Botanica Pacifica. A journal of plant science and conservation 2026. Preprint
Article first published online: 11 JUN 2026 | DOI: 10.17581/bp.2026.15202
Landscape structure of the Gunza and Simbuwa river valleys (Southern macroslope of the Great Himalayan Range)
Pavel S. Belyanin
Pacific Institute of Geography FEB RAS, Vladivostok, Russia
This study analyzes the landscape structure of the Ghunsa and Simbuwa River valleys, which drain the southern macroslope of the Greater Himalayan Range. Landscape taxa of different ranks and the primary factors driving landscape formation were identified. The landscape framework of these valleys is represented by 11 higher-rank landscape taxa. Their vertical differentiation occurred under the influence of a significant altitudinal gradient, reaching 7 000 m over a distance of only 60 km. Consequently, a diverse spectrum of landscape taxa has formed, representing most of the natural zones found across East Asia. Analysis of the spatial distribution of soil types and plant formations allowed us to identify 20 lower-rank landscape units. Ecosystems below an elevation of 2 600 m have been significantly transformed by anthropogenic impacts. Evergreen and semideciduous forests have largely been replaced by agricultural crops and cultivated plant communities. In contrast, landscapes above 2 600 m are well preserved in their natural state.
Белянин П.С. Ландшафтная структура долин рек Гунза и Симбува (южный макросклон Большого Гималайского хребта). Проанализирована ландшафтная структура долин рек Гунза и Симбува, дренирующих южный макросклон Главного Гималайского хребта. Выявлены разноранговые ландшафтные таксоны и основные факторы их формирования. Установлено, что ландшафтный каркас долин рек Гунза и Симбува представлен 11 ландшафтными таксонами. Их вертикальная дифференциация произошла под влиянием гипсометрического фактора, достигающего высоты 7 000 м, на протяжении всего 60 км. В результате, сформировался разнообразный спектр ландшафтных таксонов, представляющих большинство природных зон Восточной Азии. Анализ пространственного распределения типов почв и растительных формаций позволил выделить 20 более мелких ландшафтов. Экосистемы ниже изогипсы 2 600 м существенно трансформированы в результате антропогенного воздействия. На месте вечнозелёных и полулистопадных лесов преобладают растительные сообщества культурных растений. Ландшафты выше 2 600 м хорошо сохранили свой естественный облик.
Keywords: Great Himalayan Range, Mount Kanchenjunga, Simbuwa and Gunza rivers, altitudinal zonation, landscape taxa, landscape structure, Большой Гималайский хребет, гора Канченджанга, реки Симбува и Гунза, высотная зональность, ландшафтные таксоны, структура ландшафта
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