South Mongolia, was abruptly terminated due to the most severe mass extinction in Earth’s history. As the principal dying out events have occurred simultaneously with tectono-magmatic upheavals characterizing major geological time boundaries, the Permo-Triassic sedimentary fill of the sub-basin is a characteristic example of Earth’s pulse-like history. It is considered axiomatic that the pulsing globe is triggered by internal outgassing, with related mass reorganization, episodic dynamic implications, and inertia-based moderate wrench tectonics. In this development scheme, the moderate tectonically deformed sub-basin, c. 1,000 m thick, records a dramatic transition from humid fluvio-paralic coal-forming environments characterized by abrupt facies changes during the Late Permian, to arid barren terrestrial conditions during the Early Triassic. Coal ash composition analysis shows a marked increase in average SO3 content from 2.09% in the thick basal seam to 6.88% in the topmost, which might be coupled to pulses of toxic gas exhalation - in this case perhaps mainly from the contemporary Siberian Traps. Very rare fire-scarred fossil wood fragments, discovered in the topmost part of the coal measures, probably resulted from wildfire- caused by outgassed methane ignited by lightning. Preliminary analysis of fossil wood growth rings shows significant internal variation in annual ring thickness and overall decrease upwards towards the End Permian Mass Extinction, indicating critical stress in plant ecosystems linked to complex toxic haze, acid rain and hypoxia. However, the sedimentary record shows no spatial-temporal diminution of coal seams prior to the End Permian Mass Extension indicating abrupt termination of peat mire deposition.
This study reconstructs paleo-drainage basins in Eastern Mongolia using Digital Elevation Models -based geomorphological analysis and compares their morphometric and environmental characteristics with those of modern river basins. Two major paleo-drainage systems were identified, originating from the Greater Khingan Mountains, Nukht Davaa, and the Dariganga Volcanic Plateau, and forming extensive networks of shallow valleys and interconnected lacustrine basins. Morphometric analysis indicates that these paleo-basins exhibit lower slopes, reduced local relief, and more planar surfaces than active basins, suggesting reduced hydrological efficiency and potentially limited capacity to sustain perennial flow under present climatic conditions. Environmental indicators, including precipitation, Normalized Difference Vegetation Index, Land Surface Temperature, and Evapotranspiration, show that paleo-basins are largely located in low-precipitation, low-relief areas, reinforcing the inference of limited water supply. Comparison with regional paleoclimate records indicates that humid conditions during the mid-late MIS 3 period (~43,800-29,500 cal BP) likely supported more extensive hydrological networks, whereas increasing aridity during MIS 2 and the Holocene contributed to reduced flows and system fragmentation. The results demonstrate that paleo-drainage evolution in semiarid Eastern Mongolia is governed by climate-driven hydrological thresholds interacting with topographic constraints. The findings highlight the importance of non-linear hydrological responses to climatic variability, particularly in low-relief semi-arid systems. This study provides a process-based framework for understanding hydrological disconnection and offers broader implications for paleo-drainage reconstruction across Central and Eastern Asian regions.
Porphyry copper systems in southern Mongolia are important targets for mineral exploration, yet data-driven mineral prospectivity mapping has limited application in this region. In this study, we developed a Random Forest model to evaluate porphyry copper prospectivity and validated the results using independent hyperspectral evidence from the Environmental Mapping and Analysis Program. Despite limited data availability, a 15-layer predictor stack at 250 m resolution was created using geological, structural, topographic, geophysical, and Sentinel-2A-derived spectral indices. The model was trained using 264 balanced samples, including 132 positive samples buffered around 33 confirmed porphyry occurrences to reduce spatial overlap, and 132 negative samples selected using spatial exclusion masks. Two model configurations were tested: Model A, which included intrusion proximity variables, and Model B, which excluded them. Model A achieved an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.920 and an overall accuracy of 0.837, outperforming Model B, which reached a lower value of 0.745 and an accuracy of 0.714, highlighting the strong metallogenic influence of intrusive bodies. Prospectivity maps and top-decile target zones revealed anomalies that align with known deposits at Tsagaan Suvarga and Bronze Fox, and with prospects at Shuteen and Mandakh, while identifying additional unexplored target areas. Independent validation using Environmental Mapping and Analysis Program-derived alteration maps further demonstrated that top-ranked pixels from Model A overlapped with 22.23% of intense Al-OH alteration, 9.91% of Mg-Fe-OH alteration, and 31.12% when combined, outperforming Model B. These results indicate that combining Random Forest prospectivity mapping with hyperspectral alteration information improves prospectivity assessments for concealed porphyry exploration.
