The search for kimberlites in covered territories remains highly relevant today, as there are no longer any easily accessible kimberlite objects within the Yakut diamond-bearing province that are exposed at the surface and clearly visible in geophysical fields. Therefore, planning search operations for diamond-bearing kimberlites requires a novel, integrative approach that combines geological, mineralogical, structural, and other criteria. We found that in the dolerites of the Vilyui-Markhinsky belt—located near kimberlites in the Nakynskoye, Malo-Botuobinskoye, and Syuldyukarskoye kimberlite fields—the content of titanium oxide and several high field strength and rare earth elements (Th, Ta, Hf, Nd, Tb, Gd) is approximately twice as high compared to their typical content in dolerites of the kimberlite fields overall. We propose using this feature of the above-mentioned elements as one of the criteria for kimberlite searching. Considering the presence of dolerites with unusually high concentrations of titanium oxide and several high field strengths (Th, Hf, Ta, Zr, Y) and rare earth (Nd, Tb, Gd) elements within the Charo-Sinsk dike swarm, a comparative study of dolerites from dikes near these bodies was conducted. A gradual decrease in the concentration of these reference elements was observed with increasing distance from the dike exhibiting the maximum element content. We suggest considering such areas as promising targets for kimberlite discovery. Specifically, areas within the CharoLensky interfluve and the right bank of the Lena River opposite the village of Sinsk are classified as prospective. The results obtained in this study and the identified target areas are recommended to geological and mining companies for conducting focused exploration of kimberlites in these specific local areas.

Advancements in digital seismic signal processing have significantly enhanced the ability to analyze low-amplitude signals from both natural and anthropogenic sources. This article investigates the potential for remotely detecting seismic signals generated by operating equipment at the first and second stages of the Vilyui Hydroelectric Power Plant cascades (HPP-1 and HPP-2) within the engineering and geological conditions of the permafrost region. The study employs methods and software developed by the Federal Research Center “Geophysical Survey of the Russian Academy of Sciences”. Seismic data from the Yakut Regional Seismological Centre network, including records from the “Chernyshevsky” seismic station and the Vilyui HPP-1 and HPP-2 located 1.256 kilometers and 1.456 kilometers away, respectively—were processed. Averaged spectral graphs of seismic signals over various time intervals were constructed, revealing numerous monochromatic signals. Analysis of these graphs, combined with technical documentation for the Vilyui HPP-1 and HPP-2 equipment, enabled the establishment of correlations between the processed signal and the operational characteristics of the equipment. An analysis of an emergency event on March 4, 2023, caused by incorrect operation of the control systems for the generating equipment at the Vilyui HPP-1 and HPP-2, confirmed that the identified signals are related to the generating equipment. The deviations of the operating equipment frequencies from their nominal values, along with the timing of technical malfunctions, were identified. In conclusion, the methodology was assessed and confirmed to be appropriate for conducting seismic and geotechnical monitoring of engineering structures located in permafrost environments.

Assessing the resilience of landscapes in response to current climate warming represents a critical challenge today. The current intensification of cryogenic processes in Central Yakutia, particularly in disturbed and anthropogenic landscapes, highlights the urgency of this issue. This study aims to evaluate the thermal stability of permafrost landscapes in Central Yakutia amid increasing climate warming since the 1970s. The assessment is based on field observations of permafrost rock temperatures within the annual heat turnover layer from 1981 to 2023, alongside meteorological data on air temperature at 2 meters above ground and soil temperature at a depth of 1.6 meters. The primary research method involved monitoring, including establishing a network, observation at sites and monitoring stations of the Melnikov Permafrost Institute of SB RAS, and analyzing the collected data in the context of climate change. Spatiotemporal changes in the thickness of the active layer and the mean annual temperature of ground within the annual heat turnover layer were estimated, with their trends serving as indicators of the landscape’s response to climate warming. A regional analysis of the variability of the thermal stability coefficient (Кa) of permafrost rocks across nine types of localities was conducted, based on temperature data at the base of the active layer and within the annual heat turnover layer (10 meters depth). Positive Кa values exceeding 1.0 indicate permafrost degradation, while negative trends are associated with changes in snow accumulation regimes and ecosystem biomass. Assessing the thermal stability of permafrost landscapes has significant implications for the natural environment and the socio-economic stability in Central Yakutia. The research findings can inform government agencies in territorial development planning and support environmental organizations, businesses, and educational institutions.

