Defining the specific weights of morphometric indicators of relief for the evaluation of the ecological-geomorphological condition: A case study of the Eastern part of the Kura depression

Abstract

Morphometric indicators of the relief (horizontal and vertical fragmentation, hypsometry,
slope), which are an integral part of the environment, play a major role in assessing the
ecological-geomorphological condition in the territory, and quantitatively assessing its
morphology. For this reason, the morphometric quantitative indicators of the relief of the
territory were divided into gradations expressing the degree of ecological-geomorphological
condition and evaluated on an 8-point scale, and the correlation coefficients were calculated,
expressing the relations between them. The binary comparison matrix was constructed using
the analytical hierarchical process method. Using mathematical formulas, weights, that reflect
the influence of morphometric indicators in the formation of ecological-geomorphological
condition in the territory, were calculated: average slope − 47.9%, horizontal fragmentation −
23.9%, vertical fragmentation − 18.8%, and hypsometry − 9.4%. At the final stage, an
integrated map of geomorphological risks of the territory was compiled using GIS technology,
taking into account the specific weights of morphometric indicators, expressed as a
percentage. On the map of ecological-geomorphological condition of the assessed territory on
an 8-point scale, four regions were identified: low (1-2 points), moderate (3-4 points), medium
(5-6), and high (7-8 points) risk zone.