Proceedings of the YSU C: Geological and Geographical Sciences
Proceedings of the YSU C: Geological and Geographical Sciences aims to publish original research papers and survey articles in all areas of geology and geography. Proc. YSU C: Geol. Geogr. Sci. accepts also review articles, short communications, conference proceedings, Ph.D and doctoral thesis's and other items with a detailed exposition of results, experiments and examples. One of purposes is to reflect the progress of the research in all areas of geology and geography in Armenia and, by providing an international forum, to stimulate its further developments.
REISSUE OF THE "ATLAS OF HISTORICAL CARTOGRAPHY OF ARMENIA" – THE REVIVAL OF CLASSICAL CARTOGRAPHIC HERITAGE
Atlas of Historical Cartography of Armenia
Copyright (c) 2025 Proceedings of the YSU https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
CURRENT TRENDS AND MAIN PROBLEMS OF DEMOGRAPHIC PROCESSES IN THE REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA
At all times, both quantitative and qualitative indicators of human potential or demographic situation have had an essential role in solving various state strategic and tactical problems. Along with other factors, the demographic situation has conditioned the socio-economic growth and development of countries, strengthe-ning of defense capabilities and increase in military potential. To achieve a favorable demographic situation, countries have implemented and continue to implement special demographic policies. In this sense, the Republic of Armenia is no exception, where various processes have influenced the formation of the demographic situation during the Post-Soviet period. Identifying the existing problems of the current demographic situation and pointing out relevant solutions are considered one of the priority directions for the prospective development and socio-economic growth of the Republic of Armenia. In this context, the formation of a favorable demographic situation and effective management is one of the important guarantees for creating a stable security system.
MOUNTAIN RELIEF AS A FACTOR IN TOURISM DEVELOPMENT
The study, evaluation, and tourism-oriented utilization of the diverse characteristics of a country's territory, including its underlying natural-resource conditions, play a critical role in national economic development. In this context, the Republic of Armenia is no exception. Despite its relatively small geographical extent, Armenia exhibits remarkable physical and geographical diversity, with pronounced local variations, distinctive features in its natural territorial complexes, and notable aesthetic qualities and tourism appeal. For both international visitors and Armenian citizens, major attractions include not only the country's unique and centuries-old achievements in material and spiritual culture, but also the characteristic elements of its physical-geographical environment. These features are shaped primarily by the variety of Armenia's mountainous landscape and the morphology of its relief. Furthermore, in an era when tourism has become a key economic sector in many countries and contributes significantly to economic diversification, the purposeful and efficient utilization of all components of a country's tourism potential has become increasingly essential.
Copyright (c) 2026 Proceedings of the YSU https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
CLIMATE CHANGES AND THE FUTURE OF THE CURONIAN (BALTIC SEA) AND GORGAN (CASPIAN SEA) SPITS
Using the example of two coastal landforms of the same origin, the impact of modern climate change on their transformation and preservation is considered. The materials from the author’s field research on the Baltic and Caspian Seas were used. On the Curonian Spit, the increased frequency of severe storm surges against the background of rising water levels in the Baltic Sea has increased coastal erosion, especially in its basal part, and threatens to break through the spit into the Bay of the same name. This will lead to the dismemberment of the Curonian Spit with the formation of separate islands. Due to the lowering of the Caspian Sea level, coastal abrasion is excluded on the Gorgan Spit. The body of the spit will expand from the seaward side due to the drainage of part of the underwater coastal slope. The bay of the same name has turned into a saline and brackish swamp. Measures have been proposed to save the Curonian Spit and the Gulf of Gorgan.
HYDROCHEMISTRY OF THE WATERS CIRCULATING IN THE CRATER, EASTERN AND SOUTHERN SLOPES OF ARAGATS VOLCANO
This study examines the hydrochemistry of mineral and freshwaters circulating in the crater of the Aragats volcano and on its Еastern and Сouthern slopes, as well as to clarifying several related issues. On the Еastern slopes, in connection with the composition of the mineral waters, a natural acid drainage phenomenon has been observed, which propagates downstream along the main tributary and gradually diminishes within the territory of the Tsaghkashen Village. In this area, noticeable differences are also observed in the compositions of waters discharging from outlets located in proximity to one another, which may be explained by the substantial difference in the depths of formation of the mineral and freshwater bodies, as well as by the isolation of their respective pathways to the Earth's surface. The most widespread and dominant water types were distinguished for the investigated sites, and their chemical formulas were determined according to Kurlov's classification.
