Horizontal Dissection Research Articles

ОЦЕНКА И КАРТОГРАФИРОВАНИЕ СТЕПЕНИ ОПАСНОСТИ ГЕОЛОГО-ГЕОМОРФОЛОГИЧЕСКИХ ПРОЦЕССОВ ЧАРЫНСКОГО ГОСУДАРСТВЕННОГО НАЦИОНАЛЬНОГО ПРИРОДНОГО ПАРКА

The purpose of this article is to assess and compile an integrated map of the hazard degree of geological and geomorphological processes in the Charyn State National Nature Park (SNNP) to ensure visitor safety and protect tourist infrastructure. The study used field methods to determine hazardous geological and geomorphological processes. Based on the collected data, a comparative analysis was performed in office conditions, and a cartographic method was applied using GIS technologies to create thematic maps. The hazard assessment was carried out based on vertical and horizontal dissection, slope steepness and exposure, lithological composition of rocks and functional zones. As a result of the study, a map of the hazard degree of geological and geomorphological processes for the territory of the Charyn SNNP was compiled. Hazardous landslide-talus and erosion processes (lateral and gully erosion) were identified, posing a threat to tourists and hindering the safe development of the SNNP activities.

Morphometric characteristics of the relief and assessment of erosional hazards of the Kalaus River basin, Russia, based on digital modelling

In this work, the main goal was to analyse the erosional hazards within the boundaries of the Kalaus River catchment area.The paper analyses the erosive state of the region's lands, for which industry and cadastral maps, a digital elevation model and satellite images were used. Official data of ministries and departments were used. Geographic information systems – QGIS and SAGA GIS – served as the basis for modelling. The article presents the results of GIS modeling of erosional hazards in the territory of the Kalaus River basin. Based on the (DEM) SRTM digital elevation model, the basic morphometric indicators of the relief were calculated: steepness of the slopes and vertical and horizontal dissection of the relief. Based on morphometric indicators, an integral calculation of the energy of relief and erosion hazard was carried out and a series of relevant thematic maps was created. The values of slope steepness obtained within the boundaries of the basin range from 0° to 51° with average values of 2.5°. The horizontal dissection varies in the range from 0 to 0.84 km/km2, and the erosion bases are characterized by a range of values from – 15.0 to 248.6 m, with an average value of 33.0 m. The formation of the erosional potential of the basin’s relief is facilitated by the location of a significant part of the region on the spurs of the Stavropol Upland, which have widely developed slopes. Based on the calculated raster of the integral energy index of the relief, 3 categories of erosional hazard are identified. Most of the basin of the Kalaus River (58.4 %) is characterised by a low erosion hazard, another 39.0 % of the territory presents an average erosion hazard, and the remaining 2.9 % belongs to territories with a strong erosion hazard. The classification of relief surface shapes based on the Iwahashi and Pike method, which was carried out on the basis of a DEM, shows a much greater prevalence of steep slopes with high convexity in the southern part of the Kalaus River basin.The identified features of the level of erosional hazard of the lands of the Kalaus River basin are recommended to be taken into account in preinvestment, pre‐design and urban project planning of the territories of administrative units located within the boundaries of the basin. Despite the fact that the results of GIS analysis cannot completely replace field erosion surveys, their value as a tool for planning rational land use is obvious. The results of the work can be used to carry out a similar assessment in other regions, primarily in the organisation of agricultural production.

Virtual reality visualization of the right and left heart chambers anatomical position

Objective(s). To create a normal heart virtual model and visualize the anatomical position of the right and left chambers.
 Methods. The material for the investigation was cardiac CT scan results of a young healthy man. From these data, a three-dimensional heart model was created and anatomical position of the right and left chambers investigated.
 Results. Three-dimensional model of a normally formed, normally located heart was created. Segmentation, rotation of the virtual model, virtual horizontal dissection at the level of the middle of the interventricular septum were carried out, the created model was rotated in virtual reality. It was found that in the anatomically correct position the right chambers of the heart are located in front, and the left chambers are located behind.
 Conclusion. Virtual heart reconstruction reproduces digital data taken from a living person, so virtual reality shows the functioning structure of the heart and its chambers. In the anatomical position of the heart, the right atrium and ventricle are located ventrally, and the left atrium and ventricle are located dorsally. It is advisable for morphologists, cardiologists, and surgeons to take into account the identified discrepancies between the terms and the actual location of the heart chambers.

