«Bulletin of Perm University. Geology» (Vestnik Permskogo universiteta. Geologiya) is the peer-reviewed academic journal publishing the scientific papers covering all fundamental and applied aspects of modern geology, including general geology, geotectonics, petrology, mineralogy, lithology, hydrogeology, geoengineering, geochemistry, geophysics, mineral exploration, oil & gas geology, and geoecology. The journal publishes the papers in Russian and English.
ФГАОУ ВО «Пермский государственный национальный исследовательский университет» (ПГНИУ)
Statistical Analysis of Factors of the Gas-Dynamic Phenomena Occurrence in Conditions of Gremyachinskoye Potassium Salts Deposit
Potash deposit development is complicated by various types of gas-dynamic phenomena (GDP) that occur during underground mining operations. To effectively prevent the occurrence of GDP, certain measures are required to forecast dangerous areas. The complexity of geological conditions of the potassium-magnesium salt formation imposes a limitation on the volumes and timing of conduction of deposits operational exploration that forces the forecast of areas, dangerous by GDP, as well as other studies in the conditions of constant lack and insufficiency of mining and geological data. This article discusses the use of a “Random Forest” classification model to assess the importance of each of 14 mining and geological parameters in identifying area, dangerous by gas-dynamic phenomena.
GEOLOGICAL ENGINEERING, GEOCRYOLOGY AND SOIL SCIENCE
Copyright (c) 2026 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Morphological Variability of Diatom Algae of Sodium Chloride Springs (Perm region, Russia)
The article presents data on the morphological features of six species of diatoms (Navicula gregaria, Navicula salinarum, Nitzschia palea, Prestauroneis protracta, Synedra famelica, Tabularia fasciculata) living in sodium chloride reservoirs of varying degrees of mineralization in the Perm region. Possible causes of deviations from the typical size, shape and internal structure of algae cells are considered.
Wastes of the Verkhnekamskoye Salt Deposit as Sources of Release of Bacteria-Destructors of Toxic Compounds
In the laboratory of microbiology of technogenic ecosystems of the Institute of Ecology and Genetics of Microorganisms of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, halotolerant bacteria-degraders collected from the territory of salt mining (Berezniki, Solikamsk, Perm Krai) have been studied for over twenty years, and a collection of these bacteria has been created. Bacterial strains and their associations are proposed for cleaning the environment from oil, oil products, polycyclic and aromatic hydrocarbons, organochlorine compounds, and phthalic acid esters. The isolated degradative bacteria belong to the following genera: Arthrobacter, Dietzia, Glutamicibacter, Halomonas, Martelella, Microbacterium, Oceanisphaera, Pseudarthrobacter, Pseudomonas, Rhodococcus, Salinicola and Thalassospira. Most of these bacteria are capable of biodegrading pollutants in high- salt conditions. Thus, waste from potash mining at the Verkhnekamskoye deposit, as well as contaminated soils, waters, and bottom sediments, are a source of halotolerant degradative bacteria that can be used to develop new biotechnological methods for environmental remediation. Based on the Rhodococcus wratislaviensis KT112-7 strain, the microbial preparation "Polychlorox" was developed for cleaning soils contaminated with organochlorine compounds.
Adaptation the Mechanisms of the Rhodococcus sp. SMB37 Strain to the Physicochemical Characteristics of the Ecotopes of the Verkhnekamskoye Salt Deposit
The temperature range of the Rhodococcus sp. SMB37 strain was studied. It was shown that the strain grew from 0 to 35oC, showing an optimum at 25oC. The accumulation of osmolytes by the strain cells was studied at low temperature (5oC) both without salinity and in the presence of salt at a concentration of 5%. Using high-performance liquid chromatography, it was shown that under low temperature this strain accumulated ectoine in an amount of 0.19 μmol/mg DW, the content of hydroxyectoine was quite low and was 0.003 μmol/mg DW. The combined effect of low temperature and high salinity (5 % NaCl) led to a significant increase in the intracellular concentration of hydroxyectoine to 0.1 μmol/mg DW. In addition, the ectoine content increased to 0.32 μmol/mg DW. A fragment of the ect-operon, which includes the gene encoding diaminobutyrate aminotransferase, was amplified on the DNA template of the studied strain. The sequence of amino acid in the diaminobutyrate aminotransferase had the highest level of similarity, 99 %, to that of the species Rhodococcus artemisiae.
