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Vol 89, No 3 (2025)
ТЕОРИЯ И СОЦИАЛЬНЫЕ ФУНКЦИИ ГЕОГРАФИИ
Landscape as the ontological basis of geography
Abstract
Each fundamental science has its own unique, basic or fundamental, object of study. The methods and methodology of its study for this science are original and specific; they are not generated in other fundamental sciences. In ontological and epistemological respects, the basic object of research acts as the most general, deep, ultimate. Geography is related to fundamental sciences; therefore, it should have its own object of research. Historically, it so happened that the role of the fundamental object of geography research was and is claimed by (a) space (geospace), (b) oikos (Earth as the home of humanity, geosphere, geoecosystem), (c) landscape. The article shows the ontological difference between them and compares their advantages and disadvantages as basic objects of study. It substantiates the point of view that from the standpoint of ontology, the landscape best corresponds to the status of the fundamental object of study of geography. This view was formulated in the 1880s–1900s in some German geographical schools (O. Schlüter, J. Wimmer), and is popular among German-speaking authors to this day. In them, geography is equated with landscape studies (“geography as Landschaftskunde” in the words of P. James and J. Martin). In Russian-language geography, such views found their first supporters in the persons of L.S. Berg and B.B. Polynov. The ontological, epistemological and existential properties of the landscape are examined in detail, which, in the author’s opinion, can be regarded as direct and indirect evidence that the fundamental object of geographic research is precisely it. Some methodological questions and methodological problems that arise in geographical science in the event that it takes landscape as its basic object of study are outlined.
Bulletin of the RAS. Geography. 2025;89(3):331-344
331-344
ТЕРРИТОРИАЛЬНАЯ ОРГАНИЗАЦИЯ ОБЩЕСТВА
Digital Divide Dynamics During COVID-19 Pandemic
Abstract
In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been an unprecedented increase in the demand for digital technologies by the population and the economy. The level of digitalization has become one of the key factors for sustainability and adaptation to new conditions. Have these changes led to shifts in the geography of the Internet and the reduction of the global digital divide? The article is dedicated to identifying the features, trends and quantitative parameters of the digital divide dynamics during the pandemic in order to confirm or refute the hypothesis of a reduction of the global three-level digital divide in the 2019–2023 period. The three-level model of the digital divide was used as a theoretical basis. Research methods include statistical calculations, graphical interpretation of data, comparative geographical approach, logical analysis and case studies. Data from official statistics of international, scientific and educational organizations, analytical materials of consulting and other companies specializing in Internet development were used. The hypothesis of a reduction in the cross-country gap in the technical and price accessibility of high-quality Internet (the first level of digital inequality) as well as in the online ordering of goods/services (the third level) was confirmed. The hypothesis of a reduction in the second-level gap, which is linked to various aspects of social inequality, has been refuted. The analysis showed that as digital services continue to develop and become more complex, digital inequality is increasingly determined not so much by the availability of the Internet, but by the ability to use it effectively. In terms of the number of internet users per 100 inhabitants, the gap between countries is four times greater, and in terms of the proportion of the population using the Internet to order goods and services, it is 38 times greater. Quantitative differences are narrowing faster than qualitative differences in terms of gender, age, commercial use of the Internet and distribution of content.
Bulletin of the RAS. Geography. 2025;89(3):345-367
345-367
Spatial Stratification of Economic Development and Localization of Ethnic Groups in the South of Russia (Municipal Dimension)
Abstract
The article is devoted to the topical issues of its spatial development for modern Russia. The purpose of the study (based on the materials of the South of Russia, considered in the unity of the Southern and North Caucasian federal districts) was the combined analysis of the ethnogeographic “mosaic” of the territory and its stratification by the level and dynamics of economic growth. It is based on data from the 2020 All-Russia Population Census and on taxable monetary income of the population, analyzed for 332 urban and municipal districts in the South of Russia and visualized using GIS. It is shown that the inherent unevenness of residential and economic development in the macroregion is manifested in the dichotomy of identified and delimited areal-nodal structures (Western, Pre-Caucasian and Eastern belts, including all 16 urban agglomerations located in the South) and extensive peripheral areas (Arid East, Chernozem North of Rostov and Volgograd oblasts, Mountainous areas of the Caucasus as well as Plain and Foothill Crimea). The reference of monoethnic (broken down by individual ethnic groups) and multiethnic municipalities with them was determined. The spatially concentrated localization of the largest ethnic groups in South Russia with elements of dispersion, which creates a dichotomy of multiethnic territories and monoethnic territories of different sizes (including the zone of Russian monoethnicity, which occupies 52.4% of the territory of the South Russian macroregion and accommodates 63.9% of its population, as well as 80.2% of the taxable monetary income of individuals and individual entrepreneurs), has been revealed. It is shown that the inherent unevenness of the residential and economic development of the macroregion is manifested in the dichotomy of identified and delimited areal-nodal structures (Western, Pre-Caucasian and Eastern belts, including all 16 urban agglomerations located in the South) and extensive peripheral areas (Arid East, Chernozem North of the Rostov and Volgograd oblasts, Mountainous areas of the Caucasus, as well as the Plain and Foothill Crimea). The need to take into account the “ethnic aspect” of the territorial organization of the economy of the South of Russia in the federal spatial policy is emphasized.
