In the course of seasonal work of the 70th Russian Antarctic expedition (RAE) in 2024-2025, as part of the field geological and geophysical studies by researchers of Empress Catherine II Saint Petersburg Mining University on the Broknes Peninsula (Larsemann Hills, East Antarctica), areal ground magnetic survey was accomplished at 1:10,000 scale. The study area is characterized by a high exposure degree of Cambrian and Precambrian rocks with localization in certain parts of magnetite-bearing complexes. The work included experimental and methodological research, surveying in two modes (discrete and continuous) with data quality control as well as subsequent processing and initial interpretation of the results. A detailed map of the total magnetic intensity covering an area of 17.5 km2 and maps of the field transformations – vertical derivative, absolute horizontal gradient, etc., were compiled. Qualitative interpretation allowed identifying morphologically homogeneous zones in the study area characterized by different features of anomalous magnetic field. Results of the studies will be used in future for geological interpretation of anomalies and compilation of the structural tectonic map of the region.

The article analyses the results of geophysical studies of rift structures in East Antarctic, direct geological surveying of which is impossible due to a thick ice sheet. A model is proposed for the formation of Lake Vostok depression suggesting its emplacement within the regional transtensional zone. The Lake basin includes the southern longitudinal graben forming along the main shear and the northwestern basin, which is estimated as a pull-apart structure. Based on results of the gravity and magnetic field interpretation proposed in the article, the identification and parameters of the interblock suture zone in the basement of the coastal part of the subglacial Lake Vostok are substantiated. Similarities in the structure of the Earth’s crust of regional and local structures containing Lakes Vostok and Baikal have been recorded for a large number of features: spatial correlation with position of regional shear zones; geniculate morphology of lake basins composed of linear longitudinal depressions parallel to direction of the shear zone and depressions controlled by diagonal fault displacements; relief of adjacent structures; steepness of coasts; high seismicity with earthquakes localized along the main axes of fault displacements as well as the Earth’s crust structure of geostructures controlling these basins. The formation model of rift structures of East Antarctic localized along subparallel shear zones is presented. To explain the geodynamic nature of rift systems, the model of the upper mantle convective cell is used. The Vostok, Scott, Aurora, Concordia, Adventure, Wilkes, and Astrolabe depressions form an extensive tectonic zone approximately 2,000 km long and 1,500 km wide. Tectonic schemes showing localization of the East Antarctic rift system as well as depressions of the Mesozoic West Transbaikal rift area and the Cenozoic Baikal-Stanovoi rift zone are presented.

The article presents the findings from research conducted at Vostok Station during the 69th Russian Antarctic expedition. The primary goal of the research is to perform a thorough investigation of the snow-firn layer using both direct (drilling and core analysis) and indirect (georadiolocation and seismic exploration) methods. As part of the research, fundamental tasks related to the study of the structure and dynamics of the upper part of the ice sheet were addressed, as well as applied tasks aimed at justifying the depth of explosive charge placement for seismic work with the goal of conducting a detailed study of Lake Vostok and selecting the point for drilling access to the lake. Data on the microstructure and physical properties of the snow-firn layer were collected. The findings will allow for future improvements to the firn densification model, which is required to understand the evolution of ice grains during the early stages of metamorphism. The study's findings aided in the understanding of the structural features of the ice sheet's surface layer, allowing for more precise determination of the structural and physical characteristics of the snow-firn layer and ice, potentially leading to a better understanding of climatic and geological processes in Antarctica.

The article presents the results of comprehensive studies carried out by the research team of Saint Petersburg Mining University in cooperation with the specialists from the State Museum-Preserve "Tauric Chersonese" in 2019. The purpose of the work was to discover and map antique and medieval crypts (ancient burial structures) on the territory of suburban necropolis of Tauric Chersonese in the Karantinnaya balka. The complex of geophysical methods included continuous ground penetrating radar sounding at two center frequencies of 350 and 500 MHz and contactless electrical tomography. To minimize spatial errors in the process of studies, topographic and geodetic works were carried out. For the first time wave electromagnetic effects were identified, which indicated the positions of hidden underground crypts. Geological factors were established that are favorable for cutting crypts in the layered thickness of Sarmatian limestones. The obtained results allowed to justify the feasibility of continuing geophysical works at the necropolis in order to study interior space of the discovered crypts and to determine the boundaries of archaeological heritage.