Vakhushti Bagrationi Institute of Geography

In this study, LULC changes are investigated by using Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in Tbilisi, capital of Georgia. A number of factors contribute to the changes in the LULC. Rapid urbanisation has led to dramatic changes in land use practice. The expansion of the population of Tbilisi peaked in the 1970s. This resulted in a high demand for living space and an active phase of urbanisation of the outskirts of Tbilisi begun, ending with the collapse of most social systems after the dissolution of the USSR in 1991. A new wave of urbanisation hit the city in the beginning of the 2000s. This process was accelerated by the incorporation of nearby recreational zones into the city's administrative area in 2007. In this study, digital image processing was used in the analysis and assessment of the land use changes since 1987 throughout 2016. After the classification of the Landsat 5 and Landsat 8 OLI it became apparent that there were 5 different classes of LULCs. The change in the size of the surface area of each class during the previous 29 years was also determined. Sharp rise in the built-up area was discovered after the change detection. Built-up area increased 13.9% in 2016 compare with 1987. Therefore, available data on LULC changes can provide critical input to decision-making of environmental management and planning the future.

Soil erosion is a very complicated process. Rainfall erosivity is one of the main factors affecting on soil erosion. The erosive power of precipitation is accounted for by the rainfall erosivity factor (R-factor). Rainfall erosivity (R-factor) itself is a very important factor in soil erosion modeling. R-factor is a product of rainfall kinetic energy and rainfall intensity. Rainfall intensity change is one of the main indicators of climate change. It has a great influence on agriculture as one of the main factors causing soil erosion. Information of rainfall erosivity is rarely available with good spatial and temporal coverage. Accurate estimation of rainfall erosivity requires continuous rainfall data. Because many parts of the world still do not have detailed rainfall intensity data available, many studies have been performed to estimate R-factor based on available rainfall data. There are several alternative methods cited in science literature. This study aims to evaluate the temporal as well as the spatial distribution of rainfall erosivity and to calculate average annual rainfall erosivity for three study periods (1936–1962; 1963–1989; 1990–2016) in Kakheti, east Georgia. As far as Kakheti is the agrarian region, frequency and intensity of the rain are very important factors in agriculture point of view. Our study provides the assessment of rainfall erosivity potential with use of modern research methods for five weather stations (Telavi, Gurjaani, Sagarejo, Dedoplistskaro and Lagodekhi) in Kakheti. Rainfall erosivity potential was determined for every weather stations in Kakheti region from literature and records from meteorological stations. Then the same factor was determined by the selected methods (for each method separately), and the outcomes was compared, which allows us to determine the validity of a particular method for the study area. From the three methods used in the study process, method by Loureiro & Cautinho was finally used for the assessment rainfall erosivity during three study periods.

The history of karst terrestrial development has been restored on the background of many years’ field, experimental and laboratory researches (underground water tracing, structural deciphering of aerophotocytes, analysis of boreholes and geological wounds) and analysis of the current literary sources carried out by us in the Zemo Imereti Plateau. Within the study area, karst and karst forms of the Jurassic-Cretaceous, Lower Tertiary (Paleocene-Eocene) and Post-Miocene (Sarmati) period were revealed. Lithobiostratigraphic analysis of cave subterranean sediments enabled us to identify the cave age. In Zemo Imereti Plateau, in the caves located on higher hypsometric levels, the sedimentation of subterranean sediments began in the Middle-Upper Pleistocene and it seemed that the caves’ formation was mainly completed in the mentioned territory.

The segment of Caucasus Black Sea coast, which is geographically considered as a united geosystem placed in the areal of the segments of Greater and Lesser Caucasus, is one of the densely populated and utilized regions of our Planet, herewith, it is extremely complicated geoecologically and in very crisis situation. In this regard particularly special situation is created in view of development of elemental geological processes of large scale and frequency of its recurrence, which obtained particular character since the end of 20th century. Damaged area makes about 60% and the high risk zone – about 45%. Special geoecological situation created in the Caucasus Black Sea coast needs particular nature use regime, complex approach of its target utilization and integrated management of geological environment, which foresees the identification of risks of geoecological hazards stipulated by natural and anthropogenic impact, elaboration of criteria of gaudiness of geological environment and working out of regional scheme of minimization of risk of natural hazards. Solution of these key problems will be able by statement of several conceptual issues, such as: identification of background situation of present geological environment, degree of damage of the area by elemental-hazard events and their risk; Regarding interrelation of homogenous geological environment and modification regulations: revealing of the character, scales and distribution areals of modification of geological environment destroyed by anthropogenic stresses, statement of criteria of possibility of human stress proceeding from sensitivity of geological environment and ranging the area according to the possible geological complications from “normal” up to “crisis” situation; working out of regional scheme of integrated management of area and recovery of geological situation.

