Water objects and their types. Water natural objects

Water is the most abundant substance on our planet: although in varying amounts, it is available everywhere and plays a vital role in environment, and living organisms. Of greatest importance is fresh water, without which human existence is impossible, and nothing can replace it. People have always consumed fresh water and used it for various purposes including domestic, agricultural, industrial and recreational use.

Water reserves on Earth

Water exists in three aggregate states: liquid, solid and gaseous. It forms oceans, seas, lakes, rivers and The groundwater located in the upper layer of the crust, and the soil cover of the Earth. In the solid state, it exists in the form of snow and ice in polar and mountainous regions. A certain amount of water is contained in the air in the form of water vapor. Huge volumes of water are found in various minerals in the earth's crust.

Determining the exact amount of water in the world is quite difficult, since water is dynamic and is in constant motion, changing its state from liquid to solid to gaseous, and vice versa. Typically, the total water resources world is estimated as the totality of all the waters of the hydrosphere. This is all free water that exists in all three states of aggregation in the atmosphere, on the surface of the Earth and in the earth's crust to a depth of 2000 meters.

Current estimates have shown that our planet contains a huge amount of water - about 1386,000,000 cubic kilometers (1.386 billion km³). However, 97.5% of this volume - salty water and only 2.5% is fresh. Most of the fresh water (68.7%) is in the form of ice and permanent snow cover in the Antarctic, Arctic, and mountain regions. Further, 29.9% exists as groundwater, and only 0.26% of total The fresh water on Earth is concentrated in lakes, reservoirs and river systems, where it is most readily available for our economic needs.

These indicators were calculated over a long period of time, but if we take into account more short periods(one year, several seasons or months), the amount of water in the hydrosphere may vary. It has to do with the exchange of water between the oceans, land and atmosphere. This exchange is generally referred to as the , or global hydrological cycle.

Fresh water resources

Fresh water contains a minimum amount of salts (no more than 0.1%) and is suitable for human needs. However, not all resources are available to people, and even those that are available are not always usable. Consider fresh water sources:

  • Glaciers and snow covers occupy about 1/10 of the world's land and contain about 70% of fresh water. Unfortunately, most of these resources are located far from settlements and therefore is difficult to access.
  • Groundwater is by far the most common and accessible source of fresh water.
  • Freshwater lakes are mainly located at high altitudes. Canada contains about 50% of the world's freshwater lakes. Many lakes, especially those located in arid regions, become salty due to evaporation. The Caspian Sea, the Dead Sea, and the Great Salt Lake are among the world's largest salt lakes.
  • The rivers form a hydrological mosaic. There are 263 international river basins on Earth, which cover more than 45% of the land of our planet (the exception is Antarctica).

Water resources objects

The main objects of water resources are:

  • oceans and seas;
  • lakes, ponds and reservoirs;
  • swamps;
  • rivers, canals and streams;
  • soil moisture;
  • underground waters (soil, ground, interstratal, artesian, mineral);
  • ice caps and glaciers;
  • atmospheric precipitation (rain, snow, dew, hail, etc.).

Problems in the use of water resources

For many hundreds of years, human impact on water resources was insignificant and was of an exclusively local nature. The excellent properties of water - its renewal due to the cycle and the ability to purify - make fresh water relatively purified and with quantitative and qualitative characteristics that will remain unchanged for a long time.

However, these features of water gave rise to the illusion of the immutability and inexhaustibility of these resources. Out of these prejudices, a tradition has arisen of the careless use of vital water resources.

The situation has changed a lot for recent decades. In many parts of the world, results of long-term and wrong actions for such a valuable resource. This applies to both direct and indirect use of water.

Throughout the world, for 25-30 years, there has been a massive anthropogenic change in the hydrological cycle of rivers and lakes, affecting the quality of water and their potential as a natural resource.

The volume of water resources, their spatial and temporal distribution, are determined not only by natural climate fluctuations, as before, but now also by types economic activity of people. Many parts of the world's water resources are becoming so depleted and heavily polluted that they can no longer meet ever-increasing demands. It may
be the main factor hindering economic development and population growth.