Diversity of Microorganisms in Salt Rocks of the Verkhnekamskoye Salt Deposit
Studies of salt rocks of the Verkhnekamskoye salt deposit have shown that samples of carnallite, rock salt, and marl collected from a depth of 70.5-411.6 m contain halophilic/halotolerant bacteria of the phyla Pseudomonadota, Actinomycetota, Thermodesulfobiota, Acidobacteriota and extremophilic archaea of the phyla Halobacteriota, Thermoplasmatota, and "Candidatus Thaumarchaeota". The isolated halotolerant bacteria are capable of degrading mono(poly)aromatic compounds and can be used in the development of new biotechnologies for remediation of polluted/saline ecosystems.
The Strategy for Developing the Hydro-Mineral Resources in the Orenburg Region
It has been established that within the oil and gas-bearing deposits of the Orenburg Region, underground waters with total mineralization ranging from 2 to 458 g/dm³ are developed. Chemically, these waters are dominated by Cl–Na, Cl–Na–Ca, Cl–Ca–Na, Cl–Ca, and Cl–Ca–Mg types. In the region, a direct type of vertical hydrogeochemical zonation is observed in the upper hydrogeological complex, including the Kungurian deposits. Below, there is a regular decrease in the total mineralization of brines down to 343 g/dm³ and lower in the Bashkirian deposits (C2b), and up to 300 g/dm3 and less in the D2 Zhivetsian strata (D2žv). Waters complying with industrial conditions for bromine (Br), iodine (I), boron oxide (B2O3), lithium (Li), rubidium (Rb), and strontium (Sr) are widely distributed across the stratigraphic range from the Permian to the Devonian.
Equilibrium State of Industrial Waters of the Southern Regions of the Volga-Ural Oil and Gas Province with Minerals of Host Rocks
The article considers the equilibrium-nonequilibrium state of the “water-rock” system in relation to a number of conditions characteristic of the Volga-Ural oil and gas province, determined by the composition of reservoir rocks with brines contained in them. The assessment uses a set of secondary minerals potentially formed in such reservoirs, as well as a set of primary minerals composing the reservoir. The results characterize the general hydrogeochemical state of the water-rock system for the most widespread within the exploited horizons of the Volga-Ural oil and gas province. The results show that the vast majority of the reservoirs under consideration are in a nonequilibrium state relative to the solutions contained in them, the composition of which continues to evolve slowly.
Recommendations for the Injection of Brines in Deep-Lying Aquifers of the Angara-Lena Basin after the Extraction of Industrial Components
Predominantly chloride sodium and calcium brines with mineralization up to 600 g/dm3 are widespread within the lower level of the Angara-Lena artesian basin. They have high concentrations of useful components: Li, Rb, Sr, B, Br, I, etc. After the extraction of useful components, their further injection in deep-lying aquifers is the most environment friendly and economically viable. It is necessary to carefully plan the selection of a suitable object for disposal the residuals in order to avoid dilution of the concentrations of useful components. The physical and chemical modeling of the interaction in the "water-rock" system and laboratory experiments will be of decisive importance.
Mineralogical and Geodynamic Bases of Potassium Lithogenesis
One of the main factors of potassium lithogenesis is climatic. The relocation of a tectonic lithospheric plate into an arid environment is determined by global geodynamics, and the formation of a salt-bearing basin is determined by regional geodynamics. The composition of the halogen formation is determined by the structure of the salt-bearing basin. Sulfate-chloride potassium salts accumulate in a pool with a separate main bath, and chloride salts accumulate in the final pool within a large preparatory basin.
