Vol. 58 No. 3 (264) (2024)

The work is devoted to the changes in the nature of sliding deformation in swelling soils, depending on the change in soil consistency. Slip resistance tests were performed with both single-plane shear test rigs and torsion test rigs. At a soft plastic consistency, there is no peak sliding resistance in the constant speed sliding displacement test. Torsion tests show that in the case of soft plastic soils, sliding deformation occurs along the entire height of the test specimen without localization of the deformation and the formation of a displacement surface. In the case of overconsolidated clay soil, in the case of a constant velocity uniplane shear test, the dependence of the shear stress-shear strain is extreme, the shear resistance reaches a peak value. Then, during further displacement, the sliding resistance decreases to reach the minimum residual sliding resistance value. During the sliding test, when the deformations reach a certain critical size, deformation localization occurs, a localization zone is formed, after which the upper part of the sample moves relative to the lower stationary layer. Moreover, both the upper and lower parts are not subject to sliding deformations.

The natural pre-requisites for the occurrence of floods and mudslides in the basin of the middle course of the Debed River, in the area from the mouth of the Dzoraget River to Ayrum, where on May 25–26, 2024, as a result of heavy precipitation (60% of the monthly norm), a severe flood occurred with significant destruction and even human casualties. These pre-requisites are the presence of exposed and steep slopes, a large number of ravines, easily eroded gravel-sandy loam and gravel-loamy soils, heavy rainfall, often accompanied by large hail. The greatest predisposition to the supply of water and solid components for the formation of floods and mudflows is characteristic of the left bank of the Debed River basin, especially the Lalvar, Yeritsvank and Kachachkut Rivers. The right bank is almost completely forested, here only Shnokh and Kistum Rivers has some corresponding potential due to the large number of ravines in their upper reaches. According to the method of V.P. Filosofov, the order of all rivers of the Debed River basin from the source of the Pambak River to the state border at Ayrum is determined. The fifth order has 15 rivers, the sixth order has 6 rivers (Lernajur, Tandzut, Alarex and Martz – on the right bank; Dzoraget and Chichkan – on the left bank), the seventh order is the Debed River (these orders correspond to a 1:25 000 scale map). To prevent the destruction of roads, it is proposed to strengthen the concave sections of the shore with capital concrete walls at the bends of the riverbed or by sketching large concrete blocks. At the same time, for less water intake in heavy rains from the slopes into the watercourses, it is necessary to cover the exposed slopes of the left bank.

Data on the Spitak earthquake from scientific studies conducted by specialists were analyzed and consolidated. The differences in the absolute heights of benchmarks, obtained during previous leveling works at the geodynamic polygon of the Spitak Region, were summarized, analyzed, and calculated. Based on these data, a map depicting modern vertical crustal movements in the Spitak earthquake zone was created for the period before the 1988 earthquake, and subsequently for the 1989–1990 period. Another map was generated for the period from 1989–1990 to 2002–2006, illustrating that the rate of crustal subsidence–measured at 9 to 12 mm/year – persisted until 2016. It is currently hypothesized that the Earth's crust in this region continues to subside at the same rate. This hypothesis is supported by data officially provided by the RA Ministry of Emergency Situations, as well as by a map of earthquake epicenters with magnitudes of M ≥ 2.5 recorded in the Amasya, Ashotsk, and Bavra Regions between 01.01.2020–01.03.2022. It is recommended to initiate a project for comprehensive geodynamic monitoring in this region, involving the joint efforts of surveyors, geologists, geophysicists, and seismologists. The data obtained will help clarify the causes of crustal dynamics and their patterns in relation to the stresses resulting from energy accumulation in the Earth's subsurface.

This study is dedicated to investigating the impact of anthropogenic factors on the transformation of the Amu Darya River's flow in the second half of the 20^th century and the early 21^st century. Based on a detailed analysis of hydrological data, calculations were performed for six key time periods, taking into account the years when hydraulic structures were put into operation. The conducted research allowed for the identification of trends in river flow changes under the influence of human activity, as well as the distinction of the main stages of the most intense changes. The results obtained play an important role in understanding the processes of water resource changes in the region and in developing scientifically grounded approaches to their effective management.