Water pollution

The main causes of water pollution are:

  • Wastewater;

Domestic, industrial and agricultural wastewater pollutes many rivers and lakes.

  • Waste disposal in the seas and oceans;

The dumping of garbage in the seas and oceans can cause huge problems, because it negatively affects the living organisms that live in the waters.

  • Industry;

Industry is a huge source of water pollution, which produces substances that are harmful to people and the environment.

  • radioactive substances;

Radioactive pollution, in which there is a high concentration of radiation in the water, is the most dangerous pollution and can spread into ocean waters.

  • Oil spill;

An oil spill poses a threat not only to water resources, but also to human settlements located near a contaminated source, as well as to all biological resources for which water is a habitat or a vital necessity.

  • Leaks of oil and oil products from underground storage facilities;

A large amount of oil and oil products are stored in tanks made of steel, which corrodes over time, which in consequence creates leakage of harmful substances into the surrounding soil and groundwater.

  • Precipitation;

atmospheric precipitation such as acid rain, are formed during air pollution and change the acidity of water.

  • Global warming;

An increase in water temperature causes the death of many living organisms and destroys a large number of habitats.

  • Eutrophication.

Eutrophication is the process of reducing the quality characteristics of water associated with excessive enrichment with nutrients.

Rational use and protection of water resources

Water resources provide for rational use and protection, from individuals to enterprises and states. There are many ways we can reduce our impact on aquatic environment. Here is some of them:

Water saving

Factors such as climate change, population growth and increasing aridity are increasing pressure on our water resources. the best way save water is to reduce consumption and avoid the growth of wastewater.

At the household level, there are many ways to save water, such as: shorter showers, installing water-saving appliances, washing machines with low water consumption. Another approach is to plant gardens that do not require a large number water.

Normative-legal base of relations of ownership of water resources. Features of public administration in the field of use, protection, protection of the forest fund.

The owner's right to own, use and dispose of natural resources corresponds to the obligation imposed on him by law to ensure the rational use of natural resources, their reproduction and environmental protection. This obligation in a practical sense means that in the process of nature management, if the owner himself exercises his right to use, he is obliged to comply with the relevant requirements provided for by law. For example, if the owner of natural resources transfers them for use to other persons, which, as a rule, is entrusted with the obligation to ensure that the user complies with the provisions of the legislation on the rational use of natural resources, their reproduction and environmental protection (this is especially common in relation to state property ).

In the natural resource legislation, the right of ownership is established for land, subsoil, animal world, water bodies, forests. The objects of property rights also include specially protected natural territories.

An object is an important feature of the right of ownership, which makes it possible to delimit it and other real rights from other absolute rights (to a name in copyright, to life, freedom of movement). The object of property law is individually defined property. The Civil Code classifies "natural resources" as "immovable property". In Article 130 of the Civil Code of the Russian Federation, land plots, subsoil plots, isolated water objects, as well as everything that is firmly connected with the land, that is, objects that cannot be moved without disproportionate damage to their purpose, including forests and perennial plantations.

Thus, the objects of the right of private, state, municipal and other forms of ownership of natural resources are:

  • 1) individual natural objects(land, subsoil, forests, etc.);
  • 2) only those that are provided for in the law (environmental relationships, wind energy, solar energy are not objects);
  • 3) provided that they are in ecological connection with the natural environment. For example, water in the plumbing, wood in the enterprise, minerals in industrial processing etc. cannot be considered as being in an ecological relationship with nature. They pass into the category of property, becoming objects of civil law.

Problematic in legal science was the question of atmospheric air as an object of property rights. By federal law"On the Protection of Atmospheric Air" air is not an object of property rights, which is due to its physical condition. Unlike the earth, subsoil, objects of the animal world, atmospheric air as a material substance is in a state of constant, turbulent movement and cannot be individualized. To establish any form of ownership on it because it migrates (winds, cyclones) and is a natural component of the life of all living beings, and the introduction of ownership of the air would mean an encroachment on life, and this is absurd. Because of this, the possibility of actual ownership of it is excluded.

Land - private, state, municipal

Subsoil is only state-owned.

Water - private, state, municipal

Forests - private, state, municipal (mainly state)

Animal world -only state.

