Ecological-and-geomorphological systems of the North-Western Caucasus and its typology

Abstract

The typology and spatial mapping of ecological-geomorphologic systems of the North-Eastern Caucasus are firstly presented. They are characterized by the unity of the geological-geomorphological and anthropogenic conditions and arising geo-ecological situations. A comparison the types of ecological-geomorphologic systems on the degree of anthropogenic load and indicators of intensity of ecological-economic conditions of the territories allowed to reveal differences geo-ecological situations in the most developed and industrialized regions of North-East Caucasus. Calculated indexes geo-ecological sustainability for each type of ecological-geomorphologic system are compared. The highest index in the highland and lowland types - the territories of forest and meadow lands. The lowest indexes of stability are obtained for the lowland type, almost devoid of greenery. The method of scoring in midland and mountainous types of ecological-geomorphologic systems it is demonstrated the prevalence exogeodynamic processes, which are related not only with natural, but anthropogenic factors, including avalanches, landslides, mudflows, seismicity and other. Not so much these processes are expressed in areas that are attributable to the low mountain and lowland. But as a result of considerable anthropogenic pressure (mainly on land resources) there are high levels of absolute and relative tension ecological-economic conditions of the territory.