In the Verkhne-Timptonskiy gold ore district, located where the Stanovoy and Aldan blocks intersect (Aldan-Stanovoy shield), substantial placer gold deposits have been found in the Gonam, Timpton, and Iengra rivers. The exploration of certain deposits in this area began at the end of the 19th century. Despite exploration efforts conducted in the second half of the 20th century, only minor gold ore findings were made, with uncertain links to greenstones and igneous formations from various periods. After conducting a thorough analysis of both existing and new data on the geology and metallogeny of the Verkhne-Timptonskiy gold ore district, we have concluded that gold occurrences in diaphthorites of the Kholodnikan belt display characteristic features of orogenic-type gold deposits. These features include disseminated pyrite and veinlet mineralization containing iron (Fe), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu) sulfides, and sulfosalts. The near-ore alterations are represented by silicification, sericitization, carbonatization, and beresitization, characteristic of mesothermal fluid systems. Moreover, we identified common features of the geological structure and metallogeny of the Verkhne-Timptonskiy gold ore district and the Jiaodong province of the North China Craton. Thus, gold mineralization in the Verkhne-Timptonskiy gold ore district and the Jiaodong province is spatially associated with suture zones. In the Verkhne-Timptonskiy gold ore district, the Amga zone of tectonic melange in the Paleoproterozoic era was one of the regions where cratonization of blocks of the Earth’s crust occurred. Later, it became a zone of permeability and concentration of tectonothermal and metallogenic events of various ages. The results obtained will help assess the metallogenic potential of the Verkhne-Timptonskiy district and the Aldan-Stanovoy shield as a whole. They make it possible to increase the efficiency of search operations and focus on localizing research objects.

This article discusses the geological structure and prospects of the oil and gas potential in the northeastern part of the Predpatom trough. The materials of the study included geological findings from deep drilling and data from direct geochemical studies conducted in recent years. It describes the specific features of the structural plans of the upper versus the lower part of the geological cross-section. It is assumed that deep drilling in the area of the Ulugur structure has not reached the target productive horizons in the autochthonous part of the section. After acquiring more recent seismic data, there is a proposal to drill a deeper exploratory well in the area. As another priority target for oil and gas exploration, a potential zone of Vendian clastic deposits wedging on the southwestern slope of the Suntar uplift has been identified. A forecast has been made for the distribution of lithological traps stacked with well-sorted granular Vendian reservoirs in the northern parts of the Ergedzheysky and Ulugursky license areas. In the allochthonous part of the section, the potential for oil and gas content in carbonate deposits from the Vendian and Lower Cambrian periods is highlighted in reservoirs formed by secondary processes. It is assumed that thrust deformations could lead to the circulation of aggressive solutions, resulting in the formation of secondary fractured cavernous reservoirs. Subsequently, hydrocarbon accumulations may migrate and accumulate within these reservoirs. Good gas prospects were also noted in the upper part of the section, where gas deposits were confirmed in newly discovered fields. The results of direct geochemical testing of the Ulugur and Ergedzheysky license areas are presented, enabling the preliminary delineation of promising zones and areas in the studied territory. At the same time, narrow elongated geochemical anomalies are associated with the prospects of the allochthonous part of the section, while isometric anomalies are linked to the autochthonous part of the section. The need to consolidate all available geological and geophysical information on the Pre-Atomic deflection within the framework of case studies is noted.

The discovery of kimberlite pipes containing diamonds in the Viluy-Markha dyke belt led to a surge in interest in  studying the products of Middle Paleozoic basic magmatism associated with these pipes in terms of their spatial and  temporal characteristics. A distinct group of high-titanium rocks linked to diamond-bearing kimberlites was identified  among the basic intrusions, serving as a key indicator for locating kimberlite pipes. This discovery prompted further  research on basites and potential areas, such as the northeastern region of the dyke belt within the Muno-Tunga interfluve region, where alluvial diamonds have been found but their original sources remain unidentified. The presence ofdiamond varieties typical of kimberlites with high diamond concentrations in the placer diamonds of this area suggests  the possibility of a new kimberlite field. The study of Middle Paleozoic basites in the Muno-Tunga interfluve region  revealed high-titanium basites with similar petrochemical characteristics to those associated with diamond-bearing  kimberlites. These basites are situated on the flanks of the dyke belt marked by compensating compression, making  them a promising indicator for kimberlite prospecting. This study has demonstrated that areas with preferential compression are highly prospective for identifying primary diamond deposits. 