Surface water has usually served as a reliable source for meeting the water needs of humans. However, rapid urbanization and industrialization have significantly altered water dynamics. This study examined groundwater potential and its recharge sites in the Bannu Basin, Pakistan, using geospatial technologies. The study applied multi-influencing factors and weighted overlay analysis techniques with eight influencing parameters, including land use/land cover, soil, drainage and lineament density, topography, rainfall, geology, and runoff potential. To achieve this, Sentinel-2 (2022) was used to create a land use/land cover layer, and runoff potential was computed using land use/land cover, rainfall, and soil data. The resulting layers were categorized into four classes: excellent, good, moderate, and poor. Overall, the analysis shows that significant groundwater potential justifies 47.92% of the area, which covers the central part, excellent as 4.56% covering a very minor area of 50.14 km2, moderate as 38.96% covering the northeastern and southern parts, while poor accounts for 8.57% of the total study area. As a result, a major part of the area has moderate to good groundwater recharge potential, with a small portion (1.15%) having excellent groundwater potential, whereas poor groundwater recharge potential prevails in 340.33 km2 (7.81%). The study results were confirmed using field data and a groundwater potential map by overlay analysis with the real groundwater table, showing that lower water tables match poor and higher tables with excellent potential zones. This study will help in sustainable groundwater resource management and planning in similar regions.
In support of the continental drift hypothesis, Alfred Wegener considered Glossopteris to be the dominating vegetation of his Gondwana continental merger near the Permian South Pole. But the plant's supposed ability to thrive in polar conditions has remained an enigma that has sparked a flood of ad hoc ecological mechanisms. Also, the glossopteris group of terrestrial vegetation has remained highly controversial, not least with regard to its distribution to all continents. In an attempt to find a reasonable explanation for the seemingly endless riddle, this article addresses two critical questions: the evolution of seawater and that of the deep-sea crust. The evaluation is based entirely on observational rock facts from the geoscientific literature - not from modelling, including inverted satellite gravity-derived seafloor topography. The analysis brings us back to the palaeontologists’ classical land bridges. The Indian Ocean is given special attention. At the end of the Palaeozoic, the original continental crust was still in an early stage of "oceanization", and the generally shallow ocean basins at that time were divided by a network of intercontinental ridges and plateaus. Thus, terrestrial flora and fauna had open migration routes between India, Eurasia, Africa, Australia, Antarctica and the Americas. In the new paleogeographic development scheme, the overwhelming part of the Glossopteris habitat and dispersal routes occurred in tropical to warm mid-latitudes. There are no reasons to believe that glossopteris grew under polar conditions.
One of the primary methods to enhance the profitability of open-pit mining transportation is to establish and adhere to an operational regime tailored to specific operational and technical conditions. A critical factor defining productivity and safety in these operational regimes is the truck speed. Accurately determining the speed facilitates precise transportation task planning, optimal administrative measures, and operational management capabilities. Several methods exist for determining the speed of dump trucks, with the analytical method commonly used under safety conditions to set speed limits on curvy or steep segments of the road. The graphic-analytical method utilizes dynamics of force and load travel performance to determine the appropriate speed for each road segment. Currently, analytical and graphic-analytical methods used for determining the speed of mining dump trucks are up to 10-15% variance in accuracy, does not fully meet today’s requirements. Mining dump trucks operate in stable and variable motion regimes during a single work cycle, and it is impossible to determine the speed during these various regimes using simple analytical methods alone. However, with the advancement of big data processing today, high-precision measurements and production tests can be conducted, enabling the derivation of mathematical equations and models during these motion regimes, which in turn allows for the programming of the entire dump truck travel in a comprehensive model. This study utilized a large dataset from Erdenet open-pit mining operations to define the influence of operational and technical factors such as mine depth, distance, road gradient, and pavement type on the speed of movement. This methodology enables conducting various analytical tests, developing models, and quickly determining the speed of movement under specific production conditions.
