Geological expeditions and routes of M. Y. Lebedev: theoretical and practical results

Abstract

A set of geological expeditions and routes carried out by M. Y. Lebedev through- out his life was determined for the first time. The specified complex in the context of the set research purpose is analyzed. The purpose of the study is to identify and consider the main geological routes of expeditionary practice of the outstanding geologist M. Y. Lebedev and to generalize practically and theoretically the consequences of their implementation and its organizational activities in the field of geology. The study is based on a combination of theoretical provisions of geological research and the principles of application of the evidence base of historical and natural research. The main geological expeditions, in which M. Y. Lebedev took part, are studied and analyzed, their results are considered and generalized, and the organizational achievements of the scientist are clarified. It was found that the expeditionary practice gave Lebedev the opportunity to accumulate a complex of various geological materials, most of which were innovative. Each of these complexes became the basis for obtaining new theoretical results. The development and application of paleontological methods by M.Y. Lebedev were of particular importance. The method of stratigraphic paleontology developed by him allowed substantiating the new methodology of research of coal deposits of the Donetsk basin. The significance of Lebedev’s activity in the development of Azerbaijani oil production, in particular, the determination of the oil potential the Caspian Seabed near Baku, is pointed out. The cartographic activity of the scientist is described. The influence of M. Y. Lebedev on the formation of the geological service and higher geological education in Ukraine is estimated. The results of the study testified to the diversity of M.Y. Lebedev’s ex- peditionary practice and its role in his formation as a geologist of the European level; its significance in the development of theoretical and practical components of M.Y. Lebedev’s activity was determined, his formation as an organizer of geological research and higher geological education.