Proceedings of the YSU C: Geological and Geographical Sciences

The destructive 1988 Spitak earthquake is one of the most multilaterally and detailedly studied earthquakes in the world. It had severe consequences, and the international community provided unprecedented humanitarian aid to the victims. Numerous scientific papers have been published about this earthquake based on the obtained factual data and the results of their analysis. All this played a significant role in the development of applied seismology and seismic protection. The main objective is to identify the most significant accumulated factual data and the results of their analysis for modern science, to establish their role in the development of science and to indicate promising scientific tasks. The research methodology is based on the assessment of the importance of factual data, the results of their analysis, the value of the problems solved and the determination of their prospects. Results of the work: an attempt was made to determine role of the 1988 Spitak earthquake in the development of applied seismology and seismic protection; for the first time, the most important factual data are grouped; the important tasks that were solved on their basis are indicated; 7 promising scientific tasks are presented; the main literary sources of groups of factual data and the tasks solved on their basis are indicated; a number of factual data are presented that are little known for various reasons to a wide range of specialists.

Geomorphological features of the Meghri River basin (steep and near-vertical slopes; numerous straight and deep erosion furrows; deep drainage funnels in the upper reaches of rivers; intensive physical weathering of rocks on exposed slopes and accumulation of loose detrital material on them as a solid component for debris flows; predominance of the feathery pattern of the river network; steep thalwegs of all tributaries – falling within 119.0–194.5 m/km², providing high energy to the water flow, etc.) determine its high debris flow hazard with a frequency of 1–3 years (sometimes up to 8 years). For the first time, morphometric coefficients (lemniscates, the development of the length of the dividing line, lengthening and elongation, and relative shape) of the basins of the largest tributaries of the Meghri River have been calculated and the effect of their features on debris flow hazard has been shown.

This article aims to justify the need for the application of matrix-based models in the tourism management system, using the Republic of Armenia as a case study, and to demonstrate their effectiveness, as data-driven decision making, tools for the tourism sector. This study investigates the tourism management system, with a particular focus on the spatial interrelationships of tourism infrastructure, including food service establishments and banking services (ATMs), and evaluates their accessibility through the application of matrix-based methods. The research employs geoinformatics and cartographic tools to perform the spatial analysis and visualization of tourism-related data. This methodological approach enables the identification of spatial interdependencies and enhances the accuracy of analytical outcomes. As a result, an analysis of the spatial distribution of banking ATMs was conducted using the ArcGIS Pro software through the OD Cost Matrix tool, based on the case of Yerevan City. This tool makes it possible to identify and measure the least-cost paths along a network from multiple origins to multiple destinations. The results indicate that matrix-based methods constitute effective instruments for managing tourism flows and destination attractiveness and can be applied not only within the Tourism Committee of the RA but also by Destination Management Organizations (DMOs) and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

The current challenges and problems in the agriculture of the Republic of Armenia create significant difficulties in developing measures aimed at increasing the efficiency of land and water resource use. The increasing scale of unused lands, fragmentation of small land plots, as well as the lack of information on the spatial organization of land plots slow down the development of agriculture, hinder the activation of production and attraction of investments. Efficient use of agricultural lands is important for agriculture, and digital technologies currently create ample opportunities for their study. Especially in the context of fragmented, unused land plots and climate change, the measures developed often require comprehensive scientific justification. Ultimately, this will allow proposing such measures to increase the efficiency of their use as land amalgamation, consolidation, creation of large land users, as well as ensuring conditions for sustainable, developing and viable agriculture. The Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and the Normalized Difference Humidity Index (NDMI) are currently widely used to assess the efficiency indicators of agricultural land use. Their numerical values are obtained as a result of appropriate analysis and evaluation of satellite images. The NDVI index is an important tool for long-term assessment of vegetation cover changes, while NDMI changes indicate changes in the moisture level of vegetation.

Armenia's pronounced altitudinal zonation and ongoing climate aridization may change both crop phenology and phytopathological risks in cereal-growing areas. This study evaluates how landscape belts and recent climate trends affect the spatiotemporal distribution of risk for the main fungal diseases of winter wheat, including yellow rust, leaf rust, septoria tritici blotch, powdery mildew, and tan spot. To address this goal, stable cereal cultivation zones were identified, their phenological features were analyzed under different physical-geographical conditions, and risk maps were created for the selected pathogens. The results demonstrate that elevation is a key driver of phenological asynchrony. Warming and lower moisture availability are associated with faster seasonal development and a redistribution of disease risks: on average, risk decreases in low-mountain areas and increases in mid-mountain belts. These findings highlight the need for earlier, zone-prioritized phytosanitary monitoring.

