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The research aims to identify how geomorphological surfaces and anthropogenic changes affect waterlogging patterns in Yaroslavl.

July 5, 2026Moscow Economic Journal0 citations

Plasticity of the Relief as a Factor Determining the Spatial Regularities of Urban Flooding, as Examplified by the City of Yaroslavl

EKEgor Kuznecov

Key Points

The research aims to identify how geomorphological surfaces and anthropogenic changes affect waterlogging patterns in Yaroslavl.
Created a GIS digital database mapping waterlogged areas in Yaroslavl.
Analyzed spatial data and digital elevation models (DEMs) for two time periods: 1911-1916 and 2011-2016.
Investigated historic and contemporary information on waterlogging incidents.
Identified highest waterlogged area concentrations on high river terraces and mid-sections of the valley-and-ravine network.
Categorized waterlogging areas into disappeared, persisted, or newly emerged based on observed changes.
Found current waterlogged patterns influenced by both natural geomorphological features and human activities.

Abstract

Utilizing Geographic Information Systems (GIS), a digital database has been created for the first time that maps the locations of waterlogged areas within the central district of Yaroslavl; the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of these areas, specifically regarding their distribution across various geomorphological surfaces, are also described. This article investigates the patterns of waterlogging in urbanized territories—using the historical center of Yaroslavl as a case study—while taking into account the influence of terrain morphology and anthropogenic transformations of the urban environment. The study addresses the challenge of sustainably preserving the natural erosional network amidst urbanization, despite alterations to the terrain, the construction of engineering infrastructure, and the development of stormwater drainage systems. The objective of this research is to identify the spatio-temporal patterns of waterlogging in relation to specific geomorphological surfaces and elements of the natural valley-and-ravine network. The methodology employed in this study includes GIS analysis techniques, spatial data referencing, digital elevation model (DEM) processing, and the analysis of both historical and contemporary sources of information regarding waterlogging incidents. Two distinct time periods—1911–1916 and 2011–2016—were compared, enabling the researchers to trace the dynamics of changes following the construction of a closed stormwater drainage system. Specific areas of waterlogging were categorized as either having disappeared, persisted, or newly emerged. The findings establish that the highest concentration of waterlogged zones is associated with the catchment surfaces of high river terraces and the mid-sections of the natural valley-and-ravine network. It is demonstrated that the current spatial distribution of waterlogged territories is determined by a combination of natural geomorphological factors and anthropogenic impacts. The results obtained from this study can be utilized in the planning of sustainable drainage strategies and for the enhancement of urban infrastructure.

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