Общая направленность развития склонов Армянского нагорья за плиоцен-четвертичное время

Аннотация

The Pliocene - Quaternary evolution of slopes of the Armenian Highland is considered against the background of climatic changes and block tectonics. Most of the present-day slopes date back to the Late Pliocene or Early Pleistocene. During the Quaternary new slopes were formed at the highland due to volcanic processes, erosion of antecedent valleys and river piracy, glacial processes (slopes of cirques, troughs and moraine hills).

Climatic changes controlled the type and rate of slope processes, the defluction prevailed at early stages (Late Miocene- Pliocene) and became less intense later (in the Pleistocene and during historic time in par ticular) because of the increase in aridity. The differentiated movements of the block character created step~like slopes of the highest order. The continued increase in the height contrast of the Armenian Highland contributed to steepness of slopes and activates the soil displacement even in spite of their relative aridity