Landscapes of the Formoso river watershed, Mato Grosso do Sul - Brazil

The present research aims to identify, classify and map the landscape units of the Formoso River Watershed, located in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul - Brazil. The classification is based on geological, hypsometric, slope, horizontal dissection, vertical dissection, and erosive potential energy data of the relief. In addition to soil and land use data, as well as several theoretical and cartographic references that deal with the karst and non-karst environment. The study identifies seven first-order landscape units and 23 s-order units. The distinction between karst and terrigenous (non-karst) systems stands out in the units, and different features are observed in the landscape. In Serra da Bodoquena and in the areas of poljes, the landscapes result from the karst process on rocks. In the residual hills, on the flat surfaces and in the alluvial plains, the landscapes present their genesis associated with rocks of terrigenous origin. The duality highlights the uniqueness of the area. The study presents the complexity and heterogeneity of the landscape, and aims to contribute and expand the studies of karst environments, promoting preservationist and conservationist actions, as well as public policies in areas with similar characteristics in the State of Mato Grosso do Sul.

Diving, lifting, and horizontal dissection followed by loop-clip traction (DLH+T) can facilitate mucosal flap creation during colorectal ESD.

Colorectal ESD is difficult because of the poor maneuverability and difficulty of mucosal flap creation. Diving, Lifting and Horizontal (DLH) dissection technique and loop-clip traction are two different methods to facilitate mucosal trimming and adequate mucosal flap creation. We combined the advantages of these two techniques (DLH+T) in our daily practice colorectal ESD since July 2020. The purpose of this study was to examine the outcomes of DLH+T dissection compared with the conventional dissection. We retrospectively reviewed the clinical using DLH+T dissection compared with the conventional dissection since January 2018 at a single tertiary care institution. Postoperative short-term outcomes were investigated after the procedure including mucosal flap creation time, dissection time, dissection speed, en bloc resection rate, and perioperative complications. 28 lesions were in DLH+T dissection group and 39 lesions in the conventional dissection group. The outcomes including en bloc resection rate, dissection speed, and complication between the two groups were similar. The mean mucosal flap creation time (p = 0.035) and the mean dissection speed (p = 0.041) of the DLH+T dissection group was significantly shorter and faster. DLH dissection followed by loop-clip traction (DLH+T) technique is a useful technique for safe, efficient, and adequate mucosal flap creation, which can increase the dissection speed and may prevent complication, especially in biopsy-related submucosal fibrosis.

Agroecological land typification

The minimum required information and the sequence of agroecological land type allocation on the land management territory of the experimental station (ES) located in the forest-steppe of the Priob'ye region of Novosibirsk is described. Two agroecological land types are distinguished: the first type (upland lands) is represented by leached chernozem in combination with common, podzolized and dark-grey forest soils; the second type (slightly erosive lands) is represented by leached chernozem in combination with dark-grey forest soils. Soil cover of ES in both types of lands is represented by leached chernozem (Lch-2-2s), the share of which for the first type is 75.26%, for the second - 76.26% of the total area of the types. The first agroecological land type is characterized by a range of heights from 134 to 165 m. The working areas are located on the slopes between 0 and 3 degrees in relation to the terrain angle. Vertical dissection of the relief averages 1.3 m, horizontal dissection by erosion forms is 0.8 km/km2. The second type of land is characterized by an elevation of 113 to 137 meters above sea level and a slope of 1 to 4 degrees. Vertical dissection of the terrain averages 1.7 m, horizontal dissection by erosion forms 0.9 km/km2. Typification was carried out with the help of a generated Digital Land Use Model (DLM) of the ES based on the analysis of geographical information, remote sensing materials (ERS) and cadastral map. The DLM consists of the following geo-information layers: topography, land cover, digital elevation model (DEM), working areas. The DEM includes information on slope steepness and exposure, vertical and horizontal dissection.