Bulletin of the RAS. Geography. 2025;89(3):368-382
368-382
Spatial regularities of long-term dynamics of passenger flow at Moscow metro stations
Abstract
The paper discusses the hypothesis that the spatial arrangement of Moscow metro stations influences the variability of passenger flow over time. This hypothesis is based on the fact that, due to the peculiarities of the spatial structure of the city, the passenger flow in the central part of Moscow is influenced by a larger number of factors than in the stations located in the periphery of the city, and as a result, the passenger flow in the stations located in the center of the city should be more uneven in time dynamics. The study uses topological and statistical methods to confirm this hypothesis. The spatial position of each station is calculated using the closeness centrality indicator, and two indicators are selected as parameters for the analysis: the variability of passenger flow over time (volatility), calculated using the variation coefficient, and the relative change in passenger flow volume between the beginning and the end of the study period. The results showed that stations with the highest volatility are located chaotically, but stations with medium and low volatility form more compact spatial groups according to the center-periphery gradient. The relative change in passenger traffic over the study period is determined more by the spatial location of the stations: most stations in the central part of the agglomeration core show a decrease in passenger traffic, while on the periphery there is a slowing of the rate of decrease or even growth. It is concluded that the spatial location is an important factor to consider when forecasting passenger traffic, since stations located in the city center are affected by more factors than stations located in the outskirts, which ultimately affects the volatility.
Bulletin of the RAS. Geography. 2025;89(3):383-393
383-393
NATURAL PROCESSES AND DYNAMICS OF GEOSYSTEMS
Interrelation between lateral deformations of river channel and changes in channel relief
Abstract
The article focuses on examples of the revealed interrelations between lateral (planar) deformations of weakly stable or unstable channels of plain or semi-mountain rivers and forms in the river relief, their morphology and dynamics. Lateral deformations at the river sites under study are estimated from the satellite images taken at different times since 1968. Deformation dynamics of the relief forms within the river channel is estimated using the pilot maps from 1940–1960 to the present and the channel plans in isobates. The factors controlling lateral deformations and sediment input to a channel are considered. The quantitative estimation is presented for the load of sediments of different sizes entering a channel as a result of bank erosion at both plain (the case of the middle Ob River) and semi-mountain (the case of the Kuban River) rivers. At semi-mountain rivers, channel forming sediments account for 40–60% of the total volume of bank erosion. The correlation is established between the erosion rates at the head edges of islands (mostly within the solitary branchings) and the erosion rates on the banks of island from the branch sides. The access angle of the flow to a bank is in direct correlation with the rate of bank erosion within the weakly stable channel under the control influence of riffles (the case of the Ganges). The correlations have the same trend but vary with the years. Examples are demonstrated for the influence of channel forms on bank erosion, as well as for the influence of bank erosion on morphology and dynamics of channel forms. It is concluded that under conditions of the unambiguous relationship either one process dominates or the alternation of bank erosion and dynamics of channel forms with time. The equilibrium of influence is very rare (the site of the Ob River upstream the confluence with the Tom River). The example shows for the predictable estimations of channel deformations based on the detailed analysis of the interrelated processes of bank erosion, changes in morphology, and dynamics of riffles as the forms of channel relief.
Bulletin of the RAS. Geography. 2025;89(3):394-405
394-405
Universal thermal climate index (utci) in the middle of the 21st century according to model forecasts
Abstract
The Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI) was used to assess the bioclimatic conditions on the territory of Russia in the middle of the 21st century. Seasonal and regional features of the UTCI were studied under future climate conditions (2040–2059), for “soft” (SSP1-2.6) and “hard” (SSP5-8.5) scenarios. The BioKlima 2.6 software package was used to calculate average daily UTCI values. Daily data from three models participating in CMIP6 (Coupled Model Intercomparison Project) were used for the calculation: the Marchuk Institute of Numerical Mathematics RAS, the Met Office Hadley Centre and the Max Planck Institute for Meteorology. Cold stress conditions will continue to prevail on the territory of Russia under the future climate conditions for both scenarios. In winter (January), cold stress of various gradations will be observed in almost the whole territory. In summer (July), conditions without heat stress will be observed in most of Russia, and comfort in the south. The assessment of possible future changes in bioclimatic conditions in Russia in the middle of the 21st century (2040–2059) showed that for both scenarios there will be a noticeable trend towards a reduction in the number of days with severe cold stress and an increase in the number of days with heat stress in the south of the European territory and in the south and in center of Siberia, especially according to the SSP5-8.5 scenario. The percentage of days with the UTCI “no heat stress” gradation will increase over most of Russia. The emerging trends will contribute to the improvement of the bioclimate in the regions with the worst conditions, in the north and east of the country, and to the deterioration of conditions in the most favorable regions in the south, due to an increase in the number of days with heat stress.