Mongolia is a unique natural laboratory for studying intracontinental surface deformation and intraplate volcanism due to its location within the high plateaus of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt, far away from active plate margins. The region is also characterized by zones of economically significant mineral deposits and vast geothermal resources, which are intrinsically linked to its lithospheric architecture and crust-mantle interactions. Key earth’s properties, such as temperature, fluid content, and partial melt, influence the subsurface electrical conductivity - a target parameter of the magnetotelluric method. Between 2016 and 2024, two large-scale international magnetotelluric projects were conducted, resulting in more than 784 magnetotelluric measurements across a vast area of about 1000×1250 km2. Additionally, from 2019 to 2023, a focused international magnetotelluric study was carried out at the geothermal field near Tsenkher in the Khangai Mountains, with 256 magnetotelluric measurements over a smaller area of about 35×40 km2. These projects contributed significantly to understanding the region’s lithospheric processes and geothermal systems. Crucially, the knowledge transfer from these collaborative projects has enabled Mongolian researchers to initiate and perform their own magnetotelluric surveys to explore geologically significant areas across the region. This review details performed magnetotelluric surveys (as of the end of 2024), highlights the key results, and discusses potential directions for future research.
The geomorphology of the Ulaagchinii Khar Lake depression is predominantly governed by tectonic faulting. Morphometric analysis identifies a distinct network of orthogonal faults that are prominently manifested in both topographic and bathymetric patterns. These fault systems primarily trend northwest-southeast and north-south, intersecting near the lake’s central region. This central zone is characterized by pronounced linear formations and abrupt shifts in elevation, as depicted in isobath profiles, indicative of tectonic subsidence along fault zones. The lake depression exhibits strong tectonic control, supported by a high hypsometric integral (HI=0.91) and a notably elongated basin shape index (Bs=2.81). Further evidence for a tectonic origin includes a major east-west oriented fault extending 40.8 km with a steep inclination of 35°, and a vertical relief energy of 274 m. Significant depth variations, reaching up to 47 m in the lake’s western sector, further reinforce the influence of faulting on its morphological configuration. Complementary geomagnetic anomaly data also correspond with these structural features, affirming the presence of active tectonic processes within the depression. The orthogonal fault systems have not only shaped the physical structure of the depression but have also influenced its hydrological regime by enhancing groundwater infiltration, thereby contributing to the lake’s freshwater characteristics. This research underscores that the current morphology and hydrological compartmentalization of Ulaagchinii Khar Lake are the result of an interplay between tectonically controlled fault activity and Late Quaternary dune deposition.
Spring wheat (Triticum aestivum Linnaeus, 1753) is critical for global food security, sustaining over 20% of the world’s population. In Mongolia, it is the primary staple crop, though production is affected by climatic and market fluctuations. This study, conducted at the “Nart” Research Center of the Mongolian University of Life Sciences in Bornuur soum, Tuv province, examined growth dynamics of the Darkhan-144 wheat variety using Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2 satellite data. The crop, sown between May 21–25, 2020, achieved uniform germination within 15–20 days. Key phenophases included germination to main pricking (10 days), heading (15 days), flowering to milky seed stage (15 days), and milky to hybrid tuber (10 days), totaling a growth cycle of 85-90 days. The Normalized Difference Vegetation Index rose from (~0.18) in early May to 0.80 by July and September. Normalized Difference Vegetation Index showed strong correlation with the Normalized Difference Water Index for wet biomass (R²=0.67) and dry biomass (R²=0.62). Sentinel-2 reflectance ranged from 0.05-0.40 in May and July, and 0.25-0.45 in June. Field spectrometer values increased from 0.35 in July to 0.60 nm in August, before declining to 0.30 nm in September. These findings reveal a strong correlation between vegetation water indices and wheat growth parameters, highlighting the potential of satellite-based spatiotemporal analysis to inform and enhance local policymaking in agricultural production and management. This study supports the integration of remote sensing into Mongolia’s crop monitoring strategies.
