The Carpathian region and Transcarpathia in particular are one of the geologically active areas where landslide probability depends on a combination of factors: tectonic activity, lithological features, hydrogeological conditions, climate, and human activity. Landslides are one of the main natural hazards in this region. Their probability varies depending on specific geological and climatic conditions. Limiting spatial analysis of landslide processes to sustainable approaches within a specific tectonic zone constrains our understanding of when and how these hazardous geological processes are triggered and evolve. The article investigates the influence of various factors on landslide development in different tectonic zones of the Carpathian region using a multiple linear regression model. It was found that geomorphological conditions, such as mountainous terrain and steep slopes, are significant factors in landslide formation in all zones. Atmospheric precipitation in combination with flysch rocks contributes to the slumps of rock masses in the Chornohora, Porkulets, and other tectonic zones. The influence of fault tectonics and seismic activity is particularly pronounced in the Duklian, Chornohora, and Rakhiv nappes. The lithology of the underlying rocks, in particular clay and sandy-clay flysch, is an important factor in the formation of landslides in the Flysch Carpathians and the Transcarpathian trough. The analysis showed significant differences in landslide size depending on the geostructural regions, with block landslides predominating in the Flysch Carpathians and slip landslides in the Transcarpathian Trough. The regression model identified significant parameters for each zone. The coefficient of determination (R2) shows a strong explanation of the dependence between the factors. The collinearity test was performed to prevent correlated factors. The results confirm the influence of a number of natural factors on landslide formation in the region.
Purpose. This study investigates the seismicity of North Rhine-Westphalia in western Germany, focusing on the tectonically active Lower Rhine Embayment and the surrounding Rhenish lignite mining district. It aims to characterize spatial, temporal, and magnitude-related patterns of seismicity and to assess the influence of both natural and anthropogenic factors. Methodology. A catalog of 626 earthquake events recorded between 1970 and 2026 was obtained from an open-access database, including information on earthquake magnitude, focal depth, geographic location, and occurrence time. The study applies descriptive statistical analysis, GIS-based spatial statistics, and frequency-magnitude analysis. Nearest neighbor analysis and kernel density estimation were used to examine spatial patterns, while temporal variations and the Gutenberg-Richter relationship were analyzed to assess seismic trends. Results. The findings indicate that seismic activity in the study area is dominated by low-to-moderate magnitude earthquakes, with a mean magnitude of 2.73 and with focal depths predominantly within the upper crust. Most events occur at depths between 0 and 15 km, reflecting predominantly shallow seismic processes. Spatial analysis reveals a clustered distribution of earthquake epicenters, with a nearest neighbor index of 0.73, and kernel density estimation identifies several zones of elevated seismic activity. Temporal analysis reveals fluctuations in earthquake occurrence, alternating between periods of increased and reduced activity. The Gutenberg-Richter frequency-magnitude relationship exhibits a clear linear trend with a b-value of 1.019, indicating a predominance of low-magnitude events. Originality. This study integrates long-term seismic records with GIS-based spatial statistical methods to provide a comprehensive assessment of seismicity in North Rhine-Westphalia, highlighting the combined effects of tectonic structures and mining-induced activities. Practical Significance. The results contribute to a better understanding of regional seismic hazards and provide valuable for risk land-use and the of-related seismic hazards.
Seismic data recorded by the SEIS experiment onboard the InSight mission have shown that Mars is seismically active: over 1,300 events were detected and catalogued by the InSight Marsquake Service (MQS). The global seismic event rate has yielded sufficient seismic records to perform the first structure inversions of the planet. Mars is currently believed to lack active plate tectonics like Earth, and the seismic activity detected by InSight is instead driven by cooling and compression. A deeper understanding of these processes can only be achieved by studying the focal mechanisms of local events. With a single station, the mechanism can usually be resolved only for events of sufficiently high quality with known locations and a sufficiently accurate structural model. In this study, we present a method for a single station moment tensor inversion of only direct P- and S-waveforms, which are significantly less sensitive compared to reflected and converted waves, to still insufficiently accurate modeling of velocity contrasts and poorly constrained event locations on Mars, and therefore carry a much less distorted imprint of the source. Direct waves are isolated analytically, using a specially developed version of the matrix method for wave-field modeling. Testing of our method was conducted on two major events on Mars (S0235b and S1222a), with S1222a being the largest (magnitude MW 4.7) ever observed on Mars. The focal mechanism for S0235b appeared to be almost identical to that estimated by other authors, while the mechanism for S1222a was at least of the same type (reverse faulting) with the same dip and rake, but with strike rotated by 90 degrees. At the same time, the fits of the synthetic waveforms calculated for our version of the S1222a mechanism to the observed waveforms suggest that the mechanism is also acceptable. This is why we consider our results satisfactory and conclude that seismic moment tensor inversion using only direct waves recorded at only one station can still be useful in regions with low seismicity and an insufficient number of seismic stations, both on Mars and on Earth.
