The increased number of earth dam failures raises the question of the relevance of early determination of the internal condition and causes of erosion of the dam body. The paper deals with the results of using the self-potential method in order to assess the physical condition of the earthen dam of the K-25 reservoir in Kazakhstan. The specificity of this study is that several cycles of measurements were made at different water levels in the reservoir. Based on the results of field data processing, the isoline maps were drawn and their interpretation was carried out. The general regularity in the distribution of self-potential values is their increase to the downstream of dam, which is associated with intensive water seepage, especially in its flanks and central part. The formation of anomalous zones may be due to the complex influence of the inhomogeneity of the dam body and the possible water leakage from the operational pipeline and emergency spillways. Based on the calculated self-potential dispersion, it was established: a) the intensity of seepage and the size of water-saturated zones depend on the hydrodynamic regime of reservoir; b) the change in the intensity of the potential difference and the anomaly sizes depend on the water level in the reservoir. The study results have shown the effectiveness of the self-potential method for determining the erosion zones in the dam body associated with water flows. The method can be used in the geotechnical monitoring in order to ensure the safe operation of earth dams. © 2024 Praise Worthy Prize S.r.l.-All rights reserved.

Stratigraphy, lithology, and structure of explored copper deposits and ore occurrences in the Zhezkazgan ore areas have been studied. The zonation of copper mineral distribution is confirmed in this region, where the endogenic nature of the ore is confirmed by specific elements, high temperatures of ore-forming solutions, and the absence of post-ore metamorphism. The uniqueness of the Zhezkazgan copper deposit is evident in the enormous vertical thickness of ore mineralization over a relatively small area and at shallow depths, with a tabular form associated with magmatic rocks of basic and ultrabasic compositions. The significant involvement of tectonic displacements, effusive, and intrusive magmatism in the formation of ore-bearing horizons, various structural elements, faults, and fracture systems, which served as conduits and localizers for ore mineralization, has been substantiated. There is observable correlation of isolines of positive residual gravity anomalies with the structural plan within the Zhezkazgan copper deposit and beyond. Zoning of the deposit has been performed based on the intensity of gravity anomalies ∆gₐ, depth of occurrence, and stratigraphic range of ore-hosting horizons. A forecast has been made regarding the possibility of identifying new ore deposits. The following characteristic combination of criteria defining copper mineralization in the Zhezkazgan ore field has been identified: a system of high-gradient and intensive maxima of geomagnetic field anomalies, concentration of rare earthquake epicenters at depths up to 20 km, and moderate amplitude of recent crustal movements. Linearly elongated relative maxima and minima of the region-al gravity field transform, excess density masses along the intracrustal transform, extremely high values of heat flow density, temperatures at depths of 10 km and 30 km, and protrusions on the Moho and granulite-basaltic layer surfaces correlated with basic and ultrabasic rocks within the consolidated crust. Morphology and orientation of geophysical field anomalies align with the orientation and manifestation of disjunctive tectonics, where deep heat mass transfer processes are allowed along the planes of deep faults. © 2024, National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Kazakhstan. All rights reserved.

The paper discusses the application of artificial intelligence (AI) methods to address challenges in lithofacies mapping and the assessment of reservoir properties. The choice of an AI method depends on the nature of the data, objectives of the study (such as classification, regression, clustering, or image segmentation), and requirements on the final interpretation and modeling results. An analysis of various machine learning (ML) algorithms including the support vector machine (SVM), random forest (RF), neural networks, etc. were conducted. Evaluated effectiveness of each method was evaluated on the basis of open-source data and geological datasets. Advantages and disadvantages of these methods were analyzed and factors influencing on the selection of an appropriate AI method were identified. Classification of geological problems and corresponding AI methods, encompassing SVM, RF, linear and polynomial regression, k-means clustering, hierarchical clustering, and convolutional neural networks (CNN) were presented. The article also introduces open-source ML platforms such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, and Keras along with factors influencing on the selection of the optimal AI method for lithofacies analysis and reservoir property assessment. Recommendations to select the most suitable AI methods for specific objectives were provided. The importance of data volume and quality in selection of AI method and prevention of model overfitting was emphasized. © 2025 Earth Science Division, Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved.

