Anthropogenic transformation of relief in settlements of the Lower Ob River region

To assess the scale of anthropogenic transformation of relief during the economic development of the territory of the Lower Ob River region, comprehensive geomorphologic studies were carried out in Salekhard and Labytnangi including the large-scale geomorphologic survey, UAV aerial photography, interpretation of satellite images and analysis of a digital elevation model. It was found that the direct transformation of relief significantly predominates over the indirect one within the territory of the Lower Ob region (the affected areas are 42,6 km2 and 3,7 km2, respectively). Widespread positive anthropogenic forms include areal ones (quarry dumps, solid waste and sawdust dumps) and road embankments (total area – 16,4 km², volume – about 30 million m³). Negative forms are represented by quarries and excavations, as well as drainage ditches (3,8 km² and approx 25 million m³). The morphological parameters of anthropogenic forms have been determined and their functional dependence has been shown. The area of artificial surface leveling and terracing was up to 22,4 km², indirect transformation of relief (areas of thermokarst activation, linear erosion and deluvial washout) is pronounced over 3,7 km². Natural relief of the valley complex of the Ob, Poluy and Sob rivers has undergone the greatest transformation as a result of the economic development in the Lower Ob River region: floodplains and river terraces account for 59% of the direct transformation area. The development of floodplain levels (as well as the interfluves) is accompanied by the construction of large positive forms (embankments), while during construction on river terraces relief is most often leveled without large-scale dumping of ground. It is shown that the scale of anthropogenic impact, including man-made forms of relief, is determined by two main factors, i. e. the type of land-use and the natural conditions, for example geological-geomorphologic and geocryological ones. The importance of the second factor significantly increases within the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation in comparison with other territories. Thus, it becomes necessary to perform a complex assessment of natural conditions for the prime areas of development in order to reduce expenses and minimize adverse and dangerous effects of nature management.

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