Transformation of Natural Systems Disturbed by Gold Placer Mining in the Khabarovsk Territory

Abstract

Theoretical aspects of studying stability of natural systems depending on investigation purposes are briefly analyzed. Applicability of the watershed/landscape concept of nature management to study transformation of geosystems disturbed by gold placer mining is substantiated. In terms of a model site within the limits of the Ket-Kap cluster of placers, the data on the degree of such transformations are given, and mid- and large-scale landscape mapping is performed using the modern remote sensing techniques. The qualitative indicators of transformation degree under placer mining are given for valley nature systems depending on watershed order. The relevance of the remote sensing in estimating the degree of transformation of natural systems at objects of gold placer mining at regional and local levels is demonstrated.