Paleopotamology was developed as an independent geological science by academician G.I.Goretsky in his numerous papers and monographs. G.I.Goretsky proved the practical importance of the paleopotamological method.
Alluvial deposits are objects of paleopotamological studies.
G.I.Goretsky considered paleogeography, paleogeomorphology and geology to be the major leads in paleopotamological research, however he stressed an importance of a complex application of granulometric, physical-technical, geochemical, mineralogical, petrographic, palynological, paleocarpological, diatomic, conchological, microfaunistic and other methods of investigations. G.I.Goretsky was first to recognize the Solikamsk, Vened, Lower and Upper Krivichi suites in the composition of the Anthropogene. The works of academician G.I.Goretsky confirmed that the paleopotamological method is of practical importance, in particular, in correlating continental and marine deposits, in compiling stratigraphic schemes, in studying neotectonics and buried relief, in searching for groundwater.