EARTH SCIENCES AND GEOMORPHOLOGY DEPARTMENT OF KYIV UNIVERSITY: A XXI CENTURY PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

The historiographical article is devoted to the analysis of the 70-year history and development of the Kyiv University Earth Sciences and Geomorphology Department and the formation of its educational, scientific and applied area activities. The presented list of educational and research areas and description of their essential principles testifies not only to the existence of certain stages in the department history, but also to formation of trends in scientific preferences of the teaching and research staff. Over the course of the Department’s work many theoretical and practical aspects of Earth Sciences have been developed including general and theoretical geomorphology, geomorphological mapping and zoning, Quaternary sedimentology and palaeogeography, structural geomorphology and morphostructural analysis, engineering and anthropogenic geomorphology, palaeogeomorphology and ecology, scientific principles of remote and expeditionary relief research. Modern applied scientific and educational areas of the Department are geomorphology and nature tourism (geotourism), and soil science, land management and spatial planning. The development of scientific principles of nature tourism as a factor of sustainable development will not only spread the scientific worldview, understanding of the society laws and environmental ideas, but will also attract national and foreign investment, facilitate the development of territorial communities and tourism as a highly profitable sector of Ukraine's economy. Soil science, land management and spatial planning as areas of theoretical and applied geographical research are crucial to meet the current challenges of decentralization and land reform. It covers the development of multi-level spatial planning methodologies for sustainable spatial development, methods of scientific substantiation of urban projects, land management project planning, soil protection measures, engineering protection of the territory to create a favourable human habitat, preservation of landscape diversity and natural and cultural heritage. In recent years, the research interests of the Department have also included management of eco-projects and geoarchaeological studies, which were formed on multidisciplinary approaches and provide a thorough scientific and practical base for training of future professionals. Key words: Kyiv University Earth Sciences and Geomorphology Department; palaeogeomorphology; ecological geomorphology; morphostructural analysis; nature tourism; soil science; land management; spatial planning; eco-project management; geoarchaeology.