In permafrost regions, the combined effects of climate change and increased anthropogenic activity highlight the need to study the formation processes and dynamics of supraand intrapermafrost waters, due to their strong responsiveness to external influences. When continuous year-round observations are not possible, numerical modeling provides an efficient approach to study groundwater dynamics. This study aims to construct a mathematical model of suprapermafrost and intrapermafrost groundwater flow prevalent along the right bank of the Lena River in Central Yakutia, and to evaluate the interannual variability of these groundwater resources. A three-dimensional groundwater flow model was developed using the MODFLOW-USG software. This model was constructed using baseline data obtained from extensive, long-term field investigations in hydrogeology and geocryology conducted within the catchment area of a perennial icing spring located on the Bestyakh Terrace of the Lena River. The numerical model was calibrated using field-observed water levels from a monitoring well located within the intrapermafrost water transit zone. Calibration involved iterative adjustments of hydraulic parameters and boundary conditions until the deviation between simulated and observed intrapermafrost water levels was less than 0.1 m for more than 90% of the measurements. The simulation results enabled the reconstruction of the water yield dynamics in the intrapermafrost aquifer talik over the past 15 years, clarified the effects of various meteorological factors and seasonal freeze-thaw cycles on groundwater regime formation, and provided a quantitative evaluation of spring discharge variability at intra-annual scales. These findings establish a foundation for developing predictive frameworks of permafrost-hydrogeological evolution in response to climatic variability and provide a robust methodological approach for quantifying groundwater dynamics in permafrost-affected regions. 

The aim of this study was to establish criteria for the economic feasibility of using new thermal insulation materials in place of traditionally used materials for the thermal protection of engineering structures. Two scenarios were considered: the complete replacement of one material with another and the combined use of traditional and new thermal insulation materials. The criterion used was the ratio of the cost of materials required to achieve the standard thermal resistance of the entire insulation system. New indicators describing the relationship between the economic and thermophysical properties of materials were developed, particularly relating the specific cost of thermal insulation materials (cost per unit volume) to their thermal conductivity coefficient. To generalize the analysis, novel indicators were introduced: price simplex, thermal simplex, and thermal resistance simplex.We concluded, from an economic perspective, the use of new materials instead of traditional ones is justified if the ratio of the costs of the new and traditional materials does not exceed the reciprocal of the ratio of their thermal conductivity coefficients—that is, if the price simplex is lower than the reciprocal of the thermal simplex. Specific examples demonstrate the application of this methodology in evaluating the feasibility of using thin-film thermal insulation materials instead of mineral wool to achieve equivalent thermal protection. The analysis shows that, at current prices, thin-film materials are tens of times more expensive than traditional mineral wool insulation, even when accounting for a significant reduction in mineral wool’s thermal resistance due to moisture during operation. The results of these calculations clearly illustrate the newly established relationship between the economic and thermophysical characteristics of thermal insulation materials.

This study investigates previously unexamined soils of the widespread sand massifs, known as tukulans, in Central Yakutia. The parent materials across large areas of the region consist of ancient alluvial deposits with light granulometric composition, dating back to the Quaternary period. During the Holocene, light-coniferous taiga began to form on these deposits; however, extensive areas along river valleys remained devoid of vegetation and were occupied by vast mass of wind-blown sands. Currently, under the influence of natural factors (climate dynamics) and anthropogenic impacts (forest fires, logging, and industrial development), there is a noticeable expansion of treeless areas, accompanied by the formation of young sand massifs. Simultaneously, the natural soil cover undergoes burial, whereas in areas devoid of vegetation, soils experience Aeolian degradation. The aim of this study was to analyze the composition and properties of the main soil types formed in both dynamic and those stabilized by vegetation within the Lena-Vilyui interfluve tukulans. The study employed comparative-geographical and profile-genetic methods, with the determination of key physicochemical soil parameters conducted using standard soil science methods. Results indicate that in areas dominated by light granulometric aeolian-ancient alluvial deposits, permafrost pine forest sandy soils with simple, weakly differentiated, complex polycyclic profiles are widespread. These profiles exhibit signs of burial. In relatively more humid post-fire areas, soil structure and properties are further influenced by cryoturbation processes. All soils are predominantly slightly acidic, characterized by low exchangeable base content and low humus levels. Cryoturbated soils are moderately acidic and display more pronounced iron illuviation and a uniform distribution of organic matter in the transformed soil profile. The replacement of typical taiga landscapes with “desert”-like surface formations drastically alters the vegetation and soil cover of the area, negatively affecting the ecosystem’s productivity.

