Vol 157, No 3 (2025)
Articles
Thematic classification of forest maps and methodological principles of their creation
Abstract
The aim of the study is thematic classification of forest maps on the basis of analysis and evaluation of their content, methodological bases of creation, including within the framework of small-scale atlas mapping. Forest maps are spatial-temporal, symbolic models that reflect the multidimensional nature of forests, their importance in the development and interaction of nature and society. In a broad sense and within the framework of this work, they are understood as all maps whose content is related to natural, socio-economic and environmental aspects of forest mapping. The basis for achieving the goal is rich theoretical and methodological experience in creating forest maps for Russia, its individual entities and macro-regions, such as the Baikal region, the Baikal basin, etc. Examples include the small-scale maps developed by authors and presented in a number of published complex atlases. Their development is carried out using methods of mathematical-statistical and expert analysis, remote sensing, geo-information modeling, etc. As a result of the study, forest maps are divided into seven main classification groups: maps of forests and their main characteristics; spatial management of forests; productivity and restoration, functions of forests and forest resources; forest industry; forest conservation, protection; forest ecological (forestry-ecological) situations; history of the study and development of forests. Map content reflects: location and condition of forests; assessment of resource, ecological and social functions of forests; types of use of forests; location and water performance of forest industries; forest disturbance caused by adverse natural and anthropogenic factors; natural fire hazard of forests, etc.
Bulletin of the Russian Geographical Society. 2025;157(3):247-267
247-267
New insight into the Late Holocene lake-level changes of Lake Ladoga in the Southern Ladoga region
Abstract
This study presents the results of research detailing the fluctuations of the Lake Ladoga relative water-level in the southern Ladoga region during the period following the conclusion of the Ladoga transgression. Fieldwork was conducted on the Storozhno Peninsula and in the Nizhnesvirsky Nature Reserve. The methodology includes geomorphological profiling, peat coring, diatom analysis, infrared stimulated luminescence, and radiocarbon dating of collected sediments. It was established that during the maximum stage of the transgression, 2900 cal. yrs BP, the lake’s level in this area reached an absolute elevation of 16.5 meters, marked by beach ridges located at this height. Between 2100 and 1200 cal. yrs BP, the average level stabilized at 6-8 meters, resulting in the formation of an accumulative strandplain with numerous beach ridges. It is hypothesized that between 1200 and 500 cal. yrs BP, a low-amplitude rise in the lake’s level occurred, leading to the formation of a barrier ridge at the 7.6 m altitude.
Bulletin of the Russian Geographical Society. 2025;157(3):268-287
268-287
Sensitivity of phytoproduction in low-mountain steppe landscapes in the southern Urals to hydrothermal fluctuations
Abstract
Identification of the natural range and sequence of landscape states is required to assess the response of the phytoproduction process to external signals in terms of inertia and susceptibility. We studied the spatio-temoral dynamics of normalized difference vegetation indices (NDVI) in the steppe landscape of the Orenburgsky Reserve to rank groups of natural units by the sensitivity of functioning to hydrothermal fluctuations and climatic trends. Data for the vegetation period of 2013-2024 for 82 periods were taken. We performed the principal component analysis to identify 5 factors describing either the NDVI dynamics for a particular part of the vegetation period or the specific response of units to extreme weather events. Eight classes of annual variation were identified, differing in the time of reaching the peak of phytomass and the severity of its late summer decrease. We found evidence for the synchronicity of intraseasonal changes in average NDVI between groups of units. Various forms of resistance to hydrothermal fluctuations were distinguished. Xeropetrophytic and dry steppes on ridges and slopes are the most resistant to summer drought almost not losing phytomass. However, they are susceptible to heavy precipitation in the late summer and increase phytomass. In case of climate warming and drying, they will be the most resistant. Typical steppes on the plateau on loamy southern chernozems are more susceptible to late summer extreme precipitation, provided that the first half of summer was wet. Xeromesophytic and mesophytic communities in gullies lose phytomass most strongly during summer drought being almost not susceptible to additional moisture. This makes them the most vulnerable in case of increase in temperature and decrease in precipitation.
