Relevance. Engineering-geological surveys are an integral part of mining operations for various purposes. The quality of soil core sampling has an important impact on the results of engineering geological surveys. At the same time, obtaining a frozen rock core is complicated by an increase in the bottomhole zone temperature, which arises as a result of drilling. As the temperature rises, the physical and mechanical properties of frozen soils change, which leads to a transformation of the mechanism of their destruction and an increase in the likelihood of drilling emergencies. A core obtained under conditions of rising temperature does not allow for a reliably accurate assessment of the properties and structure of soils in their natural conditions. Therefore, there is a need to develop technological and technical means that help maintain the temperature regime of a rock mass under mechanical effect on it. The analysis of the conditions of core drilling in frozen rocks showed that, along with technological reasons, the design of the rock-cutting tool affects the increase in bottom-hole temperature. The article reveals the dependence of the temperature change at well bottom when drilling on the design features of the core rock-cutting tool. Aim. To study the impact of the design features of a drilling core tool on the nature of destruction of frozen soils, represented by loose sedimentary rocks as the most susceptible to changes in physical and mechanical properties with increasing temperature. The study was based on frozen soils that make up the of Yakutia, a large industrial region that requires frequent geotechnical surveys for its development. Objects. Core drilling tool design, mechanism of frozen rocks destruction, conditions for core sampling in frozen soils. Methods. Analytical method, experimental method, production test method. Results. The authors have determined the main directions for the development of core tools for high-quality core sampling in frozen soils. They derived the dependence of the magnitude of the temperature increase at well bottom on the orientation and size of the cutters reinforcing the rock-cutting tool.

As terrestrial resources and energy become increasingly scarce and advancements in deep space exploration technology progress, numerous countries have initiated plans for deep space missions targeting celestial bodies such as the Moon, Mars, and asteroids. Securing a leading position in deep space exploration technology is critical, and ensuring the successful completion of these missions is of paramount importance. This paper reviews the timelines, objectives, and associated geotechnical and engineering challenges of recent deep space exploration missions from various countries. Extraterrestrial geotechnical materials exist in unique environments characterized by special gravity, temperature, radiation, and atmospheric conditions, and are subject to disturbances such as meteoroid impacts. These factors contribute to significant differences from terrestrial geotechnical materials. Based on a thorough literature review, this paper investigates the transformation of geomechanical properties of extraterrestrial geological materials due to the distinctive environmental conditions, referred to as the four unique characteristics and one disturbance, and their distinct formation processes. Considering current deep space mission plans, the paper summarizes the geotechnical challenges and research advancements addressing specific mission requirements. These include unmanned exploration and in-situ mechanical testing, construction of extreme environment test platforms, the mechanical properties of geotechnical materials under extreme conditions, the interaction between engineering equipment and geotechnical materials, and the in-situ utilization of extraterrestrial geotechnical resources. The goal is to support the successful execution of China's deep space exploration missions and to promote the development of geomechanics towards extraterrestrial geomechanics.

The areas covered by permafrost in the polar regions are vulnerable to rapid changes in the current climate. The well-studied near-surface active layer and permafrost zone are in contrast to the unknown exact shape of the bottom permafrost boundary. Therefore, the entire shape of permafrost between the upper and lower boundaries is not identified with sufficient accuracy. Since most of the factors affecting deep cryotic structures are subsurface in nature, their evolution in deeper layers is also relatively unclear. Here, we propose a hypothesis based on the results of geophysical studies regarding the shape of the permafrost in the coastal area of Svalbard, Southern Spitsbergen. In the article, we emphasize the importance of recognizing not only the uppermost active layer but also the bottom boundary of permafrost along with its transition zone, due to the underestimated potential role of its continuity in observing climate change. The lower permafrost boundary is estimated to range from 70 m below the surface in areas close to the shore to 180 m inland, while a continuous layer of an entirely frozen matrix can be identified with a thickness between 40 m and 100 m. We also hypothesized the presence of the possible subsea permafrost in the Hornsund. The influence of seawater intrusions, isostatic uplift of deglaciated areas, and surface-related processes that affect permafrost evolution may lead to extensive changes in the hy-drology and geology of the polar regions in the future. For all these reasons, monitoring, geophysical imaging and understanding the characteristics and evolution of deep permafrost structures requires global attention and scientific efforts.

