Features of industrial ecological-geological systems of Belarus

The article analyzes the structure and characteristic features of industrial ecological-geological systems (EGS) existing in Belarus. It is shown that the considered EGS are anthropogenic ecological-geological systems that are widespread in the republic and play an important role in the ecosystems there. Each of those EGS has its own specific structure reflecting the influence of various technogenic factors on its abiotic (the lithotope, hydrotope, edaphotope) and biotic (the microbocenosis, phytocenosis, zoocenosis, society) components. All the components of those industrial EGS (both abiotic and biotic ones) have their own sets of special characteristics caused by the influence of human industrial-economic activity, by the technogenic transformation of the corresponding components of natural ecosystems, and by the creation of new artificial ecological-geological systems, that should be taken into account when systematizing EGS, describing and analyzing the ecological functions of the lithosphere. The characteristic features of different types of industrial EGS (production and warehouse ones as the most widespread in the republic) are described. The identified patterns and features can be considered as common for industrial EGS in Belarus and similar EGS in Russia. They should be taken into account when performing geo-environmental studies and site investigations.