Geomorphological consequences of the 1991 Racha earthquake in the southern Great Caucasus

Abstract

Some results are presented of geological and geomorphological field studies in the epicentral zone of the 1991 Racha earthquake on the Great Caucasus southern slope. 5 stages are identified in the karst-seismogenic relief evolution, their morphological characteristics being described. In the authors' opinion, the epicentral zone of the Racha earthquake should be ascribed 7 to 8 surficial shocks intensity. They suggest introducing into seism-geological practice a special type of complex continuous observations that is seismic-geomorphological monitoring. Karst-forming processes in the seismic regions are to be recognized as a special variety - seismo-tectonic karst.