Morphometric analysis of landforms in the vicinity of the Palaeolithic site Ihrovytsia I in Podillia and prospects for the protection

Abstract

The landforms have always had a significant impact, both on the formation of ancient settlements and on the conditions for further preservation of natural and social monuments. The study of morphometric characteristics of the landforms is one of the key parts of a comprehensive study of such cultural heritage objects as Palaeolithic sites. The purpose of this article is to analyze the main morphometric characteristics of the landforms of the vicinity of Middle Palaeolithic site Ihrovytsia I in Podillia, which belongs to the main Palaeolithic sites of the Ternopil centre, as well as the creation and presentation of protection documentation (passport). Certification is a mandatory measure that contributes to the preservation of archaeological sites, including Palaeolithic sites. The passport contains all the necessary information about the history, main characteristics, preservation conditions, as well as the condition of the monument. Such passports allow the persons and agencies responsible for the preservation and protection of cultural heritage to quickly and in sufficient detail get acquainted with the condition of the objects in order to develop an effective action plan for their reconstruction and preservation. The passport is developed for the Ihrovytsia I as a complex monument of nature and society, taking into account the most important criteria for the organization of the protection regime: the type of object, scientific value, accessibility for visiting and inspection, state of preservation, recommendations for use, etc. The main problems of protection of the Palaeolithic site Ihrovytsia I are related to the fact that: the Palaeolithic site Ihrovytsia I, like some other sites of the Ternopil Palaeolithic group, is not included in the list of cultural heritage monuments; so far no certification of the Palaeolithic site has been carried out, no information stands and signs have been installed; the proper mode of use of the monument, the territory adjacent to it is not established; a zone of protection of the Palaeolithic site as a valuable archaeological territory has not been created, no control of economic activity is carried out, which may negatively affect the state of preservation of the monument. Key words: Palaeolithic site Ihrovytsia I; Ternopil Palaeolithic region; Podillia; morphometric analysis of landforms; geoinformation systems; certification of objects of heritage.