Vol. 50 No. 1 (239) (2016)

In the article genetical problems of carbonatites of the Sevan ophiolite zone are discussed. According to the authors, carbonatites are genetically related to hyperbasites and are a new formation type of mantle rocks, which absolutely differ from classic carbonatites of alkaline ultrabasite complexes. The issue of impossibility of the occurrence of alkali-ultramafites and alkali-carbonatites from depleted of alkali elements magma of the upper mantle has been discussed.

The results of author's recent years researches made by the complex of geophysical-geomorphological data and directed to the detection of morphotectonic connections between the Earth’s Crust deeper and surface structures are represented.

In the article questions related to payments for environmental protection measures, re-cultivation and mine closure were discussed. The need of bringing them in accordance with international standards was marked. The problems of sanitary protection zones and liability insurance of activities of mining companies were touched up.

The paper presents regular changes in strength and resilience of rocks and their mutual dependence in the entire range of humidity. It was revealed that in the range of maximum hygroscopic humidity up to W=20% the strength and resilience modules of rocks are abruptly reduced, and then until the humidity 70% the stabilization of values of mentioned parameters is registered. Subsequently, until it approaches 100%, the parameters start to increase to values corresponding to absolute dry condition of these rocks.

Based on the synthesis of hydrological, geological and hydrogeological data and reinterpretation of hydrogeophysical material we made a series of maps and specific incisions of regional aquitard of the Syunik Highland. In general, we have made paleo-hydrogeological zoning of the region that helped to clarify the distribution of the deep drain highlands; the maps of paleorelief are the basis for more detailed and focused prospecting and exploration of water.

The present work is devoted to analysis of geological and geophysical models in prospecting chromite ores. Two types of physical and geological prospecting models have been compared: the first, when the chromite ore is manifested in the form of direct anomalies in geophysical fields and second, when the ore bodies occur in conjunction with their enclosing rocks.

Spreading of debris flow phenomena in the Armenian Highland in the whole and in particular the RA; natural conditions contributing to the formation of debris flows; their varieties; parameters of the largest debris flows in the territory of Armenia are discussed in the article. Special attention is drawn to the danger of forming of anthropogenic genesis debris flows in view of accumulating a large volume of building and garbage wastes in the river-beds and on the slopes of debris flow streams. Cleaning and deepening of river-beds of debris flow streams and creation of protective barriers using steel nets is proposed as preventive measures for localities protection.

In the paper spatial distribution and dynamic change of number of days with precipitation 20 mm and more (shower) are clarified, analyzed and estimated. As a material have been used actual observations of precipitation at meteorological stations of Shirak. Have got close correlation link between height of area and number of days with precipitation 20 mm and more. The map of spatial distribution of annual number of days with precipitation 20 mm and more of studied area is made.

In the current article the analysis of prerequisites for forming and developing of rural territories of Ararat natural economic region of Armenia is presented, particularly concerning rural settlements and distribution of population. Issues concerning territorial differences and peculiarities of rural territories are discussed. Dynamics of population and settlements count in the region is presented for 1926–2015. Actual socioeconomic problems of rural territories of the region are highlighted.

The article provides a methodology for mapping of underground spaces. With regard to geographical and model diversity of underground spaces is proposed to include in the list of underground cavities that correspond to certain characteristics. This approach allows include in the list the most important spaces of underground objects, thereby improving the efficiency of cadastral works, especially records of such spaces, registration and restriction of property rights.