ОСОБЛИВОСТІ ВИНИКНЕННЯ ПАВОДКІВ НА ТЕРИТОРІЇ ПОКУТСЬКИХ КАРПАТ

The article analyzes the peculiarities of floods in Pokut Carpathians. It is determined that the main causes of floods are the amount and intensity of precipitation, features of geomorphology and hydrography of the study area. The peculiarities of the geomorphological structure of the territory, the differences in geomorphology between the middle and low mountain parts of Pokut Carpathians are found. The middle mountains are characterized by significant vertical and horizontal dissection of the terrain, the predominance of narrow and deep river valleys, the presence of large catchments in the upper reaches of rivers. The lowlands are represented by symmetrical ridges with wide ridges, and steep and sloping slopes, which are divided by relatively wide river valleys. Determining the steepness of Pokut Carpathian slopes, it was found that steep and very steep slopes occupy more than 18% and are located in the upper reaches of rivers, and steep slopes occupy almost half of the study area and this criterion increases the possibility of sudden floods. Analyzing the geomorphology of Pokut Carpathians, it was found that the formation and development of floods largely depend on the geomorphological features of the territory. The dependence of floods on the hydrographic features of rivers and their basins has been established. It has been found that rivers are characterized by a branched river system in the upper and middle reaches, and the lower reaches are mainly one artery, where all the water accumulates during floods. In addition to the above-mentioned, the formation and development of floods are also influenced by soils, which in mountain conditions are formed on hard geological rocks and are often poorly permeable and have a small depth of soil profile, which in turn do not absorb much moisture. As for the forest cover of the study area, it is determined that it is more than 57 %, but even such a percentage of forests in the event of a sudden and large rainfall can not contain excess water. We present the results of meteorological indicators, including rainfall and heavy rains over 15 years, at two observation points- Variatyn Hydropower and Hutsulshchyna National Nature Park Meteorological Posts. It was found that heavy floods usually occur in June-July, the amount of precipitation at the VariatynHydropower Plant is always higher than at Hutsulshchyna NNP meteorological point. After analyzing the course of intense rains over fifteen years at two observation points, it was determined that VariatynHydropost is characterized by heavy rainfall more often than Hutsulshchyna NNP’s meteorological point. According to the analysis of the data of VariatynHydropost and Hutsulshchyna NNPMeteorological Station for the period 2005-2020, 65 and 53 days were recorded, respectively, with heavy rains. It has been studied that the greatest and largest floods during the observation period in Pokut Carpathians were recorded on Cheremosh, ChornyiCheremosh, Rybnytsia, Pistynka, Liuchkarivers on July 24-28, 2008, July 7-8, 2010 and June 23, 2020.

