ANALYSIS OF THE TAXONOMIC COMPOSI TION OF THE LLANDOVERIAN AND WENLOCKIAN FOSSILS OF MOLDAVIAN PRIDNESTROVYE ENTERED IN THE ELECTRONIC DATABASE “THE PALAEONTOLOGY OF PRIDNESTROVYE”

Problem statement and purpose. In geological surveys of the territory of the Moldavian SSR from the 1960th to the 1990th, deep horizons of Palaeozoic sedimentary rocks were discovered, the leading place among which belongs to the Silurian deposits. At that time, several dozen species and genera of fossils were identified in the Silurian of Moldavian Pridnestrovye. In 2020, as part of the work financed from the state budget on the theme of the creation of GIS “The Geology of Pridnestrovye”, the laboratory “The Geological Resources” developed an electronic database called “The Palaeontology of Pridnestrovye”. The fauna included in the database of palaeontology was divided into groups corresponding to their palaeontological classes and stratigraphic horizons: “Ordovician brachiopods”, “Silurian tabulates”, “Palaeogene foraminifers”, “Neogene bivalves”, etc. Species and genera of the fauna were linked to specific formations and locations, which provides good opportunity for palaeontological analysis of individual formations, horizons, cores of drilling and outcrops. The purpose of this article is to compile lists of fauna from the Llandoverian and Wenlockian formations of Moldavian Pridnestrovye and to compare their chronology with fossil fauna data on the sameage rocks of Podillia, Estonia and Lithuania. Material and methods. Four survey reports deal that on sheets L‑35-V and L‑35-XII were used as the material. The goal was concerning the sedimentary rocks of Llandovery and Wenlock Series. In the local scheme it corresponds to the Marasesti, Step-Soci, Cioc-Maidan (all in Llandovery), Balti formations and Lower Puhoi subformation (Wenlock). The intervals of the formations in boreholes are composed of organogenic limestones, silty, argillaceous stones, argillites and dolomites. The species and genera of the fauna from these intervals are compared with the biostratigraphic data from Podillia, Estonia and Lithuania. Results. In the stratigraphic sequences of Llandovery and Wenlock of the Moldavian Pridnestrovye, (in most cases) species and genera unique to those divisions of brachiopods, tabulates, stromatoporoids, ostracods, rugosans, and trilobites were identified by specialists; a smaller part of the taxa pass between the lowest formations of the Silurian and the overlying Balti formation. Most taxa have correspondences in the Podillian and Baltic basins; however, in these regions, the species and genera identified in Llandovery or Wenlock of Moldavian Pridnestrovye are mostly transitive between Silurian divisions, up to the Ludlow and Pridoli Series. There is practically no identified fauna in the Lower Puhoi sub-formation of Moldavian Pridnestrovye because of its facial specifics. The species Acidolites lateseptatus (Lindstroem), Altha modesta Neckaja, Longiscula caudalis (Jones) in Llandovery and Pentamerus oblongus Sowerby, Halysites catenularius Linnaeus = Halysites priscus Klaamann in Llandovery and Wenlock Series were the only guideing fauna for the first two Silurian series of Moldavian Pridnestrovye. Due to the attribution of the Muksha sub-formation of Podillia to Ludlow Series, no guiding species of the Wenlock stage was identified in the Balti formation of Moldavian Pridnestrovye.

THE PROBLEM SCIENTIFIC AND RESEARCH LABORATORY OF GEOGRAPHY AND SOIL CONSERVATION OF THE BLACK SOIL ZONE OF ODESSA NATIONAL UNIVERSITY (PSCL‑4 ONU) CELEBRATES50TH ANNIVERSARY!

