Mountain basins in Armenia as morphodynamic systems

Abstract

Principles and criteria are considered of morphodynamic unit’s identification in mountain topography. Territorial differentiation is based on mountain basins - the principle suggested by I.I. Khodzko as early as 1864, but neglected by later investigators. A definition of mountain basin is given and its principal characteristics are defined which permit it to be considered as an integral morphodynamic territorial system. A case study of Armenia indicates portability (hierarchy) of mountain basins and their internal differentiation with respect to elevation.