Особливості формування та поширення зоогенного рельєфу в заплаві річки Остер

Abstract

During 2015–2020, we carried out a series of field studies of zoogenic relief in the Oster River floodplain. In the process, the method of field route observations, polls, photography, morphological and morphometric analyses were actively used. Mathematical methods and computer technologies were used to process and summarize the obtained data. Based on the field research data, it was established that the natural conditions of the Oster River floodplain are favourable for the emergence of zoogenic relief forms. Zoogenic landforms are common here, and their size and location depend on the animal species which live in the area or constantly migrate through it. The influence of individual representatives of the animal world on the formation of the surface of the studied area is presented. It was shown that some of them simultaneously create both accumulative and negative forms of biogenic relief. Accumulative zoogenic landforms are represented in the Oster floodplain by individual small dams and beaver huts; muskrat huts; earthen anthills and anthills formed from dry grass and twigs; molehills; mice’s soil nano-strands; hamster mounds; pico-humps formed by worms and beetles. Among the negative landforms of zoogenic origin there are burrows and burrow nests; underground galleries of animals and insects; nano-basins of forest and field mice; livestock trails and wildlife migration trails; burrowing of wild pigs; footprints of various animals. Beavers, moles, wild boars and ants are found to cover the highest proportion of landform creation activity within the Oster River floodplain. It was also found that the size of most zoogenic landforms in the studied area have the rank of pico- and nano-relief. Relief microforms are much less common. The lifespan of zoogenic landforms can range from tens or even hundreds of years to several hours. It is discovered that fires significantly affect the landforms of zoogenic origin. As a result of the flames, many of the forms change their shape and size, and some even cease to exist.