Problem Statement and Purpose. The problem scientific and research laboratory of geography and soil conservation of the black soil zone (PSCL‑4 ONU) was opened at the Geology and Geography Faculty of Odessa University half a century ago, in 1971. The main task of the research laboratory resided in conducting soil researches in the steppe zone of the south of Ukraine in connection with the commencement of irrigation programs there, soil and land mapping to streamline their use. The aimof this article is to highlight the major milestones of the half-century history of the research laboratory, as well as outline achievements and research activities during this period.Data & Methods. Documents and materials on the history of formation and development of the PSCL‑4, documents and materials on the research activitiesduring 50 years, as well as the other author’s publications from the previous years. To highlight the half-century history of the PSCL a classic geographical and historical-and-research approaches has been applied, which combines the principlesof historical and analytical assessment of both: historical milestones and obtained achievements.Results. Starting from 1971 the soil sciences expedition of the PSCL4 conducted a large-scale(1:10000 and 1:25000) survey and mapping of soils of collective and state farms in the south of Ukraine, Russian Federation, North and Central Kazakhstanin the area of more than 6 mln. ha. PSCL4 staff has been studying the impact of waters of different irrigational quality on the chemical composition of the southern Ukrainian soils, as well as properties and productivity of these soils. There has beenestablished genetic nature and negative direction of a number of processes in the black soil under irrigation, there also have been justified and introduced into practice different measures to protect and increase fertility of soils under irrigation and drainage. In 2003 there have been commenced research and mapping of soils and soil cover on Zmiiny island. The studies of modern landscapes and soil-geochemical environments and processes on the estuary coasts in the Northwestern part of theBlack Sea region as well as city`s soil, are considered additionally in the research within recent years. Bearing in mind problems and topics the PSCL4 addressed during its long-term scientific and research activities there has been developed ascientific school – “Soil Formation Processes in Black Soils of the Steppe Zone.” Over half a century the department schooled 14 candidates and 3 doctors of sciences, published more books, scientific articles, scientific and practical recommendations, and training manuals.

INFLUENCE OF TECTONIC DISTURBANCES OF COAL LAYER ON HIS GAS DYNAMIC STATE

Problem Statement and Purpose. At one of the coal mines of the Donetsk basin, there was a sudden release of coal and gas. The peculiarity of this case is that the accident happened in the place of the alleged development of a geological disturbance, but without any visible signs of this. Inspection of the ejection site and adjacent horizons made it possible to conclude that the emergency site is located in the place of the plicative disturbance development. Thus, it is necessary to study in more detail the influence of disturbed zones hidden nature on the gas-dynamic state of the reservoir, as well as to develop and implement methods for determining such zones. Data & Methods. To achieve this goal, a new method was tested, based on the property of structureless substances to form crystal-like units. This phenomenon has been studied for decades; therefore, such new formations have long been given the name quasicrystals. It was noted that the increase in the concentration of such forms is associated with the presence of geological disturbances. Consequently, the increase in quasicrystals in the rock is an indicator of its disturbance due to the influence of tectonic pressure. Thus, in order to test the technique and reveal the hidden geological disturbance of the coal seam, coal samples were taken, microstructural features were studied, and the strength of the coal seam was measured at 56 points. Result. As a result the values of the concentration of quasicrystals, data on the strength of the formation were obtained, a schematic map of the development of the disturbance in this area was built, its contours were determined, the center of the disturbed zone was identified and the role of such disturbances in the outburst hazard of the formation was substantiated. It has been established that geological disturbances, even of plicative nature, have a high degree of fracturing. Such pores and cracks in coal reduce the strength properties and are able to concentrate sufficient volumes of gas for manifestation of GDP.