The article investigates methods for improving water discharge management and safety assurance mechanisms of the Akhangaran Reservoir. Based on the analysis of long-term hydrological data, the probabilistic distribution of maximum water discharges was determined using a three-parameter gamma distribution. Additionally, a comparison was conducted with the Gumbel Type I distribution. The calculations showed that the extreme water discharge with a 0,1% exceedance probability is 500 m³/s according to the three-parameter gamma distribution and 657 m³/s according to the Gumbel method, which is 31–32% higher. Based on these results, a reservoir operation rule curve (dispatch schedule) was developed, incorporating regulatory control of water levels and rates of inflow accumulation and release. This approach ensures efficient use of water resources and enhances safety under emergency conditions. The results of the study provide a scientific basis for the rational operation of the reservoir and for improving the reliability of hydraulic structures.

The article discusses the consideration of slope orientations and inclinations, which are components of the relief of the Ararat Basin, in the planning and implementation of military operations. With their effective application, military infrastructures and communication routes can be located in relatively safe places, on opposite slopes protected from the enemy’s fire. On the maps compiled by the authors at a scale of 1:1 000 000, the orientations and inclinations of the Ararat Basin, the distribution regions and surfaces of all orientations and inclinations are calculated. Their correct use for military purposes is discussed, especially during the movement of mechanized military units and subunits. The work also discusses the intensity of slope, washing in different slopes and inclinations of orientation, where slope erosion and landslide phenomena are activated. The movement of heavy equipment is particularly dangerous in the areas of their distribution. The work is summarized with corresponding conclusions and recommendations.

This article analyzes the systemic dynamics of global drug trafficking, focusing on its spatial structure, development patterns, and security implications. The study examines the interconnections between production, transit, and consumption zones within the context of the formation and transformation of global supply networks. Particular attention is paid to geopolitical, socioeconomic, and institutional factors that shape the spatial dynamics and adaptive capacity of drug trafficking networks. The research applies comparative analysis, geographic mapping, and statistical data processing to identify high-risk regions and the main trafficking routes. A separate analytical section explores the security positioning of the South Caucasus as a crossroads transit zone within the global drug trafficking system, where multiple regional routes and security challenges intersect. The findings indicate that drug trafficking represents a multidimensional security threat affecting state stability, border security, and regional cooperation. The article contributes to the theoretical and applied study of drug trafficking and provides a conceptual basis for developing effective prevention and counteraction strategies in the South Caucasus.

Trends in changes of settlement patterns and population dynamics in the border zone of the Republic of Armenia (RA) are shaped by border security and socio-economic issues. The border zone accounts for 24.0% of the territory of the RA. This zone contains 21.3% of all settlements and accommodates 7.7% of the country's population. The article examines the specific features of settlement patterns in the RA border zone, recent transformation trends over the past five years, and state programs aimed at the development and support of border settlements. A map of the RA border settlements has been compiled.

The article examines the conceptual foundations and management challenges of regional Destination Management Organization (DMO) models. Tourism destination management is considered as a complex system of coordinated activities aimed at ensuring the sustainable development and competitiveness of tourism destinations. Particular attention is given to regional level DMOs, which operate as an intermediate governance level between national and local structures. The study analyzes the main strategic and substantive functions of regional DMOs and identifies their role in coordinating stakeholders and managing tourism development processes. Two main organizational models of regional DMOs are discussed: community-led and corporate-led models. The research highlights the main managerial challenges associated with these models, particularly political and financial dependencies that may affect the effectiveness and long-term sustainability of the organizations. It is concluded that despite institutional differences, regional DMOs face similar structural challenges that require balanced cooperation between public authorities and tourism industry enterprises. The study also notes that the manifestation of these challenges may vary depending on national governance systems, socio-cultural conditions, and levels of economic development.

Rapid urbanization processes and the continuous growth of urban population are causing an increasing pressure on urban systems and services worldwide. Ensuring efficient, accessible, and environmentally friendly urban services has become a pivotal precondition towards maintaining a relevant life quality and achieving sustainable cities. The system of urban services (including transportation, utilities, housing, waste management, etc.) plays a central role in supporting economic efficiency, social equity and environmental balance. In this context, sustainability requires a balanced approach integrating environmental protection, economic efficiency, social inclusion and effective governance. Meanwhile, urban areas face a number of interconnected challenges: environmental pollution, aging infrastructure, unequal access to services, weak institutional coordination, etc. Addressing these issues requires integrated planning, smart technologies, as well as inclusive and long-term policymaking frameworks. This paper studies the process of sustainable development of urban services, analyzing their theoretical and conceptual framework, key sustainability principles and the main challenges. It also examines the existing issues and best practices on the case of Yerevan, highlighting both problems and ongoing initiatives towards ensuring sustainable urban services.