The morphotectonics of Azerba-ijan and Eastern Transcaucasian region from the neomobilistic point of view

Abstract

Geodynamic mechanisms are discussed with a view to their geomorphic effect in the development of morphostructures in Azerbaijan and Eastern Transcaucasian region resulting from the collision between the Eurasian and Arabian plates in the Caucasus - Asia Minor sector. A multilayered structure of overlying thrusts has been identified in the mountain systems of the Great and Lesser Caucasus, Talysh, Kula intermountain rift, the structure is reflected in geomorphology as a system of longitudinal morphostructural steps and transversal blocks, general asymmetry and curvature types of mountains, various types of underthrusts, river network outlines, etc. The maximum pressure of the Arabian cusp and the orogens formation falls on the Pliocene - Quaternary time. The leading role in the process belonged to horizontal lateral shifts, overthrusts and underthrusts, pulsatory compression and tension, planetary and regional fault systems, changes in the Earth rotation regime. Principal mechanisms of collision are manifested also in the recent tectonics.