ОСОБЛИВОСТІ ГІДРОГРАФІЇ ЄВРОПИ: РІЧКИ, ОЗЕРА, ВОДОСХОВИЩА

Europe has a dense hydrographic network, mainly related to the Atlantic Ocean basin. A certain part of the rivers of Eastern Europe belongs to the basin of the endorheic Caspian sea-lake. Only a few rivers carry their waters to the seas of the Arctic Ocean. Thus, 43 large rivers with a catchment area of more than 50 thousand km2, among which 8 are connected with the territory of Ukraine, are distributed as follows: a) the basin of the Caspian Sea-lake – 9 rivers (Volga, Ural, Kama, Oka, Belaya, Vyatka, Ufa, Sura, Moksha); b) the basin of the Arctic Ocean – 3 rivers (Pechora, Northern Dvina, Mezen); c) North Atlantic basin – 9 rivers (Rhine, Elbe, Vistula, Western Dvina, Neman, Oder, Warta, Seine, Narew); d) the basin of the South Atlantic – 6 rivers (Tagus, Loire, Douro, Guadiana, Guadalquivir, Garonne); e) the Mediterranean Sea basin (together with the Black and Azov Seas) – 16 rivers (Ebro, Rhone, Danube, Dnieper, Don, Dniester, Desna, Siverskyi Donets, Khoper, Tisza, Sava, Kuban, Southern Bug, Pripyat, Po, Maritsa ). With significant water content, the rivers of Northern, Western and Southern Europe are characterized by a small length and basin area. This is due to the relatively small area of the territory of Europe, its strong horizontal dissection and the frequent alternation of mountains and plains. On the expanses of the East European Plain, rivers get the opportunity to develop a catchment area and a channel network. Therefore, among the largest rivers in Europe, whose basin area exceeds 50 thousand km2, the rivers of Eastern Europe account for more than 60%. An important feature of European rivers is the transboundary nature of their basins. Among the huge rivers, with a catchment area of more than 50 thousand km2, transboundary rivers account for 51%. In Europe, there are about 16 thousand lakes with a surface area exceeding 1.0 km2. Three quarters of the continent’s lakes are located in Norway, Sweden, Finland and the Karelian-Kola part of Russia, and are of glacial-tectonic origin. The largest in Europe Ladoga (area 17700 km2) and Onega (9720 km2) lakes are located in Eastern Europe (north-western part of Russia) and significantly exceed other European lakes in size. The deepest lake in Europe is Lake Hornindalsvatnet (Norway) – 514 m. In Europe, about 7,000 large reservoirs have been created with a total area of more than 100 thousand km2, of which 50% is the area of reservoirs in the European part of Russia. Among the 13 European reservoirs with an area of more than 1000 km2, a dozen are located in Russia, two (Kremenchug Reservoir and Kakhovka Reservoir) are in Ukraine, and one (IJsselmeer) is in the Netherlands. The states with the largest number of reservoirs are Spain (about 1200) and Ukraine (about 1050). Other countries with a large number of reservoirs are Turkey (610), Great Britain (570), Italy (570), France (550), Norway (360), Russia (250) and Sweden (190)

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS FOR METHODS OF BUILDING DIGITAL ELEVATION MODELS FROM TOPOGRAPHIC MAPS USING GEOINFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES

The article considers the question of estimating the accuracy of interpolation methods for building digital elevation models using Soviet topographic maps. The territory of the Kursk region of the Russian Federation was used as the study area, because it is located on the Central Russian Upland and characterized by the complex structure of the vertical and horizontal dissection of the relief. Contour lines automatically obtained using a Python algorithm were used as the initial elevation data to build a digital elevation model. Digital elevation models obtained by thirteen different interpolation methods in ArcGIS and Surfer software were built and analyzed. Special attention is paid to the ANUDEM method, which allows to obtain hydrologically correct digital elevation models. Recommendations for the use of one or another method of interpolation are given. The results can be useful for professionals who use topographic maps in their work and deals with the design using digital elevation models.

Treatment of horizontal dissection of the knee menisci with platelet-rich plasma (PRP). Literature review and analysis of own data

BACKGROUND: Treatment of damage to the inner layer of the meniscus of the knee joint that does not extend to the articular surface remains an open question. Subsequently, these injuries can cause a complete rupture of the meniscus that already requires surgical treatment. Existing methods of treatment at this stage of meniscus injury have not shown their effectiveness.
 AIM: Study the effect of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on meniscus regeneration.
 MATERIALS AND METHODS: The analysis of the 15 patients treatment results with the PRP method, which effectively stimulates regenerative processes, was carried out. The effectiveness of the method was assessed using the following evaluation scales: visual analog scale (VAS), Lequesne scale, WOMAC index (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index), Lysholm scale, KSS scale (Knee Society Score) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
 RESULTS: According to the results of MRI performed after 6 months, there was no progression of meniscus damage after PRP therapy by all parameters.
 CONCLUSION: The study showed an improvement in all rating scales. In addition, according to MRI data, after 6 months there was no progression of the degenerative process in the menisci. The presented method can be the first step in the treatment of this pathology.

