Vol. 56 No. 1 (257) (2022)

The main patterns of spatial and temporal variability of air temperature and precipitation in Debed River basin (Armenia) for the period of 1963–2020 using daily actual data of the Center for Hydrometeorology and Monitoring SNCO of the Republic of Armenia for the last 58 years for 6 meteorological stations are analyzed and evaluated. The accomplished analysis considered changes in average annual air temperature and atmospheric precipitation for the entire territory of Debed River basin and for each of currently operating meteorological station separately. A map of distribution of long-term average annual temperatures and precipitation in Debed River basin from 1963 to 2020 was made. The entire period of measurements according to the nature of temperature measurement is conditionally divided into two periods: 1963–1992 and 1993–2020. Two time intervals with different trends of changes of annual precipitation were distinguished: 1963–2001 and 2002–2020. Based on the analysis of the results of long-term observations of meteorological stations in Debed River valley relevant data on the spatial and temporal variability of temperature and precipitation from 1963 up to date were received. It has been shown that from 1963 to 2020 air temperature increased by 1.76℃ in average. After 1990, the temperature increased by 0.39℃ for 10 years. Abnormally high temperatures recorded in 1966, 2010 and 2020. Along with temperature increase, there is a stable and fixed tend of precipitation decrease in the most of stations: about 90 mm for 10 years in average, which contributes to the strengthening aridity of the region. Significant impact on precipitation change is caused by the topography of the area, which leads to significant spatial heterogeneity of precipitation. As a result of the research, a significant spatial heterogeneity in the distribution of temperature and precipitation in Debed River basin, as well as a steady growth of average annual temperature and precipitation decrease was revealed, indicating increasing aridity in the region. Therefore, it is necessary to develop programs of measures aimed to reducing the negative consequencesof these changes to ensure future sustainable economic development of the region.

In this paper, the indicators of sedimental yield of rivers have been analyzed and evaluated for the Artsakh Republic's territory, as well as their relationship with indicators of the territory's forest areas, river runoff and flow characteristics. The value of the denudation module in the territory's main river basins has been calculated, and its relationship with annual river runoff has been revealed. The denudation layer value in the corresponding river basins is calculated. The relationship between the module of river sediment yield and the most recent tectonic movements of the territory has been discovered. The long-term course of the spatial distribution of sedimental yield indicators and change trends have been studied, and mechanisms for the effective use of water resources and reducing the influence of sedimental yield on them have been proposed. The presence of reservoirs has a significant impact on the formation of sedimentary yield in the study area. As a result, the denudation layer capacity is approximately six times greater at the observation points located above the Sarsang and Khachen reservoirs than at the bottom. Accordingly, as a result of our research, we have concluded the following proposals:

- with the exception of sanitary logging, exclude all types of logging nearby big or small river banks;

- in the middle and upper courses of the rivers, it is necessary to repair or rebuild old and build new bounders for sedimental yield to extend the usage of the small hydroelectric power plants, as well as to protect reservoirs of irrigation systems (which are already old and in an emergency situation) from rapid sludge processes;

- regarding the service life of pumping stations: for the purpose of the normal operation of water-technical facilities, it is necessary to prohibit the transfer of waste to river systems which is generated as a result of human economic activity.

Тhe paper presents an assessment of the vulnerability of the quantities of maximum water discharges of spring floods in Aghstev River basin in the condition of global climate change. In the work there were used historical hydrometeorological observation data from five hydrological observation stations and four meteorological stations currently operating in Aghstev River basin. For vulnerability assessment multiple linear regression method was used. Physical-statistical correlations have been established between the maximum water discharges observed during spring floods and the calculated seasonal data of amount of precipitation and air temperature, and multiple linear regression equations have been developed for each operating hydrological station in the Agstev River basin. Statistical indicators of the quality of obtained equations have been estimated. Using the developed multiple linear regression equations and on the basis of predicted seasonal estimates of the average air temperature and the amount of precipitation in the territory of Armenia, the vulnerability of the quantity of maximum water discharges for the periods up to 2040, 2041–2070 and 2071–2100 has been assessed. The results of the projected seasonal estimates in the territory of Armenia are taken from the "V National Communication on Climate Change", according to which the forecasts are made according to the Community Climate System Model 4-CCSM4 (spatial resolution 100 km) and according to the emission scenarios RCP8.5 (A2) and RCP6.0 (B2), as well as according to the METRAS regional climate model (spatial resolution 12 km) and the pessimistic emission scenario RCP8.5 (A2). According to the obtained results, due to climate change a rather high vulnerability of the quantities of the maximum water discharges of spring floods is predicted in Aghstev River basin. In almost all sections of the study area (with the exception of the "Fioletovo" river section), the values of the maximum water discharges of spring floods in the case of CCSM4 model RCP6.0 scenario until 2040 will decrease by 10–25%, compered with the averages of reference period 1961–1990. The largest growth (2.88 m³/s or 29%) is predicted in the case of the RCP8.5 scenario of the CCSM4 model for the period 2071–2100.

