Environmental Geoscience
ISSN (print): 0869-7809
Founders: E.M. Sergeev Institute of Geoecology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Russian Academy of Sciences
Editor-in-Chief: Voznesensky Evgeny Arnoldovich, Doctor of Geological and Mineralogical Sciences
Frequency / Access: 6 issues per year / Subscription
Included in: White List (3rd level), Higher Attestation Commission List, RISC
Media registration certificate: No. 0110144 dated 02/04/1993
Geoekologiya is a journal dealing with the fundamental and applied aspects of today’s most urgent issue—human-induced changes in the geoenvironment. Its principal objective is the effective solution of geoenvironmental problems involving conservation of the environment, development of its potential, and the improvement of human living conditions. The topics of the papers are:
- environmental changes under the effect of anthropogenic factors;
- contamination of ground and surface waters, soils, and rocks;
- degradation of natural landscapes;
- the theory and methods of monitoring and prediction of natural and human-induced hazardous processes;
- geodynamic, seismic, and geoengineering regionalization of terrain;
- stability of urban areas and industrial agglomerations;
- utilization of industrial and domestic wastes;
- planning and use of land and subsurface space;
- the location and construction of facilities hazardous to the environment;
- accident-proof functioning of natural and engineering systems (dams, nuclear power plants, irrigation systems, and major industrial facilities);
- geoenvironmental problems of safe underground disposal of radioactive and other environmentally hazardous wastes;
- geoenvironmental problems of development of mineral deposits;
- recovery of mining wastes;
- remediation of contaminated terrain;
- support for an environmentally sound policy of utilization of mineral resources and managerial decisions for sustainable development;
- geoenvironmental conditions and human health;
- application of novel technologies to studying geoenvironmental problems.
The papers written by scientists from Russia and other countries are intended for specialists in natural sciences engaged in research, education, engineering survey, and production.
The distinguishing feature of the journal is a profound scientific analysis of a wide range of acute geoenvironmental problems and the search for efficient practical solutions for the environment conservation and sustainable development of society. The journal publishes papers written by leading Russian and foreign scientists.
Current Issue
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No 6 (2025)
Articles
ON THE ACTIVITIES OF THE RUSSIAN/SOVIET NATIONAL GROUP IN THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR ENGINEERING GEOLOGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT (TO THE 60th ANNIVERSARY OF IAEG)
Abstract
The paper analyzes the contribution of Russian scientists to the formation and development of the International Association for Engineering Geology and the Environment (IAEG). The paper reviews the main stages of the 60-year history of the Association from its foundation in 1964 to the present day, and it traces the history of creation and activities of the Soviet/Russian national group within it. Particular attention is paid to the role of academicians E.M. Sergeev and V.I. Osipov, who held leading positions in IAEG in different years. The present-day participation of Russian engineering geologists in this international professional association is assessed.
Environmental Geoscience. 2025;(6):3-18
3-18
NATURAL AND TECHNONATURAL PROCESSES
INFLUENCE OF GEOLOGICAL CONDITIONS ON THE INDICES OF POTENTIAL RADON HAZARD IN THE TERRITORY OF BELOKURIKHA RESORT CITY (ALTAI KRAI)
Abstract
The article evaluates the influence of geological conditions on the indices of potential radon hazard, i.e., radon flux density (RFD) from the soil surface and equivalent equilibrium volumetric activity (EEVA) in indoor air by the example of Belokurikha resort city (Altai Krai). RFD from the soil surface was measured using the open coal chamber method with the “Camera-01” measuring complex. Radium specific activity was measured in 20 soil samples using the MKS-01A “Multirad” gamma-ray spectrometer with “Progress-2000” software. EEVA radon in the air was measured in residential, private and apartment buildings in Belokurikha using a set of “Camera-01” equipment. A total of 147 measurement points were analyzed. The lithosystem map was built in the ArcGIS 10.5 program based on the principles of identifying geological bodies, i.e., lithosystems, as proposed by G.K. Bondarik, proceeding from the analysis of regional geological and geomorphological conditions and field research. It has been found out that elevated values of RFD from the soil surface and EEVA radon content in indoor air are typical for the slopes of granite massifs (maximal values of 300 mBq/m2 and 1170 Bq/m3, respectively), as well as for hills within the Biysk-Barnaul basin composed of loess-like loam. The lowest values of radon hazard indices are registered within the Belokurikha River valley. The analysis of the RFD measurement along profiles laid across the assumed extension of the active fault axis attests to a possible effect of the fault on the RFD field. The experience gained in identifying lithosystems on a geological and geomorphological basis can be used in the development of theoretical foundations for mapping potentially radon-hazardous areas.