The purpose of the work is a comprehensive analysis of the causes, characteristics and consequences of the karst-collapse technogenic earthquake that occurred on September 30, 2017 at 00:46 local time (September 29, 2017 at 21:46 GMT) in the city of Stebnyk in the area of the Mine No. 2 of the Stebnyk MCE “Polymineral”, its analysis in connection with technogenically provoked dangerous geological processes (in particular, with the formation of karst sinkholes) at the Stebnyk potash mine (Ukrainian Precarpathians). Methodology. The research methodology combines a comprehensive analysis of seismic, geological and other data in the Stebnyk potash deposit area, including specifying the localization of local earthquake foci, estimating the parameters of seismic sources, using for this purpose developed approaches and methods, adapted known and specially created computer and GIS technologies and their variants, developed appropriate software tools. Results. The modern seismic activation (2014-2024) of the Boryslav-Stebnyk area is briefly traced. Considering the long-term (from the beginning of the 19th century) active extraction of oil and gas condensate in the Boryslav area, as well as potash ores in Stebnyk, local seismicity is apparently partly additionally technogenically provoked (induced). Seismic events in the area of Mine No. 2 of Stebnyk MCE “Polymineral” are defined as karst-collapse technogenic earthquakes in the mining area of this mine. Technogenically provoked dangerous geodynamic processes in the area are traced and important energy and kinematic parameters of technogenically provoked seismic events caused by them are estimated. Based on data on the karst-collapse earthquake of September 30 (29), 2017 in Stebnyk and on data on the velocity structure of the crust of west of Ukraine, we clarified the hypocenters of local seismic events in the Boryslav – Stebnyk area and we determined for it local kinematic corrections for seismic stations of the Carpathian Seismological Network of Ukraine and for a number of seismic stations in Poland, Slovakia, Hungary and Romania. Originality. For the first time, using data on the velocity structure of the Earth's crust in the Carpathian region of Ukraine, methods of refining the seismic events foci in the area of the cities of Boryslav – Stebnyk – Drohobych – Truskavets have been developed. With their use, as well as based on the results of determining the characteristic parameters of the foci of local seismic events, the technogenic karst-collapse nature of seismic events in the area of Mine No. 2 of the Stebnyk potash deposit has been unambiguously established and their important characteristics have been determined. Practical significance. The results of the research make it possible to clarify the nature of the processes and assess natural and technogenic geoecological risks for the Boryslav – Stebnyk – Drohobych – Truskavets area, in particular, in the area of Mine No. 2 of the Stebnyk potash deposit for development an optimized set of necessary engineering and technical measures to minimize these risks. The determined local kinematic corrections for seismic stations of the Carpathian Seismological Network of Ukraine and for seismic stations of Poland, Slovakia, Hungary and Romania provide a significantly more precise determination of the coordinates and depths of the foci of local seismic events in the Boryslav – Stebnyk area, both natural and technogenic in genesis.
This study investigates soil erosion and land degradation in the Soubella sub-watershed of the Hodna region, Algeria, an area shaped by dryland climatic conditions ranging from semi-arid to arid. To evaluate erosion risk, the MEDALUS (Mediterranean Desertification and Land Use) model was combined with GIS-based spatial analysis. Soil erosion represents a critical environmental challenge in water-limited regions, where harsh climate and human pressures intensify land degradation. The methodological approach relied on four indices: Soil Quality (SQI), Climate Quality (CQI), Vegetation Quality (VQI), and Anthropogenic Quality (AQI). These indicators were derived from remote sensing data, GIS tools, and field surveys, offering an integrated framework for assessing ecosystem vulnerability. The sub-watershed spans 1,837.33 km2, with elevations ranging from 376 to 1,871 m and an average slope of 19.02 m/km, indicating moderately rugged terrain. The semi-arid climate is characterized by high temperatures, scarce and irregular rainfall, and significant variability. At the Soubella dam site, the mean annual rainfall is only 289 mm, highlighting the climatic stress on soil and vegetation. The erosion sensitivity map revealed three categories: non-affected areas (27.5 %), sensitive areas (16.1 %), and highly sensitive areas (56.4 %). This pattern illustrates the combined influence of climate, relief, vegetation cover, and land use in driving erosion dynamics. The findings highlight the predominance of highly sensitive zones, underlining the fragility of dryland ecosystems and the need for preventive measures. By identifying erosionprone sectors, the research provides essential guidance for decision-makers to implement sustainable land management strategies that mitigate erosion risks and enhance resilience in the Hodna region.