ICE REGIME IMPACT ON THE COASTAL ZONE OF THE AZOV SEA

Azov is freezing sea it means that forecast of the time of the beginning and the end of ice fields formation needs. The ice condition limited of maritime safety. Modern condition of ice regime in the Azov Sea has been considered. The navigation of the Ukrainian ports Berdjansk and Mariupol depends on ice regime, duration and ice cover thickness. For the passage of vessels along the sea approach channels and recommended courses in the winter, the use of icebreakers is required. The demolition of confining buoys by ice fields and their restoration is reflected in the economic opportunities of the ports. Purpose of the article is to establish the characteristic winter periods of the last decade, taking into account the climatic changes for the rational using of the results of the impact on the economic activity of the marine infrastructure and hydrographic services. The specific purpose of this publication is to evaluate the displacement of the means of navigation equipment – buoys in the winter, taking into account meteorological factors. The authors set the following tasks: 1) to identify periods and vectors of buoys; 2) to define wind and ice characteristics in separate periods; 3) to reveal the basic meteorological cause of the movement of the buoys. It is important to note that there are no similar publications concerning this region. It became very actual after the climate change period was marked. The reserach is based on the data of direct and remote observations, the dates of ice formation in the area of seaports of Ukraine (Berdyansk and Mariupol) the characteristics of ice, the end of freezing, the opening and clearing of ice from the water areas of ports and bays and using the information from NAVTEX warning system, the archival materials of the weather site meteo.ua. The features of the physicochemical properties of sea water during ice formation and the general circulation of the waters of the Azov Sea are examined, which is linked with the influence of fresh runoff of Don and Kuban rivers. In the period 2013–2021 the observations were made on the displacement of navigation aids (buoys) during the winter periods from the approach channels of the port of Mariupol and Berdjansk as well as noticed buoys from the Azov-Don Marine Channel (Russian Federation). The characteristic of winter periods and conditions during the last decade are considered taking into account the influence of climatic changes. It is noted that the ice regime of the Sea of Azov is closely related with the sum of average daily air tem peratures over the sea for the season and wind power. According to this criterion, winters are usually divided into three types: severe, moderate and mild. Over the past 30 years, there were only two severe winters in the Azov Sea in 2005–2006 and 2011–2012. During these winters, the Azov Sea was completely ice covered. The influence of the ice regime to the coastal zone was examined, because it is very important for the industrial and economic needs of state building. To maintain the safety of navigation and reduce economic losses, it is necessary to consider the possibility of removing buoys, which are most often displaced by ice drift. Long-term average observations indicate the beginning of ice formation in Mariupol on December 14, and in Berdyansk on December 20. The Taganrog Bay and the ice accumulation areas are cleared of ice most recently – March 20–28. Under modern climatic changes (increasing the frequency of mild winters, actual costs for the operation of ships, hydrographic, icebreakers, etc.) are expected to be an order of magnitude lower than standard indicators.

EXPERIENCE IN APPLYING EXPERT ANALYSIS AND RANK CORRELATION DURING GEOLOGICAL AND FORECASTING WORK ON HYDROCARBONS

Problem Statement and Purpose. The diverse and extensive geological materials and geophysical data used in forecasting and prospecting operations for oil and gas exploration within the Black Sea’s northwestern shelf are usually interpreted in a complex manner. This complexity, however, is often spontaneous and fragmentary, with no new theoretical concepts taken into account. For example, the theory of global fluidogenesis represents an alternative hypothesis to the organogenic-sedimentary formation of hydrocarbon deposits but is commonly not considered. The authors of this article believe that the complexity should be replaced by a method of directed rank interpretation of geological information, in which ranking distinguishes the maximum information on one of the sections of geological work with regard to its completeness and consistency. The purpose of this study is to apply expert analysis and rank correlation of obtained information to geological and forecasting research on hydrocarbons. To achieve this goal, two basic principles, rank and direction, are considered. The data include seismic, tectonic-geodynamic, lithological, geochemical, mineralogical, and meiobenthic characteristics of the sea bottom scaled according to their sensitivity to the independent variable, i. e., hydrocarbons. Study area, material, and methods. The Pradneprovskaya area has been chosen for analysis. It is a promising location for oil and gas exploration in the shallow part of the inner northwestern shelf of the Black Sea. Geologically, this is the area of junction for the South Ukrainian monocline with the system of blocks included in the Predobrudzha-Crimean riftogenic trough. The area was studied by geophysical, geochemical (hydrocarbon gases, liquid hydrocarbons), mineralogical (X‑ray diffraction of clay minerals, thermobarogeochemistry of inclusions in minerals), and paleontological (foraminifera, nematodes, ostracods) methods, along with the drilling of a deep (2352 m) parametric well (Pradneprovskaya‑2). Results. It is shown that expert analysis of the diverse information within the framework of selected tasks, which are poorly formalized into a single system, provides the basis for an effective method of comparing information databases formed on different principles. This analysis is founded on the principle of directed (vector) ranking, where each rank narrows the search area and becomes more sensitive to the hydrocarbon deposit. The article gives an example of how this method can be used for a specific objective in its entirety, namely: (a) selection of information ranks (parameters), (b) selection of experts, (c) calculation of the rank matrix, (d) determination of hierarchical dependencies of ranks, (e) verification of the matrix, and (e) calculation of the concordance coefficient. The obtained results indicate that the proposed method of expert analysis with rank correlation under modern conditions using diverse geological materials that are not formalized into a single database, provides high reliability in the comprehensive interpretation of data. The method will help optimize geological and forecasting research on hydrocarbons within the Black Sea shelf.