Environmental Geoscience. 2025;(6):19-32
19-32
REVISION OF THE INITIAL SEISMICITY IN THE YEKATERINBURG CITY
Abstract
Construction of highly responsible and especially important engineering structures in Yekaterinburg must be carried out taking into account the results of work on revising initial seismicity. For this purpose, seismic events of different origin were analyzed within a radius of 400 km from the Yekaterinburg center, and a summarizing unified catalog of tectonic earthquakes was compiled for the study area for the period 1788–2025. The seismic regime parameters are determined for the territory of Yekaterinburg, i.e., repeatability graph of earthquakes is constructed, the level of seismic activity is estimated for the studied region, the depth of the seismically active layer is assessed. In addition, matrices of seismic activity A3.3 and estimated possible maximum magnitudes of earthquakes Mmax are constructed, an assessment of seismic shaking is performed, maps of the clarification of initial seismicity in points of the MSK-64 scale are calculated and constructed with probabilities of possible excess of earthquake intensity of 10%, 5% and 1% over 50 years. The calculated intensity for the territory of Yekaterinburg, obtained by the authors on the basis of the updated catalog of tectonic earthquakes for the period 1788–2025 and using the refined coefficients of the macroseismic field equation for the Ural region, is 0.5 points lower on the MSK-64 scale for maps A (T = 500 years) and B (T = 1000 years), 0.5–1.0 points lower on the MSK-64 scale for map C (T = 5000 years).
Environmental Geoscience. 2025;(6):33-46
33-46
SOIL AND ROCK ENGINEERING AND MECHANICS
EFFECT OF GRAIN SIZE AND SHAPE ON OEDOMETRIC COMPRESSIBILITY OF GRANULAR MATERIALS
Abstract
This study presents an analysis of laboratory test results obtained on quartz sand and glass granules of varying shapes and grain size distributions. The objective of the work was to conduct a detailed investigation into the influence of particle shape and size on the deformation and shape recovery of model sandy soils during unloading. The grain size distribution of the quartz sand was assessed by sieve analysis. Particle shape was characterized using computed tomography. The samples were tested using oedometric compression. Oedometric compression tests were conducted using a device developed by NPP "Geotek". The mineral composition, i.e., quartz and glass, allowed the study to focus on the initial stages of deformation (Stages I-II), namely plastic and quasi-elastic deformation. The use of quartz specimens eliminates the influence of mineral composition, thereby enabling an emphasis on structural characteristics, while glass granules broaden the range of particle sphericity. Natural formations rarely exhibit comparable roundness, yet glass granules are likewise resistant to crushing. Increased particle sphericity results in a reduction in the total specific deformation work and a rise in the ratio of quasi-elastic to total specific deformation work. For quartz specimens, a greater number of interparticle contacts leads to an increase in both the total specific deformation work and the ratio of quasi-elastic to total specific deformation work. Particle shape exerts the most significant influence; however, the individual contributions of particle shape and size cannot be clearly distinguished.