The article presents an integrated approach to assessing the suitability of territories for the placement of industrial solar power plants (SPPs) in mountainous conditions, taking into account the spread of landslide processes, which are a key natural constraint for infrastructure development in the Carpathian region. The object of the study is the Kosiv district of the Ivano-Frankivsk region, an area characterised by complex geological structure, increased susceptibility to landslides, and growing investment interest in alternative energy projects. The relevance of the work is determined by the need to account for geodynamic risks in the spatial planning of energy facilities and the insufficient integration of geostatistical methods into project practice. The methodological basis of the study is a combination of geoinformation modelling and geostatistical interpolation tools. Vector analysis of spatial constraints was performed based on buffer modelling around infrastructure facilities, water networks, buildings, and forest areas, making it possible to identify conflict-free zones. Next, morphometric criteria, such as slope angle and exposure, were applied, considering orographic requirements for efficient electricity generation. All criteria were integrated into ModelBuilder, which ensured the reproducibility and automation of the spatial analysis process. A geostatistical risk assessment of landslide processes was implemented by constructing a semivariogram and a spatial autocorrelation model (Moran's I), which revealed a high degree of clustering of hazardous points. Ordinary Kriging and Co-Kriging methods were applied to construct the risk surface, taking into account topographical factors. The results obtained enabled the determination of spatial differentiation of risk within the study area with high interpolation accuracy. The residual validation error (RMSE approximate to 4.47) confirms the model's high quality, and Co-Kriging using relief derivatives (slope and aspect) showed better adaptability to mountainous conditions. At the final stage, a spatial ranking of plots was conducted for areas exceeding 1.5 ha and a geometric shape index of less than 1.8. This ensures the effectiveness of their potential use for the placement of SPPs. The analysis results show that only about 13 % of the suitable areas meet the configuration requirements and have an acceptable level of landslide risk (less than 46 %). Based on integrating the risk map with the array of prepared sites, a summary map of optimal areas for SPPs placement was created, considering technical and natural constraints. The scientific novelty of the study lies in its first-ever full-scale geostatistical assessment of landslide risk in the context of solar energy facility planning in the Ukrainian Carpathians. The practical significance is determined by the possibility of directly applying the results to form-spatial development plans and environmentally safe development of territories. The presented approach can be adapted for other regions, including the Carpathian region as a whole, which is characterised by active geodynamic processes, and can be applied in environmental impact assessments for alternative energy facilities.
It is demonstrated in [Gnyp & Malytskyy, 2023] that only the difference in the intervals between the first P-and S-waves can be used to relocate a cluster of similar earthquakes. The advantage of using only the difference is that it is measured by cross-correlation within a window containing the corresponding arrivals, eliminating the need to know their exact timing. Another advantage is that relative locations can be recovered regardless of source times and, therefore, of often inaccurate arrival picks or velocity models. It is assumed in [Gnyp & Malytskyy, 2023] that the cluster size is significantly smaller than the distance to the stations, and that the takeoff angles of the first P-and S-waves, as well as station azimuths, are known for at least one reference earthquake. Under these conditions, the relationship between the locations and the difference becomes purely geometrical and linear, allowing for a straightforward solution of the corresponding system. However, if both the locations and takeoff angles are unknown, the system becomes nonlinear and singular, making it nearly impossible to solve. In the current version of the algorithm, we propose circumventing the singularity by optimizing the locations and takeoff angles separately. First, we determine the locations for some initial angles, then adjust the angles, re-evaluate the locations, and repeat this process. To evaluate the effectiveness of this approach, we conduct a series of synthetic experiments, focusing primarily on the ability to achieve complete recovery of locations and takeoff angles using a damped least-squares solution, depending on the accuracy of the initial angles, the number and configuration of stations, and the damping applied. To reduce the impact of local minima, we propose estimating the median of solutions obtained for an ensemble of randomly perturbed initial angles. The tests demonstrate the effectiveness of the algorithm and its potential applicability to real data. The algorithm can be combined with other relocation techniques, which makes it possible to link the poorly recorded events to well-constrained ones. This is particularly important for clearer imaging of fault structures in intraplate areas with low seismicity, improving our understanding of local seismic activity and earthquake hazard.
