Theoretical Bases of Geoecological Risk Assessment in Technogenic Conditions

Abstract

This chapter is devoted to the theoretical bases of geoecological risk assessment in technogenic conditions, including the definition of geoecological risk as the probability of environmental degradation or transition to an unstable state mainly due to man-made impact, as well as assessment of the probability of the reverse impact of the transformed environment on the state of the industry. It is also shown that geoecological risk assessment is the process of analyzing the likelihood of reversible or irreversible changes in the biogeochemical structure and functions of ecosystems in response to man-made impacts. Assessment of geoecological risk is shown as a complex scientific and practical process using iterative approaches and uncertainty analyses. Ecosystem risk, as a part of geoecological risk, is assessed as well.