Home – Home – Jornals – Geography and Natural Resources 2021 number 4

The structure of Gede-Pangrango Stratovolcano, the highest volcano in Java Island, has been analyzed. Based on landscape mapping and the field observations, geographical data reflecting the spatial structure, relationships, interaction, and distribution characteristics of different-ranked ecosystems have been obtained. The influence of equatorial climate, volcanism, altitudinal zonation and anthropogenic impact on the formation of the structure of the volcanic landscape are shown. It was established that an increase in the altitude on the slopes of Gede-Pangrango Volcano resulted in an increase in the areas of subclasses of the steep and vertical slopes as well as in an increase in the slopes of moderate steepness. At the same time, the share of subclasses of plume slopes, gentle slopes and valley bottoms decreases. They are almost absent in the summit belt of the volcano. In this case, the composition of vegetation formations becomes simpler and floristic elements of higher latitudes appear, due to a decrease in average daily temperatures. At present, the anthropogenic factor has a significant impact on the landscapes of the volcano. As a result of the plowing of land and the construction of roads and settlements, the natural complexes of gentle slopes and their aprons have been strongly transformed. The slopes of moderate steepness are less affected by the anthropogenic impact. The subclasses of the steep and sheer slopes as well as of valley bottoms have mostly preserved their natural features. The anthropogenic disturbance of ecosystems decreases with an increase in altitude, which is due to a decrease in heat supply as well as to an increase in volcanic influence and intensification of erosion processes. This makes agricultural activity, the construction of roads and location of settlements difficult, and on steep slopes, even impossible. The reserve status of the territories in the middle and upper altitudinal belts of the volcano is favorable for the preservation of natural landscapes.