New results of complex studies of four high-altitude lakes of Armenia (Kari, Umroy, Akna and Sev) are presented. For the first time, changes in the natural environment in the Holocene were reconstructed for these lakes according to complex palynological analysis, their digital models were created as well. The modern morphometric characteristics of lake basins were clarified and the features of underwater relief and conditions for the accumulation of bottom sediments in lakes were identified. For the first time, bathymetry of lake basins and sampling of bottom sediment cores from different depths were carried out. Radiocarbon dating of lake sediments and an idea of their structure were obtained. According to the characteristic relief of the terminal moraines of the cirque glaciers, it was possible to distinguish four stages of retreat of the glacier of the last glaciation for Aragats area after its maximum advance: the lowest position is 3100–3000 m, the second stage is 3200–3100 m, the third stage is 3300–3200 m, the fourth stage is 3400–3300 m. The data testifying to the presence of natural rhythms in the development of the highland belt of Armenia, measured for thousands of years have been revealed. The period of warming and humidification of the climate corresponding to the time interval of 3000–2000 Cal years ago is highlighted, i.e. the period of widespread forests and maximum dynamics of the upper forest boundary. Precipitation with a maximum content of organic matter (30–50%) accumulated in the lakes of the mountainous belt of Armenia. It is proven that the thickness of the bottom sediments of Lake Kari was formed in 4000 years, and in Lake Umroy – in 8000 years. Warm periods with the appearance of forest vegetation in the modern high-altitude zone occurred even when the anthropogenic factor could not contribute to climate warming on the territory of Armenia – at that time there was no modern industry with greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere. It can be argued that the current warming of the climate on Earth is not the result of the emission of greenhouse gases by industrial facilities, but only a natural rhythm.

Using A. Missenard's normal equivalent-effective temperature formula, warm season weather conditions' comfort of Syunik Region is defined in the article. Comfort time duration is defined based on Isaev's approach. The latter is different in different landscape zones, so we considered it necessary to do our research by landscapes zones. The analysis was carried out on an annual basis. As it is not enough, it was decided to carry analysis of obtained data also on monthly basis, and that fully proves the situation in the region. Оbtained data is analyzed and evaluated as it needed and grouped into three groups by level of auspiciousness. Territories with 12–15℃ value of equivalent-effective temperature are considered as poor comfort territories, territories with 15–20℃ value of temperature are comfort, and territories with more than 20℃ value of temperature are discomfort territories. Analysis proved that the montane forests zone is characterized with the long duration of comfort days, where the 76.7% of warm season is considered as comfort. In dry steppe zone 73% of warm season is comfort. With the less duration of comfort days is characterized the mountain-meadow zone, where only 23.3% of warm season days are comfort. Results of this article can be used for choosing favorable territories for recreation and human health improvement. Based on monthly basis research results and through a migration it is possible to choose a living place for people with dependence on meteorological conditions.

Agrotourism is one of the fastest growing areas of tourism. With its natural conditions, monuments, regional customs and cuisine, Aragatsotn Region is a basis for the formation of agrotourism clusters. Other types of tourism are also taken into account here. For the development of tourism in Aragatsotn, it is important to assess the tourism potential. The characteristic of clusters was presented. Possible measures as a result of which agrotourism will develop in Aragatsotn Region are proposed,. Agrotourism can be considered like ecological, educational, adventure, gastronomic, wellness, pilgrimage and other other types of tourism. With the development of agrotourism, the attitude of the population to natural, historical and cultural monuments, as well as environmental protection is changing. It becomes an object of interest for inbound tourism and contributes to the development of tourism, small business and related service infrastructures in rural areas. It is necessary to use new agricultural technologies, creation of alternative sources of income, as a result of which differences in socio-economic levels will decrease between the mountainous and lowland areas of the region. Due to natural and human characteristics of Aragatsotn, agrotourism development here differs from other territories. On this basis, agrotourism can be developed in three directions in Aragatsotns: classic agrotourism, agrotourism as a form of summer vacation, agrotourism with elements of nature-based tourism For the development of agrotoursim in the region of Aragatsotn in the coming years we consider the following priority problems: formation of an agrotourism cluster, dissemination of the benefits of best practices, designing the development of agrotourism in the framework of experimental settlements, forecast of the main results of agrotourism, creation of knowledge-based opportunities for organizing agrotourism and market development. Thus, we distinguish five agrotourism clusters in Aragatsotn: Ashtarak, Aparan, Tsakhkaovt, Byurakan and Talin. The recreation infrastructure in the region is poorly developed due to the terrain features, climatic conditions and location next to Yerevan, the capital city of Armenia. It is necessary to develop a tourism development program, according to which loans credit at low rates will be provided. The factor of gastro tourism and the attractiveness of the cuisine of the region in terms of agrotourism development are possible as well.