Atmospheric air cannot be owned for objective reasons.

Specially protected natural territories and objects - only state.

The subjects of ownership of natural resources are also determined by law. They are physical and legal entities, Russian Federation, subjects of the Russian Federation and municipalities. This list of subjects appears to be exhaustive.

The subjects of state property rights are the bodies of representative and executive power of the federation, the republics that are part of the federation, territories, regions, autonomous entities, the cities of Moscow and St. Petersburg. The subjects of municipal property right include representative and executive bodies of local self-government of cities and regions.

The volume and composition of the rights and obligations of nature users is determined by the type of natural object provided for use, the purposes of use, and the status of subjects of nature management. At the same time, all natural resource users have the right to:

  • - to carry out the use of a natural object within the limits established by law, license and contract;
  • - receive information about the state of the natural object provided for use.

The general obligations of nature users are:

  • - to carry out the use of natural objects rationally, in accordance with their intended purpose, in ways that do not harm the natural environment and human health;
  • - implement environmental protection measures provided by law and contract;
  • - timely and correctly makes payments for the use of natural resources and environmental pollution; natural environment;
  • - ensure compliance with environmental regulations;
  • - provide special state bodies with information on the state of a natural object in the manner prescribed by law;
  • - to restore natural objects disturbed in the process of nature management at their own expense.
10 most amazing water features in the world

Water is the source of our life, in addition, water is an ancient symbol of fertility, purity and beauty. Nature has given us indescribable water beauties that are very popular among tourists. I think it's time to get acquainted with the most amazing of them. Let's expand our knowledge about the planet on which we were lucky enough to appear... Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe/Zambia Victoria Falls - main attraction South Africa and object world heritage UNESCO. Approaching the waterfall, the calm flow of the Zambezi River turns into a real spectacle: the water falls down from a height of 100 meters, making an indescribable sound that can be heard for many tens of kilometers. During the rainy season - from November to April, the waterfall is hidden under thick fog, which creates a mystical atmosphere. Canals of Venice, Italy
What could be more romantic than calmly sailing through the narrow Venetian canals under the light of the night moon. More than 150 channels connect 700 small islands that form the so-called floating city. Forget about the car. In Venice, you can only get around on foot or by gondolas. Trust me, it's worth it! The famous Grand Canal is surrounded the most beautiful houses whose facades take us back to the distant Middle Ages. Particularly noteworthy is the Rialto Bridge, which is the oldest and most famous bridge in Venice. Big barrier reef, Australia
coral islands The Great Barrier Reef, located in the Coral Sea on the northeast coast of Australia, stretches for 2,000 kilometers. The reef is the largest ecosystem in the entire world, larger than the entire UK. The Great Barrier Reef is home to 410 coral species, 1500 different fish species, sea ​​turtles and other representatives sea ​​world. Hundreds of thousands of tourists come here every year. Li River, China
For centuries, writers and poets have drawn their inspiration from the Li River, which flows between the cities of Guilin and Yangshuo. Along the river you can make a fascinating excursion through the most beautiful lemon gardens, majestic mountains and dense forests. The Li River is the breadwinner of numerous rice fields that shimmer in yellow and green in the sun. Suez Canal, Egypt
The Suez Canal connects the Mediterranean and Red Seas and is the unofficial border between Africa and Eurasia. On October 9, 2001, a huge canal bridge was built in Egypt, which was named after former president Egypt - Hosni Mubarak. In addition, not far from the city of Suez, there is an underwater car tunnel that greatly facilitates movement. Lake Baikal
The lake contains 20% of the world's fresh water. Baikal, located in the southeastern part of Siberia, is the oldest (25 million years ago) and deepest lake (1700 meters). Thanks to this, a unique marine environment with the rarest representatives of fish and plants. Surrounded by dense forests and the snowy mountains of Barguzin, Baikal is the epitome of perfect beauty. In winter, the ice on the lake is so thick that railroad tracks are laid on it. Nile River, Egypt
Second longest after the Amazon, the Nile River flows for 5,600 kilometers, from Lake Victoria to mediterranean sea. locals use the waters of the Nile to irrigate their agricultural fields, moreover, it is the only river in northern Africa that flows through the Sahara desert. Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Many people believe that Bora Bora is the most wonderful island on earth. The most interesting activity on the island is scuba diving to explore the lagoon with its incredible underwater world. Pure blue waters, white sand and warm sun - what else do you need for have a great holiday! Dead Sea, Israel
The Dead Sea is the saltiest body of water on earth. In addition, its coast is the lowest landmass in the world. The Dead Sea separates the territories of Israel and Jordan. In fact, this is a salt lake, the length of which reaches 70 kilometers, the width is 20 kilometers, and the depth is 380 meters. The main problem of the Dead Sea is a sharp drop in water levels. Over the past 100 years, it has dropped by as much as 25 meters. Lake Como, Italy
Como is the 3rd largest lake in Italy and one of the deepest in all of Europe. A wonderful water feature is located just 40 kilometers from Milan. The lake is surrounded by mountains, the height of which varies from 600 to 2400 meters. Como has always amazed with its indescribable beauty, wildlife and luxurious villas located on the coast. Photos from various Internet sites

