IGCP 727 Geological heritage – sustainable management of geological hazards and water resources in transboundary region of Kyrgyzstan
The Tian-Shan Geological Society, together with the Academy of Sciences of Kyrgyzstan, in August-September 2021, is organizing a paleontological expedition to the future UNESCO Geopark “Madygen”. We hope that international cooperation will be the basis for good results that will contribute to achieving the status of a UNESCO Global Geopark. In this regard, we invite interested researchers to take part in a paleontological expedition to the southwestern Tian-Shan. The expedition is scheduled from August 13 to September 01, 2021. For those wishing to leave earlier, transport will be provided to the airport in the Osh city, on August 25-26.
Expedition organizers: Tien-Shan Geological Society and Institute of Geology of the National Academy of Sciences of Kyrgyzstan .
Dates are subject to change.
Research of the Mesozoic fauna and flora of Madigen.
The Madigen Mountains are located in the southwestern Tian-Shan of Kyrgyzstan. These unique places are still untouched by tourists.
Madygen is known in the scientific literature as a unique stratotype area with the distribution of Triassic geological layers containing various paleo-fauna. It is an area with an extensive distribution of the Mesozoic complex of continental deposits, creating unique geological landscapes. Madygen is a striking and classic example of the Mesozoic (MZ) era on the Eurasian continent. This area is known in the world paleontological science as an area with rare representative forms of fossils. Single specimens of many species of paleo-fauna and paleo-flora were found here, which made it possible to reconstruct paleogeographic and geological events over millions of years. The paleontological findings of Madigen have become outstanding discoveries of scientists.
The mountains of Madigen are striking in their beauty! Madygen is an outstanding aesthetic landscape that must be preserved for future generations and science. These landscapes are intended for the aesthetic enjoyment of nature. These fantastic landforms attract many tourists from around the world.
The most common representatives of the fossil fauna in Madigen are bivalve mollusks of the Bivalvia class. Fossilized shells are made up of powerful geological layers. The large thickness of these formations indicates their mass extinction in different periods of the Mesozoic era.
The world fame for this area was brought by unique and single in world practice, paleontological finds. For example: Sharovipteryx mirabilis – lived during the Triassic period 242-227 million years ago. One of two species in the Sharovipterygidae family and the only one of its kind Sharovipteryx. He is known for the only fossil found in the Madygen tract, so it is assumed that he lived in the territory of modern Central Asia.
Some rare species of fossil fauna of Madigen
The vicinity of Madygen is a territory where Paleozoic (Silurian, Devonian, Permian periods) and Mesozoic geological layers (Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous) are common in a relatively small area. The structural geological structure is also striking in its diversity.
This area is of global importance, which describes a long period of geological history. Currently, Kyrgyz scientists and officials are working to make this area a UNESCO Geopark.
In this regard, we invite paleontologists and geologists to take part in an expedition to the south-west of Kyrgyzstan in order to study the paleontology and geological history of Madygen.
In addition to unique geological formations, there is also a canyon formed in Devonian limestones. The canyon contains a variety of evidence reflecting the tectonic evolution of the region. For example, sediments in the form of outliers at different heights of the vertical canyon walls, marking the level of the basis of erosion. There is also the ancient Kani-Gut cave mine and metallurgical complexes, in which ore was extracted for the production of coins on the Great Silk Road. There are amazingly beautiful geological landscapes that can confidently claim the status of a UNESCO Geopark.
Despite previous studies, the Mesozoic layers of Madygen remain unexplored for the creation of a Geopark. For this, it is necessary to study and systematize the objects of the geological heritage, to carry out the reconstruction of the geological history. It is necessary to carry out stratigraphic studies.
In addition, we plan to study the most representative objects of the geological heritage to show them to tourists, develop infrastructural and technical solutions in order to preserve the objects of the geological and cultural heritage.
In this regard, we invite scientific centers, experts, associations, institutes and universities, as well as other interested organizations for cooperation.
We look forward to the help of international organizations, sponsors and international donors.
We hope to use modern research methods
The main goals of the expedition:
- – Stratigraphic research,
– Research of fossils,
– Research of the geological structure,
– Reconstruction of geological history,
– Systematization of objects of geological heritage,
– Assessment of the region as a potential Geopark,
– Geological reconstruction,
– Systematization, description of fossils and minerals to create a museum exhibition,
– Reconstruction of paleoclimatic conditions, etc.
We invite everyone to take part in the expedition from August 13 to September 01, 2021. The expeditionary field camp will operate until September 01, 2021. Those interested can leave earlier than August 25-26. Transportation to Osh city will be provided for them. To conduct official research, our organization has received all the necessary permits. We are planning to organize a field camp in the Madigen tract – an oasis in the arid badlands
Madygen is an excellent natural testing ground for collaboration of scientists from different countries. This is an excellent opportunity for students to practice together with renowned scientists to study geology, structural geology, historical geology, paleontology, stratigraphy and other areas.
We also invite to the expedition, archaeologists, historians and biologists.
Those wishing to participate in the expedition can write to the address: info@geotianshan.org
Photos of the unique landscapes of Madigen
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
SERVICE
- Anyone, scientists and students can take part in the expedition.
Tien-Shan Geological Society will provide the necessary equipment for field work and field camp:
Large tent for the kitchen,
Large tent for the dining room,
Large tents for field labs
Individual tents for each participant,
Field tables and chairs,
Dishes for the kitchen, individual dishes,
Power supply – generator,
Field toilets,
Field shower,
Radio stations,
Satellite phone,
Packaging material and containers for fossils of fauna and flora (to be discussed with each participant),
Tool for working with geological sections: Shant tool, brushes, etc.,
Consumables, etc.
