Altitudinal Zonation and Geoecological Classification of Mountain Landscapes: A Case Study of the Southwestern Gissar Range

Abstract

This article provides a scientific analysis of altitudinal zonation of mountain landscapes and their geoecological classification. The study examines the vertical structure of mountain geosystems and the stepwise transformation of landscapes under the influence of climatic and geomorphological factors. It also highlights the formation patterns of landscapes based on soil types, vegetation cover, and ecological conditions specific to each altitudinal belt. In the case of the Southwestern Gissar mountain range, it was established that altitudinal zonation extends from desert zones to the glacial-nival belt, with each stage characterized by specific geoecological features. The interaction of low, middle, and high mountain landscapes, as well as foothill (adir) zones, forms a complex landscape structure of the region. The results of the study are significant for improving the geoecological classification of mountain landscapes, their scientific assessment, and ensuring sustainable use of natural resources