Background: an assessment of the environmental consequences of military actions was carried out from the perspective of the challenge to the peace formula. Methods: the information base of the research was the official resource of the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources of Ukraine EkoZahroza and the materials of the State Environmental Inspectorate of the Polissia District regarding the calculations of the amount of damage caused by military actions. Results: it was determined that as of the 526th day of the military invasion (September 3, 2023), 34,119 units of Russian equipment caused the emission of 61,417 tons of pollutants into the atmosphere, the generation of 596,316 tons of waste, the spillage of oil products- 1,241 tons into the soil and 7 tons into the water. caused damage to the environment in the amount of 260.77 million UAH. The conducted surveys established that 93.8% of the surveyed schoolchildren and 100% of higher education students consider military actions on the territory of our state to be environmental crimes, among the components of the environment that suffer the most from military actions are soil and land resources and forest ecosystems. Conclusions: compared to the 127th day of the military invasion, the amount of destroyed military equipment increased by 6.9 times, emissions by 3.8 times, and waste by 6 times; losses- 3.8 times. There is an obvious need to assess all environmental risks caused by military actions, to apply an effective mechanism for compensation for damages and restoration of ecosystems. The optimistic attitude of the younger generation and youth regarding the possibility of improving the environmental situation in Ukraine after the end of military actions was noted. Measures to improve the state of the environment that were proposed by students testify to their environmental awareness and interest in environmental restoration, as well as the qualified training of ecologists by scientific and pedagogical workers.

Tree root systems are crucial for providing structural support and stability to trees. However, in urban environments, they can pose challenges due to potential conflicts with the foundations of roads and infrastructure, leading to significant damage. Therefore, there is a pressing need to investigate the subsurface tree root system architecture (RSA). Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) has emerged as a powerful tool for this purpose, offering high-resolution and nondestructive testing (NDT) capabilities. One of the primary challenges in enhancing GPR's ability to detect roots lies in accurately reconstructing the 3-D structure of complex RSAs. This challenge is exacerbated by subsurface heterogeneity and intricate interlacement of root branches, which can result in erroneous stacking of 2-D root points during 3-D reconstruction. This study introduces a novel approach using our developed wheel-based dual-polarized GPR system capable of capturing four polarimetric scattering parameters at each scan point through automated zigzag movements. A dedicated radar signal processing framework analyzes these dual-polarized signals to extract essential root parameters. These parameters are then used in an optimized slice relation clustering (OSRC) algorithm, specifically designed for improving the reconstruction of complex RSA. The efficacy of integrating root parameters derived from dual-polarized GPR signals into the OSRC algorithm is initially evaluated through simulations to assess its capability in RSA reconstruction. Subsequently, the GPR system and processing methodology are validated under real-world conditions using natural Angsana tree root systems. The findings demonstrate a promising methodology for enhancing the accurate reconstruction of intricate 3-D tree RSA structures.

Problem Statement. . The necessity to review, revise, and supplement existing building regulations in the field of engineering surveys and design is driven by the increasing significance of hydrogeological research. This is in response to the growing trend of urban development on territories (mainly within urban agglomerations) that were previously considered unsuitable for construction due to adverse engineering-geological conditions. The issue becomes particularly relevant against the backdrop of Russia's armed military aggression against Ukraine, which necessitates deeper underground space utilization to construct reliable shelters for protecting civilians from missile and bomb attacks. Under these conditions, new and stricter requirements arise for the content and quality of engineering surveys, design solutions, as well as for measures related to the engineering preparation and protection of territories and individual objects from hazardous geological processes. The aim of this study is to highlight the significance and objectives of engineering-hydrogeological surveys in construction and to propose recommendations for improving the state of survey and design activities in the context of large-scale reconstruction in Ukraine. Research Methodology. . The research involves the systematization and generalization of both domestic and international experience in conducting engineering-geological surveys for construction. Special attention is paid to identifying areas where hydrogeological studies should be prioritized. To formulate requirements and suggestions for improving the regulatory framework in the field of engineering surveys and design, the study analyzes various manifestations of flooding processes. Additionally, the impact of groundwater in various physical states on the strength and deformation properties of soils, as well as the initiation and intensification of hazardous engineering-geological processes, is investigated. Results. The study presents the scientific foundations for improving the regulatory framework in the field of engineering surveys for construction, according to modern requirements. Special emphasis is placed on enhancing the role of hydrogeological research in deepening underground space utilization within urban agglomerations. It is noted that with the expansion of the interaction sphere between projected structures and the geological environment, the influence of groundwater on engineering-geological conditions intensifies, leading to a deterioration in the properties of specific soils and the activation of engineering-geological processes. Scientific Novelty. For the first time, a theoretical justification is provided for the concept of mandatory inclusion of hydrogeological studies in the scope of engineering-geological surveys, even in cases where groundwater is absent within the interaction sphere of the designed structure and the geological environment. Based on the study and systematization of flooding processes, the stages of predicting changes in engineering-hydrogeological conditions have been improved. Practical Significance. The theoretical findings can be used to enhance the regulatory framework in the field of engineering surveys, particularly for developing requirements regarding the content and quality of hydrogeological research. This will improve the reliability of designed buildings and structures while also reducing the risks of hazardous engineering-geological processes emerging or intensifying.