Assessing the open sand areas monthly dynamics in the east of the Stavropol Krai in 2023

The author examines the open sands’ spatial position dynamics in the east of the Stavropol Krai (Levokumsky, Neftekumsky, Stepnovsky and Kursk rayon) in the context of the months of 2023. The current year differs from a number of previous ones (2017–2022) in terms of meteorological conditions, in connection with which the changes assessment will clarify the dust storms impact degree on the sandy areas acreage. Mapping of open sands was carried out using satellite survey data (Sentinel-2) for each month for the March-October period 2023. At the beginning of the term, the area of open sands was 51 thousand ha, due to gradual decrease in October, 17.2 thousand ha were identified. Monthly dynamics for 9.6 thousand objects was estimated, considering differentiation into parts caused by the proliferation of annual psammophytes. The results of determining the species composition of vegetation on the sands during field research are presented. The accuracy of decryption exceeded 98 %