Geophysicists from St Petersburg University to conduct mobile permafrost sounding in Yamal

Permafrost regions cover about 25% of the Earth’s surface and play an important role in the global carbon cycle. The recent trend of global warming is leading to a decrease in the thickness of permafrost and favours the dissolution of greenhouse gases (methane and carbon dioxide) in the atmosphere. 

Studying the state of these rocks is particularly important for the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug, where significant mineral reserves are concentrated. The operation of enterprises involved in mineral extraction, as well as intensive construction of infrastructure for northern seaports, motorways, bridges, oil and gas pipelines, affect fragile and environmentally sensitive cryolithozone systems. 

Scientists from St Petersburg University have been awarded a grant worth 5,000,000 roubles, which will enable them to create a unique mobile system of radio magnetotelluric soundings with a new controlled source for studying the cryolithozone (the upper layer of the Earth’s crust characterised by the negative temperature of rocks and soils) in Yamal.

The development will provide an effective tool for year-round monitoring of phenomena and processes that significantly affect the life of the population and the operation of enterprises in the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug.

Aleksandr Saraev, Principal Investigator of the project, Associate Professor in the Department of Geophysics at St Petersburg University

"The mobile measuring system that will be created at the University will make it possible to effectively assess the state of frozen layers and conduct operational monitoring of permafrost degradation that occurs during climatic changes and under the influence of anthropogenic factors," explained Aleksandr Saraev, Principal Investigator of the project, Associate Professor in the Department of Geophysics at St Petersburg University. 

The frequency range of the method will make it possible to study the section in the depth interval from one to 100-150 metres. As the authors of the study note, the depth of 5 to 15 metres is considered the most problematic for AC-based sensing methods (e.g. georadiolocation or the transient method), but with the help of the development of the geophysicists from St Petersburg University, the research can be easily carried out. The method being developed by the scientists from St Petersburg University is unique in that it can be used all year round, including in winter when there is snow and ice.

The scientists from St Petersburg are involved in permafrost research in many regions of the world, including the Russian Arctic. For example, they have recently simulated scenarios for the possible occurrence of taliks — layers of year-round unfrozen ground that lies in permafrost areas — in the Larsemann Hills, Princess Elisabeth Land, East Antarctica. 

The study of these layers will allow a more accurate prediction of possible changes in permafrost structure. 

Additionally, St Petersburg University heads the list of research organisations in Russia in the number of publications in Scopus-indexed journals on subjects related to the green transition.

Additionally, the scientists from St Petersburg University plan to develop the world’s first mobile source-controlled radio magnetotelluric sounding system with towed, ungrounded generator and receiver lines, designed for the exploration and monitoring of large areas and for rapid overview surveys. A software package will also be developed for the rapid interpretation of large amounts of mobile data acquired during surveys. 

According to Aleksandr Saraev, Principal Investigator of the project, Associate Professor in the Department of Geophysics at St Petersburg University, the method will solve a number of tasks relevant to the region’s economic development: studying the structure and properties of permafrost; monitoring permafrost degradation; identifying weakened zones to reduce risks during construction; and others. 

The results will be implemented at: the Sem Listvennits Carbon Polygon; the Bovanenkovo gas field in the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug; and the Baydara Polygon on the Ural shore of the Baydaratskaya Bay at the intersection of the Bovanenkovo — Ukhta gas pipeline.

St Petersburg University, the oldest university in Russia, was founded on 28 January (8 February) 1724. This is the day when Peter the Great issued a decree establishing the University and the Russian Academy of Sciences. Today, St Petersburg University is an internationally recognised centre for education, research and culture. In 2024, St Petersburg University celebrates its 300th anniversary. 

The plan of events during the celebration of the anniversary of the University was approved at the meeting of the Organising Committee for the celebration of St Petersburg University’s 300th anniversary. The meeting was chaired by Dmitry Chernyshenko, Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation. Among the events are: the naming of a minor planet in honour of St Petersburg University; the issuance of bank cards with a special design; and the branding of the aircraft of the Rossiya Airlines to name just a few. To mark the 300th anniversary of St Petersburg University, a postage stamp depicting the Twelve Collegia building and the monument to Count Sergey Uvarov was issued. 

By the decision of the Governor of St Petersburg Alexander Beglov, 2024 is a year of the 300th anniversary of St Petersburg University in St Petersburg. On the day of the University’s 300th anniversary torches were lit on the Rostral Columns on the Spit of Vasilyevsky Island. St Petersburg University flags were raised on the Palace Bridge. The city public transport was decorated with the University’s symbols. New tourist maps will feature the locations of the University buildings, with thematic and historical materials about the University placed nearby. During St Petersburg’s City Day celebrations in May 2024, St Petersburg University will be a participating venue. The traditional ‘Scarlet Sails Festival’ will also be dedicated to the anniversaries of St Petersburg University and the Russian Academy of Sciences. Additionally, the University has launched a website dedicated to the upcoming holiday. The website contains information about outstanding University staff, students, and alumni; scientific achievements; and details of events held as part of the celebration of the 300th anniversary of the University.