Landscapes of Eurasian steppes as the object of historical steppe science

Based on historical-geographical evidence, this paper reports on the influence of the nomadic peoples on the landscapes of the steppe one in Northern Eurasia during the pre-agricultural period, i.e. in the 18th-19th centuries. It is concluded that the landscapes of the steppe one constituted natural-anthropogenic complexes resulting from cultural transformation of space by the nomadic peoples. A rationale is rovided for the problems facing the new branch of knowledge, historical steppe science.     

The ecologo-hydrological problems of the transboundary basin of the Ural river,and the prospects for institutional collaboration

We examine the ecologo-hydrological characteristics of the transboundary basin of the Ural river. We highlight the main water-ecological problems facing the basin and determine the territorial features peculiar to them. The prospects for cooperation between nations within the framework of institutional collaboration are considered.     

Steppe landscapes of the Ural–Volga region in response to oil and gas production: Evaluation and minimization of direct geoecological aftereffects

This paper reports on the geoecological state of landscapes of oil and gas fields in the Ural–Volga steppe zone. Large-scale direct disturbances and impacts with dramatic aftereffects have been revealed on the basis of field research using the geographic information system (GIS) and data from remote sensing of the Earth. It has been shown that the current land-use pattern in oil and gas production areas is in need of professional control to protect and recover the landscapes in the steppe zone.