LOGISTICS
Auto transport
For the expedition, we plan to use a Mercedes Sprinter mini bus for 15 passengers. We plan to take a second Mercedes car to transport luggage, equipment and food.
These are 4WD cars. The place where the expedition is planned is a foothill zone with absolute heights of 900-1600 m. But there are good roads
All participants will be met at the airport. There are 2 options for arriving in Kyrgyzstan – to the airport in Bishkek or to the airport in Osh.
In any case, cars will start from Bishkek city. The road to the city of Osh will take 1 day. The path from Bishkek to Osh lies through the mountain ranges and valleys of the Tien-Shan. We will overcome passes up to 3300 m above sea level.
Hotels
If you want to come to Bishkek, then we can offer you the most convenient hotel where all participants will stay. But, you can also book any hotel yourself. The hotel is planning to hold a briefing and presentation of the expedition program.
If you are planning to arrive in Osh (a city in the south of Kyrgyzstan), we can book a room for you in a guest house, where we plan to stay for 1 day to replenish food and materials.
Food and nutrition
The expedition will be staffed by a chef with good field trip experience.
Three meals a day are provided, as well as products for field radial trips and hikes. The organizers also provide field equipment for temporary field camps if the research area is located far from the base camp. Also, meals are provided for vegetarians.
Visas and permits
Kyrgyzstan is a developing country, where a visa-free regime is valid for more than 60 countries. Also, a visa in a simplified manner can be obtained by citizens from more than 65 countries https://mfa.gov.kg/en/osnovnoe-menyu/konsulskie-uslugi/konsulskie-vizovye-voprosy/izovye-i-bezvizovye-rezhimy
To participate in the expedition, our organization receives all the necessary permits for conducting legal research, as well as a pass to the border zone for each participant.
The terms of participation
The organizers of the expedition hope that they will receive the support of sponsors.
The size of the payment covers all specified service costs, except for hotels in Bishkek. The amount of the contribution does not cover the cost of air travel to and from Kyrgyzstan.
Expedition staff
- Drivers,
- Chef,
- Students – worker assistants to help scientists
PROGRAM
- Day 1. Arrival of participants in Bishkek or Osh
Overnight at the hotel
Day 2. Transfer from Bishkek to Osh. In the evening, briefing.
Overnight at the guest house
Day 3. Transfer Osh – Batken – Madygen.
Field base camp.
Day 4 – 17. Field research in Madigen, Sary-Too, Kalcha-Bashi
Day 18. Transfer from Madygen – Batken – Osh
Overnight at the guest house in Osh. Airport delivery
Day 19. Transfer Osh – Bishkek
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 20. Bishkek – Airport
The expeditionary field camp will operate until September 01, 2021.
Distance from Bishkek to Osh – 670 km
Distance from Osh to Madigen 270 km
PARTNERS
- – Institute of Geology of the National Academy of Science of Kyrgyzstan
– Kyrgyz State University of Geology, Mining and Development of Natural Resources - – GeoExplorersClub Company
MAPS
Expedition route from Bishkek, through Osh to the Madigen field camp
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, CONTAKT US
Project manager – Dr. Alexey Dudashvili : info@geotianshan.org или secretary@geotianshan.org
PUBLICATIONS
Title of publications :
- The continental Triassic Madygen Lagerstätte
- Voigt et al. (2010)_GMIT
- Shcherbakov_2008_Alavesia_Madygen Triassic Lagerstaette
- Madygenerpeton
- Madygen_Triassic_Lagerstatte_number_one
- Lycopsid – arthropod associations and odonatopteran oviposition on Triassic herbaceous Isoetites
- Geyer et al., 2014 – Kyrgyzstan
- Fischer et al 2012 – The shark fauna and its nurseries from Madygen
- Fischer et al 2007 – Egg capsules from Madygen, Central Asia
- Buchwitz et al Chroniosuchian osteoderm histology AZ
PARTICPANTS
| № | Name and title | Country | Role in the expedition |
| 1 | Kyrgyzstan | Project manager | |
| 2 | Aizek Bakirov – Scientific Secretary of the Institute of Geology of the National Academy of Sciences | Kyrgyzstan | Scientific consultant |
| 3 | Dr. Alexey Dudashvili – Secretary of the Tien-Shan Geological Society | Kyrgyzstan | Researcher |
| 4 | |||
| 5 | |||
| Staff | |||
| 1 | Chef | ||
| 2 | Driver | ||
| 3 | Driver | ||
| 4 | Assistant | ||
In order to confirm your participation in the expedition, you need to send a copy of your passport. Passport is required for registration of a pass to the border zone of Batken region Kyrgyzstan
If you need an official letter – invitation, then inform the organizing committee about it: info@geotianshan.org или secretary@geotianshan.org
GALLARY
SPONSORSHIP
Sponsors are invited.
The expedition is planned to be covered in the media. We are planning to shoot a film about the emergence of the future Geopark in Kyrgyzstan. A film about the fantastic landscapes of Madigen and the natural heritage of the future Geopark.
Filmmakers who want to make a film about the nature of the southwestern Tian Shan are also invited to the expedition. And also photographers.
Sponsors have priority when placing logos on various surfaces, T-shirts, caps, tents, cars, etc. In scientific publications and videos, there will be a mandatory mention of sponsors. The reports will also mention sponsors. As well as information about sponsors and their logo will be placed in booklets, maps and future guidebooks. And also on the expedition website.