A calculation of river valley morphographic indices as a method of structural-geomorphological analysis

Abstract

A formula has been introduced for the calculation of morphographic index, the latter being mean arithmetic value of elevation ratio of terrace levels close in age. River valleys study has revealed the index to depend mainly on tectonic regime of the area in question and to exclude the influence of water discharge, flood height, lithology changes etc. Reflection of morphostructures in the morphographic indices values are illustrated with river valleys of the Northern Russian Plain. Possibilities of the indices application to geomorphology of mountain valleys has been noted.