Physical and geographical zoning of Chernivtsi region

Physico-geographic zoning belongs to the class of natural zoning and reflects the structure of the landscape structure of any region. Its essence consists in the selection and identification of spatially limited parts of the earth's surface with a homogeneous nature of natural components and elements - rocks, relief, air masses, waters, soils, plant and animal life, and now - also humans. Each landscape of the corresponding rank is characterized by its own genesis, i.e. origin, similar geodynamic processes, dynamics and evolution, natural potential. The most important qualities of the landscape are of unparalleled ecological importance. They create habitat for plants, animals and humans. Landscapes perform the functions of resource provision, protection and security, and form the aesthetic environment of human life. The purpose of this publication is to publicize, especually among geographers, the results of our latest version of the physical-geographical zoning of the Chernivtsi region and highlight those problems that can (and even should) become the subject of discussion in order to find a generally accepted consensus. In the small territory of the Chernivtsi region, 6 physical-geographical regions are allocated, which include 24 physical-geographical districts. They are selected on the basis of landscape maps and critical analysis of previous zoning. Special attention is paid to the role of vegetation and animal life, which reflect the longitudinal-provincial and altitudinal-zonal conditions of differentiation of the natural environment of the region. For the first time, we singled out the Yalovychorsky district as the northern part of the former common Yarovytsky district due to the separation of the floristically richer Yarovytskyi district. Attention is focused on the problematic aspects of defining the borders of some physical and geographical regions, in particular in the area of distribution of landscapes of the Dniester Canyon valley. After the allocation of a new region of Middle Transnistria, a difficult dilemma arose: assigning the Dniester Valley to one or another region, or distinguishing subdistricts from existing districts. Another problem is the need to divide the Oseliv physical-geographic district into 3 sub-districts, each of which has its own specific features and features of the structure. It is disputed whether the Rukshinsky sub-district belongs either to the structure of the indivisible Khotyn highlands, or, logically, to the lowered the Oselivsky physical-geographical district, which is belong to the relict valleys zone. Discussions are also possible regarding the need to separate from the composition of the Brusnytsky district into a separate subdistrict of the Kostynetsky strand. One way or another, knowledge of the general and regional features of the landscape structure of Bukovyna should become basic in ecological and educational activities and planning of the main socio-ecological and economic programs of the region. Keywords: Chernivtsi region (oblast), physical-geographical districts, the Middle Dniester area, zoning, problematic issues.