Component Composition of Associated Gases In Primary Salt Rocks of the Verkhnekamskoye Potash Salt Deposit
The component composition of associated gas in 321 samples of salt rocks from the central and southern parts of the Verkhnekamskoye potash deposit was studied. The gas is of methane-nitrogen type and is characterized by a sharply predominant nitrogen content (on average ~90%), hydrocarbons (~9%), and minor amounts of hydrogen and carbon dioxide. A two-stage statistical analysis was performed: first on the full gas mixture composition, and then with normalization to 100% of the hydrocarbon fraction. A significant influence of the lithological factor on gas composition variability was established. Using statistical analysis methods (including the Kruskal-Wallis H-test and the Mann–Whitney U-test with Bonferroni correction) and geochemical visualization, clear and statistically significant differences were identified among the main lithotypes of the salt formation in terms of gas composition. Associated gas in sylvinite rocks exhibits pronounced heterogeneity and the highest content of heavy hydrocarbon gases (C2– C5), but, in carnallite rocks, the opposite pattern when maximum methane concentrations with minimal presence of its homologues was observed. Rock salt (halite) samples occupy an intermediate position. The most informative discriminant parameters were the CH4/(C2H6+C3H8) and i-C4H10/n-C4H10 ratios (p < 0.001). The results indicate a significant role of lithology in the fractionation processes of hydrocarbons in associated gases of salt formations and can be used for geochemical typification of rocks and assessment of their formation conditions.
The main mechanisms of carbonate, sulfate, and chloride evaporite sedimentation (in the form of boats and crusts on the surface of a reservoir, in the brine, on the bottom (including the conditions of strong wave activity), and within sediment are characterized. The involvement of evaporites in the process of endogenous mineral and rock formation, as well as their transformation durin the migration of brines or less mineralized waters through them, are demonstrated. It is noted that the destruction of evaporites leads not only to the accumulation of residual material but also to significant chemical rearrangement of the substance with the formation of differentiated weathering crusts.
Comprehensive Assessment of Engineering and Geological Conditions and Zoning of the Along-Route Territory of the 110 kV OPL (Near the Town of Kayerkan)
The article presents the results of the comprehensive engineering and geological assessment and zoning of the along-track territory of the projected 110 kV overhead power line (OPL) in the area of the town Kayerkan in the Norilsk urban district of the Krasnoyarsk Territory. Based on the analysis of the geological structure, hydrogeological conditions, and the presence of specific soils and exogenous geological processes, the engineering and geological zoning of the territory was carried out. The method of a point assessment of classification features was used to identify areas with varying degrees of complexity for design and construction. According to the assessment results, the territory is divided into three taxa: favorable, slightly favorable, and unfavorable conditions. It has been established that most of the route is characterized by slightly favorable and unfavorable engineering and geological conditions, which are caused by the presence of permafrost soils, complicated with flooding, ice formation, and cryogenic weathering. Practical recommendations are proposed to ensure the stability of structures and the safety of operation of power transmission lines.
Hydrogeological Features of Underground Mineral Wa-ers in the Area of the Seregovskaya Salt Dome Structure (Komi Republic)
The article presents the characteristics of mineral waters occurring in the rocks surrounding a rock salt stock in the area of the only one in northeastern Europe the Seregovskaya salt dome structure. Groundwater from the Permian and Triassic aquifers has a sulfate-chloride and chloride sodium composition, with mineralization reaching 130 g/L. Brines from the Upperkuloy Formation of the Lower Permian have been used for balneological purposes by the Seregovo resort since 1929. Previously, since the 19th century, these brines were used to produce the sodium chlo- ride by evaporation at the Seregovo Saltworks. The formation of Cl–Na brines in the Seregovskiy diapir area is not associated with rock salt leaching processes, but they are of marine origin.