Environmental Geoscience. 2025;(6):47-60
47-60
METHODOLOGY FOR STUDYING DEFORMATION INSTABILITY CLAY SOILS UNDER SIMPLE SHEAR WITH CONSTANT LOADING RATE
Abstract
The article presents a methodological approach to the study of deformation instability in clay soils under simple shear conditions with a constant rate of loading. Existing approaches generally identify the instability point by either the maximum shear stress attained or by the peak ratio of principal effective stresses. However, as demonstrated in the present work, such criteria do not always provide an adequate description of the onset of instability, particularly under undrained conditions, where pore pressure development and volumetric constraints alter the mechanical response of soils. To overcome these limitations, a methodological approach is proposed, which based on analyzing the evolution of strain rate with respect to shear strain. Instability is identified at the point where a sharp increase in strain rate occurs, signaling the breakdown of soil structure and the initiation of localized deformation. The experimental part was carried out on natural silty clay (light loam) specimens tested in a simple shear apparatus with constant volume. The results clearly revealed the presence of a characteristic "instability line" in the effective stress space. This line separates the zone of stable deformation from the zone of instability and can be approximated by a linear function defined by a stress ratio and characterized by threshold shear strain. An additional series of tests was performed under a constant rate of shear deformation. Comparative analysis of the two testing methodologies confirmed that the instability shear strain is a characteristic of the soil structure and remains unaffected by the initial consolidation pressure or the applied scheme applied. This result reinforces the notion that instability is governed by the internal soil fabric and microstructural mechanisms, rather than by the stress history and method of applying stress. Furthermore, the experiments demonstrated that instability manifests consistently once the fixed threshold of strain rate acceleration is exceeded, providing a reliable criterion for its identification.
Environmental Geoscience. 2025;(6):61-70
61-70
ENVIRONMENT CONTAMINATION
POLLUTION OF SURFACE WATER AND SOILS IN THE CENTRAL ECOLOGICAL ZONE OF THE BAIKAL NATURAL TERRITORY
Abstract
The work is based on field landscape- geochemical and laboratory analytical studies conducted by the authors in the last decade. Samples of surface water and soil were collected at key sites, chemical and physicochemical analyzes were carried out in the field and laboratory of the Sochava Institute of Geography, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences using standard methods. The aim of the research is to assess the current state and degree of pollution of surface water and soils along the Baikal coast. On the basis of the field and chemical analytical data obtained, maps of surface water and soil pollution in the central ecological zone of the Baikal Natural Territory were compiled. Elevated content of fluorides, ammonium nitrogen, phosphates, lead, nickel and oil products that exceed sanitary and hygienic standards were found in surface water near settlements along the Baikal coast. The main anthropogenic sources of environmental pollution include construction and road enterprises, thermal power plants, boiler houses, rail and road transport, as well as waste dumps. The sources of surface water pollution with phosphates and ammonium are housing and communal facilities. It was found that the concentrations of heavy metals in coastal soils exceed the MAC, which may be due not only to anthropogenic sources, but also to deposits of rare metals.
Environmental Geoscience. 2025;(6):70-85
70-85
RESEARCH METHODS AND TECHNIQUES
REGIONAL SPECIFICS IN ASSESSING RESISTANCE OF GEOSYSTEMS TO TECHNOGENIC IMPACT IN THE NORTH OF WESTERN SIBERIA
Abstract
The article presents the results of the study on the resistance of geosystems in oil-producing regions of the Western Siberia north to technogenic impact. The regional specifics of the landscape environment are considered; and natural and technogenic factors influencing the stability of geosystems are identified. The criteria for assessing resistance of geosystems to physic-mechanical and geochemical impacts, as well as the potential permafrost stability of landscapes are proposed. An assessment scale and a matrix of the integral stability of geosystems have been developed for the north of Western Siberia. Maps of resistance to mechanical disturbance and maps of geochemical resistance to pollution have been created for landscape-hydrological systems of the Khanty- Mansiysk Autonomous Okrug — Yugra on the basis of the basin approach. The proposed comprehensive assessment system allows us to determine the resistance of geosystems to technogenic impact for further selection and justification of economic activity in the region in order to preserve the environment.
Environmental Geoscience. 2025;(6):86-98
86-98