The definition of the concept of climate vulnerability is given, extreme indices are determined and an assessment of the climatic vulnerability of the territory of Belarus based on dimensionless indices is presented. The observation period covers 1989–2022, the period of climate warming. The spatial and temporal patterns of the distribution of meteorological quantities determining climatic vulnerability in the territory of Belarus are considered. The obtained index values can be used in long-term planning of adaptation measures to climate change.

The article analyzes and evaluates the state of interstate and intrastate migration flows in terms of settlement types and administrative units of the Republic of Armenia, the reasons for migration, the distribution of foreign immigrants, who received the temporary, permanent, and special residence statuses in Armenia by country of citizenship, as well as based on Armenian origin from 2019 to 2023. It examines the dynamics of net migration balance, border-crossing balance statistics of the republic, migration efficiency, migration tension, the migration intensity (mobility) coefficient, the gender and age composition of the population involved in interstate migrations, and changes in the population size of the marzes and the City of Yerevan in 2022–2023. The analysis of a wide range of absolute and relative indicators, cause-and-effect relationships of migration and the socio-demographic composition of the population, as well as the study of territorial differences in migration processes within the country, led to conclusions and recommendations for the development and implementation of migration policies and the targeted and effective management of immigration and emigration flows.

Demographic processes have both direct and indirect impacts on the socio-economic development of countries, acting as one of the key factors for sustainable economic growth. In Armenia, changes in population size, reproduction rates, the established gender and age structure, migration processes, and other factors have significantly influenced the country's economic development both during the Soviet period and in the years of independence. The collapse of the USSR, economic crises, geopolitical instability in the region, and other circumstances have led to the formation of a tense demographic situation in Armenia. The article analyzes the main results of existing demographic processes in Armenia, their geographical picture. The problems associated with them are identified and ways to solve them are indicated.

The research shows that there is a tendency towards increasing territorial differentiation at the municipal level of the Irkutsk Region in terms of socio-economic well-being. This can negatively affect the quality of functioning of the regional economy and social security of the population. The article analyzes a number of indicators that determine the level of well-being of territories and affect inter-municipal differentiation.

The article introduces the changes of the Armenian–Azerbaijani borders according to the 1920–1990s Soviet topographic maps. Several dozen maps published in those years have been visually studied. The monitoring of the border lines reflected on the maps proves that the territory of Armenia has continuously shrunk during the aforementioned period. In order to calculate the precise amount of loss, it is recommended to use geo-information technologies.

As a result of a comprehensive assessment of the natural conditions of the Rostov Region, areas were identified that are most favorable for the development of specially protected natural areas. An assessment was made of the current state of these areas in terms of the diversity of plant community species, the extent of arable land, and the forest cover of the area.

The nature of services, their organizational features and specificities of the service market make this sector difficult to manage and pose a number of problems for managers of enterprises in the sector and require a differentiated management approach. The scientific article discusses a number of problems of the management of enterprises in the service sector, such as management of demand and supply, inventory management and service quality management. Completing the available theoretical information on the above-mentioned problems, we have presented the correlations between them and our views on the solution of these problems. We have presented our conclusions regarding the requirements for the management system of service sector enterprises. Also, our approaches to solving the described problems were presented. The article was summarized with appropriate conclusions, completing the options for possible solutions to the problems we have studied.

The purpose of this work is to analyze current problem areas in the development of tourism in the Rostov Region of the Russian Federation to determine the vector of further development of the industry. The main sources of the work were published program documents and research by experts from previous years. The following methods were used: empirical, logical analysis, generalization, synthesis.

The paper discusses prerequisites of recreational potential of the Lori Province, presents ways of using them effectively. Lori is a province with unique natural history, touristic-recreational attractiveness and significant potential for development, and can offer a diverse, competitive recreational and touristic products and services. The province stands out with numerous natural and manmade recreational resources, which have contributed to the development of recreational and health tourism. Factors such as the diverse landscape, lush forests, favorable and healthful climate, lakes, crystal clear mountain rivers, mineral sources with diverse mineralization and temperatures, many natural, historical and cultural monuments have important practical role for the sector. However, the recreational and touristic potential of the province is underutilized; the level of utilization of the potential is very low. The recreational resources of the province are currently underrepresented in the tourism market. In order to improve the attractiveness, the attractive recreational locations of the province must be mapped, and the services offered should be advertisement more actively. More cooperation with the tour operators is required to include Lori Province in larger number of tours, improving the visibility and recognizability of the province, which will solidify the province’s role position in the recreational market.