TO THE QUESTION OF THE GENESIS OF THE LIMESTONE OF THE GUIDIRIM AND SEVERIN DEPOSITS

Problem Statement and Purpose. In Transnistria, the deposits of Sarmatian-age limestone are explored and exploited. These minerals are used as raw materials for cement production, as well as for the production of buta and rubble. The issues of genesis and facial transitions of these deposits remain under-studied. Data & Methods. The purpose of this work is to determine the genetic affiliation of the limestone deposits of the Gidirim and Severin deposits on the basis of facial and chemical analysis. The materials of the research are the limestones of two deposits of Transnistria. The object is the limestone of the Sarmatian age of the deposits of Transnistria. The subject of the study is the lithological and paleontological characteristic, the chemical composition of these limestones. Research methods: topical; biofacial, computer processing with GIS – programs; Laboratory quality diagnostics, chemical and physical-chemical methods of quantifying the main components of carbonate rocks. Results. The geological conditions of the Severin and Gidirim deposits were studied, and the place of productive layers of deposits in the stratigraphic scheme of Transnistria was determined on the basis of the lithological and paleontological characteristics of the rocks. Limestones mined at the Gidirim field belong to the May Day retinue, and the limestone of Severinovsky belongs to the Bessarabian reefs. Chemical analysis of limestone samples extracted from the deposits was carried out and differences in the chemical composition of the limestone of these deposits were determined. The limestone deposits in the content of calcium carbonate are clean. The concentration of silicon dioxide in the samples of the Severin field is higher than in the samples of the Giderim field, the content of one-and-a-half oxides, on the contrary, in Severinovka – 0.68%, in samples of the Giderim field – 1.04%. Analysis of the lithological composition and fauna of limestones has made it possible to distinguish within the Middle-Sarmatian basin of sedimentopulation: (a) accumulation of biogenic-chemogenic limestone of the near shelf, b) biogenic precipitation of the transition zone (reefs), c) silicate-terrigenous formations of the far shelf. The variety of phased conditions in the basin is associated with the position of the coastline and the inflection of the bottom on the boundary of the near and far shelf. The limestone of the studied deposits was formed in two different facial environments: the chemogenic-carbonate and the transient, which is associated with the formation of a strip of Bessarabian reefs. The study of paleontological residues, lithology and chemical composition of rhypogenic limestone showed the autonomy of this environment, as it has features of sedimentogenesis and near and far shelf.