Abstract The presented work deals with the spread of viticulture and fruit farming in the Middle Ages in the Samtskhe-Javakheti region in Georgia. The current state of the farming sectors mentioned and those pivotal moments in Georgian history that had an influence on agriculture are also considered in the article. The changes that determined the viticulture geography from the second part of the 16th century up to the present day are also discussed. The study is mainly based on the census document created in 1574. The article represents the geographic distribution patterns of vineyards and orchards, as well as wine production capacity and the fruit harvest. Retrospective mapping made it possible to restore the distribution of farms and gardens of the mentioned period and to analyse the importance of viticulture and fruit farming in the 16th century. The maps represented show spatial patterns of vineyards, gardens, and main terroirs.

Based on the complex studies (geographical-geological, karst-speleological, and geophysical studies), conducted by the authors in the study area, karst forms such as sinkholes and ponors were identified, the width (2-17 m) of the Quaternary deposits located on the limestones were determined, the average and maximum discharges of the streams flowing on the bottom of the hollow were calculated. Studies have also shown that relatively heavy rains and snowmelt periodically flood the relatively low, western part of the hollow and create a temporary lake that soon dries up through the ponors at the bottom of the hollow, where the water stream are discharged. The closed shape of the Turchu hollow the limestone bottom covered with Quaternary deposits and the events described above indicate the corrosive origin of the hollow, which has been practically confirmed by our georadiological and electrometric studies. It is notable that the role of tectonic movements in the origin of the hollow along with the corrosive processes, which had a periodic character, and together with the uplifting of the area caused the lowering of the levels of underground waters and, consequently, the activation of karst processes.

Abstract Globally, prioritizing short-term economic gains from mineral extraction has led to a critical dilemma: a planet rich in resources struggles with environmental degradation and a diminishing ability to sustain future generations. Open-pit mining exemplifies this paradox, causing significant environmental damage. In Georgia, this extractive industry presents environmental problems. Despite these known consequences, the long-term impacts of mining activities remain understudied. This study addressed this gap by analyzing the effects of open-pit mining on terrain morphology, and water dynamics in the Kazreti region over a 50-year period (1970–2020) and vegetation health over 35-year period (1987–2022). By integrating water quality assessment, spatial analysis and remote sensing, we revealed the significant human-induced changes to the region’s ecosystem. Spatial analysis results suggested that over 156.7 million cubic meters of bedrock have been fragmented by mining in southern East Georgia, with 125.5 million cubic meters deposited in valleys. Consequently, discernible shifts in the trajectories of water flow were observed based on the hydrological model. Additionally, a comparative analysis of NDVI and EVI values revealed a decline in vegetation health near mining zones, while remote forest areas remained stable. June typically showed healthier vegetation due to cooler temperatures and optimal growing conditions, while August presented lower vegetation health due to increased heat stress. Water quality revealed significant loadings of Cu (58–1855 μg l −1 ), Zn (54–2582 μg l −1 ), Mn (1–2167 μg l −1 ), and Cd (0.1–4.5 μg l −1 ), in local river systems, which are higher than the Georgian official guideline values (Cu - 1000, Zn - 1000, Mn—100, Cd—1 μg l −1 ). This study highlighted the need for a broader long-term monitoring strategy to assess the migration of these contaminants within the food web and the consequent socio-economic impact.

The link between precipitation, drought indices, and NDVI is discussed in this paper. The data were processed on the example of the extreme eastern region of GeorgiaKakheti for the period 2016-2020. The study area has landscapes of natural (mixed and deciduous forests) and agriculture (vineyards, orchards, cereals, and vegetables). The NDVI was generated using Sentinel 2 images with a 10 m pixel resolution, and the average monthly NDVI was derived using Arc map 10.8. Drought indices (SPI and SPEI) were calculated according to the daily climate data from five rain gauges located in the study area in program R. Several trends emerged from the results. The correlation between NDVI, precipitation and drought indices vary according to natural and agricultural landscapes. A relatively low correlation was observed between the average monthly NDVI, precipitation and drought indices in the case of forests in Lagodekhi. These areas are relatively humid locations in Kakheti. In the southeast of the region, where arid forests are represented, NDVI was found to be more sensitive to precipitation and, consequently, drought indices. However, in contrast to the previously described locations, SPI and SPEI differed significantly from each other. In the case of agriculture landscapes, this connection is more complex and depends on the crop type and the vegetation period.