water body- accumulation of natural waters on earth's surface and in the upper layers of the earth's crust, which have a certain hydrological regime and participate in the water cycle on the planet. Most of the natural waters that make up the Earth's hydrosphere are concentrated in water bodies.

Water body groups

According to the structure, hydrological features and environmental conditions Water bodies on Earth are divided into three groups: streams, reservoirs and special water bodies.

Watercourses include water bodies in elongated depressions of the earth's surface with progressive movement water in channels in the direction of the slope (rivers, streams, canals). Reservoirs are water bodies in depressions of the earth's surface with slow movement of water (oceans, seas, lakes, reservoirs, ponds, swamps). A group of water bodies that do not fit into the concept of watercourses and reservoirs are special water bodies - mountain and cover glaciers and groundwater (for example, groundwater aquifers, artesian basins).

According to the position on the planet, the listed water bodies can also be divided into three groups: surface water bodies on land (rivers, lakes, reservoirs, swamps, glaciers); oceans and seas; underground water bodies.

water bodies can be permanent and temporary (drying).

Many water bodies have a catchment, which is understood as part of the earth's surface and the thickness of soils, soils and rocks where the water comes from to the water body. All oceans, seas, lakes, rivers have catchment areas. The boundary between adjacent watersheds is called a watershed. There are surface (orographic) and underground watersheds.

A hydrographic network is usually understood as a set of streams and reservoirs within a territory. However, it is more correct to consider as a hydrographic network the totality of all water bodies located on the earth's surface within a given territory (including glaciers). The part of the hydrographic network, represented by watercourses (rivers, streams, canals), is called the channel network, and consisting only of large watercourses - rivers - the river network.

Hydrosphere

The natural waters of the Earth form its hydrosphere. There are no well-established definitions of the term "hydrosphere" and its boundaries yet. Traditionally, the hydrosphere is most often understood as a discontinuous water shell. the globe, located on the surface of the earth's crust and in its thickness, representing a set of oceans, seas, land water bodies (rivers, lakes, swamps, including snow cover and glaciers), as well as groundwater. In this interpretation, the hydrosphere does not include atmospheric moisture and water in living organisms.

However, there are both narrower and broader interpretations of the term "hydrosphere". In the first case, it is understood as only surface waters located between the atmosphere and the lithosphere, in the second case, the concept of the hydrosphere includes all the natural waters of the Earth participating in the global circulation of substances, including groundwater in the upper part of the earth's crust, atmospheric moisture and water in living organisms. Such a broad understanding of the term "hydrosphere" seems to be the most correct. In this case, the hydrosphere is no longer a discontinuous water shell of the earth, but really the geosphere, which includes not only the accumulations of liquid water itself (as well as snow and ice) on the earth's surface, but also the waters interconnected with them in the upper part of the lithosphere and the lower part of the atmosphere. With this interpretation, a new, little-studied geographical problem of "interpenetration" of various geospheres (hydrosphere, lithosphere, atmosphere) arises. Since the waters of the Earth serve both as a habitat for many organisms and a condition for their existence, the boundaries of the hydrosphere in the broad interpretation of this concept will approximately coincide with the boundaries of the biosphere in the understanding.