Bulletin of the RAS. Geography. 2025;89(3):406-419
406-419
ЭВОЛЮЦИЯ ПРИРОДНЫХ СИСТЕМ
PHYTHOLITHS TELL THE NATURAL HISTORY OF NORTHERN ARMENIA DURING MIGRATION OF HOMO ERECTUS
Abstract
Phytolith analysis was carried out on pedosediments of the second half of the Lower Pleistocene and the beginning of the Middle Pleistocene containing early Acheulean stone tools of ancient hominids (Homo erectus) at the Karakhach archaeological site in northern Armenia. The aim of this study was to determine the climate and landscape features that determined the formation and functioning of pedosediments of the Karakhach archaeological site during the colonization of Eurasia by hominid migrants from Africa, mainly based on the analysis of phytolith complexes. The work was carried out in a former sand quarry with volcanic origin of Karakhach sands (N 41 ° 00.491 ' , E 44 ° 00.154 ' , 2274 m above sea level), cutting through the foot of the slope of the Javakheti volcanic ridge. Samples for phytolith analysis were taken from layers with potential signs of paleopedogenesis (1, 2, 9, 10, 11, 12). The phytolith assemblages from these pedosediments were similar and consisted of species from different habitats such as dry steppes, wet meadows and coniferous and deciduous forests. Such assemblages are generally typical for topographic depressions that accumulate various fine particles brought from higher elevations. The majority of pedosediments at the study site developed under communities of C3 plants, with the sole exception of the oldest pedosediment (layer 12), which was formed under vegetation with a minute share of C4 plants. The results allowed reconstructing regional paleoclimate for the 1.9–1.75 Ma ago period. It had sharp fluctuations in monthly precipitation and temperature, with hot and very dry summers and cold and wet winters. Towards the end of the study period, ~1.75 Ma ago, the climate became more humid. The data of phytolith analysis showed a gradual cooling of the climate, based on the disappearance of phytoliths of C4 plants and a significant increase in the proportion of forest plants.
Bulletin of the RAS. Geography. 2025;89(3):420-436
420-436
NATURAL RESOURCE USE AND GEOECOLOGY
The importance of the ecological framework for biodiversity conservation in the agricultural landscape of the southern steppe
Abstract
Steppe landscapes with a high proportion of plowing, which have undergone a radical transformation of natural complexes, need landscape-oriented approaches to the biodiversity conservation. Using the typical Kuban agricultural region in the south of the European Russia as an example, the stages of monitoring, assessment and mapping at different spatial levels of preserved fragments of natural ecosystems as elements of the ecological framework are presented. The study was carried out on the basis of field descriptions of vegetation and wildlife, compilation of flora and fauna lists of protected species, their ecological and geographical analysis and mapping using GIS technologies. The structure of the ecological framework includes sets of elements (types of natural ecosystems) that differ in the degree of preservation of landscape complexes, environmental protection functions, sizes, and potential for biota conservation. Among the main elements in the steppe agro-landscape, the most important are forest belts for various purposes, coastal water complexes, gullies and island forests; among the auxiliary ones are isolated areas of degraded steppe communities, boundaries, mounds and protected areas of economic facilities. The priority of protection and the level of management depend on belonging to a particular group. It is shown that the steppe biome, under conditions of almost complete plowing and the absence of a protected area system, can ensure the preservation of typical floral and faunal diversity, including at least 115 rare and protected species. Together, the elements of the ecological framework occupy about 7% of the area of the district, they are distributed everywhere and interconnected by ecological corridors. Steppe landscapes with a high degree of tillage, which have undergone a radical transformation of natural complexes, require landscape-oriented approaches to the biodiversity conservation.