Copyright (c) 2026 Bulletin of Perm University. Geology https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Composition and Framework of the Yaksha Formation of the Lower Permian of the Upper Pechora Salt Deposit (the Example of Well № 04 Section)
The paper presents he results of the composition study of the Yakshinskaya Formation overlying sediments above salt member of the Upper Pechora salt deposits. In the framework of the Yaksha Fm., four series are separated: 1) argillaceous-siltstone, 2) silt-argillaceous-gypsum-dolomite, 3) silt-argillaceous-dolomite, and 4) siltargillaceous. The studied interval of the Yaksha Fm. in the section of well № 4 shows a tendency in rocks composition to change from predominantly gypsum-dolomite to silty argillites and argillaceous siltstones. It is proposed to use the base of packet four, represented exclusively by terrigenous sediments, as a marker for drawing the controversial upper boundary of the Yaksha Fm.
Experience in the Application of Cross-Dipole Acoustic Logging for the Separation of Gas-Bearing Deposits in Terrigenous and Carbonate Sections of Russian Deposits
Problem of identification of gas-saturated reservoirs in complex sections, where standard geophysical well surveys (GIS) are ineffective, remains important for oil industry. The technique of cross-dipole acoustic logging (CDA) is based on the analysis of the ratio of the normalized travel times of longitudinal (DTCO) and transverse (DTSH_XX) waves. The results of the CDA were compared with data from the standard GIS complex and nuclear magnetic logging (NMR). The purpose of the work is to evaluate the effectiveness of CDA for the diagnosis of gas saturation in reservoirs in Russia. It has been established that the excess of DTCO over DTSH_XX is a reliable sign of gas saturation. The modular dynamic testing (MDT) showed high sensitivity in terrigenous and carbonate reservoirs. CDA is recommended for inclusion in the GIS complex for searching for gas deposits.
Paleogeological Models of Permian Evaporite Basin within Caspian Region
The research is devoted to the structure and history of development of the Caspian salt-bearing province during the Kungurian time of the Early Permian. The preceding and following the formation of the thick salt-bearing stratum paleogeographic settings are considered. The sedimentary thickness of the evaporite stratum is reconstructed based on two possible scenarios of the development of the Caspian marine basin. In the first option, salt accumulation occurred in a shallow sea, but in a deep topodepression with almost no water layer. The second option considers an evaporite basin with a thick water layer equal to the depth of the topodepression. The results of the computer model are compared with paleo reconstructions based on the seismostratigraphic structure of the Kungurian salt-bearing stratum.
GENERAL AND REGIONAL GEOLOGY. GEOTECTONICS AND GEODYNAMICS
Salt Tectonics of the Northern Part of the West Siberian Basin and the Enisey-Khatanga Trough
Regional interpretation of modern geodata suggests the presence of up to 15 km-thick Paleozoic section in the sedimentary fill of the northern part of the West Siberian Basin and the Enisey-Khatanga Trough. The Paleozoic section comprises the evaporitic succession most likely of Ordovician age, which were deposited in troughs formed during the Early Paleozoic Uralian rifting. Study of salt structures indicate that salt diapirism has been a significant tectonic process contributing to the subsurface architecture and petroleum potential of these regions.
Structural and Formation Features of the Salt and Supra-Salt Parts of the Sedimentary Cover of the South-West of the Precaspian Basin
The aim of the work was to develop a tectonic model of the Kungurian-Quaternary complex of the sedimentary cover of the southwestern part at the junction of the Caspian Basin and the Karpinsky Ridge for the reconstruction of the formation and transformation of the Kungurian evaporite strata. In the course of the research, the main structural elements of the study area were identified for different stages of geological development. An assessment of the influence of regional tectonic elements on the bedding conditions and structural features of the Kungurian halogen strata was made. Based on seismic stratigraphic analysis, the study area was divided into zones according to the structural features of potassium-magnesium salt deposits. A retrospective model of the history of sedimentation processes was constructed along the sub latitudinal geological profile.
Stages of Halokinesis of the Kungurian Evaporite Formation of the Southwestern Part of the Peri-Caspian Depression
The morphology of the structure and lithological composition of the evaporite formation of the Kungurian age and the suprasalt complex of deposits in the southwestern part of the Peri-Caspian depression are considered. The evolution of the halokinesis process is reconstructed using a local section of the Sarpinskiy Trough as an example. The authors established that the growth of the salt dome and the subsidence of the adjacent trough in the study area began in the middle Permian and continued until the end of the Jurassic. Their structure and subsequent stage development had a significant impact on the formation and evolution of the overlying MesozoicCenozoic deposits.
