Geoecological assessment of the hydrosphere of urbanized areas

Abstract

The current state of ecosystems in urbanized areas is highlighted, with special attention paid to the underground hydrosphere, which is the most vulnerable component affecting the sustainability of the system as a whole. To assess the degree of sustainability, a comprehensive hydrosphere index (HHI) was developed, which includes the natural features of the territory under study, the nature of anthropogenic loads, and the results of anthropogenic influence. The analysis of a specially developed database and subsequent mathematical modeling was the basis for the development of the KPG. Modeling made it possible to determine the leading natural and anthropogenic factors controlling the state of the hydrosphere and to identify typical models characterizing the stability of the ecosystem.