R. K. Temirbayeva

The article presents the results of field research conducted in 2024-2025 in the Mangystau region with the aim of a comprehensive instrumental assessment of the current state of 20 key karst origin tourist sites characterized by high attendance and scientific and cultural value. The methodological basis included a synthesis of precise geodetic measurements using South Galaxy G9 Trimble GNSS receiver, remote sensing using Autel Evo II RTK V3 UAV, terrestrial laser scanning – RIEGL VZ-4000, a set of geophysical methods: electrical resistivity tomography (SKALA-48 system) and ground-penetrating radar sounding (Zond Aero LF, GPR Mala ProEX System). As a result, a set of spatial data was created for each studied site, including high-resolution orthophotomaps (1.86-5.73 cm/pix), digital elevation and terrain models, textured 3D models, and geophysical sections revealing the features of the subsurface structure. The obtained data allowed us to document the morphometry and spatial location of the objects and identify a number of important patterns, such as the presence of suspected karst cavities at depths of 10-40 meters beneath the Baskaragan and Otebay caves, and zones of anomalous electrical resistance due to rock decompression on the slopes of the Tamshyly and Saura valleys. This study makes a significant contribution to the development of methodology for studying karst processes in arid conditions and forms the basis for the sustainable management of geotourism resources in the Mangystau region.

This paper presents an integrated approach to the mapping and structural-tectonic interpretation of lineaments in the Mangystau region using multispectral Landsat-8 OLI data and the medium-resolution Airbus WorldDEM4Ortho digital elevation model. Automatic extraction of linear structures has enabled the identification of over 35,000 lineaments of varying length and orientation, forming a network of intersecting zones that influence the distribution of sedimentary thicknesses, drainage directions, and the location of karst-suffosion depressions. The most prominent are the north-western and sub-latitudinal systems, closely correlated with zones of fracturing and faults, which confirms their tectonic origin. The spatial concentration of lineaments coincides with areas of increased permeability in carbonate and gypsum-bearing rocks and localizes the pathways of groundwater circulation, contributing to the development of karst-suffosion processes. The obtained results demonstrate the significance of structural influences on the region’s current geomorphological and hydrogeological conditions and also have practical importance for engineering-geological surveys, the assessment of geological risks, and the planning of sustainable land use.

The article presents the results of the functional zoning of the delta of transboundary river Syr Darya, which is located in an ecological disaster zone and is the only watercourse in modern conditions that supplies the remained part of Aral Sea. Under the conditions of global climate change, the territories of river deltas in arid regions are subject to active degradation processes, which are associated both with decrease of their water content and increase of anthropogenic impact. To determine the current condition of Syr Darya river delta landscapes, a component-by-component analysis of its main components was carried out. Based on the assessment of use of delta natural resource potential, the degradation processes associated with the types and intensity of anthropogenic impact in the conditions of arid climate were identified. The conducted studies formed the basis for the functional zoning of the territory of Syr Darya river delta, which is a spatial planning of sustainable land use and landscapes preservation. The developed scheme of functional zoning of Syr Darya River delta allowed to propose a number of measures with allocation of landscapes recommended for conservation, restoration, or sustainable use by the certain type of land use with the minimization of degradation processes.