Modern morphodynamics in quarries of crystalline rocks of the Middle Pobuzhzhia

The study aims to characterize the modern morphodynamics in the quarries of crystalline rocks of the Middle Pobuzhzhia (Hnivanskyi, Sabarivskyi, and Novosyniavskyi quarries). General geographical and geomorphological research methods were used. General geographical methods include cartographic and remote sensing, while geomorphological methods involve morphographics, morphometrics, and morphodynamics. In the granite quarries of Middle Pobuzhzhia, we can identify both major and minor anthropogenic processes. The major processes shape the primary elements and forms of the relief in the quarries and dumps, while the minor processes add complexity to the structure of the anthropogenic relief. The main anthropogenic processes include: 1) blasting operations in quarries; 2) selection of crushed rock by excavators; 3) formation of overburden ledges; 4) formation of hydraulic dumps and dams; 5) filling of overburden dumps; 6) dumping within processing plants; 7) formation and modification of quarry roads. Anthropogenic processes are mainly represented by two groups of processes: gravity and water erosion. Gravity processes are common on quarry walls and embankment slopes. These processes include collapses, landslides, and slumps, primarily on hard crystalline rock layer, and landslides on loose bedrock layer. Water erosion processes are represented by linear and planar erosion. They are common in the upper parts of quarry walls, where the ledges of loose overburden are exposed, and on the slopes of overburden dumps and processing plants. Planar erosion can be in the form of total and small-scale flushing and accumulation at the foot of ledges and slopes of embankments. Linear erosion consists of the formation of gullies and small ravines, rather short with a significant slope of the longitudinal profile. For the first time, the main and secondary anthropogenic geomorphological processes for mining areas are identified and characterized. Anthropogenic processes in crystalline rock quarries were studied based on our field research, . For the first time, modern geomorphological processes in the quarries of the Middle Pobuzhzhia were examined from a regional perspective. The practical significance of the research is that its results can serve as a basis for predicting anthropogenic and anthropogenically determined processes within quarries.