Analysis of the Kazansko-Vyoshensky Sand Massif by the Index of Anthropogenic Disturbance of the Landscape

Abstract

The purpose of the work is to analyze the anthropogenic disturbance of the landscapes of a key section of the eastern part of the Kazan-Vyoshensky sand massif with an area of 12134.3 hectares. Materials and methods. The main element according to which the anthropogenic disturbance index is calculated is the normalized growing index (NDVI) obtained during the decryption of Sentinel-2 space images for 2018 and 2022 years. Four levels were allocated for the analysis of the studied area by the size of anthropogenic disturbance: norm, risk, crisis, disaster, which refl ect the degree of degradation of landscapes and their resistance to economic activity. Results and discussion. When constructing space photo schemes, the following elements of landscapes are distinguished: deciduous stand of trees, forest crops of common pine (Punis sylvestris) and Crimean pine (Punis nigra subsp. pallasiana); forest cultures of Scots pine (Punis sylvestris) and Crimean pine (Punis nigra subsp. pallasiana); shrubs and herbaceous (vegetative) vegetation; sands, which were classifi ed by degree of vegetation coverage (open and slightly overgrown – 0-30 %; medium overgrown – 30-50 %; overgrown – over 50 %). Agricultural lands, water bodies, residential areas, road and transport network were identifi ed by decoding features on the space photo scheme. It was revealed that in 2018 the landscape disturbance belonged to the «risk» class, while in 2022 year to the «normal» class. Conclusions. The improvement of phytoecological conditions for this area is due to the reduction of lands of certain categories that are poorly resistant to anthropogenic activity. It is worth noting that the territories located on light sandy soils can change during the year due to the eff ects of natural and anthropogenic factors.