The article presents the demographic situation of Martuni Region of the Republic of Artsakh in the post-war period. The formation of a favorable demographic situation, convenient for implementation by the regions, is of great importance for the development and implementation of state demographic policy on a scientific basis. This will ensure the normal rotation of generations, contributing to the efficient use of labor resources. The results of demographic analysis can be combined to identify and predict the main trends in the socio-economic development of both the state and its particular territorial units. In this article, we strive to find out the factors and patterns of development of demographic problems in Martuni Region of the Republic of Artsakh, the current situation, cause-and-effect relationships, to substantiate the ways to improve them. In the current situation, one of the factors determining the demography of the region is the number of refugees in the border areas, possible life risks, etc. The aggravation of many social and economic problems in the Martuni Region raises concerns, which must be resolved through economic development, increase in benefits, creation of jobs, etc. More acute is the issue of fixing settlements in the so-called demographic risk zone, the natural population growth of which is mainly due to several large families. The presence of children of different age groups supports the maintenance of the school, the club and the community center, helps to organize jobs in villages, such is in local municipalities and in medical centers. Many families have to move mainly to urban areas due to the lack of access for children to primary and secondary education, for example, in the district villages of Kavakhan, Msmna, Paravatumb, Varanda. In addition, demographic data is a sensitive system with the disadvantages of the resettlement system. In this regard, the inclusion of small settlements in the settlement system of the region is weak. The implementation of measures to increase the birth rate in a small rural settlement should become the main direction of local policy. The article discusses other issues related to the current state of the demographic movement in the current settlements of Martuni Region of the Republic of Artsakh.

The aim of the given article is to try to identify the sources of motivational resources (in particular, the Media) in the process of forming tourist flows to the Republic of Armenia (RA). The tourist potential of Armenia, despite its ancient culture and history, its originality and uniqueness, is not used fully. In the Soviet period, people were coming to Armenia for rest and treatment from all Union Republics. However, it is impossible to talk about the process of international tourism development both in Armenia and Soviet Union in general, as domestic tourism was particularly developed in the USSR. After gaining independence in 1990, the formation and development of tourism in independent Armenia was quite difficult due to the prevailing objective external factors. However, in the early 90s the first business tours began to be organized: first to India and Thailand and then to Middle Eastern destinations – to Syria and United Arab Emirates. Business trips were conducted only in one direction: from Armenia to the rest of the world, there was no feedback, since the media in the 90s had one main carrier – the tourist himself. The development of tourism in Armenia in all directions began in the late 90s and early 2000s. Later, another medium of information distribution was used – satellite channels, and after the 2000s – the Internet. In 2006, a number of activities were developed to promote and improve tourism activities in the RA and advertise the tourism potential of the republic. The concept of "thematic year" was introduced to provide the international market with thematic festivals as tourist products. The paper analyzes archival data in order to identify the role of the Media in the formation of the tourist flow to the RA and its further possible settlement. Data on information sources about Armenia serving as an incentive for visiting our country were examined and analyzed. As a result of the research, conclusions were drawn about the extremely important role of the Media in stimulating choosing the tourist destination by a potential traveler.

The work is a scientific substantiation of the territorial-forming role in the development of a tourist destination, according to which a logical transition is made from simple to complex, systemic. A system, in which all elements are in dialectical union with each other, interacting and mutually agreeing with each other. Each element has its specific place and role in the overall hierarchical system. The function of the tourism system is not only in hospitality, but also in solving the socio-economic, environmental problems of the area and, in general, in the targeted use of all natural, social, human (in capital terms) opportunities of the area, which requires: efficient use of the existing infrastructure, creation of a new, modern one; the development of the tourism economy of the region, the solution of socio-economic problems considered in one general context; ensuring sustainable human development based on sustainable tourism in the region. According to the results of the study, a tourist destination is a geographical area, where the driving force behind the organization and provision of public life is the tourism industry with its infrastructure.

Մենագրությունը ներկայացնում է Հայաստանում, Վրաստանում, Ղրղզստանի Հանրապետությունում և Տաջիկստանում վտանգավոր էկզոգեն պրոցեսների և երևույթների (մասնավորապես՝ սողանքներ, քարաթափումներ, սելավներ, ձնահոսքեր և հեղեղումներ) տարածման և զարգացման մասին տեղեկատվությունը և դրանց ազդեցությունը տվյալ երկրների տրանսպորտային հաղորդակցությունների վրա։