Azimuth measurements processing by means of factor analysis as applied to estimate interrelations of karst formation natural conditions

Abstract

Azimuths of surface runoff direction, surface slope towards reservoir and river as well as slope of the Artian topographic surface were measured and treated by means of the factor analysis with the aim to study interrelations between the natural factors of the karst formation within the zone of Kama reservoir influence. The results were processed using operational-areal units (plots of 0.5 sq km area, evenly distributed over the region). The possibility is argued to use for angular measurements (case of monomodal distribution) common linear characteristics of distribution if two semi-intervals of azimuth changes are considered (0^o to 180^o and 180^o to 360^o). Factor analysis of interrelation between the karst development index and azimuths in different semi-intervals revealed a stable correlation with azimuth of the Artian surface slope, which reflected the tectonic fissures direction influence on the surficial karst forms distribution.