Assimilatory potential as a classification indicator of the geo-ecological state of landscapes
The aim of the paper is to investigate the method of assessment of the geo-ecological state of natural and anthropogenic landscapes of the British Isles which is based on the ratio of the assimilatory potential (AP) of a geo-system and the volume of gaseous emissions (in CO 2-equivalent). Assimilatory capacity of a geo-system is calculated as a total area of forests and water bodies and wetlands that perform regulating (neutralizing) function in geo-systems. According to the developed classification, landscapes are subdivided into two groups: creditors (with AP surplus) and debtors (with AP deficit).