Neotectonics and recent tectonics of the seismic orogens of Armenia and the Spitak earthquake region

Abstract

The paper considers the geodynamic position of mountain structures of the Lesser Caucasus and Armenian Highland within the zone of plates' interaction (East Mediterranean mobile belt) and morphostructural evolution of the mountains during the neotectonic and Pleistocene stages. The direction, rate and contrasts in the movements are assessed. Using intstrumental data the geodynamics permit to trace alternating uplifts and subsidences as a reflection of the compression - tension mechanism during the last half-century. Repeated leveling records an accumulation of seismic stresses, inloading and compensation processes and permits to delimit main seismic zones and determine type and range of displacements.