The intensive development of oil and gas fields in the southwestern region of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) has resulted in the fragmentation of previously contiguous forested areas. Prior to the mid-1970s, anthropogenic disturbances in this region were minimal. However, since the mid-1980s, extensive areas of disturbed natural vegetation have emerged, forming a continuous interconnected network over large distances. The extent of forests affected by the  “fringe effect” has more than tripled. Forest-meadow ecotone complexes develop both at the boundaries of natural plant communities and on ecotopes changed by anthropogenic activities. This study used the route method of research, with forestry and geobotanical descriptions conducted in accordance with established classical methodologies. Cartographic materials were derived from publicly available satellite imagery and a 1:200,000 scale topographic map. Analysis of the species composition of vegetation indicates only minor differences between species located deep within forests and those at forest edges, although species abundance varies. Tree species demonstrate the least sensitivity to the “fringe effect.” In contrast, the abundance of typical forest species within the grass and shrub layers declines throughout the extent of the “fringe effect,” while meadow species from adjacent non-forest plant communities infiltrate these areas. Changes in floral composition affect all components of the biocenosis through trophic interactions.

The Murmansk region is one of the most urbanized and industrially developed areas within the Russian Arctic sector, characterized by established mining, metallurgical, energy, and food industries. This study was conducted in Murmansk, Russia’s largest ice-free seaport located beyond the Arctic Circle. Among the ports of Northwestern Russia, Murmansk holds a leading position in terms of dry cargo throughput. The primary environmental pollutants in the city include polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, volatile substances such as SO2 and NO2, heavy metals, and oil. Bioindication of the city’s environmental quality was performed using novel ecological palynology methods. The purpose of the work is to study the polymorphism of pollen of Picea obovata Ledeb. under conditions of industrial pollution in the city of Murmansk. Palynological studies of Siberian spruce (Picea obovata Ledeb.) were conducted within the impact zones of industrial enterprises, including combined heat and power (CHP) plants, waste incineration facilities, and ship repair plants. In each sampling plot, 5–6 trees were selected, and male cones were collected during the P. obovata pollination period at the end of June 2024. Pollen was examined using the acetocarmine staining method. A high degree of pollen polymorphism was observed, with the proportion of pollen grains exhibiting developmental anomalies ranging from 62.2% to 87.6% at impacted sites, compared to 25.8% in the control samples. The highest incidence of teratomorphic pollen was recorded in samples collected near energy enterprises: Roslyakovo Yuzhnoye (87.6%), South CHP Plant (81.6%), and Murmansk CHP Plant (76.4%). Three size categories of teratomorphic P. obovata pollen were identified – normal, dwarf, and hypertrophied – each displaying various pathologies of the sacci and exine. Emissions from Murmansk thermal power plants, which operate on fuel oil and coal, contain elevated concentrations of heavy metals and exhibit high toxicity, resulting in disruptions of microsporogenesis and the formation of teratomorphic pollen in P. obovata. Consequently, to improve environmental safety for the local population and reduce pollution levels in Murmansk, it is necessary to adopt new environmentally sustainable technologies and transition the city’s boiler houses to natural gas.