Large-scale geomorphological mapping of the Malaya Sosva
 state nature reserve

The Malaya Sosva State Nature Reserve is situated in the west of the Khanty-Mansiysk Au-tonomous Region — Ugra. Lake-alluvial, lake-glacial and moraine plains are the prevalent relief’s types on that territory. The main specificity of the reserve’s relief in the central and southern parts is a chain of hilly watersheds — the Malososvinsky Amphitheater. The central, western, and southern parts of the reserve are distinguished by the greatest depth of dissection, while in the northern and south-western regions, a finely divided relief prevails. To study natural conditions and resources of the reserve, a complex mapping was carried out. Based on the results of field researches organized in the summer of 2017, as well as on the data obtained during the processing of topographic maps of scale 1 : 100 000, a Sentinel-2A satellite image, digital terrain models ASTER GDEM, ALOS World 3D and ArcticDEM, the following large-scale maps were constructed for the area under study: hypsometric, the range of dissection and horizontal dissection of the relief, steepness of slopes, as well as a map of «red relief» (Red Relief Image Map). According to those local maps and taking into consideration all the previously issued maps of a smaller scale, a general geomorphological map of the territory of a scale of 1 : 100 000 has been created.

Оценка эрозионной опасности рельефа на основе цифрового моделирования

On the basis of a digital elevation model (DEM) based on generalized data from USGS STRM DEM and ASTER GDEM with a resolution of 3″ with the help of GIS technologies, a morphometric analysis of the territory of the perm Territory at a scale of 1:2.5 million was carried out and a series of morphometric maps was created, as well as an assessment map of the erosion hazard of the relief. According to the results of morphometric analysis, the values of the index of vertical dissection of the relief in the region vary within the range of 0–623 m with an average value of 44 m. The steepness of slopes varies from 0 to 40° with average values of 3°. The horizontal dissection, determined on the basis of the thalweg network of permanent and temporary streams, varies in the range of 0.145–1.202 km/km2. Comparison of morphometric indicators in key areas with the data obtained by traditional methods of morphometric analysis revealed their coincidence at the level of gradations. The following geomorphological factions curtains: wide development of slope surfaces with elevation differences over 50 m and slopes exceeding 3°. According to the results of cartometric analysis, such conditions characterize 35 % of the region’s area. More than half of the region’s area (60 %) has an average density of erosional dissection of 0.5–0.8 km/km2, another 36 % of the area is characterized by moderate values of 0.2–0.5 km/km2. The calculated relief energy index has a value of 3–13 points; on its basis, 4 categories of relief erosion hazard were identified. In accordance with the results obtained, most of the perm Territory (63.0 %) is characterized by a low erosion hazardous relief, 36.6 % by a medium and highly erosion hazardous. The share of land, the relief of which is characterized by zero erosion potential, is 0.4 % of the region’s area.

