V. A. Snytko

Anthropogenic disturbance to vegetation on the polygon-transect in the Kulikalon depression (Tajikistan)

Investigations into the vegetation cover on the polygon-transect in the Kulikalon depression (Tajikistan) revealed the influence of anthropogenic pressure on the ecosystem of archovniks (juniper forests). Archovniks constitute the main landscape component of the Zarafshan geobotanical region. Only small areas occupied by them are not disturbed by human economic activity on the territory of the Kulikalon depression.

Vegetation development on post-industrial territories of the Silesian Upland (Southern Poland)

Destruction of vegetation cover on post-industrial barren lands is considered. The process of ecological succession is governed by the character of substratum, and by the type of emerging disturbance. In the majority of cases, the processes are initiated and conditioned by Calamagrostis epigejos.

Phytogenic hillocks as an effect of indirect human activity

Phytogenic hillocks are landforms typical for areas built of blown sands. They occur in desert areas with hot and dry (desert) climate as well as in sandy areas in moderate humid climate. They are an effect of cooperation of wind with bushy vegetation of specific features. Under natural desert conditions they are created at e. g. participation of tamarisks and they can reach the height of 6–7 m. In moderate climate, e. g. in area of seaside dunes they are formed at participation of other species and reach decidedly smaller heights. They can also originate in areas of blown inland sands, which were uncovered owing to human activity. One of such areas is located in Silesian Upland in southern Poland (so-called Bledow “Desert”), which beginning goes back to the Middle Ages. It is connected with deforestation, mainly for the needs of contemporary lead, silver and zinc metallurgy. Presently this area is covered in result of intentional vegetation introduction as well as by natural vegetation expansion and succession. One of species intensively entering into this area is Salix arenaria. And just at participation of this bushy willow in deflation areas very characteristic phytogenic hillocks of heights reaching up to 1,5 m are here created using more humid clayey insertions of substratum. They are an effect of these bushes covering up, thanks to which this plant spreads and creates larger and larger landforms. In area discussed it is possible to observe different development stages of phytogenic hillocks – from initial through mature to disappearing ones. The oldest from them were started to create in the period 1973–1976, wherefore the youngest – in the years 2000–2002. The age of hills was determined on the base of dendrochronological analysis. These hills have different shapes and heights, which are conditioned by the intensity of aeolian processes. It is possible to state that phytogenic hillocks of so-called Bledow “Desert” are created by natural physicogeographical processes but conditions for their development were prepared by human being. Thus they are the effect of indirect anthropogenic activity.

The Consequences of Vegetation Degradation Under the Influence of Anthropogenic Activity in the Territory of the Zarafshan Range (Western Tajikistan)

We examine the richness and diversity of the flora of the Zarafshan Range in Tajikistan by using endemic species as an example. We determined the character and type of ecosystems, and the presence of endemics in a particular biotope. A potential threat to the unique ecosystems is brought by the cutting down of shrubs and juniper vegetation, unauthorized removal of rare plants, gathering of edible plants as well as waterlogging of the territory.

Implementation of the program of geographical station-based investigations in Siberia (50 years since the appearance of the monograph entitled “Alkuchanskii Govin”)

We examine the historical background for the organization of geographical station-based investigations in Siberia. It is emphasized that, under the direction of Academician V. B. Sochava, the Institute of Geography SB RAS conducted a unique experiment in nature, with no equals across the globe as regards the breadth of regional coverage, thoroughness of analysis and the duration of investigations. We demonstrate the role of station-based investigations in acquiring fundamental geographical knowledge. Particular emphasis is placed on the important role played by the Onon-Argun steppe as a major research site of international significance. The present status is assessed, and the prospects for future advancements in station-based investigations are outlined.

The 50th anniversary of the appearance of V. B. Sochava’s first article on the geosystem

In 2013, we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the publication of V. B. Sochava’s first paper in which he offered the definition of the term “geosystem”. His paper entitled “The definition of some notions and terms in physical geography” remains one of the most frequently cited articles in the national geographical literature. The concept of the geosystem was included in encyclopedias. The geosystem ideology is used in training of specialists in the field of geography.

Influence of melioration in natural ecological processes of a small river valley (Poland)

On the basis of the topographic maps from 1933, 1951 and 1962 (sc 1:10 000, 1:25 000 and 1:100 000, respectively) and the satellite image from 2014 (sc 1:10 000), we determined changes in the channel of the small Brynica river (Southern Poland) as well as in the land-use pattern along this river valley after its melioration. Terrain regulation and drainage brought about an intensification of the overland runoff, and a decrease in irrigation of the territory. Due to soil overdrying, some tracts of the valley are experiencing a moisture deficiency. Peat drying can lead to negative consequences, because shallow peats mostly occur on the study territory. Disappearance of peaty soils acts to decrease the degree of suitability of the riverside territories for economic purposes as well as their capacity for recovery. The schematic map of vegetation distribution along the river valley prior to and after melioration as compiled from results of field observations displays differences between mosaic quasi-natural vegetation and areas of typical agrocenoses. The preservation of the natural values along the Brynica valley is possible through balanced economic management, while the differentiation of topography contributes to creating favorable conditions for the formation of biodiversity.

Use of historical data in mapping geosystems of the Vitim basin

We examine the main stages of geographical investigations across the territory of the Vitim river basin. An analysis is made of the different-time specific character of the natural and economic situation in the key study area, the Muisko-Kuandinskaya depression. The schematic map of the present-day natural complexes is provided.

The geomorphologist S. S. Voskresenskii — An explorer of Siberia and the Far East

An outline is given of the career and scientific and teaching activity of the outstanding geomorphologist, professor of Moscow State University S.S. Voskresenskii, who created new scientific directions in the study of topography. He is rightfully given credit for geographical investigations of Siberia and the Far East in the latter half of the 20th century.