Modern landscapes in the Kaliningrad Region

Abstract

This article summarises the findings of studies into the Kaliningrad Region’s landscapes and their components tracing the development of natural features of modern landscapes – the paleogeography of postglacial and Quaternary deposits. Based on field and laboratory studies, the authors conduct a component analysis of territorial complexes. Genetic types and varieties of regional landscapes are identified, their spatial and temporal structure described. The landscape structure of the Kaliningrad Region is characterised by the following genetic types of landscapes – landscapes of glacial and fluvial origin and sea and marine landscapes. In their turn, they are divided into the following types of natural landscapes: ground moraine plains, terminal moraine uplands, glaciolacustrine plains, coastal landscapes, ancient delta landscapes, valley landscapes, and aeolian ancient alluvial plains. The authors consider key trends in natural landscape transformations resulting from their economic use. The article proves that modern landscapes are polygenetic systems consisting of the areal and network components of the environment. A new concept of modern landscape is proposed. The authors describe and substantiate the idea of landscape metachronicity and secondary succession in the region.