ОЦЕНКА ЭРОЗИОННОГО СОСТОЯНИЯ ЗЕМЕЛЬ ПОДТАЕЖНОЙ ЗОНЫ ТОМСКОЙ ОБЛАСТИ С ПОМОЩЬЮ ГИС

An analysis of a number of morphometric values (slope and length of slopes, exposition, vertical depth and density of horizontal relief dissection) was performed, the erosion potential (USLE) of the territory was calculated using the example of catchment basins of small rivers of the Tomsk region - Basandayki and Tugoyakovka on an area of 72000 hectares. The analysis was carried out using the free GIS Quantum GIS Desktop 3.12.2 with GRASS 7.8.2 and SAGA 2.3.2 based on the SRTM Earth Explorer digital relief model with a resolution of 30x30 m per pixel. The analysis showed that the studied territory is predisposed to the development of water erosion; the combination of the studied factors causes an increase in the degree of erosion development in the east-west direction from the center of the inter-river space of the Tomi and Yai rivers to the channel of the Tomi River. Based on the obtained data on the density of horizontal dissection of the terrain and the slope of the territory within the territory under study, agroecological groups of land were identified. The following ratio (native/agricultural) was determined: placors - 7.5 %/8.6%, low erosion lands - 24.3 %/28.7%, medium erosion lands - 54.9 %/53.6%, strong erosion 12.8 %/8.5%, very strongly erosion - 0.5 %/0.6%. The potential for water erosion varies from insignificant to very strong: most of the territory is characterized by average (86.3%) and strong (10.77%) potential erosion, which is expressed in soil flushing from 1 to 5 tons/ha/year and from 5 to 10 tons/ha/year, respectively. Very severe erosion (10 to 29.1 tons/ha/year) is potentially affected by 1.9% of the area. For the analyzed indicators, vector thematic maps have been created containing information about the areas and values of indicators with reference to the OSM Standard topographic base and the Google satellite online map, which provides the ability to quickly amend the digital terrain model and allows you to plan activities in accordance with the current infrastructure. The data obtained by means of GIS and materials of the remote sensing of Earth (RSE), objectively describe an erosive situation in the explored territory and are combined with the literary data based on land observations and also supplement them. The created materials can be useful in medium-scale soil erosion mapping of land and for planning erosion control measures in the territory of the underground zone of the Tomsk region.

Modern exogenous processes in the mountains of Cisbaikalia

Lake Baikal and its shores become attractive for tourists. The growth of tourist flow forces the stakeholders to develop new territories and water areas, create a tourist infrastructure, involve more natural resources, but also concern about safety of tourists. In the ridges of the Baikal region as in most mountainous countries hazardous exogenous processes present a danger to tourists. We studied modern processes and prepared to their mapping in order to identify areas which are subject to one or another exogenous process and intensity of their occurrence at two key areas in the Baikal and Barguzin Ranges. We arranged field expeditions, analyzed remote sensing data of the Earth, used meteorological data, studied geological structures, made morphometric mapping, and took samples for chemical analysis of sediments, mapped plant groups, measured areas, lengths, and depths of relief forms created by exogenous processes. The results obtained led to the creation of large-scale maps of main exogenous processes of relief formation, intensity of their course, length and action mode and to the adjustment of meteorological parameters, absolute heights and slopes, tectonics and ancient glaciation. Our study determined the patterns of exogenous processes, areal, linear, fan-shaped, pointed and diffused. Development of certain types of exogenous processes in the mountains of Cisbaikalia is due to seismic activity, high vertical and horizontal dissection of the relief, and the peculiarities of climatic conditions. Paying attention to them will ensure avoiding catastrophic impact on the recreational development of the mountainous territories of Cisbaikalia.

Методика определения ландшафтного потенциала для развития рекреационного природопользования (на примере городского округа города-курорта Кисловодска)

The article presents the results of determining the landscape potential (hereinafter—LP) of the territory on the example of the urban district of the resort city of Kislovodsk. The work on the identification of new promising areas for the development of recreation is presented in three stages: the identification of areas with the highest integral points of recreational potential, the identification of areas with the highest integral points of resistance to recreational loads, the total assessment of landscape potential and the calculation of the recreational capacity of natural complexes. The method of determining the recreational potential of the territory is based on the point classification of territorial units using program the Quantum GIS for several parameters of one indicator: contrast and expressiveness of the terrain (vertical and horizontal dissection of the terrain), mosaic landscape (type of vegetation cover, its seasonal dynamics and color scheme), the number of water bodies (length of the riverbed, the area of the water mirror, the number of mineral springs). The determination of the stability of natural complexes was carried out according to the following indicators: morphometry of the terrain (steepness of slopes, density of vertical dissection), intensity of exogenous processes, species composition of vegetation cover, the degree of anthropogenic variability of the landscape. According to the obtained data of the integrated assessment, the conclusion is made about the most promising territories for improvement and inclusion in the development plans of the city district. In addition, for the territories planned for use, the indicator of recreational capacity (the permissible one-time number of people) is calculated. The results of the work carried out are the justification of the relevant thematic sections in the territorial planning documents, in particular, the general plan of the city district and the master plan for the development of the tourist territory.

