FIELD: geological basis to conduct search and prospecting operations for underground sweet and mineralized water. SUBSTANCE: promising areas are assigned by results of study of space and aerial photographs of circular structures and sites where depth heat flows emerge from them are isolated. Sites of flooded zones are found in them by results of geophysical investigations. Then they are outlined and prospecting holes are drilled. Dispersion of density of video tone and electric potential of circular structures and sites of egress of depth heat flows into them are highlighted. Geophysical investigation of sites of flooded zones is conducted by way of combination of vertical electric sounding with method of two components. Anomalies of electric field are brought out. They are differentiated by derivatives of higher order. Saturation of examined zones with water is judged by results of lateral differential conductance and presence of underground water flows and conditions for their replenishment with adjacent water-bearing horizons are judged by results of longitudinal differential conductance. EFFECT: increased reliability of prediction of presence of underground water with simultaneous reduction of labor input. 3 dwg
