No abstract

To design holographic and impulse ground penetrating radar (GPR) sensors suitable for humanitarian de-mining in the Donbass (Ukraine) conflict zone, we measured critical electromagnetic parameters of typical local soils using simple methods that could be adapted to any geologic setting. Measurements were recorded along six profiles, each crossing at least two mapped soil types. The parameters selected to evaluate GPR and metal detector sensor performance were magnetic permeability, electrical conductivity, and dielectric permittivity. Magnetic permeability measurements indicated that local soils would be conducive to metal detector performance. Electrical conductivity measurements indicated that local soils would be medium to high loss materials for GPR. Calculation of the expected attenuation as a function of signal frequency suggested that 1 GHz may have optimized the trade-off between resolution and penetration and matched the impulse GPR system power budget. Dielectric permittivity was measured using both time domain reflectometry and impulse GPR. For the latter, a calibration procedure based on an in-situ measurement of reflection coefficient was proposed and the data were analyzed to show that soil conditions were suitable for the reliable use of impulse GPR. A distinct difference between the results of these two suggested a dry (low dielectric) soil surface, grading downward into more moist (higher dielectric) soils. This gradation may provide a matching layer to reduce ground surface reflections that often obscure shallow subsurface targets. In addition, the relatively high dielectric deeper (10 cm-20 cm) subsurface soils should provide a strong contrast with plastic-cased mines.

Abstract:The article reviews the scientific approaches to monitoring of soil condition on the soil protection agrolandscape. In 1980s, the contour-meliorative soil protection system was established on the selected fields in Ukraine. The objective of the current research was to determine the capabilities of satellite survey to identify the changes of soil cover that had occurred on these fields during the past 25 years. Soil erosion processes are very dynamic, therefore it is essential to use time-series of operative satellite images to track those changes. Rills on the fields, caused by water erosion, are clearly identified on high-resolution satellite data. Erosion causes the decrease of humus content, which affects soil reflection values. This in turn leads to a corresponding change of color shade on satellite images. The research allowed to determine correlation between remote sensing data and soil organic carbon content and to acquire a mathematical model which describes this correlation. The condition of the agrolandscape soils was assessed using the regression model, which helped to evaluate erosion risk for different areas of the test polygon. The visual interpretation of satellite imagery led to a conclusion about a damaging effect of erosion on protective forest belts and accordingly on fields' soil cover and crops. Visual analysis results were approved by field research. Photos taken during the field research indicate an unsatisfactory status of forest belts and a devastating effect of eroding water flows. These are the results of irresponsible land use and constant violation of methodical principles of the contour-meliorative system organization. The article concludes that the use of time-series of high-resolution satellite imagery allows monitoring the condition of soil protection agrolandscape, in particular the forest belts' status, soil cover conditions and their change over time. The research results can be used as an informational basis for the soil protection agrolandscape monitoring system.

No abstract

The paper concentrates on renovation of industrial territories, particularly topical in the Ukrainian cities. As a result of reduction in production there are large-scale decaying industrial areas with constructions, storage facilities and related infrastructure which stay off stream. Over the past few decades de-industrialization of big cities received wide publicity. In that context the necessity arises to carry out works related to renovation of industrial development, its adaptation to present-day conditions of city functioning and sustainable growth. The paper gives definitions to renovation and industrial and production area. Basic city-planning tasks in enhancement of industrial areas were determined. Outstanding problems, obstacles and motivational instruments when implementing projects related to renovation of industrial areas were studied. On the basis of analysis of global experience and study of central problems, which arise when recovering industrial areas, we have developed methods of renovation of industrial facilities located within the limits of the city.