ВЛИЯНИЕ МОРФОМЕТРИЧЕСКИХ ПОКАЗАТЕЛЕЙ РЕЛЬЕФА НА ФОРМИРОВАНИЕ ЛАНДШАФТОВ ЮГО-ВОСТОЧНОГО СКЛОНА БОЛЬШОГО КАВКАЗА

Purpose: To reveal the role of high energy of slope relief in the formation and differentiation of modern mountain geosystems of the Southeastern slope of the Greater Caucasus by assessing the degree of horizontal dissection, slopes of slopes and landscape-morphometric tension of territories with various landscape complexes with subsequent mapping of the ecogeographic situation in order to ensure rational land use and environmental safety. Methodology and Approach: On the basis of field and office studies, data on the state of the soil and vegetation cover, the author analyzed the impact of morphometric indicators on the exodynamic conditions of landscape belts, identified individual landscape-morphological blocks according to the degree of morphometric tension, schematic maps reflecting the impact of horizontal dissection and slopes of slopes on the natural complexes of the territory. Results: The author, through a comparative analysis of quantitative morphometric indicators from different ranks of landscape complexes, showed that there is a close correlation between them, i.e. differentiation, fragmentation and small contour of mountain landscape geosystems, and each landscape unit is distinguished by its own morphometric indicators, which also determine their exogeodynamic stability. It was revealed that the highest intensity of 5 points is characteristic of the territory covering steep slopes within the heights, which are characterized by the development of subnival, alpine meadow and subalpine complexes. The results of field and office studies were reflected in the compiled cartographic materials, which made it possible to carry out a spatial analysis of the development of the exodynamic situation on the territory of the southeastern slope of the Greater Caucasus. Theoretical and Practical implications: Based on the generalization of the results of the research carried out, the territories most exposed to exogenous relief-forming processes can be identified, a more detailed study is carried out and the exodynamic situation is more objectively assessed. The results of the study will make it possible to carry out effective economic planning, to identify priority areas for the implementation of anti-erosion and phyto-reclamation measures in mountain areas.

Spatial-Temporal Dynamics of the Ephemeral Gully Belt on the Plowed Slopes of River Basins in Natural and Anthropogenic Landscapes of the East of the Russian Plain

Erosion is the leading process of soil degradation on agricultural land. In the spectrum of erosion processes, the most unfavorable for soil degradation are the processes of linear (ephemeral and gully) erosion. An assessment of the dynamics of linear erosion in the intensive farming zone of the European part of Russia (EPR) is relevant due to the lack of generalized data on the development of this type of erosion in the post-Soviet period and also, due to the highest intensity of soil erosion in the ephemeral gully erosion. The development of information technologies and the availability of high-resolution and ultra-high-resolution satellite images make it possible to solve the problems of ephemeral gully erosion belts identification, and also makes it possible to trace the dynamics of development of stream erosion on arable lands over a period characterized by the greatest changes in the climate system and economic conditions in the post-Soviet period (1980s–2010s). The study was conducted on the eastern wing of the boreal ecotone of the Russian Plain within the southern border of these zones of mixed and broad-leaved forests, forest-steppe, and steppe landscapes using the basin approach. For the initial material, satellite images of medium (30 m) and high resolution (0.5–1.5 m) were used in the work. The study used methods of image interpretation such as remote sensing of the earth and geoinformation mapping. For 70 key areas (interfluve spaces of river basins), the study developed a method of geoinformation mapping of the ephemeral gully erosion belt dynamics on arable lands. In the same way, the research developed a system of quantitative indicators characterizing its development on arable slopes. The dynamics of ephemeral gully erosion was evaluated over three-time intervals: the 1980s, 2000s, and 2010s by determining the horizontal dissection (density) and density of ephemeral gully erosion. Over the past 30 years, in the direction from the south of the forest sub-zone to the forest-steppe and steppe landscapes, there was a sharp increase in the horizontal dissection and density of the ephemeral gully network: an average of 4.6 and 10 times, respectively. The ephemeral gully erosion belt advances toward the watershed because of the formation of new erosion in the upper parts of the ephemeral gully networks and its extension, while there is a noticeable reduction in the width of the erosion-weakly active belt-sheet and rill erosion.

