Anthropogenic transformation of landscapes in arid climate conditions and their risks

Abstract

The article represents the outcomes of our study materials on the branch of technogenic transformation of landscapes based on scientific methods. We have analyzed landscape ele- ments, such as relief, climate, vegetation, dynamics of forests, precipitations and etc. We classify the anthropogenic activities in the study area. Consequently, we have determined risks and problems in the landscapes of the coastal zone of the Caspian Sea due to human impact. Transformation characterizes of Salyan and Lankaran, South-eastern Shirvan plains due to anthropogenic effects have been researched in the article. Dynamic analyzes of old and modern topo maps, satellite images, surveys of older people let to determine transformation degrees and development levels of natural and natural-an- thropogenic landscapes. Ecosystems of the protected areas are compared with landscapes undergoing anthropogenic impacts based on the analogy method. NDVI, dynamic of technogenic landscapes, forest ecosystem maps allow the creation of an anthropogenic transformation map of the study area. We divided the investigation into 5 parts due to the transformation degrees: unchanged landscapes that retain their natural structure, poorly transformed landscapes, medium transformed landscapes, strongly transformed landscapes, natural-technogenic landscapes. Risks and hazards are then assessed. We have prepared a system of measures to overcome environmental risks and hazards.