Earth Sciences

Special Issue

New Challenge for Geography: Landscape Dimensions of Sustainable Development

  • Submission Deadline: Aug. 30, 2017
  • Status: Submission Closed
  • Lead Guest Editor: Dali Nikolaishvili
About This Special Issue
A special issue should be dedicated to the 70th birthday anniversary of Prof. Nikoloz Beruchashvili – a famous Georgian geographer and cartographer, PhD in Geography at the Chair of Department of Cartography and Geoinformatics of Tbilisi State University, the Chair of the International Geographical Union’s Commission on Landscape Analysis.
http://iclds.tsu.ge/en
http://igu-online.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/apr_20061.pdf

In the 1970s, Dr. Beruchashvili organized and managed a program of annual observations on the dynamics of landscapes at Martkopi physical-geographical center and also seasonal observation centers for different landscapes of Georgia. He also organized expeditions to the Caucasus and different parts of the World. He established air observations of the landscape conditions to study its dynamics. On the basis of these observations, he developed a spatial-temporal concept of landscapes. He introduced some terms to landscape science (such are geomasses, geohorizons, vertical structure, stexes - daily conditions, etc.) and developed main principles. He published more than 220 scientific works, 28 of them are monographs (Tbilisi, Paris, Moscow).

As a researcher, N. Beruchashvili visited and worked in 60 countries of the World. In 1975-1976, he did a special course at Paris VII University in France. In 1987-2005, he was invited to give lectures and did scientific works at different Universities (Warsaw, Sofia, University in Brno, Toulouse, Grenoble, etc.).

He contributed to the introduction and development of the GIS-technologies in geographical researches in Georgia, as well as establishment of Chair of Geoinformatics at Tbilisi State University, Georgia. For the total period of his working at the Tbilisi State University, he organized a number of international forums. His students and scientific followers are working in different branches of geography and cartography, and they also work successfully in tourism, land cadaster, statistics, military analysis, urban planning, etc.

The special issue dedicated to the 70th anniversary of Prof. Nikoloz Beruchashvili should discuss modern problems of landscape science and related fields of knowledge.

The journal should encompass a broad spectrum of geography, and therefore, several areas are identified which will be given a particular priority: landscape science, landscape planning, landscape management, physical geography, cartography and information technology applications in geography, human geography, political geography, landscape ecology and environmental studies, historical geography, toponymy, state borders and other related subjects.

All papers will be original, not published in the past. In addition, the manuscripts will be compiled in a form of original and review papers, or as short notes.

The papers are selected for publication in this special issue through blind review.

Aims and Scope:
Publishing the most exciting and significant researches and sharing international experience and researches about all aspects of landscape science and related fields of knowledge and earth sciences in general;
Honoring the memory of a famous Georgian geographer and cartographer, Prof. Nikoloz Beruchashvili.
Lead Guest Editor
  • Dali Nikolaishvili

    Department of Geography, Faculty of Cartography and Geomorphology, Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University, Tbilisi, Georgia

Guest Editors
  • Irma Kveladze

    Department of Civil Engineering, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark

  • Andrey Kushlin

    Forestry Department, Food and Agriculture Organization, Rome, Italy

  • Annette Otte, Prof. Dr. Dr. habil. Dr. h. c. (TSU)

    Agricultural Sciences, Nutritional Sciences, and Environmental Management, Justus-Liebig-University, Landscape Ecology and Resources Management, Giessen, Germany

  • Renato Henriques

    Earth Sciences Centre, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal

  • Walter J Ammann

    Global Risk Forum GRF Davos, Switzerland

  • Akhmetkal Medeu

    Institute of Geography in Kazakhstan, Almati, Kazakhstan

  • Recep Efe

    Geography Department, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Balikresir University, Balikesir, Turkey

  • Mariam Elizbarashvili

    Department of Geography, Faculty of Exact and Natural Sciences, Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University, Tbilisi, Georgia

  • Nino Chikhradze

    Vakhushti Bagrationi Institute of Geography, Department of Geomorphology and Geoecology, Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University, Tbilisi, Georgia