This study presents new geochemical data on pillow lavas from the Bayankhongor Ophiolite in western Mongolia, revealing compositions that range from sub-alkaline to alkaline basalts. While most of these basalts are tholeiitic, some show transitional geochemical variations. Except for one sample resembling normal mid-ocean ridge basalt, all others are enriched in light rare earth elements and closely resemble enriched mid-ocean ridge basalt and ocean island basalt. The presence of high-field strength elements such as Th, Ta, Nb, Zr, Hf, and Ti indicates a mantle-derived origin. Tectonic discrimination diagrams demonstrate a transition between enriched mid-ocean ridge basalt and within-plate basalt, characteristic of mid-ocean ridges. The samples are categorized into three groups based on the LREE variation: low- normal mid-ocean ridge basalt, high- enriched mid-ocean ridge basalt, and ocean island basalt, suggesting advanced partial melting of the mantle and a mixing of mid-ocean ridge basalt with ocean island basalt. The Bayankhongor Ophiolite is widely recognized as a subduction-unrelated ophiolite and represents one of the largest Neoproterozoic oceanic rift basins in the Central Asian Orogenic Belt. Consequently, subduction-unrelated tectonic models are often favored for the Bayankhongor Ophiolite, which somewhat aligns with our findings. However, recent studies highlight the importance of subduction-related models and timing. Our model aims to integrate both aspects.
The study region experiences marked seasonal climatic contrasts, primarily influenced by the Central Asian anticyclone during winter and the South Asian continental depression in summer. The Mongolian Altai Mountains serve as a significant orographic barrier, further shaping local climatic patterns. Although spatial variability in precipitation is relatively limited, the steady increase in temperature-exacerbated in recent decades by global climate change - has intensified climatic differentiation across the region. This warming trend contributes to growing heterogeneity in environmental conditions and landscape processes, underscoring the area’s heightened sensitivity to ongoing climatic shifts. The aim was to illustrate climate and land cover shifts in the Kharkhiraa-Turgen mountain region using Landsat satellite data at a spatial scale. Temporally, changes were assessed between 2002 and 2021 at five-year intervals. By 2021, grassland coverage dominated the landscape, occupying 46.1% of the land cover, an increase of 1.9% from 2015. Conversely, bare land decreased from 37.2% in 2000 to 30.2% in 2021, while wetlands along riverbeds expanded from 14.35% in 2000 to 17.5% in 2021. In January 2000, the average air temperature was -20.5°C, compared to -18°C in January 2021, reflecting a 2.5°C increase. July temperatures rose from 16.2°C in 2000 to 17.4°C in 2021, a 1.19°C change. Summer precipitation in 2021 (151 mm) surpassed that of 2015 (70.1 mm), 2010 (118.3 mm), 2005 (106.9 mm), and 2000 (96.5 mm), indicating a relative increase in precipitation in the area. The prevalence of bare soil in the region is closely associated with the mountainous terrain, steep slopes, and patterns of soil erosion. Harsh climatic conditions further exacerbate rock exposure and hinder soil stabilization. Rainfall predominantly runs off the surface rather than infiltrating, which, in turn, facilitates the development of wetlands and water bodies in certain areas.
Hydrophobic and highly dispersed modified white carbon black particles were prepared using surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate as a modifier and the vanadium-extraction residue as raw material. This study investigated the effects of modification temperature, pH value, aging time and dosage of modifier. In order to reflect the advantages of surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate modification, the silane coupling agent γ-methacryloxypropyl trimethoxysilane was used to compare with it. The modified white carbon black prepared by in-situ grafting method with sodium dodecyl sulfate and γ-methacryloxypropyl trimethoxysilane was compared. X-ray diffraction and fourier transform infrared spectrometer results indicate that the modified product has an amorphous structure and the modifier exists on the surface of white carbon black in the form of chemical grafting. The modified product is added as fillers to rubber and the mechanical properties of rubber show that the white carbon black modified by sodium dodecyl sulfate has a lower modulus of elasticity, a higher maximum tensile stress and the strain at yield. The results of scanning electron microscope images of rubber and particle size of modified white carbon black demonstrate that the fine-grained modified white carbon black particles are more likely to form a network structure with the rubber to enhance the mechanical properties of the rubber.
Ore mixing and blending are performed at the mining benches, typically involving 6-8 working benches. However, as the mine deepens, operations across multiple benches become more challenging, and declining copper grades necessitate increased processing plant capacity. Variability in total copper content in the sulfide ore can reach up to 8%, with an allowable range of 0.541% to 0.461% when the average is 0.501%, as per internal Erdenet standard STP-01352-901908085-11:2013. Maintaining this standard within a 24-hour period is difficult, complicating process control. To achieve an 85% metal recovery rate, the processing plant is adjusted to meet the standard ore quality. However, short-term fluctuations exceeding ±8% lead to decreased recovery rates and potential metal loss. Establishing tactical stockpiles close to the primary crushers or along transportation routes can mitigate these issues by stabilizing ore quality before processing. The tactical stockpile project relies on optimizing operational procedures, integrating stockpile construction using mine-sourced waste rock, preparing platforms, utilizing existing equipment capacity, enhancing signage and lighting, and creating guidelines for safe operation and grade averaging. This approach provides a rapid and effective solution to improve blending efficiency and operational stability.