The purpose of the work is a comprehensive analysis of the causes, characteristics and consequences of the karstcollapse technogenic earthquake that occurred on September 30, 2017 at 00:46 local time (September 29, 2017 at 21:46 GMT) in the city of Stebnyk in the area of the Mine No. 2 of the Stebnyk MCE "Polymineral", its analysis in connection with technogenically provoked dangerous geological processes (in particular, with the formation of karst sinkholes) at the Stebnyk potash mine (Ukrainian Precarpathians). Methodology. The research methodology combines a comprehensive analysis of seismic, geological and other data in the Stebnyk potash deposit area, including specifying the localization of local earthquake foci, estimating the parameters of seismic sources, using for this purpose developed approaches and methods, adapted known and specially created computer and GIS technologies and their variants, developed appropriate software tools. Results. The modern seismic activation (2014-2024) of the Boryslav-Stebnyk area is briefly traced. Considering the long-term (from the beginning of the 19th century) active extraction of oil and gas condensate in the Boryslav area, as well as potash ores in Stebnyk, local seismicity is apparently partly additionally technogenically provoked (induced). Seismic events in the area of Mine No. 2 of Stebnyk MCE "Polymineral" are defined as karst-collapse technogenic earthquakes in the mining area of this mine. Technogenically provoked dangerous geodynamic processes in the area are traced and important energy and kinematic parameters of technogenically provoked seismic events caused by them are estimated. Based on data on the karstcollapse earthquake of September 30 (29), 2017 in Stebnyk and on data on the velocity structure of the crust of west of Ukraine, we clarified the hypocenters of local seismic events in the Boryslav-Stebnyk area and we determined for it local kinematic corrections for seismic stations of the Carpathian Seismological Network of Ukraine and for a number of seismic stations in Poland, Slovakia, Hungary and Romania. Originality. For the first time, using data on the velocity structure of the Earth's crust in the Carpathian region of Ukraine, methods of refining the seismic events foci in the area of the cities of Boryslav-Stebnyk-Drohobych-Truskavets have been developed. With their use, as well as based on the results of determining the characteristic parameters of the foci of local seismic events, the technogenic karst-collapse nature of seismic events in the area of Mine No. 2 of the Stebnyk potash deposit has been unambiguously established and their important characteristics have been determined. Practical significance. The results of the research make it possible to clarify the nature of the processes and assess natural and technogenic geoecological risks for the Boryslav-Stebnyk-Drohobych-Truskavets area, in particular, in the area of Mine No. 2 of the Stebnyk potash deposit for development an optimized set of necessary engineering and technical measures to minimize these risks. The determined local kinematic corrections for seismic stations of the Carpathian Seismological Network of Ukraine and for seismic stations of Poland, Slovakia, Hungary and Romania provide a significantly more precise determination of the coordinates and depths of the foci of local seismic events in the Boryslav-Stebnyk area, both natural and technogenic in genesis.
The purpose of this research is to conduct a predictive assessment of the impact of hazardous geodynamic processes on underground construction in the central part of Lviv. These processes are linked to specific geological structures, hydrogeological conditions, unique rock properties, and the chemical composition of groundwater. Relevance of work. In Lviv and many other large cities in Ukraine, transportation and parking problems are extremely acute. They are especially relevant for the central part of the city, which is characterised by a dense network of narrow streets, extreme vehicle saturation, dense buildings, and numerous transportation attractions. Their design and construction require detailed information about the structure, composition, and properties of the geological environment, as well as the geological risk assessment associated with the construction and operation of such structures. Research methods. Information on geological conditions, composition, physical, mechanical, filtration, and corrosion properties of soils, the aggressiveness of groundwater, design features of structures, types of foundations, and experience in constructing underground trams has been collected and comprehensively analysed. More than 50 experimental wells were specially drilled, and geophysical, engineering, geodetic, and laboratory studies were performed. Computer cartographic models of the geological environment were also built. Results. Based on the data obtained, the geological structure, hydrogeological conditions, physical and mechanical properties of the soils, and morphodynamic processes in the central part of the city are characterised. A spatial analysis of the risk-forming components of the geological environment is conducted, and the risks associated with its construction development are assessed. Scientific novelty. Various types of risk-forming factors for underground construction in the central part of Lviv have been identified. These factors include: geological factors that encompass structure of the rock massif, composition and condition of the rocks, their physical, mechanical and seismic properties, as well as their vulnerability to external influence; hydrogeological factors that involve the number of aquifers, depth of groundwater, their chemical composition and aggressiveness toward building structures, pressure level and the relationship between aquifers; morphodynamic factors that relate to the speed of modern tectonic movements and the development of suffosion processes and deformations of the Earth's surface. For the first time, a predictive assessment of geological risks associated with underground construction in various areas of the study region has been provided. Practical significance. The results obtained will make it possible to ensure the rational spatial location of underground parking lots and other objects of underground urbanization, to choose effective construction technologies that provide minimal risks for the stability of the designed structures and adjacent buildings and engineering infrastructure and will also serve as an information base for predicting the negative consequences of the construction and operation of underground structures in the long term.
