Natural conditions and problems of their complex utilization in the German Democratic Republic

Abstract

While the natural structures of the GDR territory influenced by geological features and relief formation show a north-south sequence, variations in climate belong to a more northwest-southeast directed differentiation by maritime to continental features. Already since the Middle Ages the natural conditions of this territory have been utilized by man, at present many socially necessary functions of natural regions require rational and effective solutions for the complex utilization of nature and its resources. In order to support decisionmakers by scientific foundations for the solution of these problems, Physical Geography is concerned chiefly with three tasks: I. Determination of the suitability and carrying capacity with regard to certain requirements of society (landscape survey). 2. Analysis of the functioning of landscape systems by the investigation of natural processes and technogene impacts on them by different forms of use. 3. Elaboration of scientific foundations in order to render possible a rational uitlization and effective forms of control of natural and technogene determined landscape processes.Natural Structure of the German Democratic Republic

Analyzing the effects of different soil databases on modeling of hydrological processes and sediment yield in Benin (West Africa)

“…The idea was developed initially in Russia and Germany (Haase and Schmidt, 1971;Haase et al, 1984). A similar integrated concept was used in a land-system approach developed in Australia and developed further by Cochrane et al (1981) and Gunn et al (1990).…”

Determinants of floodplain forest development illustrated by the example of the floodplain forest in the District of Leipzig

“…In order to save the growing number of urban habitats from floods, extensive hydraulic engineering schemes such as dike construction and river regulations were put in place, especially in the second half of the 19th century (Kasperidus et al, 2001;Schanze, 2006). Additionally, many floodplains were faced with air and water pollution due to the industrial developments of the 20th century (Haase and Neumeister, 2001) as well as the local excavation of the fertile flood loam for pottery and construction purposes. From the 20th century onwards many floodplain forests in vicinity to cities more and more served as recreation area for the urban residents.…”