Methods to Explore Diverse Soils in the West Caspian Region Using High-Resolution Satellite Images

Abstract

High-resolution satellite images have made it possible to determine dynamic changes in the variety of classification soil units in the West Caspian region with differentiation of functioning soils and ranges of surface deposits. The latter have been conditionally subdivided into the following groups: (a) deposits of soil origin: puff, crustal, and sor-affected solonchaks; (b) deposits of geological origin: outcrops of loose and hard rocks, drained zones of lake bottoms, and water reservoirs, including loose sand; and (c) manmade construction, road, economic, recreational facilities and disturbed land areas. They occupy 10–15% of the total land area and are interpreted by direct transfer to the soil map and by cartographic referencing. The rest of the area (85–90%) is occupied by a soil cover and plant communities which are devoid of interpretation features. A soil salinization scale has been compiled according to the variety of colors of halophytic communities; salt accumulation nature and degree have been specified based on SIs. The increase in resolution, spectral ranges, and other enhancement elements of the Landsat satellite reflect the atmospheric correction of the results obtained in 1978–2007.