Bulletin of the Russian Geographical Society. 2025;157(3):288-304
288-304
Methodology of assessment of dangerous channel processes in rivers of Western Siberia
Abstract
An integral assessment of the hazard of channel processes on medium, large and largest lowland rivers of Western Siberia has been carried out. The analysis is based on remote sensing data and their GIS processing, as well as information on the level of development of coastal areas. The integral hazard assessment was based on the type and degree of hazard. Three types of hazard were considered: real, potential and no hazard, which were defined taking into account the presence of anthropogenic objects and bank erosion. The degree of hazard was classified according to scour rates and the length of the bank failure front. The Ob and Irtysh Rivers show both a high level of coastal development and an increased intensity of horizontal channel deformation, and hence the level of hazard, leading to a significant risk of infrastructure failure. The Ob and Irtysh tributaries, as well as the northern river basins, have a predominantly low hazard level due to low development of the areas and low intensity of horizontal channel deformations. The results obtained allow for a more detailed assessment of the risks of channel processes, which can be used in the planning of environmental and engineering measures for the protection of the coastal territories and infrastructure of Western Siberia.
Bulletin of the Russian Geographical Society. 2025;157(3):305-316
305-316
Morphodynamics of the Channel of the Northern Dvina River, Its Natural and Technogenic Transformations in the XX–Early XXI Century
Abstract
The article presents the main directions and conditions of the transformation of the Northern Dvina river channel (from the confluence with the Vychegda River), occurring under the influence of almost a century of anthropogenic impacts, fluvial deformations and hydroclimatic changes; the contribution of each of these factors and their interrelations are determined. The study is based on analysis of field measurements (branching water discharges, flow velocity fields, turbidity and sediment composition) taken during the 2024 flood period, river maps showing channel conditions at various times since the 1960s, satellite imagery and riffle and riffle area maps. It has been shown that the reformation of the northern Dvina channel takes place in the wide floodplain and adapted channels, and in those sections of the incised channel where it is formed in moraine or Permo-Triassic sediments. The main factor of transformation is anthropogenic, namely dredging and straightening to ensure the required dimensions (mainly channel depth) of the waterway. Due to the amount of work carried out, their influence is much greater than the role of changes in water flow, which for the Northern Dvina is manifested in an increase in annual flow with a decrease in water availability during floods and an increase during low flow periods. Dredging and straightening has resulted in more complex branching in most sections of the channel in a wide floodplain and adapted channel. However, the construction of dams, including those that overtopped arms, has resulted in simplified channel branching in some sections of both incised and wide floodplain channels.
Bulletin of the Russian Geographical Society. 2025;157(3):317-339
317-339
Calculation of the maximum allowable recreational capacity of the territory of the Belukha Nature Park
Abstract
The article provides a calculation of the maximum allowable recreational capacity of the territory of the Belukha Nature Park, carried out in accordance with the Standard Rules approved by Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation dated 31.10.2023 No. 1809 [18]. The calculation of the correction coefficients required to determine the specified capacity was based on the methodology from the Draft Order of the Ministry of Natural Resources of the Russian Federation [16].The maximum allowable recreational capacity was calculated for 4 multi-day routes, 8 radial and bypass trails, and 10 main tourist camps (camp sites). On average, the maximum allowable recreational capacity of all tourist facilities in the Belukha Nature Park was 341 people per day or 20475 people per season. At the same time, for the most popular routes, the maximum allowable recreational capacity was about 5,000 people. This value corresponds to the current level of visiting the natural park. The calculated results obtained can be considered as basic guidelines for organizing and conducting further monitoring studies of this territory.
Bulletin of the Russian Geographical Society. 2025;157(3):340-358
340-358
Friendliness and unfriendliness of countries of the world as a factor in the modern geopolitical position of Russia and Siberia
Abstract
Since 2022 the concept of the “unfriendly countries” has been officially enshrined in the Russian political discourse, though dividing countries into friends and foes has deep roots. The article views friendliness and unfriendliness of the geopolitical actors and their mutual distance as key characteristics of the geopolitical space. A new approach to understanding the category of “geopolitical position” is presented, based not on the principle of neighborhood of subjects, but on geographical remoteness. Based on both qualitative and quantitative data, the research uses a multistep scale to evaluate countries’ friendliness and unfriendliness towards Russia in 2016 and 2024. The method of economic distances is used to measure and grafically represent the distance of the actors varying in friendliness and unfriendliness from Russia, Siberia and the Siberian federal district. The research proves that due to its remoteness Siberia has a more beneficial location in comparison with Russia as a whole, because only friendly geopolitical subjects can be found within 2500 km from Siberia, unfriendly geopolitical actors moved even farther from it, whereas the most friendly actors (primarily Eurasian states) remained as close as in 2016 and became even friendlier towards Russia.