THE FUMAROLE-SULFATE ORIGIN OPALITES AS A MINE-DEPOSITE OF NEW TYPE AND A HIGH TECHNOLOGICAL BASE FOR SILICATE PRODUCTION
The opalites and qwarzites of newly discovered mine-deposite of Gomshategh are the most famous ones- due to the rich content of silicate rocks and silicium-oxide, free of elementary mixtures. On the bases of new technological schemes, the specialists of The Institute of Common and Disorganic Chemistry of The National Academy of Sciences of Armenia found out, that the opalites are being represented as a unique base material for production of ceramic, electronical-optical equipment, and especially for production of artificial vollastonite, sodium-hydrosilicate, several metallic silicates and a highly pure silicium-oxide for production of optical and electronical-vacuum glass. The opalites became a new type of nonmetallic deposite-material due to new technologies that revealed new spheres of their practical use in science and engineering.
THE ROLE OF THE TRANSVERSE TECTONIC STRUCTURES OF THE TERRITORY OF THE REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA IN SEISMIC HAZARD ASSESSMENT
Geological and geophysical data testify to the important role of transversal (near meridional) tectonic dislocations in tectonic structure of the RA territory and adjacent areas. GPS observation data show that maximal horizontal motion and stress concentration also occur in transverse direction. All these indicate the transversal seismogenic fault's activization in assessment of seismic potential of these faults and therefore in compiling the seismic zonation map of the republic.
ON SOME PROBLEMS OF INTRA-ANNUAL DISTRIBUTION OF MINEREALIZATION IN RIVER WATERS
A number of essential peculiarities of intra-annual distribution of mineralization of river waters are analyzed in the paper. The results provide that the mineralization in river waters has a precise intra-annual distribution and directly relates to water discharge. The maximal value of mineralization and the minimal runoff of drought period manifest themselves simultaneously; while the minimal value of mineralization coincides with the maximal runoff in flood period.
intra-annual distribution of mineralization of river waters
Copyright (c) 2001 Proceedings of the YSU https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
CRYOGENIC EXODYNAMIC SYSTEM OF RELIEF FORMATTING IN ARMENIA AND ARTSAKH
Initiating cryogenic ehodynamic system is one of the most progressive geomorphologic factors of relief formatting in landscape of Armenia and Artsakh highland zone (altitudes over 2 000 m). The article surveys climatic preconditions for developing of different cryogenic processes sub-types, their essence, nature and differences as well as microforms and sediments evolving alongside with them. Nivation is responsible for slips, Karrooids, scratched-up cones whereas cross- solifluxion causes slow movement of alluvial shingles and hillocks erecting. Polygonal gettings, stone rings, medallions originate from the ground freezing and thawing in periods of seasonal frosts. Cryogen processes carry negative impact on economic activities of man. This fact calls for detailed studies, wide range works for map drawing and drafting of nature protection program.
Brief overview of Armenia's potential in supplementary ore and mineral resources, which could be extracted without significant capital investments from the industrial waists and mounds processing, sewerage treatment silt utilization as well as gold, titanium and other precious components' gravel deposits exploitation, reveals that prospective investors' attention should be focused on the mentioned above aspects. Thereupon, the works concerned with the Prikama's potential technogene deposits of sand methodological evaluation undertaken at Perm University have exclusive importance and their results are proposed below.
THE GEOLOGY AND STRUCTURAL POSITION OF AYGEDZOR ORE KNOT
In the article the structural condition of localization of golden, molibdenium and copper-molibdenium mineralization in the area are examined. The role of the disjunctive fractures, which are conjugated with Debacly fault, in the distribution of mineralization is elucidated. With the purpose of revealing new long-range territories a detailed geostructural analysis of 2-3 km width zone adjacent to Debacly fault is given.
THE DEPENDENCE OF THE MEAN ANNUAL TEMPERATURE OF THE RIVERS OF THE REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA UPON MEAN TEMPERATURE IN JULY
The link between the mean annual temperature and the mean temperature in July of the water of the rivers has been investigated. Linear equations of their link have been made for this purpose for the rivers having different feeding and for all hydrological regions of the Republic of Armenia. They are of great practical importance and can be used to determine the mean annual water temperature of the rivers which are poorly investigated or not investigated at all.
mean annual temperature the water of the rivers in hydrological regions of the Republic of Armenia
THE BASIC PRINCIPLES OF ARMENIAN GEOLOGICAL DICTIONARY
The scientific workers of historical and regional geology Department of Yerevan State University started working on the first Armenian Enciclopedia Dictionary of geological terms (about 6000 terms). Taking into account the importance of the problem in the item are written those basic principles, which are created by authors and will be used in compilation of the dictionary.