The Erdenetiin Ovoo Cu-Mo porphyry deposit in Mongolia is the largest copper mine corporation in the nation. In this study, we investigate the grinding properties of biotite granodiorite and granodiorite rock alteration relative to variations in mine depth, with a specific focus on their correlation with mineral composition. The Bond Work Index experimental tests are applied to the Cu-Mo porphyry ore from the Erdenet Mining Corporation in Mongolia. The samples used in this study were collected representing 10 composites of 5 different depth levels with an interval of ~90 m within the 1175-725 m sampling elevation. The chemical, surface analytical, and mineralogical characterizations of the two types of biotite granodiorite and granodiorite ores are performed using Inductively Coupled Plasma, X-ray fluorescence, and X-ray diffractometer methods. Results of the chemical analysis indicate that the Cu and Mo percentages of both biotite granodiorite and granodiorite consistently decreased with depth profiling. The X-ray diffractometer data of mineral composition are used in setting up the prediction of the Bond Work Index estimation model. An equation-based approach to the Bond Work Index estimation model demonstrates a strong linear correlation (R²=0.895) with the measured Bond Work Index from experimental tests, with the highest Bond Work Index measured at 19.06 kWh/t. Our experimental results indicate that strong correlations were identified between the major mineral phases and the Bond Work Index values through the integration of ore hardness and mineralogical data.
To achieve economically efficient and safe underground coal mining, the technology of preserving and reusing workings is most effective. However, due to the effects of moisture and rheological processes, the deformation characteristics of rocks diminish. This results in actual displacements in the workings that exceed the calculated values, a factor not considered in the calculations but significant for the mines in Western Donbass. The aim of this study is to perform field measurements to identify the main patterns of deformation in the roof and floor of the workings within the influence zone of cleaning operations. The displacement calculation method for Western Donbass mines assumes a constant and uniform increase in rock contour displacements over time (except for the initial 20-40 days post-excavation), even outside the influence zone of cleaning works. The monitoring data presented here reveal the poor condition of reused workings, highlighting flaws in the calculation methodology. This study provides results from instrumental measurements and monitoring of the condition of preparatory workings during their reuse. The established patterns of deformation development in the preparatory workings allow for predicting the stability of workings supported in the worked-out part of the longwall faces in the conditions of Western Donbass mines, assessing their suitability for venting gas-air mixtures, and implementing timely technical measures to support the workings.
The flotation process is used to extract copper-molybdenum sulfide minerals from ore. The selection of the flotation technology scheme largely depends on factors such as the composition of sulfide ore in the ore body, grain size, and characteristics of the ore mineral association. The chemical and mineralogical analysis of flotation products was collected from the Erdenetiin Ovoo Cu-Mo porphyry deposit. The deposit is the largest porphyry copper-molybdenum deposit in Mongolia. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the occurrence mechanism of copper minerals in flotation tailing using the fully automated Tescan Integrated Mineral Analyzer. The chemical analysis of the flotation products (feed, concentrates and tailings) sample was conducted by X-ray fluorescence, and the mineralogical composition of the flotation feed sample was characterized using X-ray diffraction. The copper content of the flotation tailing was 0.024%. Mineralogical characterization results showed that almost all copper minerals occurred within coarse gangue particles, the primary and secondary copper minerals were accumulated in the size fractions less than 150 μm and 13.5 μm, respectively. The finest grain size distribution was observed in secondary copper particles of size -19 μm. Chalcopyrite was the main copper-bearing mineral, and it was closely associated with K-feldspar and silicate in the flotation tailings. The flotation tailing sample still contained 24.1 wt% liberated primary copper (chalcopyrite) and 24.13 wt% secondary copper due to their extremely fine grain size particle. The mineral map derived from Tescan Integrated Mineral Analyzer analysis revealed that copper minerals mainly occurred as finely disseminated and fully enclosed structures within gangue minerals.
