ASSESSMENT OF THE ACCESSIBILITY OF SCIENTIFIC MONITORING OBJECTS: A CASE STUDY OF LAKES AND GLACIERS OF THE CENTRAL ALTAI

Abstract

Most objects of scientific monitoring in mountainous and remote areas have a low degree of accessibility. This explains the complexity of organizing and conducting large-scale field studies that require thorough preparation. One aspect of ensuring successful work in scientific expeditions is spatially valid logistics of the routes. Field study of scientific objects located in mountainous regions is difficult to organize due to their inaccessibility. The purpose of this paper is to develop methodological approaches to assessing the accessibility of scientific monitoring objects in mountain areas on the basis of a comprehensive system of selected criteria. The criteria are indicators that characterize both the remoteness of objects, the complexity of geomorphological conditions, the development and quality of the road network and infrastructure, and the features of the natural and climatic conditions in the highlands. The methodology was applied to scientifically significant lakes and glaciers of the Central Altai. The ongoing processes of transformation of high-altitude landscape structures there arouse scientific and practical interest and require a systematic monitoring. As a result of the analysis, several groups of lakes and glaciers with different degrees of accessibility have been identified, and the contribution of the most significant factors affecting the complex component for each object of monitoring is shown. In general, a multi-factor assessment of the accessibility of natural objects in mountain areas makes it possible to optimize the organization of field research, take into account infrastructural and climatic factors when determining the route complexity and duration, and plan the sequence of research activities in order of priority.