ВИЗНАЧЕННЯ ТА АНАЛІЗ ЗАКОНІВ У ТЕОРІЇ ГЕОГРАФІЧНОЇ НАУКИ ТА ЇЇ ГАЛУЗЕЙ

Problem statement. This article identifies, analyzes, and examines the significance of the most fundamental geographical laws for the further development of geography as a whole and its specific branch sciences. Currently, conditions have emerged for the development of such implicit laws due to the accumulation of extensive and high-quality geographical data, the emergence of new research methods and tools, corresponding scientific technologies, and advancements in methodological and general philosophical foundations. Several of the most significant new geographical laws have been identified, named, analyzed, and substantiated. These include the following laws: (a) the law of geographical locality; (b) the law of environmental influence; (c) the law of rhythmic dynamics; and (d) the Zenkovich–Bruun law, which encapsulates the evolution of marine coastlines under modern climate change and intensified anthropogenic impacts. Additionally, brief new interpretations of two important geographical laws – retrospective and latitudinal geographical zonality – are provided in the context of contemporary conditions. All of these laws contribute to the further development of geographical theory in the interests of rational (harmonious) environmental management. Purpose. At the current stage of geographical science development, our objective is to identify, define, formulate, and demonstrate the properties of the most fundamental geographical laws, highlighting their universal geographical significance in the interests of sustainable environmental management and the preservation of a healthy, productive environment as a habitat for humanity. Results. At present, both in Ukraine and globally, a substantial body of empirical data from geographical research has been accumulated, enabling the discovery, identification, formulation, and analysis of the essence of physical-geographical laws. These laws are grounded in the foundational principles of general scientific laws within the methodology of natural sciences. The discovery of such laws, along with the evaluation of their significance and applications, highlights advancements in the general theory of physical geography. This theoretical framework is increasingly capable of addressing practical needs in environmental management not only on a broad scale but also within specific sectoral and interdisciplinary geographical sciences. This development is particularly relevant in the context of intensified anthropogenic impacts on the elements and components of the geographical shell. The laws under consideration are assessed as leading principles for the current stage of geographical science. The availability of empirical data, qualitative and quantitative research methods, and the application of new technical tools provide opportunities to further develop the theory of physical geography, including the effective application of geographical laws in the future. The discovery, interpretation, and application of the presented geographical laws in the interests of optimal environmental management have become possible at this time, primarily due to the active and prioritized use of the system-dynamic paradigm. The spatial-territorial paradigm continues to be employed, as necessary, in relevant cases and specific natural conditions.