DIFFERENTIATION OF STRUCTURE LANDSCAPE AND ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS

Aim.To identify the degree of influence of the morphological heterogeneity of the territory on the ecological state of the agricultural landscape.MethodsThe study was conducted on an area of 608.5 hectares and a horizontal dissection factor of 8.36 km/km2. For the observations, distributed test pads measuring 10 m2 were used. On each type of facies, test sites were laid on arable land in triplicate. We used standard research methods using GIS. Existing thematic terrain maps were digitized and a digital elevation model based on a topographic survey of the terrain was created. Calculations and visualization of data are made using and based on the ArcGIS and Microsoft Excel software.Results.The degree of influence of the types of facies of the landscape area on individual criteria and indicators of arable land productivity (microclimatic indicators, water properties of the soil, elements of fertility) has been established. Spatial ecologically justified differentiation of types of tracts into facies types has been carried out.Main conclusions.The slopes of the northern exposure (I-IVn) have the highest ecological stability. They lead in the content of productive moisture, mobile phosphorus and potassium. The facies of the slopes of the southern exposure (I-IVs) lead by insolation, the content of humus and nitrate nitrogen. The content of heavy metals in the soils and wheat yield is higher on the southern slopes and second-order watersheds (IVn). The maximum productivity of 2.9 t/ha was obtained on the watershed type of facies (V). A close relationship was established (r = -0.72) between productivity and pH of soil, medium – with mobile forms of phosphorus (r = 0.59) and potassium (r = 0.84).

Impact of population on the karst of east Sarajevo (Bosnia and Herzegovina)

Research of human settlements on the karst area of East Sarajevo starts with a brief overview of the City's characteristic traits and the influence of relief on the distribution of the population. The karst terrain was mapped using GIS tools, after which the percentage of the population and its concentration on the karst area of the East Sarajevo was determined. Karst areas have a low population density caused by difficult living conditions due to the vertical and horizontal dissection of relief, lack of mineral resources, geodynamic disasters, water shortages, specific climate conditions, degraded land, and vegetation. The consequences are the fragmentation of property, migration and aging of the population, lack of labor, weakening of the economy, etc. The research focus is to determine the degree of the anthropogenic impact on the karst environment and to apply the suitable methodology in the determination of the settlements categories according to the degree of karst environment vulnerability.

Automated Classification of Agricultural Lands Using GIS and NES

The article proposes the methodology for the automated classification of uplands using Geographic Information System (GIS) and Neural Expert System (NES). Quantitative indicators of topography are used as the basis of the proposed classification. A database consisting of topographic, soil, and land use maps was created using ArcGIS 10 geographic information system. A topologically correct digital elevation model (DEM) was created by the ANUDEM interpolation method. The DEM contains the following maps: hypsometric, steepness and slopes exposure, plan, profile, common curvature of the ground surface, and cumulative runoff maps. The boundaries of elementary surfaces (ES), which are homogeneous morphological formations, are established. Parameters characterizing the Stream Power Index (SPI) are taken into account. The essence of the proposed classification consists in attributing of ES to a certain group of lands based on aggregate of features. To do this, partial scales were created, containing indicators of topography, soil cover, land drainage conditions, as well as the degree of erosion development. The authors formed knowledge base for traning the NES using GIS database and partial scales of estimates. Teaching of neural network was carried out. The classification and topology of land was carried out by means of the NES. The uplands are distributed in flat and slightly convex areas. They are characterized by the following indicators: the curvature of the ground surface: plan curvature (0 – 0.03), profile curvature (0 – 0.15), common curvature (0 – 0.22); slope angles (less than 1.5о); horizontal dissection in elevation (less than 0.5 km/km2), vertical dissection (less than 5 m); and SPI (from -13.80 to -6.47). Electronic map of uplands of LLC «Salair» land-use area was created in the ArcGIS 10 environment.