Anthropogenic transformation of landscapes in 19th–20th centuries

DOI: 10.35595/2414-9179-2020-4-26-385-392

View or download the article (Rus)

About the Authors

Dali A. Nikolaishvili

Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University, Department of Geomorphology and Cartography,
Chavchavadze Ave, 3, 0179, Tbilisi, Georgia,
E-mail: dali_nikolaishvili@tsu.ge

Manana D. Sharashenidze

Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University, Department of Geomorphology and Cartography,
Chavchavadze Ave, 3, 0179, Tbilisi, Georgia,
E-mail: manana.sharashenidze@yahoo.com

Revaz Sh. Tolordava

Sukhumi State University,
Anna Politkovskaya str., 61, 0186, Tbilisi, Georgia,
E-mail: rezo_06@mail.ru

Robert V. Maglakelidze

Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University, Department of Geomorphology and Cartography,
Chavchavadze Ave, 3, 0179, Tbilisi, Georgia,
E-mail: Robert.maglakelidze@yahoo.com

Manana Kvetenadze

Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University, Department of Geomorphology and Cartography,
Chavchavadze Ave, 3, 0179, Tbilisi, Georgia,
E-mail: mananakvetenadze@gmail.com

Nino Kharebava

Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University, Department of Geomorphology and Cartography,
Chavchavadze Ave, 3, 0179, Tbilisi, Georgia,
E-mail: kharebava.nino@gmail.com

Abstract

During the period of 19th–20th centuries, there wasn’t cardinal scales of environmental degradation on the territories of Georgia, like in many regions of the world. However, this does not mean that there are no significant anthropogenic modifications to the landscape. At different times these changes were of varying intensity and territorial proportions. The aim of this study is to determine the scale of changes in various landscapes in Georgia during this period of time and the main driving forces behind them. In order to achieve this goal, the population density, the specific share of agricultural lands, especially the number of polluting industrial sites, etc., were determined by individual landscapes. It was determined which anthropogenic impacts (resettlement and large-scale construction, water and air pollution, transport, uncontrolled nature use, etc.) became the major determinants of this or that landscape. There have been identified the landscapes where the speed of use of natural resources is significantly higher than that natural resources of self-repair. The study identified 6 categories of anthropogenic transformation of Georgian landscapes.

On the basis of research the degree of anthropogenic transformation of Georgia’s landscapes were established. Practically completely and strongly changed landscapes occupy only 20 % of the whole area of Georgia.The greatest area, almost 60 % of Georgia occupied by poorly changed landscapes.

Keywords

landscapes, anthropogenic transformation, environmental degradation, Georgia

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For citation: Nikolaishvili D.A., Sharashenidze M.D., Tolordava R.Sh., Maglakelidze R.V., Kvetenadze M., Kharebava N. Anthropogenic transformation of landscapes in 19th–20th centuries. InterCarto. InterGIS. GI support of sustainable development of territories: Proceedings of the International conference. Moscow: Moscow University Press, 2020. V. 26. Part 4. P. 385–392. DOI: 10.35595/2414-9179-2020-4-26-385-392 (in Russian)