The Nariinsukhait deposit is the largest Jurassic coal deposit in southern Mongolia. A total of 90 core samples were obtained from a 493.1 m deep borehole in the central part of the deposit and tested for proximate analysis and caking properties, while 29 composite samples were analyzed for maceral composition and random vitrinite reflectance. The thick seam V stands out for its better quality compared to the upper seams, with an average ash content of 12.4% (ad), total sulfur of 0.5% (ad), volatile matter of 36.7% (daf), inherent moisture of 0.6% (ad), calorific value of 6,600 kcal/kg (ar), and a G index of 84 (ad). Seam V is characterized by higher inertinite content (32.2 vol.%), and lower vitrinite (58.0 vol.%) and mineral matter contents (6.7 vol.%) relative to the upper seams. Additionally, this seam has a higher rank, with random vitrinite reflectance (Rrand) of 0.77%, compared to 0.65-0.70% for the upper seams. According to MNS 6457:2023 standards, seam V is classified as “1/3 coking coal”, while the upper seams are classified as “high volatile gas coal”. Based on TPI, GI and A/I indices, seam V was deposited in oxic, ombrotrophic mire, whereas the upper seams were formed in mesotrophic and rheotrophic mires with high water tables and less oxic conditions. Due to these depositional environments, seam V exhibits higher inertinite, lower ash, and lower sulfur contents than the upper seams. The rank of the Nariinsukhait coals is comparable to that of Jurassic coals in central Mongolia, while the maceral composition and coal quality of the upper seams align with those of Jurassic coals. Seam V is distinct in its high inertinite and low total sulfur contents. The Nariinsukhait coal is primarily semi-soft coking coal (2/3 of total coal resources) and is also suitable as high-quality PCI coal. Further detailed studies are recommended to evaluate its potential for liquefaction and as a coking coal blend.
The Baltim gas fields in the offshore Nile Delta contain substantial gas condensate accumulations. This study aims to identify Pleistocene (El-Wastani formation) and Pliocene (Kafr El-Sheikh formation) reservoirs. Data from five wells, including gamma-ray, density, neutron, sonic, and resistivity wireline logs, were integrated with seismic data to refine gas horizon interpretation. A synthetic seismogram was generated to assist in correlating these data. Seismic attributes were applied to enhance seismic data interpretation, revealing key geological features. This study focuses on verifying two potential gas anomalies. The first anomaly involves structural attributes, such as discontinuity and fault likelihood, crucial for detecting fault systems and assessing gas leakage. Fault sealing properties, whether fully sealed, partially sealed, or non-sealed, are important for understanding gas accumulation and migration. The second anomaly concerns stratigraphic attributes, using three types: sweetness, reflection strength, and spectral decomposition. Sweetness and reflection strength are effective for identifying gas, highlighting zones with high reflectivity and hydrocarbon presence. Spectral decomposition is particularly valuable for delineating channel fairways, identifying channelized gas-bearing sands, and clarifying the Pliocene anomaly, which indicates prime drilling and development locations. This study integrates 3D reprocessed seismic data from 2018 and well data, providing a comprehensive seismic interpretation that enhances understanding of gas reservoir characteristics.
The Ugii Lake Basin, located in central Mongolia, has many natural parks with unique formations and is part of the International Ramsar Wetland Protection Agreement. To establish the "New Kharkhorum" city, it was necessary to plan and evaluate changes to the regional geological environment, including the Ugii Lake Basin. We aimed to assess changes in the vegetation cover, soil, and surface water of the Ugii Lake Basin. Field research, geochemical analysis of soil and surface water, and remote sensing image interpretation methods were used in this study. We interpreted Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer satellite data from 2000 to 2022 to investigate changes in vegetation cover. On the basis of this classification, soil and natural water samples were chosen for onsite observations at four locations. As a result, the boundaries of the Ugii Lake Basin have been defined; they are 1017 km long and cover an area of 14,300 km2. Six normalized difference vegetation index categories were identified while the vegetation cover quality in the Ugii Lake Basin was assessed. The pH values of the surface water exceeded the standard by 0.05–0.21 in the area with a high anthropogenic load, whereas the other factors (Ca2+, Mg2+, Na++K+, SO42-, Fe, CI-, CO32-, HCO3-, NO2-, NO3-, and physiochemical parameters) did not exceed the Mongolian National Standard. The pH values in natural water were relatively high near the lake, indicating human activity in the Ugii Lake Basin. Consequently, this should be considered when designing integrated measures to address climate change and anthropogenic impacts in the Ugii Lake Basin.