The seismic activity in the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) is monitored across a vast territory of 1.5 million km² and is characterized by two major seismic zones of varying rank: the Olekmo-Stanovoy seismotectonic zone in the south andthe Arctic-Asian seismic belt in the north. This article explores the Olekmo-Stanovoy seismotectonic zone, which forms the eastern flank of the Baikal-Stanovoy seismic belt. For statistical analysis, we used a geological and geophysical model of the Southern Yakutia territory. According to this model, the Olekmo-Stanovoy seismotectonic zone is segmented into five structural-tectonic blocks. For the study area, we compiled a regional catalog of earthquakes, supplemented by data from the International Seismological Bulletin (ISC). Based on the seismotectonic features and geodynamic position of the region, a spatial-statistical analysis of seismic energy released during earthquakes over a 58-year instrumental period of regional seismological observations was conducted. The main parameter for calculations was the parameter ΣE (total released seismic energy), which is most often used in the comprehensive quantitative assessment of seismic activity in a region. This study examines the major earthquakes that made the largest contribution to the calculations of the total energy released in each of the five blocks. Analysis of seismic-statistical data collected in the aisles of large structural-tectonic blocks of the first rank revealed the following correlation: in the Olekmo-Stanovoy seismotectonic zone in the direction from west to east, with distance from the Baikal rift zone, seismic activity decreases by 104 times. This thesis also suggests a slowdown in the intensity of seismotectonic and geodynamic processes in the same direction. The results of spatial-statistical analysis of the distribution of seismic energy in large regional blocks of the Olekmo-Stanovoy seismotectonic zone can be relevant for conducting small-scale research to assess the potential seismic activity of poorly studied areas and for medium-term earthquake forecasting as an independent indicator of impending seismic events.

The increase in worldwide temperatures is leading to changes in permafrost landscapes in disturbed areas, which are causing the onset of cryogenic processes. Central Yakutia has a high population density and human impact on the permafrost, which contribute to the widespread occurrence of these processes. Studying the changes in permafrost over past periods is crucial for predicting future landscape changes, monitoring soil temperature changes in current warming conditions, and evaluating the stability of the upper permafrost layer. We reconstructed the temperature regime of the soils in the Ice Complex using mathematical modeling based on the chronology of climate evolution in Central Yakutia during the Holocene. Mathematical modeling of the temperature regime of the ice complex’s soils is based on climatic and thermophysical characteristics of the soils selected from the lithological sections of Central Yakutia. Archive data from weather stations was used for the analysis and sampling of climatic characteristics such as average annual and monthly air temperatures and snow cover thickness. During periods of warming, the calculated ground temperatures at the depth of zero heat turnover were between –2.1 and –2.7 °C, showing a difference of 0.4–1 °C from the current temperatures. Conversely, during cooling periods, the temperatures ranged from –5.2 to –12.3 °C, with a variance of 2.1–9.2 °C from the current soil temperatures. Thus, the examination of computational models indicates that the thermal conditions of the soils within the Ice Complex in Central Yakutia during the most significant periods of the Holocene are impacted by the thickness of the snow cover and the integrity of the Ice Complex. 

The Tuymaada Valley located in the Yakutsk region represents the most developed region within the Lena River fllodplain. Landscape studies conducted here between 2016 and 2022 revealed a significant level of technogenic transformation: 30.4 % of its sites showed a high and moderate degree of disturbance. The primary driver of landscape development was the transformation of forested areas into meadows due to centuries of grazing in the floodplain. The current trend in evolution involves replacing agricultural stows with residential ones, leading to an increase in mechanical disturbances to the landscape structure. Water protection dams have removed significant areas of the left bank floodplain from the flood zone. Consequently, some of its stows become swamped, while others transform into dry wastelands with low-value steppe meadows. Currently, at the investment justification stage, the issue of providing comprehensive protection for the entire left bank of the Tuymaada valley from the adverse effects of floods and inundations is under consideration. For its continued growth, it is essential to implement not just protective measures but also environmental and improvement measures for both existing and new urban, rural, and economic-technical zones on the developing technogenic terrace.

This article addresses the problem of pollution in the Lena River caused by gold mining enterprises operating in its upper regions. It highlights the ongoing industrial exploitation of ore and placer gold deposits in five regions within the Siberian and Far Eastern federal districts. The most large-scale development is carried out in the Irkutsk region, Buryatia, and Yakutia. Further intensification of gold mining activities will result in significant negative impacts on the ecosystems of the upper reaches of the Lena River basin. In this context, the potential applications of Sentinel-2 satellite data for assessing the ecological conditions of river systems in Yakutia are being explored. The most common water indices, NDTI, AMWI, and Harma, were used in this study. The indices were applied to analyze the area of the Vitim River mouth, which contains the highest concentration of active gold mining license areas in the basin. Test sites were allocated on the Vitim and Lena rivers, as well as on Lake Okhninskoye for control purposes. Water indices were analyzed using the ArcGIS software package, and statistical data processing was conducted in the MS Excel program. It is revealed that the best results for estimating surface water turbidity in the area of the Vitim River mouth are obtained using the AMWI index. Spatial regularities are demonstrated, and the seasonal dynamics of turbidity in the studied water bodies are analyzed. The proposed methodology using the AMWI index can be applied for operational assessment of the state of water bodies in Yakutia under conditions of active anthropogenic pollution. This can facilitate timely implementation of preventive environmental protection measures. 

