Atlas

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Contemporary exogenous processes of morphogenesis

For purposes of mapping, the leading processes were identified on the basis of a classification of the exogenous processes of morphogenesis of land, suggested by V. B. Vyrkin [1986], from taxonomic geomorphological units in accordance with the scale. At a small scale, the objects of geomorphological mapping are the types, subtypes and complexes of topography which are basic to identifying classes and groups of leading processes. The legend is based on identifying one leading process (the one exception to this rule is represented by the display of areas on the map where the contemporary morphogenesis is due to a combination of two leading classes of processes). Identification of the leading processes of the territory took into account their three main parameters: the coverage area, the duration of a continuous occurrence, and the intensity of development.

The process is identified through a process interpretation of the relief, deposits, landscapes, vegetation and other natural formations. The procedure brings to the fore the interpretation of the relief, its morphology, genesis and age, and the identification of the genetic types of deposits. Only an integral investigation into the landforms and correlative deposits, complemented with station-based observations of the intensity of processes, does make it possible to identify in the mapping procedure the leading processes, and of paramount importance is a knowledge of the geomorphological structure of the region being mapped. Vital to the generation of small- and medium-scale maps of the processes, especially for poorly explored spaces of Siberia and Mongolia, are space images. In Siberia’s remote regions difficult of access, space images provide the main information base for map compilation.

Thus the methodological framework for mapping the contemporary exogenous processes of morphogenesis involves determining and depicting the leading processes. Maps as produced by such a method offer a means of investigating the structure and functioning of the processes of contemporary exogenous morphogenesis. They can be used in developing and generating regionalization schemes for contemporary exogenous processes of morphogenesis.

The map as created on the basis of the aforementioned principles constitutes a wealth of information which can be employed in dealing with issues relating to rational management of natural resources, assessments of the relief and contemporary morphogenetic processes, and to implementation of measures for the protection of land surface against hazardous and adverse geomorphological processes.

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Climate

Observational data of meteorological stations on the air temperature and precipitation in the period of 1961 to 2008 serve as initial data for climate maps here. Mean monthly and annual values are considered.

Atmospheric pressure

A primary role in shaping climate is played by atmospheric circulation - one of the main climate factors. Atmospheric circulation is presented in the maps of pressure fields in the central months of seasons. The maps are compiled based on the monthly mean pressure values reduced to sea level (NCEP / NCAR reanalysis base). In winter, the main pressure system at the surface is Asian (Siberian) anticyclone centered on the north-west of Mongolia, reaching maximum development in January. In spring, the action of the Asian maximum weakens. Differences in the properties of the underlying surface of the continent and ocean reduce dramatically, thereby the zonal circulation factors begin to dominate, that determine the west-east transport. Together with the transfer of pressure formations from west to east the cyclones outputs from Central Asia and Kazakhstan are observed in spring. Summer circulation processes are characterized by the weakening of the west-east transport. The pressure field of low pressure dominates at the earth's surface. Circulation processes are characterized by the weakening of the west-east transport. At the earth's surface the pressure field of low pressure with light winds dominates. When the blocking warm anticyclone locates over the central regions of Yakutia, south cyclones from Mongolia move to the Baikal region and then they slowly travel to the west or northwest. Central forms of summer circulation, which are characterized by blockage of the zonal flow and split of planetary altitude frontal zone (PAFZ) of temperate latitudes, occur conditioned upon intensive development of the typical summer tall crests and troughs. Circulation conditions of the autumn period are characterized by the development of general west-east transport, which is interrupted by meridional invasions of cold air masses from the north. Siberian anticyclone is in its formation stage. Compared with the spring season the autumn west-east movement of pressure systems is slower. Final transition to winter conditions of circulation takes place around the middle of November, when the Siberian anticyclone is sufficiently stable.

Open full size

Climate

Observational data of meteorological stations on the air temperature and precipitation in the period of 1961 to 2008 serve as initial data for climate maps here. Mean monthly and annual values are considered.

Atmospheric pressure

A primary role in shaping climate is played by atmospheric circulation - one of the main climate factors. Atmospheric circulation is presented in the maps of pressure fields in the central months of seasons. The maps are compiled based on the monthly mean pressure values reduced to sea level (NCEP / NCAR reanalysis base). In winter, the main pressure system at the surface is Asian (Siberian) anticyclone centered on the north-west of Mongolia, reaching maximum development in January. In spring, the action of the Asian maximum weakens. Differences in the properties of the underlying surface of the continent and ocean reduce dramatically, thereby the zonal circulation factors begin to dominate, that determine the west-east transport. Together with the transfer of pressure formations from west to east the cyclones outputs from Central Asia and Kazakhstan are observed in spring. Summer circulation processes are characterized by the weakening of the west-east transport. The pressure field of low pressure dominates at the earth's surface. Circulation processes are characterized by the weakening of the west-east transport. At the earth's surface the pressure field of low pressure with light winds dominates. When the blocking warm anticyclone locates over the central regions of Yakutia, south cyclones from Mongolia move to the Baikal region and then they slowly travel to the west or northwest. Central forms of summer circulation, which are characterized by blockage of the zonal flow and split of planetary altitude frontal zone (PAFZ) of temperate latitudes, occur conditioned upon intensive development of the typical summer tall crests and troughs. Circulation conditions of the autumn period are characterized by the development of general west-east transport, which is interrupted by meridional invasions of cold air masses from the north. Siberian anticyclone is in its formation stage. Compared with the spring season the autumn west-east movement of pressure systems is slower. Final transition to winter conditions of circulation takes place around the middle of November, when the Siberian anticyclone is sufficiently stable.