Abstract:
The interpretation of a geographic landscape as a geosystem requires evidence that, under certain conditions,
an external signal has a similar response in its spatial elements. The article examines the similarities and differences
in the response of units in the steppe landscape of the Southern Urals (Burtinskaya steppe) to varying
hydrothermal conditions. The Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) is used as an indicator of intra-
seasonal variability in phytoproduction performance. 110 standardized increments of NDVI during the
growing seasons in 2010–2020 were ranked and interpreted as types of dynamics in comparison with background
modal values. The occurrence and diversity of types of phytomass dynamics within the model units
(gullies, ridges, and interfluve flat surfaces) vary depending on hydrothermal conditions and the length of the
time interval between measurements. The integrity of the unified response in the landscape is enhanced during
dry periods, when changes in phytomass in gullies and on ridges differ little from those on spatially dominant
slopes and flat surfaces. Strong deviations from the background dynamics often appear at intervals of up
to 2 months, but are compensated for within 4–5 months. The dynamics of hydrothermal conditions over the
entire growing season manifests itself in phytomass changes in a similar way over the landscape, which
proves the connection between the spatial and temporal parameters of landscape organization. Depending on
the landform, phytocenoses adapt to the late summer moisture deficit either by transitioning to another stable
state of structure while maintaining the intensity of functioning (self-organization), or by maintaining the
structure while reducing the intensity of functioning (self-regulation).