RESEARCH OF MODERN WATER MANAGEMENT LANDSCAPE AND TECHNICAL SYSTEMS

Problem Statement and Purpose. Approaches, principles and methods of research of anthropogenic landscapes, in particular landscape-technical systems, are considered in detail in the works of many scientists. However, less attention is paid to the study of water management landscape technical systems. This necessitates more specific approaches, principles and methods that would allow to fully reveal the essence of these systems. Water management landscape-technical system is a complex system that combinesnatural, technical and information blocks that interact with each other. Therefore, researching these systems, in addition to traditional and specific, it is necessary to use at the integrated level the principles and methods of various natural sciences. Data & Methods. In the process of analysis and disclosure of approaches, principles and methods of research of water management landscape system, the following methods were used: structural and logical generalization (used to identify traditional methods in the study of the system), abstraction (selection of specific methods to reveal the essence of the system), system analysis (establishment of integration links between traditional and specific methods of scientific cognition), generalization (made it possible on the basis of the obtained data on methods of scientific cognition to develop a scheme for studying the water landscape system of the Trubizh river basin). Results. It is noted that the study of water management landscape technical system is impossible without the use of a systematic approach, which is traditional in all theoretical studies. Approaches that help to reveal the essence of the water management landscape and technical system (historical, basinal, system, paragenetic, constructive, cartographic and geoinformational) are identified and analyzed. The cartographic approach is singled out, which is one of the main ones in the study of water management landscape technical systems. There is a particular emphasis on the geoinformational approach, as the development of GIS projects is one of the most promising and modern trends in the study of not only water management landscape and technical systems, but also anthropogenic landscape science in general. The essence of specific principles and research methods is revealed, as they help to understand the peculiarities of the water management landscape and technical system. Three basic principles (historicism, natural anthropogenic compatibility and advanced study of previous natural and anthropogenic landscapes) were considered, on their basis seven methods of scientific research were identified and analyzed. The author emphasizes that, in addition to the main approaches, principles and methods, it is expedient to use methods from other sectoral sciences in the water management landscape and technical system study (geology, geomorphology, soil science, hydrology, zoology, botany etc.). A generalized study scheme of the water management landscape and technical system has been proposed, using the Trubizh River as an example.

ABOUT CONCEPT FORMING OF «LANDSCAPE COVER» OF THE WORLD IN PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY

The purpose of the article is genetic systematization for the hierarchical lines of natural complexes within Earth Geographical Mantle on the Land (mainland and islands), it is being notion “landscape” and “natural system” are synonyms. In base of the article did hostage information of long time the author′s geographical expeditions on the Land, in the Ocean and in the Coastal Zone, and analysis of published scientific information by other authors. At the same time, the main research method was integral. Landscape development reliable discovered boundaries of natural systems, its structure, diversity, natural properties, which were conceived and evaluated within land as geosystems and geocomplexes. Solely, within the Land should be logic is development “landscapes” as a natural system. Every of natural systems with different hierarchical the scale of ranks have name “aquaschaft” within the coastal zone surrounding and “thalassogen” within the Ocean surrounding. The article has inheriting character from working out of classic geographers of last century, especially during up to end of 1900th, before 2000. In the period theory of landscape science formed as a most full weight. What is why I developed scientific materials of second part of 1900th. Thus, the natural (anthropogenic and natural) systems complexes are not only the landscape system that is specific to mainland. The complexity and diversity of different akvashaftes and talassohenes are well-organized aggregate of various levels of organization in the coastal zone and the open ocean. Moreover, in the Ocean the largest megasystems serve the water and the ocean bottom. The process of differentiation of megasystems, the three main environments of the geographical envelope, is continuous and covers them simultaneously. This phenomenon is a reflection of the interaction between landscapes, aquascapes and thalassogens. The materials and conclusions outlined in this article open the perspectives for the positive development of landscape science and the rest of the geographical sciences. Further defining the hierarchical ranks of each mega-system requires detailed descriptions of each taxon to be used in the natural justification of any practical/economic projects. Oceanic natural systems (“complexes”) in the Ocean water layer were called thalassogens in 1940th yet. In the contact’s zone environment between them, they were called aquaschafts. Each of the shell parts has its separate hierarchical series, in which each taxon differs from the adjacent ones. In total, their area is 361 mln km2, or 70.78% of the area of the geographical envelope. In addition, including 9.95% is occupied by the coastal zone of the Ocean (aquaschaft), or 7.8 million km2. The remaining 60.83% is accounted for by the thalassogen area.

HYDROLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE DNIESTER ESTUARY BY SURVEYS IN THE SUMMER’S OF 2003–2019

Problem Statement and Purpose. The Lower Dniester delta and the Dniester estuary are very important because they are natural filters of the river water from pollution and suspended matter, as well as they are the habitat of a large number species of flora and fauna. The construction of reservoirs on the Dniester River in past completely changed the hydrological regime of the river itself and of the Dniester estuary. For these reasons a constant environmental monitoring of the aquatic environment are required. Since 2002 Odessa I. I. Mechnikov National University has been carrying out a wide range of environmental studies in the Dniester estuary, one of aspects of which is observation of hydrological characteristics. The purpose of this paper is to study long-term changes in transparency, temperature and electrical conductivity of the Dniester estuary water in the summer periods of 2003–2019. Materials & Methods. Measurements of transparency, temperature and electrical conductivity of water in the Dniester estuary in the indicated years were carried out according to standard methods at 19 ecological stations. Statistical processing, analysis and mapping of the measurements results were conducted in EXCEL, ARCGIS, SURFER software’s. Data analysis was based on a graphical representation of the spatial distribution of characteristics, as well as by identifying the features of long-term changes in these characteristics. Main Results and Conclusions. On the basis of the summer surveys during 2003–2019 more than double decrease of water transparency mean values in the Dniester estuary has been established. It was found that the maximum transparency values were observed in the central parts of the estuary, far from settlements. For theseyears, an increase of the mean water temperature for the estuary northern part and its decrease in the middle and southern parts has been recorded. Also, for the summer period of these years, an increase of the mean water electrical conductivity in all parts of the estuary was established. The established features of spatial distribution of hydrological characteristics indicate to the river runoff, intrusion of seawater into the estuary, and wind activity as the determining factors in formation of the estuary hydrological regime. Recorded long-term trends of the means transparency values decreasing and the means temperature and electrical conductivity increasing of the Dniester estuary water in the summer of 2003–2019 are considered as consequences of the river discharge decreasing due to long-term climatic changes over Europe and man regulation of river flow.

STATISTICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF DAILY AMOUNTS OF ATMOSPHERIC PRECIPITATION ON THE TERRITORY OF THE ODESSA REGION IN THE CONDITIONS OF GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE

Problem Statement and Purpose. Rational use of nature, solution of natural and environmental problems, planning and location of various sectors of the economy are based on climatological information. As empirical data accumulate, some values, as well as the probabilistic characteristics of climate-relatednatural resources, need constant refinement due to the fact that hydrometeorological phenomena are extremely variable in time and space. Of great practical interest is information on daily and maximum rainfall and therefore there is a need for their comprehensive analysis, study and forecasting. Data & Methods. The initial information for estimating the precipitation regime is the term data for 00, 06, 12 and 18 hours at nine stations of Odessa region in the period 2010–2015, to which a number of general scientific and statistical methods were applied. Results. Some indicators of the precipitation regime, which are widely used in scientific and practical developments, are analyzed. The total number of days with precipitation and their recurrence are determined. For the territory of the region it is 34.4%. The most days with precipitation were observed in January, and the least – in August, except for Art. Calm, at which the minimum number of days with precipitation was recorded in November. The frequency of precipitation of different gradations was studied and significant precipitations were analyzed: 10, 20, 30 mm and more per day. The region is dominated by precipitation up to 10.0 mm, the frequency of which ranges from 86% (station Rozdilna) to 91.4% (station Odessa). The maximum frequency of days with precipitation of 30 mm or more per day falls on the warm season (April-October). The fields of daily maximum of 1% and 5% probability are heterogeneous and at some stations of Odessa region the values of this indicator exceed the climatic norm (up to 10–12 mm), at others – less than the norm. The obtained results are a certain contribution to the study of both theoretical and practical aspects of the study of daily amounts and daily maximum precipitation, which are indicators of the regional climate. They can be used to make a climatological forecast, which is necessary for a more complete development of climatic resources of Odessa region.