DIFFERENTIATION CHARACTERISTICS OF MOUNTAIN-FOREST, FOREST-SHRUB, AND FOREST-MEADOW LANDSCAPES IN THE NORTHEASTERN PART OF THE LESSER CAUCASUS

Abstract. In the northeastern slope of the Lesser Caucasus, particularly within the mountain-forest and mountain-meadow landscapes, the intensification of human settlement poses serious ecological risks in terms of the transformation of natural landscapes. High population density in steep mountainous areas further exacerbates these risks. This issue represents a significant threat, especially for mid- and high-mountain zones, and is particularly critical in areas characterized by steep cliffs and mountain peaks. The article explores the characteristics of landscape differentiation processes in this region and examines their scientific and theoretical significance. Methodology and Methods. The study employs several widely used approaches in the investigation of geographical landscapes, including the cartographic method, field research, geographical forecasting, and mathematical-statistical analysis. In the course of the research, extensive use was made of scientific literature on the subject, maps, internet resources, and statistical data. Key Scientific Contribution. The primary scientific novelty presented in this study lies in the identification of risk factors resulting from anthropogenic differentiation processes within the mountain-forest, forest-shrub, and forest-meadow landscapes in the northeastern part of the Lesser Caucasus. These risk factors have been substantiated with concrete evidence. Based on the analyses conducted, quantitative indicators of the landscapes affected by differentiation have been determined. Research Findings. The study reveals that in the northeastern part of the Lesser Caucasus, the type, intensity, and structure of anthropogenic activity generally vary in accordance with vertical zonation, shifting from the foothills to high-mountain areas. Based on the degree of differentiation of the natural ecological structure, it was determined that 8% of the landscapes in the studied area have undergone severe differentiation, 46% moderate differentiation, 37% relatively weak differentiation, and 9% have not been affected by differentiation at all. These landscape complexes are subjected to maximum anthropogenic pressure during the summer season, primarily due to the seasonal migration of large and small livestock to highland pastures. In contrast, anthropogenic interventions in the high mountainous areas are virtually halted during the winter months due to extreme climatic conditions. In this region, subalpine meadows are predominantly utilized as hayfields, while alpine meadows are mainly exploited as grazing lands.