Land surface topography is a manifestation of neotectonics as well as the most important component of landscape. General small-scale neotectonic maps elucidate correlation between geological, geophysical, geodetic and geographical elements. Structural plan of the continent and the recent topography formation proved to be connected with the geoid's surface morphology. Some special features of the Asia neotectonics are noted which are essential for understanding the Quaternary paleogeography and geology, such as rhythmic and stadial character of tectonic movements and their internal interdependance. Stages of tectonic movements intensification are established, the recent mountain relief proved to be young, linear elements of landscape being controlled by the earthcrust block structure. Rift areas position in Asia is discussed. Neotectonic structural features of both stable and mobile belts in Asia had been predetermined by structure of the substratum involved, its historical evolution as well as by inheritance from previous stages and structural position of the belts. Within the limits of continental ice sheets the movements» mechanism was controlled by glacio-lisostasy, increase and decrease in the upper mantle density as well as by inherited tectonic movements. Causes of neotectonic movements are discussed, their global character being confirmed. Some data are presented which contradict to neotectonics' explanation from the plate tectonics viewpoint, inner causes of the movements are assumed to lie within the distorted fragments of the earthcrust, with proper consideration of deep processes which manifest in different manner in areas of different exogenous regime.

A thorough examination is given to dynamic principles involved in orogenesis. A notion of «morphodynamic complex» is introduced, its contents being elucidated. Morphodynamic complexes of general interest with view to orogenesis problems are identified and described, including constructive complexes of pedestal mountains, rift mountains and mountains of Siberian type, and destructive complexes of low and remnant mountains, hillocky topography, erosional plains and tectonic depressions.

Submarine troughs are most typical features of topography of Arctic and Subarctic glaciated shelves. Analysis of recent data on relief and Quaternary sediments as well as sea floor seismic profiling enables to distinguish three types of the shelf troughs and a number of their genetic varieties, it indicates also that geomorphic appearance of troughs has been modeled by Pleistocene ice sheets covering sea floor. Ice bed topography had been already formed before the continental glaciation came into being. At that moment Pre-Quaternary river valleys dissected the Cretaceous surface to the depth of 300-500 m. Glaciers and meltwater broadened and deepened the large cuts. A supposed mechanism is described of Pre-Quaternary river valleys transformation into glacial trough valleys.

Studies of buried relief and associated loose deposits suggest an essential influence of paleogeomorphological situation on formation of non-anticlinal oi1 and gas traps at different regions of the USSR. The influence has been established for various Phanerozoic epochs of regional continental breaks and was predetermined by relief complexes of different origin and morphology. Non-anticlinal traps are associated with river valleys, inland and submarine deltas, bars, reef constructions and other buried landforms. Such traps are better known from western regions of the USSR (Russian Platform) and are confined to Mesozoic and Paleozoic sedimentary complexes. They also gravitate towards areas of former fluvial-deltaic and coastal (shallow shelf) plains.

Central Chernozemic regions have been subdivided according to arable slopes structure, taking into consideration the topography ruggedness and parent rocks lithology. For all regions and subregions quantitative data are given on the arable slopes distribution, steepness, length, configuration and degree of erosion hazard being determined. The data should be considered while planning erosion controlling measures and liman irrigation.

Two principal types of bauxite-bearing karst are distingu-ished: alysardakhian and muustakhian. In the first type cavities are filled with weathering products (lateritic crusts); their position at present 'corresponds to paleogeographical environment of the time of their formation. Bauxites originally were accumulated at the day surface within vast valley-like depressions. Karst cavities of the second type are filled with sedimentary bauxites and are mostly subterranean and multilayer due to more com plicate history of their evolution. The conditions of ancient karst development are of importance for bauxites search.

Two opposite viewpoints exist as concern the geomorphology's subject, those are concepts of «geometrization» and «materialization». The first one consider the subject of geomorphology to be the Earth surface topography and relief-forming processes which Control the structure. The second one includes into the subject the geological substratum also, it is based on an erroneous interpretation of philosophical categories of form and content applied to relief and prevents from achievement of dynamic stage in geomorphological studies as .it contradicts experience and geomorphological mapping results. The subjects of geomorphology is not contents of landforms but the whole complex of interacting: relief-forming process

Analysis of distant images at various scales allows to identify morphostructures and morphosculptures of various order. Most promising method of relief's analysis by middle Scale images interpretation is morphostructural analysis; it includes consideration of decipherable characteristics which reflect tectonic features. Middle scale space images are most suitable for morphostructures and nlorphosculptures identification, which are mapping objects on the scale l:l000000 to l:2500000.

The paper discusses the systematics of landforms, which come into being as result of frost heaving during the aggradatilonal phase of permafrost formation, a new multi-stage classification of the cryogenous relief is introduced taking into account time of the landforms formation and duration of their existence as well as their genetic and morphometric features and character of spatial distribution. The classification may be applied to regional subdivision and mapping of areas with cryogenous relief resulting from frost heaving.

Sheet wash rate as well as deluvial aggradation are determined using measurements of exposed parts of plants' roots. The technique seems promising as a field one which allows to define average rate of the sheet wash. It has certain advantages over other field techniques as it does not require long stationary observations.

Regularities in topographic steps position are discussed in connection with Pleistocene glacial history as well as the steps' reworking by postglacial processes. Special attention is paid to glacial cirques orientation with regard to ridges axes, distinct asymmetry in their position being noted. Morphology and history of development of equiplains (surfaces due to glacial erosion) are also discussed.

Geological and geomorphological structure analysis suggests the Kolguev Island to be a recent dome-like asymmetric uplift of inverse development. Within the island's limits ancient and recent surfaces of planation are widespread which are distorted due to neotectonics. There are pronounced structural unconformities .between individual horizons of the sedimentary mantle. The Kolguev morphostructure was finally formed during Neogene and Quaternary.