Proceedings of the YSU C: Geological and Geographical Sciences

This study explores approaches to improving the efficiency of exploration for gold, polymetallic, and porphyry copper deposits within the Lori, Stepanavan, and Pambak-Tsaghkunyats ore districts of the Republic of Armenia. An integrated analysis of the geological framework, gravity, aeromagnetic, and geochemical survey data, combined with GIS-based techniques, was used to identify the principal ore-controlling factors governing the distribution of endogenous mineralization. The locations of several fault structures were refined, previously unrecognized concealed circular and arcuate structures were delineated, and their relationships with known mineral occurrences were established. The spatial association of gold, polymetallic, and porphyry copper mineralization with specific gravity anomalies, major fault zones, and intrusive complexes of different compositions was demonstrated. Several prospective target areas for detailed exploration were identified, and a preliminary assessment of their mineral potential was conducted. The results obtained may be applied to mineralization forecasting, and the planning of future geological exploration programs.

The article examines the theoretical and methodological foundations of geotourism development and the formation of pilot geoparks based on modern integrated approaches. The main objective of the study is to develop a well-defined framework for assessing the geotourism potential of territories through the synthesis of the ABC (Abiotic, Biotic, Cultural) concept and the GAM (Geosite Assessment Model) quantitative model. The proposed methodology reduces expert subjectivity through a structured semi-quantitative assessment procedure by separating the Main Values of geosites from the Additional Values. Projecting the calculated data onto a two-axis 9-zone GAM matrix enables strategic screening of the area, identification of the geopark's sustainable "core", and definition of investment priorities. The paper substantiates the strategic importance of localizing this model for the Republic of Armenia as an effective tool for geoconservation and the socio-economic sustainable development of remote and border communities.

The paper examines approaches to low-emission spatial planning for small industrial towns in the Republic of Tatarstan, using Mendeleevsk and Zainsk as comparative case studies. The relevance of the study is determined by the fact that, under the transition to low-carbon development, the environmental burden in small towns is distributed unevenly and is shaped by sectoral specialization, the structure of stationary and mobile emission sources, energy infrastructure, and the spatial relationship between industrial zones and residential areas. The empirical basis of the study includes strategic and spatial-planning documents, the Heat Supply Scheme of Zainsk, regional environmental analytical materials, and data on stationary emission sources. The comparison is carried out using a unified framework that includes the number of stationary emission sources, the volume and sectoral profile of emissions, dominant sources of pollution, infrastructure conditions, spatial-planning constraints, and potential instruments of municipal implementation. Available environmental materials indicate that Mendeleevsk has about 649 stationary emission sources and approximately 3.709 thousand tons of stationary-source emissions, with the fuel and chemical sectors forming the main industrial contribution; Zainsk has about 1 071 stationary sources, including 1 061 within the town, and about 11.741 thousand tons of stationary-source emissions, including 11.728 thousand tons within the town. It is established that Mendeleevsk represents a type of small town with a chemical-industrial core, where priority measures include technological decarbonization, modernization of gas-cleaning systems, stricter environmental monitoring, and spatial regulation of zones adjacent to industrial sites. Zainsk is characterized by a combination of power generation, heat supply, transport flows, and agro-processing, which requires modernization of generating capacities, optimization of district heating, energy-efficiency measures, and circular solutions based on industrial symbiosis. The paper concludes that low-emission planning in small industrial towns should be differentiated by territorial type and embedded in municipal strategic, spatial-planning, infrastructure, and monitoring systems.

The study of tree and shrub vegetation in the Yerevan section of the Hrazdan Gorge, covering an area of 276.8 ha, revealed the distribution patterns of native and introduced species, a critically low level of natural regeneration, widespread occurrence of pests and plant diseases, and the adverse effects of anthropogenic factors. During the research, a population of Alcea sophiae, a species listed as endangered in the Armenian Plants Red Book, was identified. The study proposes a comprehensive set of measures, including the control of invasive species, restoration of areals of native species, establishment of monitoring programs, and long-term ecosystem preservation to ensure biodiversity stability.

This paper presents the testing of an autonomous system for measuring water levels in a body of water using a hydrostatic level gauge. A technical description of the system's components, assembly, and operation are provided. The system's startup and calibration processes, conducted on the Oredezh River in the Leningrad Region, are described. The article presents the initial results of the system's operation and identifies further steps for optimizing its performance.

The study presents results of analyzing changes in the hydrological cycle across the territory of Belarus for 1945–2025 and projections for the period 2025–2050 under the SSP2 RCP4.5 scenario. Annual precipitation shows no significant trend, but summer precipitation decreases by 2–3 mm per decade, accompanied by a 30% increase in the frequency of heavy rainfall. Total evaporation has been increasing since 2004, which is not synchronized with the onset of climate warming. Water resources generated within the country have decreased by 17% over the last 10–15 years. In river regimes, winter runoff continues to increase while spring floods decrease; the frequency of hydrological droughts during the warm season has doubled. A 20% reduction in summer precipitation, a variation in total evaporation within 10%, and an average annual runoff close to the long term norm are projected, but with wide confidence intervals of 30–70%, which maintains the risk of extreme events, especially in the 2030s.

Climate change in hot and arid regions like Abadan poses a serious threat to food security and water resources. Accurate projections of future conditions are essential for developing effective adaptation strategies. In this study, the LARS-WG 8 model was applied using meteorological data from Abadan station (Iran) under three climate scenarios, SSP1-2.6, SSP2-4.5, and SSP5-8.5, for the year 2040. Interpretation of the climate data for 2023 and 2024 compared to future scenarios for 2040 (SSP1-2.6, SSP2-4.5, SSP5-8.5) at Abadan station reveals a clear trend of warming and seasonal shifts in precipitation. In July, maximum temperature rises from 47.2℃ (2024) to 48.7℃ (SSP5-8.5), while evapotranspiration drops from 393.5 mm to around 291–294 mm, a 25% reduction. December precipitation increases dramatically from 0.8 mm to 25.7 mm in SSP5-8.5, over 30 times higher. In contrast, rainfall in June remains zero across all scenarios. March precipitation declines from 45.0 mm to 19.1 mm in SSP2-4.5 (a 58% drop), while minimum temperature rises from 13.9℃ to 16.0–16.5℃ (about 15% increase). These shifts indicate higher temperatures, reduced summer evapotranspiration, and a concentration of rainfall in cooler months, directly affecting crop water needs and irrigation scheduling. Based on the results obtained, it is recommended that agricultural planning in Abadan move towards climate change-resistant cropping patterns, improve irrigation efficiency, and revise water allocation plans to take into account the increasing temperature and increasing concentration of precipitation in the cold months of the year.