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ABSTRACT
The stability of geosystems under anthropogenic influences has become a critical area of research due to increasing human activities and their impacts on natural ecosystems. This study focuses on assessing the stability potential of geosystems in the Ural River basin, a region experiencing significant anthropogenic pressures, including agricultural expansion, industrial development, and urbanization. By integrating geomorphological, hydrological, and ecological data, this research evaluates the resilience and vulnerability of the Ural River geosystem to human-induced changes. Field surveys, remote sensing, and statistical analyses were employed to quantify the extent of anthropogenic impacts. Results indicate that approximately 40% of the river basin has undergone moderate to severe degradation, with soil erosion rates increasing by 25% over the past two decades. Additionally, water quality parameters, such as nitrate concentrations, have exceeded permissible limits by 30% in areas adjacent to agricultural zones. The study identifies key drivers of instability, including deforestation, over-extraction of water resources, and improper land-use practices. Mitigation strategies, such as reforestation, sustainable water management, and land-use planning, are proposed to enhance the geosystem's stability. This research provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the interplay between anthropogenic activities and geosystem stability, offering valuable insights for policymakers and environmental managers.
Keywords: Geosystem stability, Anthropogenic influences, Ural River, Environmental degradation, Sustainable management. Article type: Research Article.
INTRODUCTION
The stability of geosystems, defined as the ability of natural systems to maintain their structure and function under external pressures, is a cornerstone of environmental sustainability (Goudie 2018). Geosystems encompass interconnected components such as landforms, soils, water bodies, and ecosystems, collectively supporting life and human activities. Ho wever, the increasing intensity of anthropogenic influences has raised concerns about the resilience of these systems (Steffen et al. 2015). Anthropogenic activities, including urbanization, industrialization, and agricultural expansion, have significantly altered natural landscapes, leading to wide spread environmental degradation (Foley et al. 2005). These changes are particularly pronounced in river basins, where human interventions disrupt hydrological processes, sediment transport, and ecological balance (Vörösmarty et al. 2010). The Ural River basin, located in a semi-arid region, serves as a critical case study for understanding the impacts of human activities on geosystem stability. Ural River, a transboundary watercourse, supports local ecosystems, agriculture, and communities. However, recent decades have witnessed a surge in anthropogenic pressures, including...