Bulletin of the Russian Geographical Society. 2025;157(3):359-378
359-378
Prospects for the use of renewable energy sources in the North of the Krasnoyarsk Territory
Abstract
The article evaluates the volume and structure of local renewable energy resources in the northern regions of the Krasnoyarsk Territory, characterized by extreme natural conditions, low population density and isolation from main power transmission lines. This is the territory north of Angara, the main part of which falls on the Taimyr Dolgan-Nenets, Evenki and Turukhansky districts. Electricity in these areas is produced using expensive imported fossil fuels, and an urgent task is to assess the possibilities of replacing it with local renewable energy resources — solar, wind, hydro, and bioenergy. The article examines the potential of these sources, differentiates the territory in terms of their volume and territorial distribution. There are two zones within the study area. In the northern one, the Taimyr region, the development of wind energy, including the construction of large wind farms, is preferable. In the south one, represented by Evenki, Turukhansk and adjacent districts, small autonomous diversified energy sector, represented by solar power plants, hydroelectric power plants and bioenergy stations, is promising. Taimyr is a territory linked to the Northern Sea Route and the Norilsk industrial district. Thus, the territory between it and the economically developed south of the Krasnoyarsk Territory becomes a kind of vast natural hinterland. It is impossible to completely replace imported fuels with local resources due to the instability of renewable sources, but gradually increasing their share within the framework of hybrid energy complexes is effective. Diesel fuel savings are 0.3–0.8 tons per year, and CO2 emissions reduction is 1–2 tons per year for every 1 kW of installed solar or wind power plant capacity. The payback period for a unit of installed capacity based on renewable sources will be 3–4 years, and reducing external costs provides additional economic benefits.
Bulletin of the Russian Geographical Society. 2025;157(3):379-393
379-393
Natural and anthropogenic changes in river suspended sediment runoff in the Indigirka River basin
Abstract
The hydrometeorological conditions of river flow formation and the state of permafrost in the Indigirka River basin have changed since the 1990s. An increase of water runoff in the basin (by 20% or less) and water temperature (by 0.5–1°C) was a reaction to these changes. Therefore, an increase in sediment yield was to be expected. But that didn’t happen. It decreased by 6–33% in the 1990s and 2000s. But, subsequently, sediment yield increased by 50–220%. The reasons for the lack of positive dynamics could be negative processes in the mining industry since the 1990s, as well as changes in the monitoring system. Therefore, the objectives of the study were to analyze the gauge hydrological data, the long-term dynamics of water and sediment runoff, the stream temperature of rivers in the Indigirka River basin, the features of local mining, and the assessment of the contribution of anthropogenic and natural factors to the long-term variability of sediment runoff. Materials from 22 hydrological gauges in the Indigirka basin, satellite images, and various mining industry data were the information basis of this research. The rivers and areas in the Indigirka River basin affected by mining have been identified. The analytical links between the annual sediment runoff and its hydrological factors were substantiated. It was found that the negative processes in the mining industry at the turn of the 20th and 21st centuries explain less than 20–40% of the decrease of sediment runoff, the rest of the decrease in runoff is due to natural hydrological changes. After, a significant increase in sediment runoff was provided by both hydrometeorological and anthropogenic factors. For the first time, a comprehensive analysis of the reliability of stationary observation data has been carried out; a GIS of developed deposits and disturbed floodplain-channel complexes has been created.