The purpose of the article is to illustrate and, where possible, explain the regularities of the internal structure of technogenic accumulations at the "Pivnichnyi" and "Pivdennyi" iron ore quarries located near Kryvyi Rih city. The research methodology consisted of the following stages: a) field measurements and data collection; b) laboratory data processing, which included: plotting structural data, statistical analysis, and calculating averaged values of azimuths and dip angles and the scatter of these values for planar structural elements of both bedrock blocks and technogenic accumulations, as well as calculating the rotation angles of the bedrock blocks and the Structuring Planes within the technogenic formations. Novelty of Research Results. A. The varying degree of structure in technogenic accumulations (screes, embankments, and filled artificial voids) of the quarry dumps has been established. The study identifies both unstructured and varying degrees of structured accumulations, specifically recording such structural elements as layering, mechanical foliation, and linearity within the latter. B. Two methods for calculating the rotation angles of bedrock blocks and the structuring planes of technogenic formations relative to the vertical and horizontal axes are proposed, which allowed for the quantitative assessment of their mutual displacement. C. It is established that the formation of newly formed planar structures within technogenic accumulations is a directed process, resulting from the inheritance of the host rock's structural anisotropy - initially shaped by regional strike-slip stress regimes - which leads to the creation of the accumulation's own, oriented technogenic stratification (layering). D. It is conceptually substantiated that the bedrock blocks and the technogenic accumulations develop and form as a single, mutually coordinated object, which is termed a "geological-technogenic system", functioning due to "geodynamic interaction." E) It is demonstrated that the transformation of technogenic accumulations (their self-structuring and "completion") is a constructive phenomenon that could serve as a natural laboratory for monitoring the processes of structural-textural element formation in loose media. The practical significance of this research lies in utilizing the classification of structural neoformations within technogenic accumulations as a criterion to assess their assimilation potential and suitability for economic development. This classification provides essential geomechanical parameters necessary for forecasting slope stability and minimizing collapse risks in open-pit mining.
Palaeomagnetic and rock magnetic studies were conducted on anorthosites and gabbros from the VolodarskVolynskyi massif of the Korosten pluton to obtain new palaeomagnetic determinations that meet modern reliability criteria. The results confirm that the main magnetic carriers in these rocks are magnetite and titanomagnetite, which contain a small amount of Ti. A bipolar characteristic component of magnetisation, isolated in the temperature range of 500-580 degrees C, demonstrates a primary origin and thermoremanent nature. The new 1.76 Ga palaeomagnetic pole (Phi = 29.3 degrees, Lambda = 168.2 degrees, A(95) = 3.3 degrees, N = 6) is in good agreement with palaeomagnetic determinations of similar age for the Inhul and Volyn domains of the Ukrainian Shield. This suggests that the evolution of these domains within the unified structure of the Ukrainian Shield began at least 1.76 Ga. To clarify the timing of the amalgamation of the East European Platform, and to calculate its palaeolatitudinal position and kinematic parameters (latitudinal drift and angular rotation velocity) of its segments, a selection of the most reliable Palaeoproterozoic palaeomagnetic determinations for Fennoscandia and Sarmatia was compiled. Palaeogeographic reconstructions of these segments were performed for specific time intervals. According to the palaeomagnetic data, their final amalgamation occurred no earlier than 1.76 Ga. At that time, these segments were located in the equatorial zone, and the Ukrainian Shield (as part of Sarmatia) was rotated similar to 40 degrees counterclockwise relative to Fennoscandia.
The study presents an assessment of the geodynamic characteristics of territories around Ukrainian hydroelectric power plants based on GNSS observations from countinious operating reference stations (CORS) of GeoTerrace and System.Net networks for the period 2019-2025. Daily solutions are computed using Bernese 5.2 software and subsequently transformed into the ETRF-2020 reference frame. The methodology includes the estimation of linear trends and annual horizontal velocities of GNSS stations in the north and east components. A filtering procedure was applied to exclude GNSS stations with insufficient observation duration, incomplete data series, suboptimal spatial configuration, as well as results affected by significant errors. The analysis and Kremenchuk HPP. For each of these sites, regional deformation vectors were determined, reflecting crustal compression or extension; motion of major lithospheric blocks; tectonic activity of rift zones; deep-seated faulting; and distributed stress fields. Dilatation distribution maps are constructed for each HPP territories, and the dilatation parameter at the dam location was estimated. Finally, the cumulative deformation of the dams induced by long-term geodynamic processes over their operational lifetimes was evaluated, showing deformation magnitudes at the millimetre level for all studied structures. The proposed methodology, based on permanent GNSS station networks, could be applied to other large engineering facilities in Ukraine and worldwide/
The purpose of this work is to study depositional history and the dynamics of post-sedimentary transformations, in particular the thermal maturity of kerogen in the Middle-Upper Devonian rocks of the Lviv Paleozoic Depression. Methodology. This study utilized an integrated approach involving geochemical analyses, specifically focusing on parameters of Rock-Eval pyrolysis such as total organic carbon content, temperature Tmax, S2 oil potential, and palynological studies that included the color index of microfossils. Results. The results from the combined geochemical analysis (involving 20 core samples from 9 wells through Rock-Eval pyrolysis) and palynological analysis (44 core samples from 8 wells) allowed for determining the content, genetic type and generational properties of organic matter in the Middle and Upper Devonian rocks of the Lviv Paleozoic Depression. The rocks contain kerogen of both marine (type II) and terrestrial (type III) origin. Based on palynological studies, the kerogen was found to contain humic and sapropelic-liptinite components. The thermal maturity level of kerogen was determined using both Rock-Eval Tmax parameter and the color index of microfossils. Within the Lviv Paleozoic Depression, three zones are identified according to the degree of thermal maturity of kerogen. Originality. As a result of this study, the sedimentary and post-sedimentary evolution of the Middle-Upper Devonian strata of the Lviv Paleozoic Depression was investigated. For the strata of this age range, the combined use of palynological and geochemical methods has been applied for the first time. This made it possible to estimate the thermal maturity of kerogen in organic-rich rocks in different parts of the Depression. Practical significance. The comprehensive geochemical and palynological studies allowed to establish the regularities of the processes of thermal maturation and hydrocarbon generation in the Middle-Upper Devonian rocks of the Lviv Paleozoic Depression. Based on these findings, we can determine their potential role in the formation of oil and gas accumulations.
