Tectonic control over erosional network in the south of the Privolzhskaya Upland

Abstract

The tectonic control is discernible in the spatial regularities and morphology of valleys in the southern part of the Privolznskaya Upland. The spatial characteristics include the location, direction and width of valleys. Main morphological indicators of geologic structures are an asymmetry in valleys cross-profile, alternation of steep and flat sections in the longitudinal profile, terraces distortions, local incisement, channels alignment of meandering, steppe or swamped valley bottoms. The valleys characteristics most fully reflect regional linear deformations, such as flexures, fault and fold zones and old tectonic scarps. Local anticlines are indentified with confidence. Lagre tectonic regions are reflected in the valleys network less distinctly.