On comparative estimation of karst erosion intensity at some limestone massifs of West Caucasus

Abstract

Geologic-geomorphic and climatic control of the karst erosion rate is considered. The maximum mean index of general karst erosion (205.9 mm per 1000 v.) is defined at Ara bica-Bzyb massif at the southern slope, the mean value for the whole West Caucasus being about 125.5 mm per 1000 y. The rate of karst erosion at the southern slope is proved to exceed this of the northern slope by factor of 2.5, mostly due to hydrothermal regime differences. At both slopes the erosion rate is noted to increase from low mountains towards middle mountains and the lower part of alpine belt, which is accounted for by the increase in humidity and 'relief's energy. Surficial to deep karstic erosion ratio is mostly about 0.7. The ratio is about 1 at massif Fisht-Oshten, Lagonaki Plateau and Ahtsu-Alek which depends directly on the naked karst widespread over the areas.