Geomorphology of Tunkin rift

Abstract

The Tunka rift consists of several Baikal type basins and low mountain ridges separated them. Tunka rift is edged by alpine Tonka Goltsy and Olkha low tableland from the north and by Siberian-type mountains of the Western Khamar-Daban with the large volcanic plateau - from the south. The rift has a full set of morphologic elements typical for the dry rift vallyes in the south of East Siberia, these elements are represented in their normal form. Therefore the Tunka rift may be considered as a morphotype of this type of rift basins. The relief of the rift and adjacent mountains may be divided into five belts: belt of plains and belt of tilted piedmonts within the rift valley, apical belt, belt of slopes and belt of valleys' bottoms within its mountain frame. In addition there are large group of interzonal landforms.