Spatial and temporal analysis of landscape dynamics in the Kostanay region under an- thropogenic impacts

Abstract

The aim of the work is to develop a method of landscape dynamics under anthropogenic impact. The developed methodology is tested on the territory of Kostanay region, which is one of the main regions of mining industry development, with a focus on iron ore mining and crop production. Space images and field survey results are used as input materials. In general, the work consists of the following six stages: the first stage includes the selection and processing of space images, the second stage includes the calculation of indices based on data from different channels of space images, the third stage includes field work aimed at collecting information for verification of the obtained results on the basis of RS data, the fourth stage includes the calculation of range values, the fifth stage comprises verification of the obtained indices, and the final sixth stage deals with calculation of the integral index of landscape degradation degree and analysis of landscape dynamics under anthropogenic impacts. The calculation of the integral indicator of the degree of degradation of the natural environment of the Kostanay region, based on the degradation of each indicator in the conditions of anthropogenic impact, allowed for identification of landscapes with different degrees of degradation (from weak to very strong). The research confirmed that landscapes with a high degree of degradation under anthropogenic impact are confined to semi-desert landscapes in the south of the study region. The degradation of these landscapes is associated not only with anthropogenic impacts but also with natural and climatic features that influence the development of landscape pollution processes. On the contrary, landscapes with a weak degree of degradation correspond to the forest-steppe and steppe zones, characterized by a high level of economic development and resistance to anthropogenic impacts. The verification of the obtained indicators by the values of the remaining 25% of field points determines the reliability of the obtained results, ranging from 87% to 92%, confirming the correct choice of methods and techniques for obtaining the results, especially the choice of field methods and vegetation and non-vegetation indices for assessing the selected indicators. Subsequently, based on the verified map of degradation of the natural environment, created through space monitoring for a certain period, it is possible to forecast the functioning of the natural environment in the conditions of anthropogenic impact.