The paper aims to develop an algorithm for identifying the physical (polarizability and resistivity) and geometric (center of mass, orientation, and dimensions) characteristics of local heterogeneities. This is achieved by analyzing induced polarization (IP) potential field data measured at the boundary of the object, using the indirect near-boundary element method. Methodology. A piecewise homogeneous half-plane was chosen as a model of the Earth's crust, where the components are in non-ideal contact. An efficient combination of the indirect near-boundary element method with a cascade iterative algorithm for parameter identification was developed to solve the inverse two-dimensional problem of the IP potential field theory. At each step of the algorithm, a series of direct problems was solved, in which the Laplace equations were transformed into integral representations. This transformation utilized the Green's function for a half-plane, which automatically satisfies the boundary condition and eliminates the need for boundary discretization. Additionally, a fundamental solution for the inclusion was applied. The conditions of non-ideal contact were satisfied in the collocation sense at the midpoints of each boundary element. This made it possible to determine the intensities of the unknown sources introduced into the near-boundary elements and approximated by constants. The medium and the inclusion were then treated as independent regions, and the desired IP field potential and flow across their boundaries were calculated. Results. A computational experiment was conducted for the problem of geoelectrical sounding using a constant artificial field (electrical profiling method). Initial estimates of the physical and geometric characteristics of the inclusion were obtained based on the behavior of apparent resistivity and apparent polarizability. Through two cascades of iterations, the location and approximate dimensions of the inclusion were first refined, followed by adjustments to its shape and spatial orientation. A necessary condition for successful identification was the presence of a boundary segment with an excess of boundary conditions, which enabled the minimization of the selected functional on that segment. Originality. The problem of geoelectrical sounding by direct current in piecewise homogeneous polarized media was reduced, via mathematical modeling, to a potential theory problem with non-ideal contact conditions at the interfaces between different media. Practical significance. An efficient computational approach was developed for solving the inverse problem of geoelectrical sounding using direct current. It considers the effect of induced polarization, including surface, volume, and mixed polarization. Computational efficiency was achieved through a two-stage cascade-iterative algorithm that refined initial approximations and eliminated parameters with negligible impact on the results.
Objective. To establish comprehensive baseline geochemical data for heavy metal distribution patterns in bottom sediments of the Kamyanka River Basin within the broader context of the Ukrainian Shield geodynamic evolution and long-term tectonic stability. This research aims to characterize the relationship between deep crustal processes spanning over 3.8 billion years of geological history and contemporary environmental geochemistry, with a specific focus on distinguishing between natural background metal concentrations derived from crustal weathering processes and potential anthropogenic contamination sources in this geodynamically stable continental platform setting. Methodology. Advanced spectrophotometric analytical techniques, including inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS), were systematically employed to analyze sediment samples collected from strategically selected representative sites reflecting the full spectrum of diverse geomorphological and hydrological conditions within a geodynamically stable cratonic domain. The comprehensive sampling strategy encompassed various depositional environments ranging from headwater reaches influenced by groundwater discharge to downstream areas subject to urban runoff and agricultural inputs. Sequential extraction procedures and bioavailability assessments were integrated to evaluate metal speciation and environmental mobility. At the same time, quality control measures included certified reference materials, duplicate analyses, and blank determinations to ensure analytical reliability and environmental significance of the obtained results. Results. Pronounced dominance of iron (3,862 mg/kg) and aluminum (1.906 mg/kg) was established, reflecting characteristic aluminosilicate weathering signatures of Precambrian crystalline basement rocks typical of the Ukrainian Shield geological province. Essential trace metals, including copper (5.2 mg/kg), chromium (7.8 mg/kg), and nickel (2.5 mg/kg), were detected at natural background levels, while potentially toxic elements such as mercury, cadmium, and bismuth remained consistently below analytical detection limits. The Al/Fe ratio 0.49 indicates typical continental weathering signatures without unusual enrichment or depletion patterns. The geochemical signature corresponds to a sedimentary environment dominated by natural terrigenous input derived from stable continental weathering processes operating under conditions of prolonged geodynamic stability, with minimal anthropogenic contamination pressure reflecting the relatively stable geodynamic setting and effective environmental management within the study area. Scientific novelty. The complex relationship between Ukrainian Shield geodynamic evolution and contemporary heavy metal distribution patterns in fluvial sedimentary systems has been comprehensively characterized for the first time, establishing the critical importance of long-term tectonic stability in controlling environmental geochemistry. A novel integrated conceptual model of metal accumulation mechanisms under stable cratonic conditions has been developed, incorporating thermodynamic equilibrium relationships, surface complexation processes, and biogeochemical cycling pathways. This research demonstrates that geodynamic controls fundamentally determine metal fate and transport in hydrogeological systems, where long-term tectonic stability has allowed the development of distinctive weathering profiles and hydrogeochemical regimes that control heavy metal mobility and bioavailability in continental platform environments. Practical significance. The findings establish a robust scientific foundation for evidence-based environmental management strategies in geodynamically stable regions worldwide and provide critical baseline data for future environmental monitoring and ecological risk assessment within similar geological and climatic settings across the Ukrainian Shield region. The results support sustainable development initiatives and ecosystem protection programs within the context of ongoing urbanization processes affecting ancient crystalline shield terrains, while contributing to the development of effective environmental management strategies for regions characterized by ancient crystalline basement rocks. This research has important implications for environmental policy development and provides essential data for supporting climate adaptation and urban sustainability initiatives in continental platform settings.
