LANDSCAPE CHANGES IN THE PAVLOVSKOE COAL DEPOSIT AREA IN PRIMORSKY KRAI

Abstract

Mining is one of the most significant transformative forces in human economic activity. Research on the landscape cover transformation as affected by mineral extraction and processing is becoming increasingly topical. It is important for developing effective approaches to the minimization of negative consequences and for finding optimal ways to restore landscapes. The purpose of this research work is to analyze changes in the landscape cover in a key area within the Pavlovskoe coal deposit (Primorsky Krai) over a 39-year period (1985-2024). The work is based on expeditionary research materials and satellite images taken at different times. Generally accepted landscape research methods were used. Collected information served as the foundation for preparing the geoinformation system “Anthropogenic and natural meso-landscapes (tracts, urochishche) of the Pavlovskoe coal deposit.” It is based on landscape maps of the key area for 1985 and 2024. The study has revealed a significant variety of classes of anthropogenic meso-landscapes. The landscape cover analysis has shown that development of the key area is primarily associated with mining and agricultural production. The main trend in the landscape cover transformation during the period under study was a gradual decrease in the share of agricultural land in favor of mining. Eighteen variants of the meso-landscape classes change have been identified. Each variant reflects changes in the original meso-landscape in one or two directions: a change of a certain transformation degree (naturalness-artificiality) and a change in the environment. The significant number of the identified variants indicates a deep transformation of the landscape cover in the course of coal mining and construction of related infrastructure during the 39-year period.