  • Nana Bolashvili

    Vakhushti Bagrationi Institute of Geography, Tbilisi, Georgia

  • Revaz Gachechiladze

    Corresponding member, Georgian National Academy of Sciences, Dep. of Earth Sciences; Prof., Dr., Dep. of Human Geography at Iv. Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University, Tbilisi, GEORGIA, Georgia

  • Vitaly Bratkov

    Geography/Cartography and Geoinformatics Faculty, Moscow State University of Geodesy and Cartography (MIIGAiK), Moscow, Russian Federation

  • Gregory Isachenko

    Institute of Earth Sciences, Saint-Petersburg State University, Saint-Petersburg, Russian Federation

Published Articles
  • Scientific Heritage of Professor Nikoloz Beruchashvili (1947-2006)

    Revaz Gachechiladze , Dali Nikolaishvili , Nana Bolashvili , Neli Jamaspashvili

    Issue: Volume 6, Issue 5-1, October 2017
    Pages: 111-122
    Received: Jul. 17, 2017
    Accepted: Jul. 18, 2017
    Published: Sep. 01, 2017
    DOI: 10.11648/j.earth.s.2017060501.25
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    Abstract: A special issue “New Challenge for Geography: Landscape Dimensions of Sustainable Development” (journal; “Earth Sciences”) is dedicated to the 70th birthday anniversary of Prof. Nikoloz (Niko) Beruchashvili – a famous Georgian geographer and cartographer, PhD in Geography at the Chair of Department of Cartography and Geoinformatics of Tbilisi State... Show More
  • Spatial Analysis Used in Baseline Study for the Preparation of Management Plan of Kazbegi Protected Areas

    Tamar Bakuradze , Andrei Kandaurov , Marine Mosulishvili , Dali Nikolaishvili , Mamuka Gvilava , Sophiko Kenkebashvili

    Issue: Volume 6, Issue 5-1, October 2017
    Pages: 93-110
    Received: Aug. 04, 2017
    Accepted: Aug. 07, 2017
    Published: Aug. 23, 2017
    DOI: 10.11648/j.earth.s.2017060501.24
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    Abstract: Collected data were separated in three generalized subsystem: environment (its main elements: air, land and water) as an Abiotic subsystems; flora and fauna, as the elements of a Biotic subsystem and Cultural environment, as a third subsystem, with its historical-cultural heritage and existing infrastructure. Interpretation and evaluation of the da... Show More
  • Monthly Variations of Rainfall Erosivity (R factor) in Shida Kartli, Georgia

    Mariam Tsitsagi , Ana Berdzenishvili , Ketevan Gogidze

    Issue: Volume 6, Issue 5-1, October 2017
    Pages: 87-92
    Received: Jun. 28, 2017
    Accepted: Jun. 29, 2017
    Published: Aug. 21, 2017
    DOI: 10.11648/j.earth.s.2017060501.23
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    Abstract: Soil erosion is a global problem that tends to become more extreme on the background of climate change. Rainfall is one the main drivers of soil erosion. One of the best indicators of the potential erosion risks is the rainfall-runoff erosivity factor (R) of the revised universal soil loss equation (RUSLE). Shida Kartli is one of the main agrarian ... Show More
  • Basic Factors of Climate Peculiarities Formation and Climatic Zoning of Samtskhe-Javakheti

    Lamzira Lagidze , Lia Matchavariani , Nodar Tsivtsivadze , Giorgi Bregvadze , Nargizi Motsonelidze , Nino Paichadze

    Issue: Volume 6, Issue 5-1, October 2017
    Pages: 83-86
    Received: Jul. 18, 2017
    Accepted: Jul. 19, 2017
    Published: Aug. 09, 2017
    DOI: 10.11648/j.earth.s.2017060501.22
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    Abstract: In the article the main factors: solar radiation, atmosphere’ circulation processes and relief defining the climate features of Samtskhe-Javakheti are discussed. On the basis of mentioned factor analysis, it is revealed that their impact and intensity is changed according territory and by seasons. This difference and weather particular conditions c... Show More
  • Adaptive Sustainable Management of Forests in Borjomi

