Physicogeographical Region

a taxonomic unit in physicogeographical zoning that includes landscapes similar in their age, surface deposits, topography, hydrographic features, climate, historical development, and the species composition of their biocenoses. It is usually regarded as a part, and sometimes as a synonym, of a physicogeographical country, formed under the impact of recent tectonic movements, marine transgressions and regressions, continental glaciations, and other azonal factors. For example, the northwestern part of the East European Plain is characterized by recent glaciation (fresh glacial relief forms, morainic and lake-glacial deposits, many lakes) and a mild and damp climate. In mountainous countries physicogeographical regions correspond to large tectonic subdivisions, such as the Vostochnyi Saian. A particular physicogeographic region may include various zones and subzones. Part of a physicogeographical region, situated in one natural zone, is frequently called a physicogeographical province.