Understanding the mechanisms responsible for the origin, evolution, and failure of pingos with explosive gas emissions and the formation of craters in the Arctic permafrost requires comprehensive studies in the context of fluid dynamic processes. Properly choosing modeling methods for the joint interpretation of geophysical results and analytical data on core samples from suitable sites are prerequisites for predicting pending pingo failure hazards. We suggest an optimal theoretically grounded workflow for such studies, in a site where pingo collapse induced gas blowout and crater formation in the Yamal Peninsula. The site was chosen with reference to the classification of periglacial landforms and their relation to the local deformation pattern, according to deciphered satellite images and reconnaissance geophysical surveys. The deciphered satellite images and combined geophysical data from the site reveal a pattern of periglacial landforms matching the structural framework with uplifted stable permafrost blocks (polygons) bounded by eroded fractured zones (lineaments). Greater percentages of landforms associated with permafrost degradation fall within the lineaments. Resistivity anomalies beneath pingo-like mounds presumably trace deeply rooted fluid conduits. This distribution can be explained in terms of fluid dynamics. N–E and W–E faults, and especially their junctions with N–W structures, are potentially the most widely open conduits for gas and water which migrate into shallow sediments in the modern stress field of N–S (or rather NEN) extension and cause a warming effect on permafrost. The results obtained with a new workflow and joint interpretation of remote sensing, geophysical, and analytical data from the site of explosive gas emission in the Yamal Peninsula confirm the advantages of the suggested approach and its applicability for future integrated fluid dynamics research.

The article reviews the experience of aerial surveys using a quadcopter DJI Inspire 1 PRO (unmanned aerial vehicle, UAV) for solving problems of engineering geodynamics. It describes the application of photogrammetry to estimate quantitative parameters of the studied objects, the experience of using UAVs to study flood processes in the Tunka valley (Russia) and erosion structures in the Ulaanbaatar agglomeration (Mongolia). The first UAV‐acquired data on debris flow alluvial fans and elementary drainage basins of erosion structures are presented. The ranges of UAV flight heights were 100–150 m and 1–30 m for local and detailed aerial photography surveys, respectively. Local surveys covered relatively large objects – debris flow alluvial fans and drainage basins. Detailed aerial photography aimed to investigate the granulometric compositions of debris flow deposits and to construct transverse profiles of erosion structures. Processed aerial photos provided a basis for a schematic map showing the distribution of accumu‐ lated debris flow deposits. The granulometric compositions of coarse fractions in the debris flow deposits were de‐ termined. Based on the survey results, 3D models of the fragments of the erosion structures and their cross‐sections were constructed.

The influence of anthropogenic and natural factors in the trends and mechanisms of development at various topological levels is determined based on relevant information on the structure and dynamics of fluvial systems in the south of Eastern Siberia in various geodynamic settings. This article considers the current spatial and temporal dynamics of the hydrological conditions of the vast territory of the Angara River and its influence on channel deformations and the manifestation of dangerous processes. An analysis of fluctuations in the maximum runoff using differential integral curves resulted in the identification of six periods of water content according to the maximum annual discharges for the period spanning from the beginning of observations to 2020 for the rivers under consideration. The dynamics and intensity of manifestation of hydrological and geological hazardous processes are demonstrated using a series of studies conducted under various geodynamic conditions. Catastrophic floods brought on by enhanced cyclonic activity are accompanied by the destruction of the bank. The highest rate of bank erosion in the plains is 1.5 to 2 m per year, and for rivers in mountains and piedmonts it is 2 to 6 m per year. An analysis of the dynamics of the development of floodplain–channel complexes in the Upper Angara region makes it possible to distinguish two zones of actively developing floodplain–channel complexes: piedmont and estuarine, separated by a relatively stable plain zone.

The study area is located in the Ulaanbaatar basin and is characterized by complicated environmental conditions determined by the peculiarities of an extremely continental climate with high rainfall intensity, a structural–tectonic pattern, the geological structure of the Ulaanbaatar intermountain depression, high seismic activity reaching 8 points, and the occurrence of catastrophic flash floods. In the conditions of rapid urban expansion, the high population density and housing development of Ulaanbaatar, and the implementation of large investment projects, it is an urgent task to assess the exogeodynamic hazard of the Ulaanbaatar catchment basin and develop the concept of geoecological safety of the territory. These methods and approaches consist of combining a complex of methods of engineering geology and geomorphology: monitoring the dynamics of exogenous processes; environmental assessment; the analysis of development factors (climatic, geomorphologic, tectonic, and lithological) and interaction of processes; laboratory methods of analyzing the composition, structure, and properties of soils; a detailed morphometric analysis of catchment areas; and the application of the basin approach. Based on the analysis of topographic maps on a scale of 1 : 50 000 and of digital relief models in GIS programs, the parameters of the drainage network of the catchment areas and of energy and basin geometry were calculated and reflected on map layers, and specialized maps were compiled. A detailed assessment of erosion-prone soils (composition, structure, and specific properties) revealed a moderate resistance of sediments to geodynamic impacts. As a result, maps of flood hazard of catchments under different rainfalls—short intensive heavy rainfalls and long-term rains—were compiled. The elaborated concept of geoecological safety of territories includes successive stages of works aimed at (a) identifying the exogeodynamic hazard, (b) the organization and implementation of monitoring works, (c) assessing geoecological safety with respect to hazardous exogenous geological processes, and (d) the development of recommendations for further use and specification of information.