In the paper, it is discussed reinforced coastal zones with resort-recreational functions, destructed in terms of anthropogenic pressure of the Black Sea, Georgia. Results of many years’ observations and researches prove low effectiveness of active methods of coastal protection, mostly causing and provoking intensive degradation of the beaches. Article highlights developing and constructing of free and unbounded beaches as an optimal coastal protection approach. Successful example of this approach was developing of coastal zone in 90s, in Gagra (West Georgia), Black Sea. Positive impact of this kind of artificial beach still survives. In the thesis, it is presented an attempt to scientifically prove extrapolation-traduction on the other similar coasts of the recovery of Gagra Zone beach. Based on morphodynamic analysis and comparison, according to the priorities of major features of reinforced coasts, it turned out that coast of three similar objects (Gagra, Ochamchire and Sokhumi) show homogenous aspects. Scientific expediency of providing extrapolation on other similar objects of etalon objects i.e. Gagra Beach recovered by successful coastal protection experiment. Thereby, for the purposes of creating free-artificial beach, choosing of wrecking zone of Ochamchire is based on coastal protection effectiveness and economical principals, including technical-economical effectiveness.

Abstract The complicated social-economic and political situation has brought about an abrupt deterioration of the natural environment in Georgia for the last decades. At present, 4.5 million ha of the territory of Georgia is under the threat of dangerous elemental processes. As a result of activation of the exogenous processes, stipulated by the same factors, 5% of arable lands are withdrawn yearly from agricultural turnover, and 50% is affected by erosion. Under the impact of anthropogenic factors, about 100-130 t/ha of fertile soil layer of arable lands is annually washed-out in Eastern Georgia and about 150-160 t/ha in Western Georgia. The total number of mudflow basins in Georgia exceeds 2.7 thousand. The peculiarity of mountain relief and climate has stipulated not only the presence of various landscapes, but also a high level of biodiversity within the organic world of Georgia. A successful solution of the problem of balanced development and the conservation of biodiversity depends on two main factors - influence of elemental-destructive processes and anthropogenic impact, which are directly bound with each other.

The Racha limestone massif is located in the eastern part of the karst zone of western Georgia. The massif is a typical example of Georgian mountain karst regions, where diverse surface and subsurface karst landforms are found. The main aim of this research is to present mapping of two potential show caves, and document speleological information from the Racha limestone massif. The morphological parameters and tectonic directions of the Muradi and Usholta Caves were mapped using the compass-clinometer and laser distance meter, to compile 3D models of the caves. To our knowledge these are the first 3D models of karst caves in Georgia.

The paper presents the results of complex research carried out for years into the Tskaltubo cave system. Main features of aeroionization, morphological, climatic, hydrological, and radiological characteristics of the cave system have been analyzed. Complex research results served as a basis for equipping the cave for speleotourism purposes. © 2010 Bull Georg. Natl. Acad. Sci.

The process of emptying the mountainous regions is a serious problem in the world today, which has become quite large scale. The mountainous regions have always been an important strategic objective, characterized by a healthy ecological environment, vast freshwater resources, biological and landscape diversity, endemic species of cultural and natural vegetation, unique and exciting forms of agriculture, architecture, ethnic culture, military-defense by purpose, by the development of cult-religious processes, etc. The process of depopulation of the mountainous regions is a serious problem in the world today, which has become quite scalable. Population migration from mountainous areas is mainly due to harsh climates, scarce land resources, underdeveloped infrastructure, low incomes, poor access to health care and less prospects for development. With few exceptions, where a very attractive socio-economic environment is created, in mountainous areas, often even a more dramatic and very dramatic picture emerges, largely due to the fact that residents are leaving their homes and not only small settlements or villages, but also larger administrative districts. Units remain. Emigration from rural areas has a negative impact on agriculture, which is one of the main axes of the economy. Farming has not yet developed — it needs support. According to the 2014 Census, Georgia has a total of 3633 villages, of which 223 are without permanent residents, and 1 in 10 of the 255 villages is a threat to rural protection, although tourism and other processes have slowed these processes down. As an example, we took one of the abandoned villages of Botko and its surrounding area as a classic example of the depopulation of mountainous regions in Georgia.