Mammoth fauna found in the permafrost in Yakutia are usually well-preserved, with up to 90% of unique discoveries, including those with soft tissues and fossil animals with intact biological fluids. Despite the exceptional preservationconditions in the deep permafrost, the remains of woolly mammoth have not been used in paleoparasitological research. This article introduces the initial findings of a paleoparasitological investigation conducted on thawed samples obtained from a woolly mammoth. The research material consisted of the gastrointestinal contents of a woolly mammoth found in the Bulunsky district on the Bykovsky Peninsula in 2022. The mammoth’s remains were discovered in permafrost and were consistently frozen until sampling, maintaining their shape well. Traditional helminthological methods, such as native smear and the Fulleborn method, were used. For the first time, eggs and larvae of helminths from the Nematoda class, including the Ascaris eggs from the Ascaridata suborder, family Ascarididae Baird, 1853 were identified in frozen-thawed samples of the woolly mammoth. A total of 13 eggs were found, showcasing excellent preservation that allowed for visualization of eggs at various developmental stages and measurement of eggshell size and thickness. The diameter of the Ascaris eggs from the woolly mammoth (Mammutus primigenus (Blumenbach, 1799)) was 73.25 ± 1.47 microns, with a shell thickness of 4.10 ± 0.20 microns. Additionally, four varieties of whole larvae and larvae fragments of the Nemathelminthes type within the Nematoda class were identified for the first time. These discoveries contribute to our knowledge of ancient fossil animals parasites and require further exploration.

Two cases of the Asian badger findings in the territory of the South-Western Yakutia in 2000s were discussed, as well as the possibility of this species penetration into the taiga ecosystems of Yakutia. The findings were made in the Lena River valley and its left tributary, the Nyuya River. The most remote site is on the right side of the Lena River, over700 km downstream from the northernmost site where the species is reliably known to inhabit in the Lena River valley, and 300 km from the previous finding site in Yakutia (in the mid-20th century). The second site is located 80 km to the northwest of the first site, in the Nyuya River valley, 1 km from the nearest river, and 30 km from the Lena River. It can be assumed that the cases of badger migration to the territory of Yakutia are associated with climatic changes. There are three possible migration ways for the Asian badger from its primary geographic range into Yakutia: through the Lena River valley, where it can encounter biotopes resembling the forest-steppe habitats typical for this species; from the Nizhnyaya Tunguska River valley through the Nyuya and Chona Rivers into the valleys of the Lena and Vilyuy Rivers; and the third way, through the right-bank tributaries of the Lena River from the Patom Highlands. There are biotopes potentially suitable for the badger in the Central and Western Yakutia, but permafrost and limited food availability can be limiting factors hindering the expansion of the species northwards. 

Although there is growing interest in understanding the mechanisms of plant adaptive resistance, there is still incomplete or missing information for many plant species. In this study, we conducted an analysis of the fatty acid composition in the vegetative and generative organs of two species belonging to the Oxytropis genus, namely O. scheludjakovae and O. strobilacea. Gas-liquid chromatography was used to analyze the qualitative and quantitative changes in fatty acids throughout the growing season. The plants were grown in the natural flora collection nursery at the Yakutsk Botanical Garden. The main fatty acids identified had carbon atoms ranging from 14 to 24. There were no significant differences in fatty acid composition between the endemic species O. scheludjakovae and the more widely distributed species O. strobilacea. The highest total fatty acid content (19.5 mg/g tissue) was observed in the leaves of O. scheludjakovae in June and in the leaves of O. strobilacea (17.0 mg/g tissue) in June and July. Palmitic acid was the primary saturated fatty acid in both species, while linolenic acid was the main unsaturated fatty acid. The adaptation of these plants to temperature changes was reflected in the variation of unsaturated fatty acid content. O. strobilacea showed higher values of fatty acid unsaturation coefficient throughout the growing season compared to O. scheludjakovae.

