DOI: https://doi.org/10.36719/2789-6919/56/100-106
Tural Ahadov
Ministry of Science and Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan,
Institute of Geography
PhD student
https://orcid.org/0009-0001-6277-7136
ehedov-tural@mail.ru
Impact of Climate Change on the Vertical Zonation of Soil Cover in the Lankaran-Astara Region
Abstract
The Lankaran-Astara region is located in the southeast of Azerbaijan, stretching from the Caspian Sea coast to the peaks of the Talysh Mountains. This study aims to investigate the impact of climate change on the vertical zonation of soil cover in the region. Meteorological data from 1980 to 2025, soil maps from different periods, and soil samples collected during field studies were used for the analysis. The results indicate that over the last 44 years, the average annual temperature in the region has increased by 1.2-1.6°C, precipitation has decreased by 8-14%, and periods of drought have become more frequent. These changes have caused the boundaries of soil horizons to shift upward by 80-150 meters, the humus layer to thin by 15-25%, and humus content to decrease by 22-35%. Soil salinization has intensified in the lower zone, while erosion processes have become more pronounced in the middle and upper zones. The decline in soil fertility poses a serious threat to the agricultural potential and ecological balance of the region.
Keywords: Lankaran-Astara, climate change, vertical zonation, soil cover, degradation, erosion