Space-Time Modeling of Climate Change and Bioclimatic Potential of Steppe Soils

Abstract

Climate change manifests itself in the intensity, frequency of climate anomalies and extreme weather phenomena at different levels of the hierarchy in space and time. Climate research is a complex interdisciplinary problem covering environmental, economic and social aspects of sustainable development of the world's countries. The study presents the results of space time modeling and identifying regularities in climate change and also bioclimatic potential of the steppe soils in Ukraine applying specialized methods and GIS technologies.The past 30 years are the most extreme period by the frequency of climate anomalies with a steady trend-cycle increase in the air temperature by 2С and a reduction in the annual precipitation by 178 mm. It caused an increase in solar radiation reaching the earth surface by 7.2%, a decline in natural moisture by 66.4% and the hazard of soil washout by 80.5% a reduction in climate energy expenses for soil formation by 21%, in bio-productivity of plants by 62% and in the potential of humus horizon capacity of steppe soils by 34 5%, that led to deterioration in the conditions of agricultural production, a decrease in crop productivity, self-regenerating and self-regulating functions of steppe soils.The obtained results are the basis for developing and introducing new measures for adaption to climate change at different econimic levels.