Phys. Geog. Geom. 2025, 48(1): 26–37

https://doi.org/10.17721/phgg.2025.48.1/129.03

​

Research on the current state of Shatsk Lakes using remote sensing of the Earth

Oksana M. Pidkova
Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, 64/13, Volodymyrska St., Kyiv, 01601, Ukraine

 

Abstract
Shatsk Lakes, located within the Shatsk National Nature Park, are characterized by a number problems of a natural and anthropogenic nature, which worsen the ecological condition of both the lakes themselves and the natural complexes around them. The current state of Shatsk Lakes was analyzed using remote sensing methods. The main emphasis was placed on the study of Lake Svitiaz, as the largest lake in the Shatsk Lakes group and the main tourist attraction in the region. By analyzing satellite images on the online services Copernicus Browser and Google Earth Engine, changes in lake water content during 2017-2024 was analyzed, the phenomenon of eutrophication was investigated using the NDVI index for the period 2020-2024, and multi-temporal maps of land cover types and a map of projected changes in land cover types in the Shatsk Lakes area by 2050 were created.
Based on the conducted research, it was found that the main environmental problems of this region are decreasing water content of lakes, shallowing, eutrophication processes, development of coastal zones. These processes tend to progress, which will have a negative impact on the entire ecosystem of Shatsk Lakes and worsen the functioning of this nature conservation area.

Keywords
lake, Shatsk Lakes, Lake Svitiaz, satellite images, remote sensing of the Earth, ecological state of the lake.

 

Received: 3 May 2025 / Accepted: 23 May 2025 / Published online: 30 May 2025