Clarification of the Tectonics of the Verkhnekamskoye Salt Deposit Based on Seismic Survey Data
In result of seismic survey studies in recent years, new information about the tectonics of the Verkhnekamskoye salt deposit has been obtained. The data relate to the western edge of the southern part of the deposit, which is characterized by complex geological structure. Here, signs of disjunctive dislocations, high-intensity plicative dislocations, areas of salt erosion, lithofacial transitions, and potassium beds thinning are found. The boundaries and positions of such regional structures as Kamsko-Visherskiy swell, Kamskiy trough have been updated.
Chloride Type Halogenesis in Pripyat Potassium Bearing Basin
The problem of the formation of chloride salt-bearing series lacking in the magnesium sulfate is one of the most complex in the theory of halogenesis. Is chloride halogenesis an independent process or it is still a branch of marine halogenesis? The presence of thick chloride layers of salts indicates a large initial source of water-salt mass. Only sea (ocean) water could be such a source that never lost its sulfate content throughout the entire Post Proterozoic Stage. The article discusses the processes of formation of red-colored and variegated hypersaline associations established for potash deposits of the Middle-Upper Famennian salt-bearing formation of the Pripyat potassium-bearing basin.
Evaporite Sulfate-Carbonate Deposits in the Mesoproterozoic (Typical Riphean Section) and the Relationship with Warm Climate Periods
The genesis of the largest magnesite, siderite, and fluorite deposits in the Riphean deposits of the Bashkir megaanticlinorium was governed by the migration of evaporite brines at the tectonic-thermal stages of development of the structure of the Urals supra-rift basin in the time interval of 1400-1000 million years. Largescale formation and burial of brines in the Mesoproterozoic is associated with the development of evaporite environments that differ from modern ones. Formation of terrigenous-carbonate shelf basins occurred under conditions of longterm existence of warm climate, wide development of supra-platform seas with prevalence of shallow stagnant conditions, which caused wide development of biosulfate reduction and dissolution of authigenic sulfates.
Lithological and Geochemical Characteristics of the Lower Permian Potash Salts of the Northwestern Border of the Caspian Basin
Lithological and geochemical studies of potassium salts from the Lower Permian salt-bearing formation within the Perelyubskaya area (Saratov Region) revealed three sylvinite varieties in the studied sections, characterizing the diversity of the halogenic process as follows: a) regular crystallization of sylvite from brine with an insignificant input of terrigenous material (including anhydrite); b) crystallization under conditions of a high degree of coastal hydrodynamics and a significant input of terrigenous material, several desalinated waters, and the predominance of sylvite formed during the replacement of carnallite; c) crystallization of sylvinite and sylvitecarnallite rocks under conditions of elevated brine concentrations.
Brines Composition and Sedimentation Conditions of the Salts at the Yakshinskoye Deposit
The results of a fluid inclusions study in halite and insoluble salt residues in the underlying rock salt of the Yakshinskoye deposit, located in the western part of the Upper Pechora potassium-magnesium salt basin, are presented. Individual inclusions in halite were studied using fluid inclusion homogenization and ultramicrochemical analysis. Insoluble salt residues were identified using X-ray diffraction analysis. The isotopic composition of sulfur has been studied for nodular anhydrite. It was established that salts stratum of the Yakshinskoye deposit accumulated in shallow-water conditions, and the concentration of brines during crystallization in the underlying rock salt was close to the beginning of the precipitation of potassium minerals. Likely, the erosion of old potassium salts in the surrounding area preceded beginning of salt deposition.
