Landmarks, Natural

(pamiatniki prirody), individual natural objects that are preserved, or warrant preservation, because of their scientific, educational, historical, or cultural and aesthetic significance. Examples of natural landmarks include waterfalls, caves, picturesque cliffs, volcanic or meteorite craters, unique geological outcrops, noteworthy boulders, and rare or historically significant trees. In the USSR the Kungur Pe-shchera, the Kapova Cave, and the Kivach Waterfall are widely known. The majority of natural landmarks are protected under a system of sanctuaries; especially important natural objects are protected in preserves. Sometimes protected territories of considerable size, such as forests and parts of valleys, coasts, or mountain ridges, are called natural landmarks.