Mapping the Future: BelSU’s Applied Geology Students Complete Hands-On Training

First-year students enrolled in the “Applied Geology” and “Mining” programs at Belgorod National Research University (BelSU) embarked on an immersive study of the geological structure of the Belgorod Region through various field routes. Under the guidance of Associate Professor Alexander Ovchinnikov and Senior Lecturer German Yurchenko from the BelSU Department of Applied Geology and Mining, the students travelled by train from Belgorod to Crimea, specifically to the training base of Sergo Ordzhonikidze Russian State University for Geological Prospecting (MGRI) located in the village of Prokhladnoye in the Bakhchisarai District. This unique geological area of the Crimea offers exceptional opportunities for teaching students about geological surveys.

During the first three weeks at the training ground, students explored 15 geological routes, including an off-site excursion to Mount Ayu-Dag. The results of their fieldwork culminated in a geological map of the eastern part of the Bakhchisaray region at a scale of 1:25,000. Additionally, they compiled a collection of over 300 specimens representing various types of rocks, minerals, and fossils.

At the conclusion of the field period, students participated in an intermediate assessment and the Field Materials Defence. They received grades based on their geological collections, personal field diaries, and geological maps, as well as their theoretical knowledge acquired during the three-week training.

Following the assessment, students transitioned to the office stage of their practical training. Here, they learned to compile stratigraphic columns and geological sections, describe the geological structure of the area, analyse tectonic structures, and identify aquifers and groundwater sources. They also studied the historical geological development of the territory and documented mineral characteristics and deposit development systems.

The culmination of their internship was a comprehensive team report exceeding 130 pages, complete with graphic appendices, which they presented for preliminary defence before a panel of instructors.