Armenian Enciclopedia Dictionary of geological terms
THE IMPACT OF DRAINAGE NETWORK CONDITION ON THE MINERALIZATION OF WATER
The use of manifold-drainage water for the purpose of irrigation is first of all conditioned by its mineralization and quality. Prognosis on the mineralization of drainage water is made depending on the depth of the ground water level bedding. The expected mineralization after the water in manifolds, drainage network and water-collector is mixed, has also been prognosticated. According to the estimates, the cleaning of the manifold-drainage network (reducing of the ground water level) of Ararat valley will not significantly affect the mineralization and quality of the water and it will still be good for irrigation. The overall flow of that type of water during the vegetation period is approximately 20-25 m3/s (400-500 mln m3).
DYNAMICS OF LAKE DEVELOPMENT IN ARID REGIONS DUE TO CLIMATE CHANGE AND IMPACTS OF ANTHROPOGENIC FACTOR
Contemporary climate change has precipitated the desiccation of the Aral Sea (Lake) as well as Lakes Chad and Urmia. The first two lakes repeatedly sharply lost their water volume during severe droughts for quite a long time, and during wet periods they recovered again. Periods of severe droughts and humidification of their basins have been identified. Their current desiccation began in the 1960s and is developing according to a similar scenario. Lake Urmia lost its prehistoric water volume due to the tectonic subsidence of its basin at the end of the Late Pleistocene. In more recent times, fluctuations in its level have been mainly associated with changes in climatic conditions. The current desiccation of all three lakes coincided with a new dry climate cycle, which was superimposed by anthropogenic impact, that have culminated in catastrophic consequences. The lakes can be saved only by completely abandoning the use of river runoff for agricultural purposes. The lakes will gradually recover during the wet climate cycle, which may replace the current dry phase.
THE HIGH-ALTITUDE GEOMORPHOLOGIC-LANDSCAPE DIFFERENTIATION OF THE SMALL CAUCASUS
The principles and criteria of distinguishing the high-altitude geomorphologic- landscape zones, suh-zones and sub-zone sections are defined in this article. The main criteria of distinguishing are the value of the annual radiation balance, the quantity of the annual precipitation and its ratio, which is expressed by the value of the radiation index of dryness. The coefficient of moistening, the morphogenetic types of the relief, their qualitative and quantitative indexes are also taken into consideration. The geomorphologic and landscape features of the high-altitude zones are defined. The high-altitude limits of spreading and the occupied areas of the zones and sub-zones are shown in the table. Within the Small Caucasus we have distinguished 3 high-altitude zones and 8 sub-zones, the card- scheme of which is shown in the article.
high-altitude geomorphologic-landscape differentiation
high-altitude geomorphologic- landscape zones
THE DEPENDENCE OF THE WATER TEMPERATURE OF THE RIVERS OF THE REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA UPON THE AIR TEMPERATURE
The dependence of the temperature of the water of the rivers is discussed in the work. The mentioned linear equations of dependence have been made for the rivers having different feeding and for all hydrological regions of the Republic of Armenia for the purpose of revealing it. They are of great practicBal importance and can be used to determine the water temperature of the rivers which are poorly investigated or not investigated at all.
RATIO OF STRUCTURAL AND OROGRAPHICAL FORMS OF CENTRAL ARMENIA
In the article orographical and structural forms of Central Armenia as well as their ratio are considered. The profiles of the relief were made by Geographical Information Systems on the basis of electronic topographic maps of scale 1:200 000. The received data can be usefull for the prediction of a place of occurrence of earthquakes, seismic zoning, and electronic maps - for analysis and modeling of sliding processes.
