MAPPING OF DESERTIFICATION IN CASPIAN TERRITORY

Abstract

The relevance of this article is represented by interest in the mapping of desertification processes for the inventory of natural resources in the context of aridization. The purpose of the study is to compile one map or a series of maps for analyzing the natural environment in dynamics. In the latter case, three maps are necessary: the background level, the current state of desertification and the risk of desertification in the future. The method of integrated environmental mapping for the creation of maps of environmental situations allows identifying environmental problems, i. e. negative changes in the natural environment caused by anthropogenic activities and determining their spatial localization. The main advantage of the methodology is that it allows the presentation of initial information in cartographic form, both in the presence of quantitative data and in the absence of them. According to the results of the work carried out, it is clear that in the south-western part of the Russian Federation the problem of desertification is urgent. More than 4 % of the territory of southern Russia is very susceptible to desertification. Drawing conclusions from the studies carried out, the maps of the current state and danger of desertification are necessary materials for the planning of environmental protection and resource management.