Earth's water resources

The water bodies of the Earth contain about 1,388 million km3 of water. This huge volume of water is distributed among different types of water bodies. The World Ocean and its associated seas account for the bulk of the waters of the hydrosphere - 96.4%. Glaciers and snowfields contain 1.86% of all water on the planet. Only 1.78% remains for other water bodies.

Fresh waters are the most valuable. Their volume in the water bodies of the Earth is small - only 36,769 thousand km 3, or 2.65% of all waters on the planet. The bulk of fresh water is concentrated in glaciers and snowfields (70.1% of all fresh water on Earth). In fresh lakes there are 91 thousand km 3 (0.25%), in fresh groundwater - 10,530 thousand km 3 (28.6%). Rivers and reservoirs contain 2.12 and 6.3 thousand km 3 of water, respectively (0.0058% and 0.017% of all fresh water). The swamps contain relatively little water - 11.47 thousand km 3, but the area occupied by swamps on the planet is quite large - 2.682 million km 2 (more than lakes (2.059 million km 2) and much more than reservoirs (0.365 million km 2)).

All natural waters and all water bodies are directly or indirectly connected to each other and are united by the water cycle on Earth, also called the global hydrological cycle.

River runoff is the main component of the global water cycle. It closes the continental and oceanic links of this water cycle. In the river runoff entering the World Ocean, the largest share belongs to the greatest river world - the Amazon, whose water flow is on average 7280 km 3 / year, which is at least 18% of the water flow of all rivers.

Information about the water reserves on Earth and the global water cycle, given in the tables, reflect the average state of the hydrosphere over the past 40–50 years. In fact, with a practically unchanged mass of water in the entire hydrosphere, the amount of water in different water bodies changes as a result of some redistribution of water between them. In recent decades, under conditions global warming climate are noted: firstly, the increasing melting of both sheet and mountain glaciers, secondly, the gradual degradation of permafrost, and thirdly, a noticeable increase in the level of the World Ocean. The latter is explained as the receipt melt water sheet glaciers (Antarctica, Greenland, Arctic islands), and thermal expansion of sea waters. For the twentieth century The sea level has risen by about 20 cm.

V.N. Mikhailov, M.V. Mikhailova

Objects of environmental protection are its components that are in ecological relationship, the relations for the use and protection of which are regulated by law.

An integral part of the natural environment, protected by law, having signs of natural origin, is a natural object. According to the Law "On Environmental Protection", a natural object is a natural ecological system, a natural landscape and its constituent elements that have retained their natural properties. A natural-anthropogenic object is a natural object that has been modified as a result of economic and other activities, and / or an object created by a person that has the properties of a natural object and has recreational and protective value. An object created by man to meet his social needs and not possessing the properties of natural objects is called an anthropogenic object. Lagutkina, N. B. Administrative and legal regime of specially protected natural areas/ N.B. Lagutkina - Khabarovsk, 2006. S. 74.

The objects of terrestrial nature protected by law are divided into three categories:

  • 1. integrated, which include the natural environment;
  • 2. differentiated, that is, separate natural objects (land, its subsoil, surface and underground waters, atmospheric air, forests and other vegetation, wildlife, microorganisms, genetic fund, natural landscapes);
  • 3. specially protected (state nature reserves, nature reserves, national natural parks, natural monuments, rare or endangered species of plants and animals and their habitats).

The list of natural objects is given in Art. 4 of the Law of the Russian Federation "On Environmental Protection".

Resource - source of consumption. In a broad sense, a natural resource is a source of ecological, economic, spiritual, aesthetic human consumption of nature.

In a narrow sense (as applied to Russian legislation), natural resources are components of the natural environment, natural objects and natural-anthropogenic objects that are used or can be used in economic and other activities as sources of energy, products of production and consumer goods and have a consumer value. Kuznetsova, N. V. environmental law: Tutorial. / N.V. Kuznetsov - M.: Jurisprudence, 2000. P. 81.