    Nino Sulkhanishvili

    Issue: Volume 6, Issue 5-1, October 2017
    Pages: 73-82
    Received: Jul. 04, 2017
    Accepted: Jul. 05, 2017
    Published: Aug. 09, 2017
    DOI: 10.11648/j.earth.s.2017060501.21
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    Abstract: The study of Borjomi forest is based on number of topics/issues including Landscape-Ecological Carcass (LEC) of Borjomi Municipaliy for Planning the Forest Use, which was developed by Prof. Nikoloz Beruchashvili. The study also includes social recerch that allows complex analyzing and evaluating the following issues: Forestry problems (general, the... Show More
  • Assessment of Hydrological Conditions of Water Bodies for Recreational Purposes by the Example of Tbilisi Water Reservoir Paper

    David Kereselidze , Vazha Trapaidze , Giorgi Bregvadze

    Issue: Volume 6, Issue 5-1, October 2017
    Pages: 68-72
    Received: Jul. 01, 2017
    Accepted: Jul. 04, 2017
    Published: Aug. 02, 2017
    DOI: 10.11648/j.earth.s.2017060501.20
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    Abstract: Urbanization has significant effect on the environment, management of water resources and waste systems, air pollution, road infrastructure etc. Tbilisi water reservoir is an important recreational resource that is why the assessment of its ecological and qualitative state is necessary for implementation of available resource potential. Assessment ... Show More
  • Effective Ways to Improve Agro-Ecological Conditions of Vine – Kakheti Region

    Givi Gagua , Merab Gongadze , Tamara Chichinadze

    Issue: Volume 6, Issue 5-1, October 2017
    Pages: 62-67
    Received: May 31, 2017
    Accepted: Jun. 01, 2017
    Published: Aug. 02, 2017
    DOI: 10.11648/j.earth.s.2017060501.19
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    Abstract: The aim of our research was to improve the agro-ecological conditions of viticulture in Kakheti region in the way of changing the physical properties of soil. As it is well known, the climatic conditions and soil peculiarities determine the quality of the produced grapes and wine. Academician F. Davitaia mentioned that the species of vine and the p... Show More
  • Subtropical-Humid Agro Landscape Zoning of Adjara Region by Multifactor Approach

    Zurab Seperteladze , Eter Davitaia , Melor Alpenidze , George Gaprindashvili , Guram Memarne , Nino Kedelidze , Tamar Aleksidze , Nino Rukhadze

    Issue: Volume 6, Issue 5-1, October 2017
    Pages: 31-37
    Received: Jun. 01, 2017
    Accepted: Jun. 02, 2017
    Published: Jul. 17, 2017
    DOI: 10.11648/j.earth.s.2017060501.15
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    Abstract: Physical and geographical factor are the main for Agro-Resource Assessment, which is multi-criterion and multidimensional. We considered a multi-faceted approach to optimal solution for solving this task. It has been possible to improve geographical (complex) research, agro landscape zoning of territory, optimal evaluation of natural conditions, as... Show More
  • Diversity, Ecotopology and Hypsometric Distribution of the Endemic Flora in High- Mountain Phytolandscapes of the Caucasus

    Shamil Shetekauri , Lali Kutateladze

    Issue: Volume 6, Issue 5-1, October 2017
    Pages: 38-48
    Received: Jun. 14, 2017
    Accepted: Jun. 19, 2017
    Published: Jul. 17, 2017
    DOI: 10.11648/j.earth.s.2017060501.16
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    Abstract: The paper considers diversity, systematic-geographical, ecotopologic (biotopologic) structure and peculiarities of hypsometric distribution of the endemic flora in the high-mountain phytolandscapes in the western (Abkhazia, Samegrelo), central (Svaneti, Racha-Lechkhumi, Shida Kartli, Khevi) and eastern (Khevsureti, Tusheti, Mountainous Kakheti) par... Show More
  • Soviet Toponymy: The History and the Present

    Davit Sartania , Dali Nikolaishvili , Avtandil Ujmajuridze

    Issue: Volume 6, Issue 5-1, October 2017
    Pages: 49-55
    Received: Jun. 16, 2017
    Accepted: Jun. 19, 2017
    Published: Jul. 17, 2017
    DOI: 10.11648/j.earth.s.2017060501.17
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    Abstract: The article identifies the scales of the Soviet toponymy (macro-toponyms and toponyms as such) in Georgia and some geographical peculiarities of their territorial distribution. The study was undertaken in several stages: (1) identification and analysis of the general list of Soviet toponyms (according to the geographical background, naming circumst... Show More
  • The Geographic Reference Atlas of Georgia: Basic Principles

