DISTRIBUTION FEATURES AND MORPHOMETRIC CHARACTERISTICS OF THE RIDGE RELIEF IN THE SOUTH OF THE OB-IRTYSH INTERFLUVE

Abstract

A widespread feature of the south of Western Siberia is sets of northeast-oriented aeolian ridges, called “griva,” formed at the end of the Late Pleistocene. This study aims to identify morphological features and spatial patterns in the development of the ridge relief in the south of the Ob-Irtysh interfluve. To achieve this goal, morphometric analysis was performed using the FABDEM digital terrain model in the QGIS geoinformation environment.  We have clarified and described previously discovered areas, identified and substantiated spatial and morphometric patterns both within particular areas and for the whole set of the ridges. Spatial analysis has shown a wide range of configurations of the “griva” relief on the whole as well as of the combinations of morphometric characteristics for different parts of it. The study has revealed a low variability of northeast winds affecting the directions of aeolian morphogenesis and also a strong influence of the Ob Plateau slopes and the elevated Vasyugan Plain on them. The Pearson correlation coefficient demonstrated a medium-weak overall relationship between the main characteristics. The results obtained expand the understanding of the mechanisms underlying the formation of ridge relief and reveal the complexity and metachronism of its development, demonstrate pronounced spatial differentiation of the material volumes and more complex dynamics of aeolian morphogenesis for the area of Lake Chany itself, as well as to the south and southeast of it.