THE PRECONDITIONS OF MODERN LANDSCAPES FORMING BETWEEN WESTERN BUG, RATA AND SOLOKIA RIVERS (Part 2)

Abstract

Actual problems of origin, formation, anthropogenic transformation and disappearance modern geosystems between Western Bug, Rata and Solokiya rivers are considered. Special attention devoted to formation conditions research of Yastrubetska Delta as uncharacteristic for region of the Western Bug river valley. Based on retrospective-geographic analysis of literature and cartographic sources of the XVIII–XX centuries are traced stages of the Yastrubetska delta geosystems development and surrounding landscapes of between-river basin. In the second part of article analyzes the large-scale (1 : 25,000) cartographic works, in particular, the Austrian maps of the Third Topographic Survey (1869–1887), the Polish maps of the Military Geographical Institute (1929–1939) and the USSR Soviet General Staff maps (1968–1989). An overview of last three of five historical and geographical stages topographic maps made it possible to investigate and interpret conditions of Small-Polissya landscapes functioning and development in second half of XIX-th – second half of XX-th centuries. Maps of scale 1 : 50,000 – 1 : 300,000 used for clarifying geographical and landscape-ecological situation. The main tendencies of Western Bug, Rata and Solokiya rivers interfluve landscapes transformation for the last 240 years was analyzed. The best indicator for natural conditions transformation are changes in river network, forestation and territory bogging. The analysis of cartographic materials shows that the majority of channels and distributaries of Western Bug and its tributaries, especially within limits of Yastrubetska Delta and a significant reduction of forested areas and wetlands. Key words: landscape; geosystem; river valley; channel; delta; rivers interfluve.