SOME QUESTIONS OF OILGAS-BEARING OF AZAT AND HRAZDAN RIVERS BASINS IN CONNECTION WITH DATA OF NEW WELLS
The absence of oil and gas in section of the Azat-1 well is connected with the following causes: 1) in the section of the Azat-1 well thick (up to 500 m) shale seals of lower oligocene (Shoragbjur suite) do not participate; 2) the very close occurrence and connection of paleocene-eocene sections, which are exposed in the Azat-1 well and in valey of the Azat River; 3) the existense of paleocene-middle eocene vertical and turned beds in the Azat-1 well and in outcrops of the Azat River basin; 4) the close neighbourhood of the Azat-1 well and Azat fault. Favorable conditions for accumulation and conservation of oil and gas may be expected in the paleogene-neogene sedimentary sections of area between vv. Nubarashen–Djrvej and of area of well Razdan-11.
oilgas-bearing of Azat and Hrazdan Rivers Basins
PROBLEMS AND PRESENT CONDITIONS OF GROUND WATER MONITORING IN THE REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA
Ground water monitoring in the Republic of Armenia is important to promote sustainable management of ground water resources. That was not conducted during last years. Problems for organizing of observation network for ground water monitoring on the basis of present systematic studies network and also the optimum frequency of measurements and observations during quantitative and qualitative ground water monitoring are considered in the paper.
quantitative and qualitative groundwater monitoring
THE ESTIMATION OF THE RISK OF DEGRADATION OF THE SOILS OF ARARAT HOLLOW ON THE MODEL OF ARARAT REGION
The government has lost the main functions of management and the control of soil resources as a result of privatization of soils since 1990 which led to negative changes and aggravation of geoecological problems. In 1999 493.5 (0.4%) hectares of agricultural grounds were already out of use in the region. The classification of the degree of the origin of risk has been carried out according to the data of studies of the types of degradation soils of high-altitude zones. Three gradations of the degree of the risk of extraordinary ecological situation have been distinguished and mapped. The main problems for each area have been determined, the further aggravation of which may lead to the origin of extraordinary ecological situation of local level in the given area as a result of strengthening of anthropogenic load. The high degree of the risk of the origin of extraordinary ecological situation is characterized by considerable and weakly compensating changes and the loss of soils (salinization, bogging up), the average degree is characterized by partial losses of natural resources potential (spreading of soil erosion) and the low degree is characterized as the most weakly degrading with partial losses of soil (sand-pits and dumps of surface output of limestone).
THE MAIN FEATURES OF THE GEOLOGICAL STRUCTURE AND PERSPECTIVES OF KHDEBANTS GOLD ORE MANIFESTATION
The article discusses the geological structure of Khdebants gold ore manifestation which is localized in the skams. The comparative characteristic of that ore manifestation with well studied deposits of that type is given. Based on the analysis of existing geological information conclusions are made on both Khdebants ore manifestation and "scam" gold of Zangezur.
Copyright (c) 2002 Proceedings of the YSU https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
THE RATIONAL DEGREE OF EXPLORATION OF STOCKWORK AND STRATUM DEPOSITS
Based on the actual materials of exploration and exploitation of deposits of the marked industrial types the limiting errors of the average contents of metals at different stages of investigation are determined. The questions of correlation between the necessary degree of objects exploration and reserves of various categories are also considered. spatial time of desertification allocation, but also give forecast possibilities.
exploration and exploitation of deposits
RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN HYDROPHYSICAL AND GEOELECTRIC PARAMETERS IN VOLCANIC ROCKS
A flow rate of ground water streams is necessary to determine for water balance calculations, as well as for setting up the locations of prospecting boreholes. In case of lack of hydrogeological data for solving the definite problems in practice it is proposed to use both hydrodynamic and geophysical data based on correlation relationships. A number of examples of ground water streams discharges discovered at Sevan Lake basin territories has been discussed in the article.
hydrophysical and geoelectric parameters
HYDROLOGICAL METHOD DEFINITION OF DESERTIFICATION BORDER
Desertification, as a natural phenomenon, is stipulated by interaction of numerous factors. The article undertakes the attempt of defining the upper border of the desertification territory by hydrological methods. For desertification upper borders the altitude of precipitation and total vaporization crossing is admitted, and for the upper territory border, which is under the desertification danger is the altitude of precipitation and evaporation crossing. The above mentioned climatic and hydrologic methods not only highlight the regularities of spatial time of desertification allocation, but also give forecast possibilities.