This article presents the results of a comprehensive study on modern geodynamic monitoring methods used to assess surface deformation at the Bozashy North oil and gas field. The field features a block-faulted structure and shallow productive horizons, making it highly sensitive to anthropogenic impacts. The study focuses on analyzing the causes and dynamics of surface subsidence and uplift driven by hydrocarbon extraction, fluid injection, and natural tectonic factors. An integrated monitoring approach was applied, combining high-precision geometric leveling, GNSS observations, gravimetry, and satellite radar interferometry (InSAR). This integration improved the reliability and spatial resolution of deformation measurements. Stable deformation patterns were identified: subsidence in the central uplifted zone and uplift along the periphery, correlating with reservoir pressure variations and operational activity. A comparative analysis with international cases enabled classification of the observed deformation behavior as typical for geodynamically unstable fields under intensive development. Scientific novelty includes the development of an integrated geodynamic monitoring methodology that merges ground-based and remote sensing techniques, surface deformation modeling that accounts for geological, physical, and operational factors, and a risk classification system for induced seismicity based on field data and global analogs. Practical significance lies in the applicability of the methods and findings for georisk assessment, prediction of surface behavior, optimization of production and injection strategies, and ensuring safe, sustainable development of oil and gas fields with similar geological and tectonic settings. © 2025, National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Kazakhstan. All rights reserved.

In this article, we consider the roles of transcrustal magma- and fluid-conducting faults (TCMFCFs) in the formation of mineral deposits, showing the importance of deep sources of heat and hydrothermal solutions in the genesis and history of deposit formation. As a result of the impact on the lithosphere of mantle plumes rising along TCMFCFs, intense block deformations and tectonic movements are generated; rift systems, and volcanic–plutonic belts spatially combined with them, are formed; and intrusive bodies are introduced. These processes cause epithermal ore formation as a consequence of the impact of mantle plumes rising along TCMFCF to the lithosphere. At hydrocarbon fields, they play extremely important roles in conductive and convective heat, as well as in mass transfer to the area of hydrocarbon generation, determining the relationship between the processes of lithogenesis and tectogenesis, and activating the generation of hydrocarbons from oil and gas source rock. Detection of TCMFCFs was carried out using MMSS (the method of microseismic sounding) and MTSM (the magnetotelluric sounding method), in combination with other geological and geophysical data. Practical examples are provided for mineral deposits where subvertical transcrustal columns of increased permeability, traced to considerable depths, have been found; the nature of these unique structures is related to faults of pre-Paleozoic emplacement, which determined the fragmentation of the sub-crystalline structure of the Earth and later, while developing, inherited the conditions of volumetric fluid dynamics, where the residual forms of functioning of fluid-conducting thermohydrocolumns are granitoid batholiths and other magmatic bodies. Experimental modeling of deep processes allowed us to identify the quantum character of crystal structure interactions of minerals with “inert” gases under elevated thermobaric conditions. The roles of helium, nitrogen, and hydrogen in changing the physical properties of rocks, in accordance with their intrastructural diffusion, has been clarified; as a result of low-energy impact, stress fields are formed in the solid rock skeleton, the structures and textures of rocks are rearranged, and general porosity develops. As the pressure increases, energetic interactions intensify, leading to deformations, phase transitions, and the formation of chemical bonds under the conditions of an unstable geological environment, instability which grows with increasing gas saturation, pressure, and temperature. The processes of heat and mass transfer through TCMFCFs to the Earth’s surface occur in stages, accompanied by a release of energy that can manifest as explosions on the surface, in coal and ore mines, and during earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. © 2025 by the authors.

Purpose. Study of the distribution of density heterogeneities at various slices of the Earth’s crust in the South Turgay sedimentary basin (STSB). Identification of the correlation relationships of these heterogeneities with the structure, geodynamic processes, and tectonic evolution of this basin. Methodology. Geological interpretation of regional, intracrustal, and local gravity field anomalies, incorporating data from seismic and magnetic surveys, geothermal studies, and neotectonic dislocations. Findings. The spatial distribution of density heterogeneities at different lithospheric slices of the STSB has been identified, along with the locations of gravity-disturbing mass centers, as well as the extent, shape, and intensity of anomalous bodies and their burial depths. In the depth range of 30–150 km, a pronounced block heterogeneity of the STSB's lithosphere is observed, revealing significant differences in the intensity, morphology, polarity, orientation, and gradient variations of the transformed gravity anomaly (Δgreg) compared to the adjacent areas of the Lower Syrdarya Horst and the Shu-Sarysu Depression. At depths of up to 25–30 km in the consolidated crust, manifestations of horizontal shear deformations have been established, along with the internal structure and contrast of intra-crustal interblock boundaries. No significant differences between the STSB and the Lower Syrdarya Horst have been identified in the intra-crustal gravity transform field, while distinctions from the Shu-Sarysu Depression have been observed. At depths of up to 7 km, local gravity-disturbing objects show a clear correlation with the depth to the top of Paleozoic formations, effectively tracing fold belts concealed beneath Mesozoic-Cenozoic deposits Originality. For the first time, assumptions have been made for the region about significant differentiation in the depths and ages of major faults, which indicates amplitudes of shifts at the level of regional, intracrustal and local heterogeneities of the lithosphere. At the base of the earth’s crust of the STSB along the Moho discontinuity, a trough is recorded, under which an active mantle zone is observed, increased horizontal gradients of the base of the earth’s crust are fixed. A unique geological phenomenon has been revealed, according to which the main geonomic boundaries of the earth’s crust are conformable, which clearly confirms the rift nature of the STSB. Practical value. The obtained data can be utilized for developing new approaches to geological exploration, its planning and assessing the oil and gas potential of the STSB; as well as to optimize the location of exploration and appraisal wells and design wells targeting new oil and gas prospective formations within the complexes of the quasi-platform structural level. The research results will contribute to a better understanding of the distribution patterns of deep-seated density, structural, geomagnetic, and geothermal heterogeneities at various levels of the lithosphere, their correlation with modern tectonics and the geological evolution history of the STSB. Moreover, they can serve as a foundation for future scientific research aimed at studying geodynamic processes in this basin as well as for adapting the proposed methodology to other oil and gas basins. © Abetov A.E., Mukanov D.B., 2025.

