Ландшафтные особенности функционирования малых водопадов Кабардино-Балкарии

Abstract

The results of the study of the Republic of Kabardino-Balkaria small waterfalls functioning peculiar features are presented. The objective of the work is to reveal the landscape/geo/morphological structures and river channel features of the small waterfalls functioning for further rational use for recreational, medical and environment protection purposes. Geo/morphological and hydrological forms of small waterfalls of the inter-rock/crack genesis, as well as special features of the “giant pot” formation for small waterfalls of the channel and inter-rock/crack genesis have been considered for the first time. Field investigations of the landscape territories (waterfall zones) of Kabardino-Balkaria in the Malka, Baksan, Chegem, Cherek-Bezengiyskiy, Cherek-Balkarskiy, etc. have been conducted; the small waterfalls landscape/geo/morphological (hydrological and ecological) functioning features have been discussed. It was noted that the the principle of priority of water bodies protection was not always completely taken into consideration in the waterfall use for recreational, medicinal and other purposes.