ACTUAL PROBLEMS OF HYDROMETEOROLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING IN THE CONTEXT OF A CHANGING CLIMATE: ADAPTATION, STABILITY, AND INDUSTRIAL PROCESSES
On the occasion of the Professional Days of Forester, Hydrologist and Meteorologist, at the initiative of the Faculty of Geography and Geology of YSU, with the financial support of the Committee on Higher Education and Science of the RA Ministry of Environment (Research Project No. 24WS-1E035), an international three-day conference entitled “Current Issues in Hydrometeorology and Environmental Monitoring in a Changing Climate: Adaptation, Sustainability and Production Process” was held from March 20 to 22, 2025. During the conference, the achievements and prospects of the development of fundamental and applied scientific research in the field of hydrometeorology, environmental monitoring, biodiversity and ensuring ecological safety were discussed and presented, the priority issues, development patterns and prospects in the field of hydrometeorology were identified and revealed, the problems of economic management of the development of modern society and legal regulation of the ecosystem were assessed, the role of the latter in solving the socio-economic problems of the region was assessed, the current state of the environment, and the issues of climate change were analyzed and assessed. 65 reports were made in offline and online formats, a significant part of which has great scientific value and great scientific-applied potential. In total, more than 200 participants (in person and online) participated in the conference, including state officials, representatives of international organizations, representatives of Armenian and foreign universities, and famous people. The conference was attended by renowned scientists from France, Germany, Russia, Uzbekistan, Belarus, and Tajikistan. The main achievements of this scientific event were the expansion of international cooperation and the exchange of experience. At the end of the conference, the speakers were awarded certificates and letters of appreciation.
DEVELOPMENT OF A PERMACULTURE IMPLEMENTATION MODEL BASED ON THE EXAMPLES OF THE SIS, RANCHPAR AND HOVTASHAT COMMUNITIES IN THE MASIS CONSOLIDATED COMMUNITY OF THE ARARAT REGION
The results of the research pertain to the enhancement of the efficiency in utilizing the effluent waters from fish farms operating within the administrative boundaries of the Sis, Ranchpar and Hovtashat settlements in the enlarged Masis community. The study addresses the optimal utilization of agricultural lands and the development of a sustainable economic development model, aligned with the principles and requirements of Permaculture design. To achieve this objective, a comprehensive analysis was conducted on the groundwater effluents discharged from the aquaculture enterprises in the aforementioned settlements. The chemical composition and various quantitative parameters of these waters were examined. Additionally, the extent of waterlogged areas, their distribution zones, and the potential adverse effects on the fertility of agricultural soils and the surrounding environment were evaluated. In order to mitigate these negative impacts, a Permaculture-based remediation model was developed, and the feasibility of implementing this model was substantiated as a means of reducing the ecological negative consequences of aquaculture activities, while laying a foundation for the sustainable development of the economy.
ASSESSMENT OF THE POTENTIAL OF CULTURAL ECOSYSTEM SERVICES OF THE HRAZDAN RIVER
The Hrazdan River is the largest water vein in the central part of the Republic of Armenia. It flows through the capital Yerevan and more than 60% of the country's population lives in the catchment. Thus, the study of water use opportunities is gaining both scientific and practical importance. Swimming in rivers, as a recreational activity, is one of the most valuable cultural ecosystem services. To assess its potential, a microbiological study of water was carried out in 2023, the coli index and the quantitative composition of saprophytic bacteria were determined at 16 observation points. The results show that there were no violations of the norms set for recreational water use in Solak, Argel, the upper course part of the Bjni tributary and along the course of the Marmarik tributary.
DYNAMICS OF ESTIMATED EVAPOTRANSPIRATION AND HUMIDITY OF IRRIGATED SOILS IN ARMENIA
The investigations are related to the development of the methods of total water demand estimation for the crops cultivated in the irrigated conditions of different agricultural zones. The agro-climatic indicators recorded in 2015–2019 by 10 hydrometeorological stations served as baseline data. The maximum crops water demand per decades has been calculated via CropWAT software. The soil moisture monitoring results enable to disclose the effect of various evapotranspirations on the moisture dynamics in the soil. The changing pattern of the crops total evaporation speed at different values of soil depth has been disclosed, while based on the mathematical processing of the experimental results, a calculated formula has been derived, which enables to solve the problem of crops coefficient calculation in non-standard conditions. The new mathematical model for the detection of moisture change in the soil, depicts the soil moisture regime more precisely, which enables to describe the dynamics of total evaporation from the soil and plant surfaces for the period of irrigation intervals in more precise manners.
crop evapotranspiration under non-standard conditions