Spring forest fires in Central Yakutia continue to pose significant ecological and socio-economic challenges. This study examines the impact of agricultural field burning as a primary anthropogenic contributor to spring forest fires in the region. Furthermore, it assesses the economic consequences of these fires and the effects of the 2015 ban on burning, enacted under Decree No. 1213 by the Government of the Russian Federation. The research methodology includes an analysis of 25 years of data (2000–2024) provided by the Yakut Aerial Forest Fire Centre (Avialesookhrana) for the central districts of Yakutia. This is supplemented by field expeditions conducted during 2023–2024, GIS analysis, phenological monitoring, and the application of established pyrological methods (Nesterev, Kurbatsky, Zalesov). The findings reveal that 80–98% of spring fires are anthropogenic in origin, with 60–70% attributable to uncontrolled agricultural burning. Despite the legislative ban, this practice persists as a traditional method for pasture preparation, promoting early grass regrowth and improving forage availability. The analysis shows that the prohibition has not reduced fire incidence but has produced unintended adverse effects on agricultural productivity. The practical contribution of this research lies in identifying a “safety window” for regulated burns–from late April to the first five days of May–during which the risk of fire spreading to forested areas is minimal. An adaptive fire management framework is proposed, including the legalization of controlled burns, the implementation of licensing procedures, public education initiatives, and the establishment of a regional pyrological monitoring center. Consequently, shifting from a total ban to a scientifically grounded regulatory approach is expected to reduce fire hazards, preserve ecosystems, and promote sustainable rural development.

Thermal imaging technology, commonly referred to as infrared thermography (IRT), has become a valuable non-invasive method for investigating various physiological processes, health conditions, and behavioral responses in animals. This method enables the recording of surface body temperature distribution, allowing for contactless assessment of thermoregulation, stress levels, inflammatory processes, and certain adaptive mechanisms in animals. IRT is frequently used to monitor animals during physical activities under conditions where maintaining thermal homeostasis is critical, including exposure to complex environmental stressors. Moreover, it is used in studies examining behavioral responses across diverse animal species, such as social interactions and adaptation to climate change. This article reviews modern approaches and applications of thermal imaging technology in research involving both domestic and wild mammal species. It highlights the effective integration of IRT with other diagnostic and observational methods, making it a valuable tool not only in biomedical research but also in environmental and physiological studies. Additionally, the article discusses future prospects for this technology, including its integration with unmanned aerial vehicles (drones), artificial intelligence systems, and mobile platforms. Progress in standardizing research protocols for assessing specific physiological responses in animals under various conditions is expected to enhance both fundamental and applied research. These developments will also promote the wider use of thermal maging technologies, particularly in horse breeding.

The total expanse of hunting territories in Yakutia covers approximately 241 million hectares, providing substantial potential for hunting activities, which are a vital component of both the region’s cultural heritage and economic framework. The fur-bearing mammal fauna in Yakutia includes species such as sable (Martes zibellina), fox (Vulpes vulpes), brown bear (Ursus arctos), wolf (Canis lupus), muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus), squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris), white hare (Lepus timidus), ermine (Mustela erminea), Siberian weasel (Mustela sibiricus), arctic fox (Vulpes lagopus), wolverine (Gulo gulo), lynx (Lynx lynx), American mink (Neogale vison). This study used data derived from winter route surveys, questionnaires completed by hunting service providers and state inspectors, and records related to hunting and commercial animal production. Among the species studied, the sable holds particular significance. The consistent level of sable harvesting, alongside an observed increase in its population, suggests the effectiveness of conservation measures implemented to protect this valuable species. The muskrat ranks second in terms of harvest volume and exhibits a notably low seizure rate of 1–2%. Despite a 62% increase in squirrel populations over the past decade, squirrels remain economically unviable targets due to their low market prices. According to winter route surveys, populations of all fur-bearing animals in Yakutia are gradually increasing. However, this trend is accompanied by a rise in predator populations, raising ecological concerns and requiring prompt regulatory actions, including population control. The underexploited potential of fur-bearing animals in Yakutia stems from low market prices, limited consumer demand, underdeveloped processing and marketing infrastructure, and insufficient information and training for hunters. Addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive government strategy involving financial support for hunting, advancement of innovative processing and marketing technologies, hunter training programs, and initiatives promoting locally sourced fur products. This integrated approach would ensure the sustainable, efficient use of Yakutia’s natural resources and the long-term viability of its hunting industry.

