Modeling the Transformation of Structure and Organization of Landscape Complexes

Abstract

The transformation is a qualitative changing the complex through the mechanism of restructuring, i.e. the reorganization of a complex system through redistribution of its various quality parts in the new order under the influence of a changing environment, while maintaining the structural and functional similarity. Quantitatively landscape complexes are imaged using rank distribution of system elements on occurrence (significance). Mathematical models of geocomplexes transformation are based on partial differential equations of second order, which generate different alteration of rank distributions. The connection between these equations and models of transient processes, non-equilibrium thermodynamics and gravitational geographical models are shown. To test the equations landscape studies in Tunkinskaya hollow (South Siberian mountain area) are conducted and the landscape-typological map of the territory at the level of groups of facies are created. Rank distributions of pixels of Landsat space image on the occurrence of different brightness levels in images of each group facies were built. Rank distributions are approximated by exponential dependences of occurrence on the rank and height of facies location. According to the obtained formulas characteristics of flows, as well as sources and sinks, reflecting the intensity of the transformation of landscapes are calculated. It is shown that: 1) the rank distributions for different groups of facies form a congruence, i.e. the studied area forms a single system - a complex; 2) the inverse of the coefficient of the exponential function is linearly related to the height for mountain taiga facies and to the distance to the river Irkut for depressions facies; and 3) a more accurate approximation of rank distributions satisfying the basic differential equation are provided by the use of logarithmic coordinates. The obtained theoretical and empirical regularities can reflect the processes of transformation of geocomplexes in the space of different geographical characteristics of the order.