Abstract
<jats:p>The work carried out a comprehensive study of the erosion hazard of soil cover within the Zaporizhzhia region using modern tools for remote sensing of the Earth, geoinformation analysis, and methods of landscape and ecological assessment. The relevance of the study is determined by the high intensity of degradation processes in the region, which belongs to the steppe and dry-steppe natural zones of Ukraine and is characterized by an arid climate, weak natural forest cover, a high level of land plowing, and significant man-made load. Under such conditions, the soils of the region are particularly vulnerable to water and wind erosion, which leads to the loss of topsoil, reduced productivity, and degradation of natural ecosystems. The microclimatic features of the Zaporizhzhia region significantly affect the intensification of erosion processes. Uneven distribution of precipitation, frequent droughts, elevated air temperature, and low relative humidity contribute to drying of the upper soil layer, reducing its structure and stability, which increases both water and wind erosion. Methodology. The method of work is to identify the spatial distribution of erosion-hazardous areas and determine the factors that shape and intensify erosion processes. For this, Sentinel-2 and Landsat 8/9 satellite images, the SRTM digital terrain model, and national geodata on justifications and land use were used. The methodological basis includes the calculation of spectral indices (NDVI, ER), analysis of the structure of vegetation cover and the degree of surface destruction, as well as assessment of morphometric characteristics of the relief – steepness, exposure, horizontal and vertical curvature of the surface. Particular attention is paid to the assessment of sloping areas, arable land, and areas of intensive land use, where soil erosion and deflation are most pronounced. Results. The study created cartographic models of erosion-prone areas, which allowed us to identify zones with varying degrees of risk. It was found that the most vulnerable are: plowed slopes with a steepness of more than 3 – 5°; areas with a reduced NDVI vegetation index during the growing season; sandy and sandy loam soils of the southern regions of the region; zones of intensive land use and degraded agricultural landscapes around ravines and gullies. Particular attention is paid to the assessment of sloping areas, arable land, and areas of intensive land use, where soil erosion and deflation are most pronounced. Practical implications. The results obtained have practical significance for the development of regional land protection programs, planning anti-erosion measures, and improving the structure of agricultural landscapes. The constructed maps can be used by government agencies, agricultural enterprises, environmental organizations, and scientific institutions as a tool for monitoring soil conditions and making decisions on optimizing land use. Value/originality. The study emphasizes the need to transition to systematic environmental monitoring, implement modern remote sensing technologies, and develop forest reclamation, agrotechnical, and hydrotechnical measures to minimize the risks of further soil degradation in the Zaporizhzhia region.</jats:p>