Landscape forming factors of Kurile Islands (North-Western Pacifica)

This monography is the result of many years of research of Kuril Islands. Detailed regoin physico- geographic characteristics, methodology basis of landscape study developed by the Russian scientists, and the results of field work presented. Complex analysis of landscape forming factors of exogenous and endogenous nature is presented. Regional scheme of interacting factors of different levels was made, reflecting the peculiarities of manifestation and influence of the processes that are different in nature on each other. The research results obtained can be used for estimation of nature resistance and landscape evolution under the impact of natural catastrophic events (volcanism, earthquakes, tsunami, storms etc.) and for the development of landscape planning methodology in the zones of active geodynamic processes. The work is of a great importance for the understanding of peculiarities of natural environment formation of landscape in the active geodynamics areas of North-Western Pacifica. The book may interest geographers, biogeographers, those who work in the field of environmental protection and students of geographic department.