Contemporary automated monitoring systems in animal husbandry and environmental protection rely on advanced computer vision methods to evaluate animal traits. This research introduces an automated animal condition monitoring system using the YOLOv11 convolutional neural network. The system was tested on specialized datasets featuring images of deer alongside their pre-measured attributes. Through the AutoGenNet software platform, processes such as hyperparameter tuning and architecture configuration were automated, streamlining and accelerating the adaptation of the model for monitoring various animal species. The findings highlight the effectiveness of YOLOv11 for this application. Additionally, the study validates AutoGenNet’s role in automating the development of models for monitoring reindeer phenotypic characteristics, supporting the integration of AI systems in modern animal husbandry. The biometric data obtained allow for the calculation of derivative metrics—like live weight, muscle mass, and reproductive potential—that inform management decisions. A significant accomplishment is the deployment of contactless monitoring, which removes stress linked to animal handling and adheres to bioethical standards. Successful trials on reindeer, which pose a complex biological challenge due to high variability in characteristics, ensure the method’s applicability to other livestock (such as pigs and sheep) under less stringent conditions. The developed automated monitoring system for reindeer phenotypic characteristics, based on YOLOv11 and AutoGenNet, has proven both technologically feasible and practically valuable.

To promote the widespread use of polyethylene pipes in constructing gas pipelines in cold climates, it is essential to develop a welding technology that enables repair and restoration without the need for heated shelters. This article investigates the operational electrofusion welding of polyethylene pipes at low temperatures in open air, focusing on controlling the crystallization of the weld material.To reduce the time required for making a joint in low temperatures, we propose using a preheating method using an embedded heater, followed by equalizing temperatures through free cooling. Calculations of the welding temperature regime, performed using the finite element method, indicate that subsequent heating, according to the welding parameters under standard conditions, results in a melt volume that corresponds to the weld melt volume at acceptable air temperatures.To maintain the appropriate crystallization conditions for the polyethylene melt during welding in low-temperature environments, we suggest varying the heater power over time. To determine the time dependence of the embedded heater’s power required for proper crystallization of the weld material and heat-affected zone, we solve the inverse problem of thermal conductivity through the gradient minimization of the functional.Using Dolfin/FEniCS software, we conducted a comparative analysis of temperature distributions and their effects on welding stresses during the implementation of the proposed method versus standard technology. Our calculations demonstrate that when utilizing controlled crystallization, the stresses between the pipe and coupling remain within permissible limits. Studies conducted with a JEOL JSM-7800F scanning electron microscope on supramolecular structural formations in the heat-affected zone revealed that the proposed controlled crystallization technique enables the formation of spherulites in the heat-affected zone, with sizes comparable to those observed in welding under normal conditions.

The development and application of “smart”, multifunctional, and hybrid materials are among the most significant areas of modern materials science. This article presents the results of mechanical testing, microstructural analysis, evaluation of electrophysical properties, and stochastic modeling of the failure of samples made from a concrete composite reinforced with recycled secondary materials in the form of reduced graphene oxide. The aim of this work was to create materials with increased strength and a given electrical conductivity. An overview of research on the creation and modeling of failure processes in hybrid materials is provided. Approaches for assessing stress states are presented, and the use of the concept of the pre-fracture zone and structural scale to describe failure processes in quasi-brittle materials is justified. It has been shown that the high strength and electrical conductivity properties of graphene can significantly enhance the characteristics of a hybrid composite material with a low concentration of modifier. Concrete samples were prepared with graphene oxide mass fractions of 0.2% and 0.5%. Structural and chemical characterizations were conducted via scanning electron microscopy and infrared spectroscopy. Mechanical testing demonstrated that the inclusion of reduced graphene oxide at 0.5% concentration increased strength by 48% and decreased electrical resistance to 550–600 ohms, with conductivity values reverting to baseline upon load removal. These findings suggest that graphene modification significantly enhances the electrical and mechanical performance of concrete composites. Therefore, these hybrid materials hold considerable potential for use in structural health monitoring systems, selfheating elements, grounding electrodes, and for improving the reliability and safety of energy infrastructure and engineering systems, especially those functioning in harsh Arctic and Subarctic environments.