INRTU and China University of Geosciences (Beijing) Host Summer School on the Shores of Baikal
The “Geology of the Olkhon Region as a Reflection of the Interrelation and Interdependence of Endogenous and Exogenous Processes” educational intensive was co-hosted by INRTU and China University of Geosciences, Beijing (CUGB). This unique summer school, running fr om August 12th to 24th, took students on a hands-on expedition across some of Baikal's most significant geological sites. The journey began at the Chernorud training base in the Olkhon district, and then continued in other parts of the Baikal Rift Zone - at geological sites near the settlements of Arshan and Listvyanka.
The geoscience summer school was attended by 20 students and three teachers fr om CUGB. The event was guided by INRTU's International Office, while Prof. Raisa Lobatskaya, Head of the Department of Jewelry Design and Technology, School of Subsurface Resource Management, provided the scientific vision and leadership throughout the project.
The program's curriculum had the students deciphering the secrets of the Baikal Rift Zone's geology across more than two dozen unique sites. Their journey into deep time started with the Precambrian structures of the foundation, an ancient continent collision zone (a suture) over 550 million years old, characterized by intricate folds and faults. The research then shifted to active Cenozoic rift structures and the powerful tectonic processes driving them, which occur wh ere the Earth's lithospheric plates are diverging.
At specific geological sites the students collected samples to determine the absolute age and chemical composition of rocks fr om different periods, created sketches, took photographs, and wrote detailed descriptions. But most importantly, they mastered the methodology for the comparative analysis of endogenous and exogenous processes and their mutual influence.
The partnership between INRTU and Chinese universities in geological field studies has a rich history, dating all the way back to 2002. China University of Geosciences was the first partner in this long-standing initiative.
Prof. Raisa Lobatskaya pointed out that the Baikal Rift Zone in general, and the Olkhon area (Priolkhonie) in particular, holds a unique fascination for geologists:
"Priolkhonie is one of a kind. It's an open-air museum wh ere complex geological structures and their interactions are laid out with the perfect clarity of a structural geology textbook. Globally, only a sel ect few locations offer such a transparent view into geological processes."
Following the summer school, the Chinese students compiled a comprehensive field practice report and delivered four highly professional presentations for their public defense.
"The students' reports reflected different aspects of their understanding of the endogenous and exogenous processes of the Olkhon region and the Baikal Rift Zone as a whole. All participants successfully completed their assigned tasks and presented worthy papers, which will be refined and published in China. Another field practice with students fr om our Chinese partner university is an undoubted success in the university's international activities," the professor noted.
Field research experience and knowledge sharing forge stronger academic bonds between students and professors, paving the way for future collaborative projects and breakthrough discoveries.
Photo courtesy of Raisa Lobatskaya
