Morphometric Analysis of Relief as a Structural-Genetic Element of Landscape in the Karabakh Volcanic Plateau Physical-Geographical Region (Using GIS Technology)

This article is dedicated to the analysis of morphometric elements (slope, aspect, horizontal and vertical fragmentation values) of the relief of the Karabakh Volcanic Plateau as one of the structural-genetic elements of the landscape. For the first time in the research, the DEM (Digital Elevation Model) analysis of morphometric parameters was conducted using the Spatial Analyst-Surface and Spatial Analyst-Hydrology tools of the ArcGIS software for the physical-geographical region. The reliability of the global DEM data resulting from the Shuttle Radar Topographic Mission (SRTM) research is 90%, with an approximate resolution accuracy of 20 meters (even higher in mountainous areas), and a vertical error of less than 16 meters. According to the elevations where landscape types are distributed, four hypsometric zones have been distinguished, and morphometric maps for each elevation level have been prepared separately. Morphometric analyses conducted on landscape complexes are based on the 1:600,000 scale landscape map of the Republic of Azerbaijan, implemented using the relevant tools of the ArcGIS package. Investigation of the area using GIS technologies showed that this method provides extensive opportunities for precise, fast, and safe study, comparative analysis, synthesis of morphometric parameters, and prediction of upcoming changes. Based on the analysis of the research area’s terrain in the GIS environment, it was determined that there is a close relationship between morphometric indicators and landscape structure. Various relief forms disrupt the overall structure of elevation zonality by creating internal differentiation within the landscape. In mountainous areas where the slope is steep, horizontal fragmentation is weak to moderate, and vertical fragmentation is observed to be intensive to moderate. On the less sloped areas of the volcanic plateau, both types of fragmentation are lower. The highest values of slope, horizontal, and vertical fragmentation are observed in forest complexes and subalpine meadows, while the lowest values are observed in alpine meadows. The exposure of slopes in the area leads to the formation of landscape asymmetry and creates differences in the spread of vegetation cover. The most economically significant landscapes in the area are alpine-subalpine meadows, which serve as pasture lands. Morphometric indicators should be taken into account to protect the productivity of pastures, and to prevent the occurrence and strengthening of erosion.