    Guliza Liparteliani , Manana Kurtubadze , Nato Sologhashvili , Tamar Chichinadze , Roman Kumladze , Levan Tielidze , Ana Iremashvili , Nino Geslaidze , Irma Kveladze

    Issue: Volume 6, Issue 5-1, October 2017
    Pages: 56-61
    Received: Jun. 22, 2017
    Accepted: Jun. 26, 2017
    Published: Jul. 17, 2017
    DOI: 10.11648/j.earth.s.2017060501.18
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    Abstract: Developing the national atlases as a main goal of geography has been determined by the 18th International Geographical Congress in Rio-de-Janeiro in 1965. The interest to create thematic complex atlases was increased. The first and the second National Atlases of Georgia show a high level of the exploration of the nature, population, economy and his... Show More
  • Present Landscapes and Their Ecological States in the Ore Mining Region of Chiatura

    Elene Salukvadze , Tamila Chaladze , Tamar Khardziani , Ketevan Gogidze

    Issue: Volume 6, Issue 5-1, October 2017
    Pages: 8-16
    Received: May 06, 2017
    Accepted: May 08, 2017
    Published: Jul. 11, 2017
    DOI: 10.11648/j.earth.s.2017060501.12
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    Abstract: Comprehensive studies have been carried out in the manganese deposit areas in Chiatura. The studies showed changes in separate components of the nature – relief, air, water, soil, which have taken place due to anthropogenic, namely, technogenic influence and peculiarities of ecological states of the components. Using literary sources, expedition ma... Show More
  • The Study of the Dynamics of Forest Landscapes in Georgia Based on the Analysis of Spatial-Temporal Concept of Natural-Territorial Complexes

    Dali Nikolaishvili , Nino Chikhradze

    Issue: Volume 6, Issue 5-1, October 2017
    Pages: 17-22
    Received: May 08, 2017
    Accepted: May 10, 2017
    Published: Jul. 11, 2017
    DOI: 10.11648/j.earth.s.2017060501.13
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    Abstract: The study of the forest dynamics of Georgia’s landscapes is based on the analysis spatial-temporal concept of natural-territorial complexes (NTCs), which was developed by Prof. Nikoloz Beruchashvili. This question allows analyzing and evaluating the following issues: forest resource potential of landscapes and restoration of the retrospective pictu... Show More
  • Climatology and Historical Trends in Tropical Nights over the Georgian Territory

    Mariam Elizbarashvili , Elizbar Elizbarashvili , Nato Kutaladze , Shalva Elizbarashvili , Roman Maisuradze , Tea Eradze , Neli Jamaspashvili , Nano Gogia

    Issue: Volume 6, Issue 5-1, October 2017
    Pages: 23-30
    Received: May 17, 2017
    Accepted: May 18, 2017
    Published: Jul. 11, 2017
    DOI: 10.11648/j.earth.s.2017060501.14
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    Abstract: Based on the materials of observation of 50 meteorological stations of Georgia for the period between 1936-2013, research has been made of geography, structure, intensity, duration and dynamics of tropical nights on the Georgian territory. Nights are considered tropical if minimum air temperature is above 20°C (TR20). Tropical nights are most wides... Show More
  • Javakheti Plateau – New Tourist Area of Republic of Georgia

    Vazha Neidze , Mzia Tutberidze , George Khomeriki , Merab Gongadze , George Lominadze , Nino Pavliashvili

    Issue: Volume 6, Issue 5-1, October 2017
    Pages: 1-7
    Received: May 13, 2017
    Accepted: May 15, 2017
    Published: Jun. 09, 2017
    DOI: 10.11648/j.earth.s.2017060501.11
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    Abstract: Javakheti, a historical province of Georgia, is a region of complex natural conditions, distinctive landscape and a unique limnographic network. Eight protected areas have been established in this region during the last 20 years. In the past, a variety of reasons hindered tourism development in this region, leaving it substantially behind other reg... Show More