The use of natural resources is understood as the exploitation of natural resources, their involvement in economic turnover, including all types of impact on them in the course of economic and other activities.

In the context of law, natural resources are divided into:

  • 1. exhaustible (forest, land, water, mineral resources). Their characteristic feature is the ability to decrease and disappear as they are consumed by a person. That is why the responsibility for rational use of natural resources applies primarily to this category of resources;
  • 2. inexhaustible (practically inexhaustible resources, such as solar, climate, energy, geothermal);
  • 3. renewable ( forest resources, wild fauna, fish stocks);
  • 4. non-renewable.

The division of resources into renewable and non-renewable is important for regulating the obligation of the nature user to reproduce natural resources. Scientists also distinguish a group of relatively renewable resources. Fresh water reserves, for example, can be obtained by desalination of sea water.

The term "land" is various meanings: planet, surface, soil, soil, terrain, territory; object of ownership, use, lease; component of the natural environment, in the legal sense, land is the surface covering the fertile soil layer. Ground functions:

  • environmental - ensuring the relationship of inorganic and organic matter, the absorption of carbon dioxide, the processing of organic matter into inorganic;
  • economic - a means of production in agriculture and forestry, the basis for the construction of buildings and structures;
  • · cultural and recreational - a space for cultural and recreational institutions, a source of medicinal properties. The most valuable in ecological and economic terms are
  • · Agricultural lands intended for the production of agricultural products, including arable and forest lands, which are fertile soil layers with a reserve of a humus layer.

In accordance with the Law of the Russian Federation "On Subsoil", the part of the earth's crust located below the soil layer, and in its absence - below the earth's surface and the bottom of water bodies (watercourses), extending to depths accessible for geological study and development, is called subsoil.

The priority purpose of the subsoil is the search, study, exploration and development of minerals. With regard to the use of subsoil, the rights and obligations of subsoil users are grouped, the main directions for the protection and use of subsoil are developed. basic requirements for the rational use and protection of subsoil.

The vast majority of the norms of the Law are devoted to the regulation of managerial and economic relations related to the appropriation and distribution of those material goods (in monetary or in-kind terms) that are acquired as a result of the development of minerals, in particular oil, coal, iron ore, rare and precious metals. Dorzhiev, Zh. B., Khamnaev, I. V. Environmental law: Teaching aid. / Ed. I.V. Khamnaev - Ulan-Ude: Publishing House of the ESGTU, 2006. P. 109.

Waters are limited natural resources, are contained in underground and surface sources - rivers, lakes, seas, oceans, glaciers, snow cover - and are part of the water fund.

The ecological function of waters is diverse. They create the hydrological regime of life on Earth, are the habitat of flora and fauna, etc.

Water is a resource that applies to the entire ecosystem, it makes up the bulk of the body of animals and plants.

The economic, cultural and recreational functions of waters are manifested in the fact that they serve as a means and condition for industrial and agricultural production, a necessary condition for recreation and treatment of the population. Fresh water is of particular value to mankind. Its deficiency in certain regions of the planet exacerbates the problem of water supply major cities. The irrational exploitation of underground and surface water sources contributes to a decrease in the level of groundwater.

From the point of view of law, a forest is a combination of forest vegetation, land, wildlife and other components of the natural environment, which is of great ecological, economic and social importance.

Forest protection provides for a system of measures aimed at combating violations of the rules fire safety in forests, unauthorized logging, destruction of trees during construction, exploration of minerals, laying of pipelines and oil pipelines, as well as pollution of the forest with untreated sewage and environmentally harmful substances from the air basin.

Forest protection is a set of measures that ensure the implementation of ways to combat diseases forest trees and forest pests.

Reforestation is a process aimed at quantitative as well as qualitative renewal of the composition of the forest in order to replace unproductive tree species with highly productive ones, which allow solving not only economic, but also environmental health problems.

The priority requirement of the forest protection policy in the current conditions is the rational use of forests: strict observance of the categorization of forests and the allowable cut.

Wildlife, according to the Law of the Russian Federation "On the Fauna", is a set of living organisms of all types of wild animals that permanently or temporarily inhabit the territory of Russia and are in a state of natural freedom, as well as related to the natural resources of the continental shelf and the exclusive economic zone of the Russian Federation.

