Landscape structure of the coastal zone of the north-western part of Sevastopol
Abstract
For the first time, data on the landscape structure of the coastal zone in the northwestern part of Sevastopol are presented. Landscape studies were conducted during the summer seasons from 2017 to 2024. A landscape map was created for both the terrestrial area and the marine waters. The study identifies the characteristics of the landscape structure in the investigated region. Most of the coastline is occupied by high structural watershed plains. The natural coastal landscapes have been transformed by economic activities. In the marine area, landscapes dominated by Ericaria crinita, Gongolaria barbata, and Phyllophora crispa are prevalent, while in the bays Zostera marina, Zostera noltei, and Stuckenia pectinata dominate. It is noted that the insufficient representation of stabilizing landscapes leads to a deterioration of the geoecological situation. Optimization of the protected area network plays an important role in preserving the landscape and biological diversity of the coastal zone.