Ziuzin S. Recreational potential of alpine meadows of Ukrainian Carpathians

The dissertation is devoted to the assessment of the recreational potential of the Ukrainian Carpathians. In the course of the research the technique of complex ecological-geographical researches of recreational nature use is improved by application of geoinformation systems and remote sensing of the Earth. An algorithm for studying the natural features of alpine meadows to involve themin there creation use has been developed. Dissertation are based on the materials of our own large-scale field survey and analysis of literature, archive materials, thematic maps, imagery and the use of modern GIS-technologies. A study of 41 alpine meadows within various massifs of the Ukrainian Carpathians was done. Field research was conducted within the key are as of the study. Descriptions of key indicators for assessing the suitability of natural-territorial complexes have been created. The obtained results allow to develop recommendations for further use of mountain meadows of the Ukrainian Carpathians in the recreation sphere, taking into account the recreational capacity of natural-territorial complexes of mountain meadows. Key words: alpine meadow, Ukrainian Carpathians, recreational potential of the territory, geoinformation systems, remote sensing of the Earth, natural territorial complex, recreational capacity, recreation, hiking.