The main features of the animal world:

  • 1. an integral element of the natural environment and biodiversity Earth;
  • 2. renewable natural resource;
  • 3. an important regulating and stabilizing component of the biosphere;
  • 4. a resource that is protected in every possible way and rationally used to meet the spiritual and material needs of citizens.

The protection of the animal world, as the Law states, is an activity aimed at preserving biological diversity and ensuring the sustainable existence of the animal world, as well as creating conditions for the use and reproduction of objects of the animal world. Inextricably linked with the protection of the animal world is the protection of the habitat of the animal world. This type activity provides for the preservation or restoration of the conditions for the sustainable existence and reproduction of objects of the animal world.

Atmospheric air occupies a special place in the human environment. In fact, it is, to a large extent, the natural environment that we protect. The atmosphere - the gas shell of the Earth - is fundamentally different from all the gas shells of other celestial bodies known to scientists. The oxygen content in the earth's atmosphere (about 21%) determined a number of features of life on the planet (for example, the method of breathing). Basmanova, I. A. Legal basis protection of wildlife objects. / I. A. Basmanova - M.: Publishing house. Moscow State University, 2006, p. 40.

Atmospheric air acts as an intermediary between the natural environment and man. If the ecological situation deteriorates, forests may die, certain species of animals and plants may disappear, the air will remain, but its quality may significantly deteriorate. The requirements providing for the protection of the atmosphere are formulated in the Law of the Russian Federation "On Environmental Protection".

All natural objects can be divided into 2 groups:

  • 1. differentiated (individual elements).
  • 2. complex natural objects (territorial formations).

Differentiated natural objects:

  • · Earth
  • subsoil
  • soil
  • Surface and ground water
  • atmospheric air
  • · Flora and fauna
  • other organisms
  • · ozone layer
  • near-Earth space.

The new law separates soils and near-Earth space.

The earth is the surface of the globe that is within state borders. (The Land Code and the Federal Land Cadastre give the concept land plot.) This is a conditional category that has one single dimension - area. The earth has no volume and cannot be separated from the surface of the globe. Depending on the functions, the earth can act in 2 qualities:

  • 1. spatial basis. In this capacity, it acts as land in settlements.
  • 2. as a means of production (agricultural land)

Soil - earlier it was an integral part of the earth, now it is allocated separately. This is the surface layer of the earth, which was formed under the influence of various natural factors. Unlike the earth, the soil has a certain thickness and can be separated from the surface of the earth and, in some cases, does not cease to be a natural object.

Subsoil - part of the earth's crust, located below the soil layer and the bottom of water bodies, extending to the depths available for geological study and development, as well as part of the earth's surface, if it contains mineral reserves.

Water objects (water). The Water Code defines the concepts of “water” and “water”. Water is the mass of water contained in natural state i.e. in water bodies. Water is a substance removed from the natural environment. Water body - in the water code, the definition is understood not only as a water mass, but also as part of the land adjacent to it (land and subsoil). The only water body that can be an object of sale is a separate water body.

Forest is a combination of forest vegetation, land, wildlife and other components of the natural environment, which has important economic, environmental and social significance (forest code). According to most authors, a person is an object legal protection nature. But from the point of view social sciences it cannot be an object, but a subject.

Animal world - it includes objects that are in a state of natural freedom and in semi-free conditions.

Complex natural objects are areas of the natural environment, isolated by the state for the purpose of their special protection:

  • reserves
  • sanctuaries
  • · National parks
  • natural parks
  • monuments of nature
  • Plants and animals listed in the Red Book
  • Dendrological parks and gardens
  • health-improving areas and waters.

Complex natural objects must be identified as such by the state, according to the regime, they are divided into 3 categories:

  • 1. completely withdrawn from economic and recreational use (absolute protection regime) - reserves and natural monuments.
  • 2. mixed mode - natural objects withdrawn from economic use, that is, intended for recreation (recreation) - national and natural parks.
  • 3. relative protection mode - relative protection is allowed economic use some natural objects along with the protection of other natural objects.