The aim of this article is to present the first model in Poland of contemporary relative vertical movements of the Earth's crust, based on the integration of vertical movements determined from three sources: GNSS measurements (ASG-EUPOS), permanent PsInSAR scatterers from EGMS products, and double precise levelling measurements. Due to differences in the temporal and spatial resolution of the data, it was necessary to develop a consistent integration methodology. In the data merging process, an affine transformation was used to convert absolute vertical movements (GNSS and PsInSAR) to a relative system consistent with the levelling data. The InSAR data came from EGMS L2a products (after decomposition into a vertical component) and EGMS L3. The analysis showed that the optimal buffer radius for InSAR data in the study of micro-areas around GNSS stations is 0.3 km, and the use of the median as a representative value is statistically justified. The average transformation error for a single point was approximately 0.20 mm/yr. The final model was developed using the local polynomial method, and the results obtained provide a basis for further geodynamic studies and may be used in civil engineering and geological risk management.
The study of geodynamic processes, the distribution of reservoir pressures and the properties of deep rocks in Ukraine's oil and gas basins, is crucial for enhancing geological exploration, predicting hydrocarbon accumulation, and assessing production methods. This is an important and timely issue in the field today. Analysis of geological and geophysical studies, deep drilling, laboratory studies of core and sludge, as well as experiments to examine the physical properties of reservoir rocks, form the optimal approach to address this issue. The research compared results in different regions of Ukraine, particularly the Dnipro-Donetsk Depression and the Precarpathian Foredeep. The main prospects for discovering oil and gas deposits at great depths in Ukraine are associated with the Precarpathian Foredeep and the Dnipro-Donetsk Depression. The prospects for oil and gas resources in deep-seated horizons are closely linked to studying the region's geodynamic features, rock reservoir properties, and the distribution of reservoir pressures and temperatures within sedimentary basins. Many works, ranging from articles and dissertations to comprehensive monographs, have been devoted to the problem of the distribution of reservoir pressures and temperatures, as well as the reservoir properties of these rocks. The study found that with depth, the porosity and permeability of rocks gradually decrease. Still, in some horizons, anomalously high values of these characteristics are observed, which opens up new opportunities for the industrial development of deep hydrocarbon deposits. In particular, sandstones with an open porosity of up to 5.58% were discovered at a record depth of over 6.5 km for the Dnipro-Donets Depression, indicating the possibility of effective reservoirs even at such significant depths. It was determined that at depths of up to 10-12 km under anomalously high reservoir pressures, the reservoir properties of rocks are preserved, which is critically important for predicting new deposits. It was confirmed that a sharp increase in reservoir pressure is observed in closed deposits, which gradually reach geostatic values, creating favorable conditions for forming oil and gas clusters. These studies also demonstrate the influence of secondary changes in rocks on their filtration and capacity properties and substantiate the role of thermobaric factors in forming anomalous reservoir pressures. Based on the results obtained, models and formulas were proposed to calculate the depths of preservation of reservoir rocks in various geological conditions. This significantly expands the idea of the prospects of deep-seated horizons for hydrocarbon production. The following can be highlighted as a scientific novelty. For the first time, the study conducted a detailed analysis of the relationship between reservoir pressure, geostatic conditions, and secondary changes in reservoir rocks at great depths; formulas were proposed for estimating reservoir rocks' maximum depths of existence. The study's results help predict hydrocarbon accumulations and choose optimal extraction methods at great depths, increasing the efficiency of geological exploration and reducing risks in exploiting oil and gas deposits.