Bulletin of the RAS. Geography. 2025;89(3):437-447
437-447
Assessment of anthropogenic impact in municipalities of the Baikal natural territory and its role in the entry of pollutants with river runoff into Lake Baikal
Abstract
The discrepancy between the boundaries of river basins, within which pollutants are transported by water flows, and the administrative (municipal) districts where their sources of entry into rivers are located, is a complex scientific and methodological problem of water resources management. The article presents an integrated assessment of anthropogenic impact calculated using state statistics for municipalities of the Baikal natural territory. Using the example of river basins—tributaries of Lake Baikal located within its boundaries—the authors discuss the proposed methodology for assessing the contribution of municipalities to the inflow of heavy metals and metalloids (V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, Pb, Mo, P, Sb, Sn, U) in dissolved and suspended form with river flow into Lake Baikal. The methods of regression analysis have determined the leading role of 5 impact factors statistically influencing the formation of concentrations and flows of priority pollutants in the closing channels of 13 major tributaries of Lake Baikal (Selenga, Barguzin, Turka, Tyya, Verkhnyaya Angara, Snezhnaya, Kicher, Goloustnaya, Buguldeika, Utulik, Kika, Frolikha, Bolshaya Cheremshana rivers). These include: the volume of wastewater discharge; the volume of untreated wastewater discharge; areas disturbed by mining activities; the geomorphological hazards of the territory; the rate of potential soil erosion. Taking into account individual municipalities located within river basins in the formation of the total impact for each of the five factors allowed us to justify a method for determining the quantitative role of municipalities in the formation of the flow of pollutants. Within the boundaries of the Baikal natural territory, the level of anthropogenic impact by most indicators shows a slight downward trend with an increase in the localization of pollution in three urban agglomerations (from 10 to 30% for each of the substances in the Ulan-Ude urban okrug, Severobaikalsky and Selenginsky municipal districts). This zone is characterized by the highest wastewater load in relation to the volume of surface water.
Bulletin of the RAS. Geography. 2025;89(3):448-466
448-466
РЕГИОНАЛЬНЫЕ ГЕОГРАФИЧЕСКИЕ ПРОБЛЕМЫ
Winter recreation and ecotourism potential in the Valdai National Park (Novgorod Oblast)
Abstract
The prospects for an increase in the tourist flow in Novgorod oblast, and directly in the Valdai National Park, with the development of winter sports and tourism and the expansion of recreational services and active ecotourism in a year-round format are considered. The increase in tourist flows in the region is associated with the improvement of the transport and recreational infrastructure of the national park, as well as with changes in environmental (climatic) conditions. According to our observations and data from the Valdai branch of the State Hydrological Institute, there has been a slight increase in average annual and winter temperatures and precipitation during the calendar winter (December–February) in the 2000–2024 period. The observed global warming makes the local climatic conditions relatively mild: fairly snowy winters, stable snow cover for about 4 months and a fairly long period of negative temperatures (also more than 4 months) are favorable for the development of winter sports, tourism and recreation. On the banks of rivers and lakes you will find slopes suitable for skiing, snowboarding and sledging. There are favorable conditions for cross-country skiing, winter tourist routes, horse, reindeer and dog sledding, snowmobiling, etc. in the forests and open spaces. The park has positive experience in the development of active winter sports, environmental education and recreation. It is shown that the complex of recommended winter recreation and winter formats of ecological tourism in the territory of the park can include the functioning of permanent ecological trails and excursion routes on the topic of “winter” (“snow”) ecology, student and volunteer practices, participation in winter censuses of large mammals and birds by means of tracks in the snow, winter fishing and birdwatching, as well as photo hunting, which will become an example of “citizen science” and environmental education events of the winter cycle of the Valdai National Park.
Bulletin of the RAS. Geography. 2025;89(3):467-480
467-480
ВЗГЛЯД ГЕОГРАФА
Assessment of the degree of conditionality of the levels of development of the territory by natural factors
Abstract
The complication of the nature of interaction between society and nature, the increasing changes in nature and society, the predominance of non-linear dependencies in their interaction and internal development at the present stage, make the discussion about the limits relevant once again, along with non-deterministic (postmodern) approaches to solving geographical problems, in terms of using strict, countable methods of analysis and the “outdated” deterministic approach. Despite the criticism of environmental determinism in postmodern conditions, it seems that the potential of its application has not been exhausted. The aim of the study is to quantify the impact of “simple” linear processes in the system of relations between nature (zonality) and society (levels of development of the territory). For this purpose, the geographical latitude of the Russian regions and the level of development of their territory, calculated as the sum of the normalized values of the density of infrastructure, population and GRP, were chosen as markers. The results of the study show a rather significant, though not absolute, dependence of the probabilistic characteristics of the selected parameters on the geographical specificity. As a result of the calculations and interpretation of the obtained results, it was found out that for large flat areas and coastal areas, the development of the territory has a pronounced and demonstrable zonal character. The deviations of the results are related to the effects of mountainous terrain, the scale of aridization, and agglomeration effects. On the basis of the above, it has been established that there are no zonal patterns for the Ural, Northeastern and East Siberian regions, and other factors have a decisive influence on the distribution of regions.
Bulletin of the RAS. Geography. 2025;89(3):481-492
481-492