Research of the Anthropogenic Transformation of the Natural Landscapes of the Greater Caucasus using Mathematical Statistical Methods (within Azerbaijan)

Abstract

By applying modern research methods, by applying the processing of satellite images and Remote Sensing materials, it is possible to conduct research of larger areas in a short time. For the first time, we applied this method to our research area. Our main goal is to determine the increasing anthropogenic impact at any moment and prepare its future forecast. In the article, using mathematical statistical methods and space images, on the basis of GIS technologies, the characteristics of changes in natural landscapes are studied. During the study, we divided the 1:280 000 scale map into 294 squares with sides of 2.5 cm. We calculated the number of types of contours (n) and species diversity (m), irregularity (K=m/n), asymmetry, and C_v-variation coefficient of each square. During the study, we used ArcGIS, Mapinfo, and Surfer 8 GIS software. As a result of study we determined that crop husbandry had developed in the areas where the inclination was low, and animal husbandry had developed in the areas where the inclination was high. This trend is expected to continue in the future.