<p>Growth and development of the city lead to a drastic change in the natural environment, which causes a lot of environmental problems. Among the problems is the reduction and destruction of green cover. In Georgian cities, green cover can be found in two primary forms: natural habitats (which is currently very rare) and gardens (artificially cultivated, often for decorative purposes) and parks (synthesis of vegetation and entertainment attractions, which is a relatively latter form). The capital, Tbilisi, is an ancient city, and therefore it has gone through several stages of urban development, which logically led to the reduction of green space. The research aims to systematically map space and time changes in gardens and parks in Tbilisi. A geodatabase was created based on historical narrative sources, ancient maps, city plans, and satellite imagery in Arcmap 10.8, based on which a retrospective spatial analysis of gardens and parks in Tbilisi was performed. First, gardens and parks were identified; their location, area, vegetation types, changes, and primary drivers were determined and analyzed. The maps of Tbilisi from the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries were used as a cartographic basis. They are compiled into different scales and projections. All the maps were georeferenced, and the gardens given in the historical sources are identified. In addition, Soviet topographic maps and satellite imagery (CORONA and aerial photography) were used to reconstruct the changes that took place in the 20th century. Based on the obtained results, it turns out that gardening was quite developed in Tbilisi in the Middle Ages. Mostly, oriental style gardens predominated. There were two main directions: publicly available gardens in the city area and gardens arranged around the noble palaces. In this case, in addition to local varieties (mostly broadleaf), varieties imported from different countries were also used. The city's green cover has been declining since the 19th century amid rapid urbanization. The replacement of gardens in the city with built-up areas begins. In the first half of the 20th century, coniferous plants (mostly pine) were planted intensively, and coniferous vegetation became the dominant type in gardens or parks (later). Since the second half of the 20th century, a new type of recreational places appeared- the park. It is a kind of synthesis, where attractions, open-air cafes, and children's spaces are arranged with a green cover. Arranging such parks was part of Tbilisi's master plans. Amid the complex social, political, and economic situation in the country since the 1990s, small parks have begun to disappear amid uncontrolled urban sprawl, compounded by the massive decline of coniferous vegetation in the face of the city's climate change (urban heat island) or/and parasites. Recently, the restoration of gardens and parks has become particularly active. It is part of the city’s new General plan.</p>

This scientific article explores the promising landscape of Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) tourism in Georgia, with a specific focus on the vibrant cities of Tbilisi and Batumi. The research endeavours to assess the scale of hotel and conference infrastructure in these two cities. Furthermore, it examines the evolution of economic indicators in the MICE tourism sector in Georgia, both before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Geographic Information System (GIS) tools and Adobe Illustrator for data visualization round out the study's foundational social research techniques, which also include document analysis and statistical investigation. The key findings of the study are that the MICE tourism sector in Georgia, particularly in Tbilisi and Batumi, has experienced growth and transformation, showcasing resilience in the face of challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Georgia's proactive measures, evolving infrastructure, and diverse attractions position it as a competitive player in the global MICE tourism industry, with the country on an upwards trajectory and ambitious plans for further growth.

River Dghviora originates from the much-modified cirque of the vanished glacier on the northern slope of the Shoda-Kedela mountain range, parallel to the Central Caucasus. The glacial and erosive-glacial relief of the nival zone is developed here, with clearly defined troughs, moraines, individual erratic boulders. At relatively low hypsometric levels, alpine and subalpine landscapes are represented. The building rocks of the valley, along with the slope of its bed and climatic conditions, are the main factors of the formation and development of exodynamic processes. The material coming from Dghviora river, and its parallel valleys flows into the Chanchakhi valley and forms a large withdrawal cone at the confluence, on which the village of Glola is built. From here, destructive mudflows arise during heavy rains, because of which this and other settlements are damaged. In July 2020, because of heavy rains, due to the overflow of Rioni, Chanchakhi, its abovementioned and other tributaries, destructive mudflows were formed, which destroyed the infrastructure, highways and bridges of the villages of region Zemo Racha. The purpose of the article is to analyse the mechanism of occurrence of natural processes and to assess their impact on the tourist agglomeration of Shovi-Glola, as well as to predict the further development of these processes as much as possible and to present preventive measures.

