Morphology of the Imeretian system of canyons (Black Sea)

Abstract

An autonomous Imeretian canyon system has been distinguished, including Nekrasovsky, Chernomorets, Tsimlyansky and Imeretinsky canyons with their numerous tributary channels connecting at a depth of 600 m into a single canyon and separated from neighboring canyon systems by underwater ridges extending to depths of up to 1 km. According to its lithodynamic connection with the coastal zone, the distinguished system is assigned to the lateral type. The main morphometric indicators of erosion hollows included in the Imeretian system are given. The intensity of the morpholithodynamic processes is dependent on the remoteness of the upper canyons from the coast, including the possibility of coarse clastic material transport into the Tsimlyansky and Imeretian canyons. A characteristic feature of the Imeretian Canyon, in contrast to the Novy and Konstantinovsky canyons, was that the adjacent ridge continues as an extend of the tip of coastal cape (Imeretian Cape) down to the depth of 400 m. By the presence of erosion hollows located west of the Imeretian Cape, it can be assumed that the Imeretian system of canyons was formed as a result of erosion activity along the coastal flow directed from the mouth of the river Mzymta towards the river Psou.