Wild grasses are prevalent across various types of vegetation, playing a significant role in both natural ecosystems and human economic endeavors. The potential of using grasses to restore areas affected by tidal erosion and saline soils has not been fully investigated. A study was conducted to examine the impact of different levels of NaCl salinity (ranging from 20 to 200 mM) on seed germination and early growth of Agrostis capillaris L., Deschampsia cespitosa (L.) P. Beauv., Phalaris arundinacea L., and Phleum pratense L. These plants are commonly found in the Arctic region within the Belomorsky district of the Republic of Karelia. Through research, a direct connection was discovered between the germination of seeds and the growth of seedlings based on the salt levels in the root environment and the type of grass species present. In summary, all species successfully germinated at NaCl concentrations of 20–80 mM. However, germination rates decreased at 100 and 200 mM in most cases. When exposed to NaCl concentrations of 60 mM and higher, the growth of root and shoot in the grasses was slowed down to some extent (depending on the species), but not completely inhibited. Due to the resilience of wild grasses to cold temperatures, it is proposed that they could be used in the phytoremediation of Arctic areas with a salinity level of up to 100 mM (0.6 % salinity). An analysis of the data resulted in a ranking of grass species based on their salt resistance: P. pratense ˃A. capillaris ˃P. arundinacea ˃D. cespitosa.

This article presents research findings on the chemical composition of fruits and berries found in the Southwestern Taimyr region, including bilberry (Vaccinium myrtíllus), northern redcurrant (Ribes triste), blueberry (Vaccinium uliginosum), prickly wild rose (Rosa acicularis), lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea), almost-holarctic crowberry (Empetrum subholarcticum), Siberian rowan (Sorbus sibirica), and cloudberry (Rubus chamaemorus). We revealed that rowan, blueberries, and prickly wild rose are particularly rich in crude fat. Additionally, prickly wild rose, and red currants were found to be high in crude fiber content, while bilberries, red currants, and cloudberries were dominant in crude protein. Potassium and calcium content were highest in prickly wild rose and rowan, while bilberries, red currants, and prickly wild rose had high sodium content. Moreover, crowberries and rowan berries were rich in phosphorus, and lingonberries, rowan berries, bilberries, and cloudberries were abundant in magnesium. Red currants, bilberries, and cloudberries had the highest total amino acid content, with essential amino acids being more prevalent than non-essential ones in redcurrant, bilberry, crowberry, and cloudberry samples. The content included high levels of leucine, isoleucine, valine, and threonine. Overall, the fruits and berries in the Southwestern Taimyr region have significant biological value and could be effectively used in creating functional biologically active substances.

This article presents the findings from research conducted on poplar forests within the Lena Pillars National Park. Prior to this study, there had been no detailed research on the poplar forests in the park; only general characteristicsand brief descriptions of forest types were available. The article provides a comprehensive description of tree stands, analyzes the ecological structure of the flora in poplar forests, examines the dynamics of floodplain vegetation, and traces the succession series in the floodplains of the Buotama, Kuranakh, and Labyya rivers within the National Park. At different stages of development, the forests formed by the poplar tree stand are serial (temporary) types, naturally progressing from rare-herb association, mix herb + Equisetum pretense + Calamagrostis langsdorffii (in young poplar stands) → mix herb + shrubs (middle-aged stands, ripening stands) → tall herb + shrub associations with spruce and larch (in ripening, and overmature forests). As the floodplain emerges, the development of poplar forests inevitably transitions to being replaced by coniferous forests. When the overmature poplar tree stand collapses, spruce and larchspruce and birch forests form in its place. Poplar forests in the Lena Pillars National Park are characterized by high productivity; forest stands develop according to Bonitat classes 3-4. Research on the taxation of poplar forests has allowed for the evaluation of the interdependence of different morphometric traits of poplar trees. The correlation has verified the existence of consistent relationships between specific tax indicators. The findings from the study will contribute to understanding the plant life and vegetation in Lena Pillars National Park and the poplar forests of Yakutia. This data can be used to evaluate how the vegetation in the park’s poplar forests may change in the future.

This article discusses the results of a study that used the structural approach to conduct multiscale modeling of composite materials. These materials are composed of an ice matrix that has been enhanced with high-strength basalt fibers. The research involved numerical modeling to analyze the fracture process of composite materials made by freezing fresh water with added basalt fibers. The analysis included experimental data from samples of pure ice and composites with different amounts of filler. The effective modulus of elasticity of the composites was determined by considering the quantity of basalt fiber reinforcement. The discrepancy between the strength obtained by finite element complex ANSYS numerical calculation and the experimental data was revealed by a series of macroscopic test calculations of the composite material sample, according to which the effective modulus of elasticity of the composite was recalculated and corrections were introduced into the Voight and Reuss models, taking into account the non-uniform distribution of the fibers and the non-ideal adhesion between the fibers and water ice. A stochastic model of crack growth at the micro level was also used with the data on the diameter and length of basalt fibers and their random distribution in the layers of the composite material. Using the newly acquired effective elastic moduli and the SmartCrackGrowth algorithm, a satisfactory agreement of the crack growth rate with the obtained by stochastic calculation was achieved. The refined method of effective elastic moduli and multilevel model of stress-strain state calculation of composite materials are recommended for assessing the strength of ice cover and designing winter roads with high load-bearing capacity and long operational duration in the Arctic and Subarctic environments.