The main goal of teaching geography is to form a multifaceted personality. One of the most important missions of teaching geography is to study the problem of the relationship between nature and society, to raise ecological awareness for each member of society and to create a caring attitude and personal responsibility towards nature. The mentioned direction contributes to the formation of students' economic thinking, which helps them understand and solve the socioeconomic problems of their own country. Additionally, geography has a communicative role to some extent, which involves obtaining, perceiving, and analysing different types of information. Therefore, the high involvement of students in the learning process is very important, as well as the use of modern approaches and strategies. In connection with the mentioned issues, research was conducted among students at the basic and secondary levels of Buckswood International School. The purpose of the research is to outline the effective methods of the teaching-learning process of geography, which will make it easier for students to study the subject and will help to apply the acquired knowledge in practice. Additionally, it will help to plan the educational curriculum correctly, interestingly, and effectively. The survey was conducted online using the Google Forms platform. Then, the resulting composition was analysed, and the highlights were created in diagrams. Additionally, the article presents information about the educational field activities already carried out by the students participating in the research and illustrative photo material. Approximately one hundred students participated in the survey. During the research, interesting trends were revealed, including which form of teaching they prefer, when learning is pleasant and effective for them, how they analyse the theoretical knowledge, and how they can use this experience. This is presented in detail in the article. In conclusion, to obtain quality and practical education and to form a full-fledged citizen, research on the abovementioned issues is important. It is necessary to change teaching-learning approaches with time and adapt to students. The learning process should be fun for them. This research will help the teachers of schools and higher education institutions plan and conduct the educational process correctly and interestingly.

he study of glacier mass balance is gaining significant interest worldwide against modern global climate change. Using Drone gave good results in glacier mass balance studies. There is a sizeable difference between the values ​​obtained by the modern and previous used methods, which is primarily because of the shortcomings of the old one. We believe the results obtained cause the revision of the old data of the mass balance ablation component. Therefore, it became essential to restore the observation series and determine the compatibility of the data obtained by the old, traditional methods with the data obtained using new, modern technologies. The study aimed to compare the results obtained by standard ablation studies (ablation stake) and modern aerial photogrammetric methods based on actual observations in the Adishi glacier tongue.

According to legend, a kind of sport called rugby was born in the English town of Rugby on April 7, 1823, when William Webb Ellis, a local student and football player, took a ball in his hands and put it down in the goal of the opposing team. This legend is officially denied today, but it is important because the cup of the Rugby World Championship is named the “William Webb Ellis Cup." Rugby was formed and spread during the 19th and 20th centuries, and both processes continue. Its spreading beyond the British Commonwealth became more or less difficult because of the conservatism of the Brits. For example, the British formed the “IRFB” (International Rugby Football Board) in 1886, which became the “IRB” (International Rugby Board) in 1997. However, as they did not admit France to this organisation, this state formed a separate union called “FIRA” (Fédération Internationale de Rugby Amateur) in 1934, which is “Rugby Europe” today. The first Rugby World Cup was held only in 1987 for various reasons. Nine tournaments were organised between 1987 and 2019, and the 10th one will open this year, in September–October 2023, on the 200th anniversary of the establishment of rugby. The arrangement of the world and regional championships often encounters problems, despite some written and unwritten laws. Tourism-related financial issues are one of the most significant troublemakers. They create obstacles for organising committees and hinder the spread of rugby’s popularity around the world. At the same time, they cause problems with the promotion of Georgia’s national team to a higher regional level, which is one of the most important goals for Georgian rugby players and supporters. The main sources of this article comprise some English and French magazines related to various world tournaments, interviews with rugby specialists, and the plentiful information accumulated during many years of my own connection with the world of rugby.

The article describes the contribution of Alexandre Javakhishvili to the geographic, cartographic and anthropologic development of Georgia. The scientific production created under his editorship and management is also described. The scientist contributed much to the study of history of the geographical development, where Vakhushti Bagrationi played a leading role. The article shows the scientist’s merit in the geographical and cartographic development.His studies developed the methodological issues of the different branches of geographical science (principles of geomorphological zoning, definition of the subject of regional geomorphology, classification of the types of relief and their relations to the geology and tectonic structure, etc.), identified the physical-geographical peculiarities of the territory of Georgia (thermal zones, types of precipitations, etc.) and developed zoning plans (geomorphological, climatic, hydrological, etc.), developed a series of thematic maps of Georgia in different scales (general geographic, geomorphological, climatic, etc.) and analyzed the anthropogenic types of different corners of Georgia and identified the Georgians as an individual anthropogenic type.