Halocontamination of Mantle Magmas: the Role of Salts in the Formation of Alkaline Complexes
Results of the analysis of material and spatial-temporal relationships between alkaline magmatic and saliferous complexes allowed us to identify and characterize the prerequisites and features of participation of deeply buried salts in alkaline magmatism. The main ones are: similarity of specific sets of macro- and microcomponents of saliferous (halophilic) and alkaline (foidaphilic) complexes and proximity of their distribution areas. Salt-alkaline associations are identified, their tectonic types and reference objects of each type are characterized. For the first time, a geological and genetic model of «halocontamination of magma» with participation of salts in alkaline magma genesis as a source of alkali metals and volatiles is substantiated. A comparative analysis of its basic provisions with other models of alkaline magmatism is given.
Copyright (c) 2026 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Indication of Aquatic Landscapes Salinization Rate
The salinization of freshwater represents one of the most serious threats to global aquatic ecosystems and associated biodiversity. Particular attention in the context of aquic landscape salinization was paid to bottom sediments, which act not only as indicators but also as active accumulators of salts. Understanding the mechanisms of bottom sediment salinization under natural and anthropogenic impacts, their consequences, and potential recovery strategies is critical for development of the effective water resource management and conservation strategies. This review examines the problem of aquatic landscape salinization in the taiga zone, using the Upper Kama region (Perm Krai, Russia) as a case study. This is an area with developed mining industry, where one of the most important challenges is the reclamation of post-technogenic territories. The following data are presented: (1) global statistics on freshwater salinization; (2) salinization indicators; (3) regional characteristics of salt load; (4) multidisciplinary approach to characterize the salinization processes. This study demonstrates that the aquatic complexes of post-technogenic territories are the integrated dynamic systems requiring the innovative approaches for mitigating salt pollution and rehabilitation of these areas.
Evaluation of Sediment Pollution in an Abandoned Alkaline Slurry Pond and Its Stratification Using the Machine Learning Techniques
The aim of this study is to characterize the contamination of sediments accumulated in an abandoned sludge storage facility, to develop, and test an automated method for precipitation stratification. The assessment of pollution is based on the sludge chemical composition using integral heavy metal indices: the total pollution index (Zc), and the potential environmental risk index (RI). According to the calculations, high level of pond sediments pollution was revealed. An automated approach to sediments stratification has been implemented using machine learning algorithms. This paper describes the Python-based algorithm and presents the results of its testing on sediment samples from a man-made reservoir. During the clustering process, five distinct layers were identified, which differ significantly in their chemical composition. The constructed cross-sections display the heterogeneous structure of the sediment column, and are in good agreement with the sections based on values of integral indices obtained manually. The best results were achieved using the cubic interpolation method.
Experience of Identification of the Missed and Complex, Low-Permeable Carbonate Tournaisian Reservoirs
This work was carried out to identify the permeable oil-saturated interlayers in complex, low-permeability carbonate reservoirs. Experience of reinterpreting the geophysical well logging data at the Tournaisian hydrocarbon deposit in the Perm Region is described. A comprehensive analysis of the geological and geophysical information made it possible to identify missed oil-saturated layers in low-permeable carbonates.
GEOLOGY, EXPLORATION AND EXPLOITATION OF OIL AND GAS RESOURCES
Methodology for Studying the Transit Zones (Using the Example of the Perm Krai)
Based on experience obtained in the Perm Krai and other regions of the Kama River basin, the paper examine the specifics of seismic exploration in transition zones, which are the shallow waters inaccessible to study using just a river or land-based survey alone. Successful seismic exploration in these zones relies on the use of a number of new technologies, including the explosive source placed in boreholes below the silt zone of the river bottom, and a system of compact equipment, and drilling rigs that enables exploration in ice-covered waters.
The Possibilities of Using the Large Language Models in Geology and Geophysics
The prerequisites for the emergence of the Large Language Models and their main features are considered. The highlighted main areas of application of large language models for geography and geophysics are as follows: analysis of geological and geophysical texts; data analysis and construction of multifactorial relationships; spatial modeling; generation of program code based on its description. The problems are largely related to the fact that large language models are at an early stage of development. The paper describes the prospects related to both improving the performance of electronics and finding the possible other directions in organization of data processing systems.