On the permanent development of mountain relief

Abstract

A notion on the «permanent orogenesis» is introduced, its connections being traced to similar notions in geoteetonics.

Endogenic and exogenic mechanisms of mountains' permanent development and long-duration existence are discussed with special reference to the Soviet Central Asia and Crimean mountains. An analysis of mountains still existing within the limits of the USSR provides evidences for the permanent orogenesis being widespread (ii not dominant) type of mountains' evolution. It depends on a certain favorable combination of endogenic and exogenic factors - such as continued tectonic activity of old orogenic formations and their ability to prevent somehow young morphocomplexes (which destroy ancient topography) from penetration into inner areas of mountains.