Bulletin of the Russian Geographical Society. 2025;157(3):394-415
394-415
About the building stone of the Pskov lands in the Middle Ages
Abstract
The authors studied the lithological and facies features of Upper Devonian carbonate rocks developed in the vicinity of the cities Pskov and Izborsk and compiled a list of criteria that allow macroscopic diagnostics of limestone differences in the objects of historical and cultural heritage of Pskov and Pskov lands. The nature of the building material used in the objects of defense architecture of the medieval period of the region is analyzed. The analysis has demonstrated the interrelation of the features of the geological structure and building materials of fortifications of the Pskov lands. The lack of stone building materials partly determined the construction of exclusively wooden and earthen-wooden fortresses in the south of the region (the area of development of carbonate, terrigenous-carbonate and terrigenous rocks of the Middle and Upper Frasnian, overlain by a thick layer of the Pleistocene sediments). The construction of the northern fortresses (Izborsk and Pskov), located in the area of the development of carbonate rocks of the Lower Frasnian, exposed in the banks of the lower reaches of the Velikaya River and its tributaries, was in stone. The accelerated construction time of the Pskov fortress and the development of rocks of the same stratigraphic level in the immediate vicinity of ancient Pskov led to a lack of criteria for choosing the stone material used. The Gdov fortress was the first and only defense of Pskov’s lands from the north, which was due to the emergency construction of the Gdov fortress in stone, although the geological situation in Gdov (the area of development of terrigenous rocks of Eifelian and Givetian, in most of the territory overlain by the Quaternary deposits) also did not favor the widespread development of stone building materials. The nature of the boulder material found in the surviving fragment of the Gdov fortress wall suggests that terrigenouse material from moraine deposits was actively used for construction.
Bulletin of the Russian Geographical Society. 2025;157(3):416-433
416-433
Flood on the coast of the Kamchatka Peninsula on December 14–15, 2023
Abstract
The causes, conditions and features of the formation of marine flood on the coast of Kamchatka in December 2023, which arose as a result of a deep cyclone entering the waters of the southwestern part of the Bering Sea, are analyzed. Information on the flooding of ten coastal settlements is provided. To study the dynamics of the process, numerical hydrodynamic modeling of spatio-temporal changes in the characteristics of wind waves (WAVEWATCH III model), anemobaric surge (two-dimensional models of the combined dynamics of water and ice), methods for calculating the tide and run-up (Mase method) were used. It was found that the flooding of settlements occurred as a result of the proximity of the formation in time of higher high water, maximum values of the anemobaric surge and run-up. At the same time, tidal height was close to highest astronomical tide. It is shown that all the factors under consideration make a significant contribution to the total rise in sea level at coastal points, which leads to the need to take them into account in the methods for forecasting marine floods on the coast of Kamchatka. In the coming years, the number and intensity of floods in the study area may increase due to ongoing climate change and coastal subsidence as a result of modern vertical movements of the earth’s crust.
Bulletin of the Russian Geographical Society. 2025;157(3):434-450
434-450
Regional differences in the accumulation of produced ferrous metals stocks and scrap metal in the Russian economy
Abstract
The article analyzes regional differences in the accumulation of ferrous metals and scrap metal stock in the Russian economy. The author’s method of assessing the metal stock of Russian regions is based on the statistical study of the regional distribution of ferrous metals in different types sectors of economic activity. The data sources are basic socio-economic indicators of the regions, the size and sectoral structure of the national ferrous metal stock. The results of the assessment revealed a significant regional variation of ferrous metal reserves. The regions of the Urals, Volga and Centre with developed industry and high population have significant reserves of ferrous metals. It was revealed that the distribution of regions by accumulation of ferrous scrap metal is not identical to their distribution in accordance with the stocks of produced ferrous metals. The distribution of regions by accumulation of ferrous scrap metal is not identical to their distribution according to stocks of produced ferrous metals. The deviations are caused by different factors. For example, in metallurgical regions, a more intensive accumulation of scrap metal is associated with the specifics of production processes in the ferrous metallurg. The results of the correlation analysis confirmed the relationship between the metal stock value in 2016 and the volumes of ferrous metal waste and scrap accumulation in 2016–2023. Regions where there is no direct correlation between the analysed indicators were found. The reasons are the peculiarities of economic development of the territories and the methodology of calculating the indicator. In conclusion, the author compared the resource base and the scale of development of scrap collection activities in Russian regions. The author identified cases of inconsistency between the number of scrap collection organisations the resource capabilities of the territories. This highlights the need for further analysis of the development of the recycling industry in conjunction with other factors.
Bulletin of the Russian Geographical Society. 2025;157(3):451-465
451-465