The article describes the development of a methodology for radon pollution studies based on algorithms that take into account the influence of constant mountain-valley winds. The solved problem of the study of radon emanations arising from the stress-strain state of rocks is an important step in the study of man-made bulk arrays on the environment and the assessment of radiation safety. Decommissioned tailings dumps eventually dry up and turn into hardening manmade bulk arrays, which negatively affect the surrounding ecosystems. The proposed methodology is implemented on the basis of the proposed algorithms for determining the optimal choice of measurement conditions, taking into account the influence of constant mountain-valley winds. As an approbation of the methodology, field studies were carried out, including measurements of the equivalent equilibrium volume activity of radon-222 at various points of the tailings dump. For this purpose, specialized methods and devices were used, which made it possible to determine the concentration of radon in the air and evaluate its emanations from the tailings dump. The data obtained were processed and analyzed using specialized software and algorithmic software, which allows for a detailed analysis and evaluation of the values. © 2024 by author(s).

In the development of fusion energy, an important task is the study and improvement of tritium production technologies. In this case, one of the most promising materials for tritium generation is lithium ceramics. Considering the importance of the task, numerous studies are aimed at solving the problem of determining the parameters and mechanisms of tritium release in lithium-containing materials. This paper presents the results of a study of tritium release processes from two-phase lithium ceramics of Li4SiO4/Li2TiO3 during reactor irradiation when hydrogen and deuterium are injected into the chamber with irradiated samples. The mechanisms regularities of the tritium yield process in the presence of these isotopes were established. The experiments were carried out in the WWR-K research reactor at a neutron flux density of 5∙1013n/cm2∙s and sample temperatures from 650 to 700 °C. © 2022 The Authors

This work is aimed at clarifying the contribution of the proton direct radiative capture to the 12C (p, γ) 13N reaction by specifying the value of the asymptotic normalization coefficient (ANC) for 12C + p→ 13N g. s.. In order to do this, the differential cross section of the proton transfer in the 12C(10B,9Be)13N reaction at an energy of 41.3 MeV has been measured and analyzed through the modified distorted wave Born approximation (MDWBA) method taking into account the reaction channel coupling and 3He cluster transfer contributions. The value of the ANC was derived to be 1.63±0.13 fm- 1 / 2, which was used in estimating the astrophysical S(E) factor and the reaction rate of the proton radiative capture by the 12C nucleus at energies of astrophysical relevance. © 2022, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Società Italiana di Fisica and Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.

Modern requirements for aluminum alloys used in mechanical engineering and aviation include increased strength characteristics and refined microstructure. One of the promising methods for improving the properties of aluminum alloys is rolling on a three-high skew rolling mill, which provides intense plastic deformation and a fine-grained structure. This study describes the results of numerical modeling of the rolling process of aluminum alloy 6082 rods in a three-high skew-type mill. Numerical modeling of alloy 6082 was conducted using the ForgeNxT 2.1 software designed to simulate metal-forming processes, including rolling. The rheological behavior of the material under study was investigated by compression tests using a Gleeble 3800 plastometer (“DSI”, Austin, TX, USA), which enabled the determination of the main parameters of material flow under specified conditions. The process of rolling bars of alloy 6082 on a three-high skew mill was numerically analyzed in the temperature range of 350–400 °C. This allowed for the study of the distribution of stresses, temperatures, and strain rates from the rolling mode. A physical experiment was conducted to validate the results of numerical modeling. The obtained results enabled the identification of rolling modes that promote microstructure refinement and enhance the mechanical properties of the alloy. © 2025 by the authors.