THE IMPACT OF NATURAL FACTORS INTERACTION ON THE MANIFESTATION OF HAZARDOUS GEOLOGICAL AND GEOMORPHOLOGICAL PROCESSES IN THE CHARYN STATE NATIONAL NATURAL PARK: ASPECTS OF SAFE NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT

Kamshat B. YEGEMBERDIYEVA, Zhanerke M. SHARAPKHANOVA, Ainagul Abitbayeva, Yuisya Lyy, Yuliya Yushina, Gulmira NYSANBAYEVA, Charyn State National Natural Park, Chundzha village, Uygur district, Almaty region, Kazakhstan

GeoJournal of Tourism and Geosites, 2025

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DOI 10.30892/gtg.634spl19-1634
Data confidence 70 medium
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Abstract

Charyn State National Natural Park (SNNP), located in the Sharyn River basin of southeastern Kazakhstan, is characterized by unique geomorphological landscapes and increasing tourist activity. The combination of complex natural conditions and intensive recreational use creates a heightened risk of hazardous geological and geomorphological processes, necessitating effective risk management strategies. The primary aim of this study to assess the impact of interacting natural factors on the manifestation of hazardous geological and geomorphological processes to ensure sustainable and safe natural resources management. The methodological framework integrates geoinformation analysis and remote sensing data within a Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) approach. The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) was applied to assign weights to heterogeneous natural factors, enabling a quantitative assessment of their relative contribution to hazard development. Seven spatial indicators were analyzed: probability of precipitation, lithological composition, slope gradient, vertical dissection of terrain, drainage network density, Topographic Wetness Index (TWI), and Normalized Difference Water Index (NDVI). These datasets were processed, normalized, and combined using a weighted overlay technique in Geographic Information System (GIS) to generate an integral map. The application of multivariate analysis using remote sensing data and GIS enabled the creation of an integrated map reflecting the interactions of key natural factors. This integrative, multi-parameter spatial approach allowed for the objective identification and classification of areas according to the degree of manifestation of geological and geomorphological processes, thereby delineating zones with varying levels of risk. According to the results, the largest portions of the territory fall into the moderate (27.1%, 346.8 km2 ) and high (26.5%, 339.6 km2 ) categories, indicating widespread areas with elevated geodynamic activity. Very high degree zones account for 10.9% (139.9 km2 ) of the study area and represent localized sites requiring targeted monitoring and risk mitigation. Relatively safer areas include those with a low degree (22.5%, 288.1 km2 ) and a very low degree (12.9%, 165.7 km2 ). Slope steepness, lithology, and terrain dissection were found to be dominant factors, while vegetation cover and moisture conditions acted as significant modifiers of hazard potential. The accuracy of the obtained data has been validated through field verification, ensuring the study's high practical relevance for environmental management planning and vulnerability assessment of the area.