FEATURES OF THE RIVER CHANNELS FORMATION AND RAFTING (A CASE STUDY OF THE PERM REGION)

Abstract

The possibility of using the morphodynamic classification of river channels to evaluate the attraction of water routes or the choice of a river for rafting is considered. The classification that satisfies the tasks of evaluation the esthetic attraction of river rafting routes to the greatest extent is the river channel classification developed by Lomonosov Moscow State University. This conclusion is substantiated by a high degree of variability in morphology, morphometry, and the location of channel elements in the river valley. These characteristics determine the differences in the length and diversity of bank natural complexes of the tourist's video sequence during the water route. Based on the Russian experience in evaluation the attraction of landscapes for tourism purposes, the main indicator of the esthetic attraction of a water route is the variety of bank natural complexes. All information was obtained using open access satellite images. The presence of a connection between the esthetic attraction of bank natural complexes and their belonging to a certain morphodynamic channel type has been established on the rivers of the Perm Region. Braided river channels are distinguished by a higher degree of esthetic attraction of the banks. Straight channels are the least attractive. According to geological-geomorphological conditions, confined channels have esthetic attraction. Incised channels and wide-floodplain channels are characterized by low attractiveness.