On a technique of identification of river terraces deformations due to tectonics within mountain regions

Abstract

A new technique is developed for identification of river terraces tectonic deformations using parameter:

α=(∆H₁-∆H₂):L,

where ∆H₁- difference in levels of two terraces at cross-section l, ∆H₂- the same terraces levels dofference at cross-section 2, L -distance between the cross-sections 1 and 2. The α value is demonstrated to be independent from both hydrological and lithological factors and to reflect the degree of tectonic movements differentiation. The technique proposed permits to characterise quantitatively the tectonic movements and to compare the results obtained for terraces of the same age not only within one valley but in different valleys as well. The technique application is illustrated using examples from the Malka valley (Mineralnye Vody region, North Caucasus).