Quantitative evaluation of the chemical denudation at the Western Caucasus based on hydrochemical data

Abstract

Calculated data are given on absolute and relative values of ionic runoff and chemical denudation intensity at 16 drainage basins at high, middle and low mountain belts at the Western Caucasus. The largest rivers – Laba, Belaya, Pshekha – are proved to have the greatest values of the ionic runoff. The ionic runoff index decreases towards north-west in connection with change of the environment. The chemical denudation intensity diminishes at the same direction, its maximum values being within the belt of middle-height mountains with the optimum hydrothermic regime. The chemical denudation index is estimated at 78 m³/km² per year or 78 mm per 1000 years.