Vol. 40 No. 3 (211) (2006)

Some hydrogeological and engineering geological problems that effectively might be solved with the help of proposed geophysical methods have been briefly discussed in the paper. In particular, such problems related to ground water prospecting and definition of its spatial distribution, investigations of infiltration processes of hydrotechnical constructions and problems of their safe operation, investigations of landslides, etc. Effectiveness of geophysical methods depends on proper selection of the assemblage of various methods, evaluation of impacts of physical and geological factors, as well as basing on interpretation of obtained field data.

The applied problems of stability of soil constructions (hydrotechnical constructions) composed of swelling clays and those geotechnical peculiarities are discussed in the paper. The results of laboratory and field investigations have lead us to the following: the swelling properties of red-brown clays of Miocene, extended in Armenia, are result of those overconsolidation state and mineralogical composition (monthmorilonite clays); kaolinite clay soils at moistening get property of swelling at values W<W_P, but bentonite clays - at values W >W_P as well; the values obtained at laboratory investigations of swelling clays could not be applied in modeling of natural conditions. The swelling pressure and deformation in laboratory tests is greater than the same parameters in natural conditions (scale effect); the graph of relation between external pressure and swelling deformation has a form of curve line. The main part of swelling deformation (75-80%) in a body of dam can be compensated by external load that is less than the swelling pressure value; at headwaters the influence of swelling processes in a body of a dam is distributed up to depths 3,5-4 m from water surface.

The research allowed to evaluate the nature and degree of pollution with heavy and toxic metals of South-West flang soil in Sotk gold-polymetallic mine field. this issue is very urgent. According to the pollution criterion the data of soil types concern the high pollution category. The main polluting elements were discovered. To assess the impact of technogenesis on biosphere, additional complex eco-geochemical investigations are suggested.

In the article descriptions of river flow of Armenia are given, which are created again along basin management, as well as activities of water balance, comparative description of hydrological, climatic peculiarities of these regions.

In the work the qualitative and quantitative evaluation of the factor of human influence on the geomorphic and ecological situation is introduced. Two types of anthropogenetic morphogeny have been introduced and indicated. Scale, depth and intensity of human influence on the relief and its elements have been evaluated and classified. Some laws and characteristics of human factors in the development of the relief of Shirak Region have been revealed. The chart map of Shirak Region of anthropogenetic relief changes and of natural consistence have been formed according to hypsometric zones.