W.M. Davis was the first to articulate the main task of geomorphology - the origin and evolution of landforms. He suggested that this problem should be solved on the base of the "structure-process-stage" model. W. Penck modified this model to "form-process-structure-uplift's rate" and proposed another model: "endogenous and exogenous processes form relief and correlative deposits". I.P.Gerasimoff suggested the formula: morphostructure +/- morpho-sculpture = relief. In that one may see the continuance of ideas and methodology of geomorphology.

The numerous geomorphologic regionalizations of the West-Siberian plain are based on different and often lax principles and have less in common. The authors suggest a new approach to typological regionalization using the k-means clustering of the space cells, which are small (20' x 30') in comparison with the whole territory. Each cell is characterized by a set of geomorphic, exodynamic, tectomc and physiographic parameters. Two sets including 9 and 14 parameters were used in this work and different numbers of clusters for each set were obtained. The resulting maps show the spatial differentiation of the West-Siberian plain in respect to given set of parameters: from the major features brought out by 2-3 clusters to detailed characteristics apparent at 10-12 clusters. The geomorphologic types thus obtained may be combined into hierarchical system by subsequent tree clustering.

A complex approach to tin-deposit valuation is shown with Badjal ore region (Khabarovsk district) as an example. The approach is based on the estimation of the post-mineralization cut-off by morphostructural analysis and crystallographic methods. The using of both methods aids to obtain more detailed and valid assessment: morphostructural analysis gives the pattern of certain blocks or sites; crystallographic one gives the value of the ore-deposit cut-off. This approach helps to allocate the most promising sites.

The method of digital elevation matrixes constructing is put forward. The method is based on a mathematic model using algebraic polynomial of power 3. The distance from current grid node to contour line is measured along the heights gradient. The analysis of comparison of different DEM-compiling methods accuracy is done and some possible applications of the method suggested are shown.

The history of Holocene evolution of the Kurshskaya bay-bar - one of the largest accumulative littoral landforms - is under consideration. The vast amount of regional geological data was used. The sea level changes affecting processes on the both shores of the bay-bar, as well as aeolian processes, configurate the recent bay-bar morphology.

The small gold particles are prevailing in granulometric composition of most gold placers in Russia. They are included in bed load transport, and their distribution depends on hydrodynamic conditions. The small gold particles govern the structure and productivity of gold placers.

The localization of the climatic and orographic snowlines during the Late Pleistocene glaciations was determined for the southern part of the East Siberia: Vitim-Olekma watershed and Eastern Transbaikalia. The deformation of the snowlines depends on global, regional, and local agents. Depression of the chionosphere reached 1400 m in the Sar-tan Ice Age, 1600 m - in the Muruktin, 1800 m - in the Tas stages, and more than 1900 - in the Samarovo Ice Age.

Diversity of gullies' morphology depends on temporal and zonal peculiarities of their development. Time intervals used in the analysis of their dynamics are the following: 1) phases - diurnal, 2) rhythms - seasonal, 3)periods -annual, 4) cycles - multiannual. The stages of gullies' dynamics are considered according to this time division and geographical zone. This approach should be used for planning and any applied purposes, because the annual average rates are insufficient.

Using he methods of J. Corbel and M. Pulina the estimation of a karstic denudation was accomplished for 127 river valleys of the Siberia and the Far East. Its magnitude varies from 1.1 to 62.0 mm/millennium within the region explored. The climatic conditions, especially precipitation, play the main role in the development of the karst. The intensity of karstic process has been revealed to differ in river basins with permafrost from that in the basins without permafrost.

В 2006 году исполняется 60 лет со дня основания Московского центра Русского географического общества.

Памяти Н.С. Благоволина