80 year anniversary of Yu.A. Mescherikov - the famous Russian scientist

Long-term data on river runoff, stream load, gullies growth and other direct and indirect characteristics of erosion were used for evaluation of trends of hydro-denudation in the Europe during the second half of the XX century. Regions with different trends were distinguished. The human activity appears to be the main factor of the denudation intensity changes. The climatic impact manifested in the runoff changes plays the minor role.

Recent exogeodynamic regimes in the central part of the Russian Plain - Moscow region - are under consideration. Their distinguishing is based on k-means method of cluster analysis; different sets of regimes are determined: from two to six regimes within the region. The quantitative characteristics of regimes and spatial distribution of the latter are described. Within the accumulative plains the regimes of conservative development are dominant, within the denudation plains the sequence of regimes may be revealed, which correspond to different stages of erosion development of landforms. Exogeodynamic regimes of Moscow region are strongly influenced by morphostructural differentiation: amplitudes of neotectonic movements play significant role in their dictinctions.

The author's conception on the content of the terms "neotectonics" and "neotectonic stage" is described. The criticism on the explanatory volume to the new map "Neotectonics of the Northern Eurasia" is given. The author emphasizes the importance and relevance of neotectonic stage problems.

The new method of applied geomorphology - engineering-geomorphologic charting is described. The area of gas condensate field in the Yamal peninsular was taken as a test site. The embankment of motorways of the site was investigated and the engineering-geodynamic charts were compiled. The set of geodynamic processes, which destroy embankments, was determined, protective measures were suggested.

The investigation area is situated in the Chelyabinsk district, South Ural. The brass works is situated close to firestone field and within the zone of the ore control fault. Exogenic processes of the surrounding area change under the influence of the air pollutants of the brass works. These changes depend on the geomorphologic features and tectonic structure of the site: position of the different altitude levels, azimuth orientation of the landforms, schistosity of rocks, phreatic discharges on the slopes corresponding to zones of high jointing. The geomorphologic scheme of the area is compiled, showing also the boundaries of different geoecological zones. Mechanisms of the deflation and erosion and their intensity in the different zones are discussed.

An analysis of largest river valleys in the Manych region and geologic data has shown that Baer's mounds may be considered' to be formed by "flat water flow" coursed to Manych. Delta deposits of Kalaus river serve now as watershed between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea. Kalaus and Yegorlyk rivers formed deep erosion incising during regressions and the history of seas' interconnection is close related to the development of these rivers. Author concludes that in the Late Pleistocene the water flew from the Caspian to the Black Sea and in the Early Holocene - in reverse. During this period shells of the Cerastroderma glaucum spread into the Caspian Sea along the Manych strait.

The reviewer's commentary to the paper "On the possibility of the Caspian and the Black Seas interconnection in the Late Pleistocene-Holocene" by E.N. Badyukova

The natural regime of geomorphic processes in the Volga-Akhtuba flood-plain has been broken by the erecting of the Volzhskaya hydroelectric plant at Volgograd. Erosion of the river channel has grown due to water level decrease in the tail race. The left bank of the river in the vicinity of Volgograd has been washed back to some tens of meters. Erosion-accumulative processes in the valley of Akhtuba were activated. Pollution of the waters by industrial releases and domestic sewage water exceeds the maximum allowable limit for 5-6 pollutants.

Progressive development of relief within the studied region has been complicated by several cycles of dissection - planation during Cenozoic. The following cycles were distinguished: Paleocene-Eocene, Oligocene-Miocene, Late Miocene (Meotis)-Middle Pliocene and Late Pliocene-Quaternary. Recent regime of development has set in at the Postsarmatian time, during this period the main features of relief existing were formed.

The formation of plane asymmetry of free meanders of Vychegda and Chulyma river channels is under consideration. The criteria of asymmetry's evaluation are worked out, the shape of meanders and water content of the river taking into account. The classification of meanders by the degree of its asymmetry is suggested.

Area and linear elements of contemporary relief of the West Macedonia were distinguished using the morphostructual analysis. These elements have close connection with Caledonian and Cenozoic ore control structures. The arcuate peripheral belt of arch-like rise has complicated structure, continued evolution and hold multiaged mineralization. The linear systems of relief helped to adjust the locality of ore regions and joints. The morphostructural method proved to be very useful within the wide range of applied investigations.

On the basis of the hypsometric map and space images the morphostructural zone division of the Mars' surface was fulfilled. The formalized method used was worked out earlier for revealing the block structure of the Earth's surface. The new parameters of relief peculiar for Mars were used. The hierarchical model of morphostructural elements of Mars' surface was obtained.

An interesting geomorphology studies of the eastern Azerbaijan

New stage in the activity of Commission on Geomorphology of the IGU