AVALANCHE GEOSYSTEMS OF SAKHALIN ISLAND AND KURIL ISLANDS

Abstract

The taxonomic scale of classification of avalanche geosystems and algorithm of calculation of quantitative characteristics of avalanche processes and their mode on the basis of geomorphological, geological, landscape, nival and climatic characteristics of the territory are developed. The intensity of avalanche processes and their characteristics are determined by the main groups of factors of avalanche processes. Geological, geomorphological, landscape and lithological (snow pack) factors are dominant, and hydrometeorological factors is initiating: including the trigger mechanism of the avalanche process. Methodological principles of construction of the map «Avalanche geosystems of Sakhalin Island and Kuril Islands» are based on the logical sequence of analysis of natural and climatic conditions of formation and evolution of snow pack in space and time, assessment of the intensity of avalanche processes and the nature of avalanche processes in the study area. The methodological basis of the algorithm for analyzing the factors of avalanche processes and determining their characteristics is a hierarchical scale of factors of avalanche processes developing in an avalanche geosystem. The hierarchy of taxonomic levels of avalanche geosystems classification meets this goal: class-subclass-type-subtype-species. Sakhalin Island and the Kuril Islands have 3 classes (mountain, coastal, plain), 16 subclasses, 76 types, 99 subtypes, 114 species of avalanche geosystems. On the basis of the developed technique, a map of avalanche geosystems of Sakhalin Island and Kuril Islands on a scale of 1:1 000 000 was created. The map contains the most complete to date information about avalanche processes and their regime in the study area. Methodological principles of construction of small - and medium-scale maps of avalanche geosystems for unexplored and poorly studied areas allow to develop the content of such maps for the assessment of avalanche danger both for solving scientific problems and at the early stages of design and survey work.