The purpose of the research is to explore both the theoretical and practical aspects of natural and man-made gravitational shear deformations and fractures. This will be based on the variational finite element method used to solve elasticity problems for asymmetric multilayer orthotropic shells of rotation while accounting for shear stiffness. To achieve this, we have modeled the shear deformations and failures of heterogeneous three-dimensional asymmetric anticline geostructures under the influence of gravity using the method mentioned above. The method of research. The research employs the variational finite-element method to address the elasticity of multilayer orthotropic shells of rotation, with particular attention to shear stiffness. This approach enables us to accurately assess the degree of deformation and the criteria for the failure of asymmetric three-dimensional heterogeneous anticline geostructures under gravitational forces. This method holds significant theoretical and practical interest. The main result of this study is the establishment of patterns in the shear deformation of asymmetric anticline geostructures under the influence of gravity. The findings indicate that the amplitudes of shear deformation are affected by the degree of asymmetry, the dimensions of the structure, and the mechanical properties of the rocks that compose these geostructures. In solid geostructures that maintain elastic properties, the deformations are inversely proportional to the stiffness of the surrounding rocks. A decrease in the radius of the geostructure results in a reduction of the corresponding deformation. Conversely, an increase in the linear dimensions of the geostructure leads to greater deformation amplitudes. Moreover, the presence of a non-rigid outer layer significantly impacts how the shape asymmetry of anticline geostructures affects their shear deformation. This asymmetry can result in critical quantitative and qualitative changes, potentially destroying the geostructure. The scientific novelty of this research is the establishment of quantitative regularities regarding the shear deformation of the asymmetric anticline geostructures under gravity. We demonstrate that a decrease in the radius of a geostructure results in a reduction of deformation in that structure. Conversely, an increase in the linear dimensions of the geostructure leads to greater deformation. Additionally, a nonrigid outer layer significantly affects the shear deformation of asymmetric anticline geostructures due to the shape's asymmetry. The practical significance of this work lies in the ability to use quantitative estimates to predict and minimize destructive shear processes in asymmetric anticline geostructures under the influence of gravity.
In two craters near Emmerting, three major processes which variably affected the original pebbles are documented in the following order: 1. Deposition of hot material which solidified to glass (usually thin and transparent) or reacted with carbonate to form expanded "pumice" on the surface of pebbles. 2. Ductile deformation of variable intensity (with limited fragile deformation but intense fracturing of mineral grains), using older as well as newly formed discontinuities; in some cases this deformation had to be associated with extreme strain, excluding interpretation of the crater formation by any plausible human activity. The largely ductile character of deformation points to a high temperature, but it was not necessarily accompanied by melting. 3. Solidification of melts generated within pebbles or derived from secondary projectiles. These disequilibrium melts were hot enough to have very low viscosity (in some cases, they may have also been injected by high pressure/strain, or sucked in), which enabled them to fill even thin fractures in individual mineral grains; gas expansion also formed extrusions resembling miniature volcanic features on the surface of some pebbles. In one zircon grain baddeleyite was observed, probably formed by shock metamorphism. However, no additional evidence was found to suggest pressures exceeding the threshold typically required for shock-induced melting (similar to 8 Gpa or more). Nevertheless, the energy transformed during repeated mutual collisions may have heated the interior of pebbles sufficiently. Origin of the depression at Grabenstatt-Kaltenbach is unclear, the disequilibrium melting and decarbonization may also be explained by anthropogenic processes.
The work presents the results of 2D gravity modelling of the Earth's crust and upper mantle structure in the joint zone of the Outer Ukrainian Carpathians and the East European Craton. This study focuses on the area along the Cisna-Khyriv-Rava-Ruska-Velyki Mosty line. The profile traverses the complex border zone between Ukraine and Poland, crossing the Folded Carpathians, the Precarpathian Trough, and the Rava-Ruska zone, ultimately reaching the outer zone of the Lviv Trough. For constructing a density model, the initial structural-tectonic model of the Earth's crust was based on a deep seismic-geological cross-section along the SG-1(66) traverse of the same name. The seismic-geological data confirming the depths of the Carpathian basement and the basement surface along the seismic traverse have been verified. Additionally, the density values of both the sedimentary rocks and basement rocks have been clarified. Increased density values of the lower crust and upper mantle under the Outer Carpathians have been established. The paper examines the reflection of tectonic units in the anomalous gravity field of the Carpathian structure, specifically focusing on the Turkivskyi Paraautochthonous Complex, and deep mafic magmatic formations located between the Rava-Ruskyi and Velykomostivskyi deep faults, as indicated by seismic data. The study identifies a region of the Earth's crust between the Precarpathian and Rava-Ruskyi Faults, which probably corresponds to the Trans-European Suture Zone. This conclusion is based on the morphological features of the gravity field and the inconsistent behavior of the surfaces of the Riphean-Paleozoic basement, the pre-Riphean crystalline basement, and the Moho boundary. The modelling results confirm that the primary cause of regional negative gravity anomalies is the deepening of the Moho (and basement surface) under the Carpathians and in the Teisseyre-Tornquist Zone to 45 km (10.5 km) and 50 km (6.5 km), respectively.
