Soviet geomorphology - to the 60th anniversary of the USSR

For the first time a multistep genetic classification of glacial landforms due to ice sheets is introduced, its place in the general system of cryogenous landforms being specified. The subdivision is based on the phase state of the relief-forming agent (ice or water), then the subdivision proceeds on the basis of the dynamical state. Further the landforms are grouped into genetic complexes according to different relief-forming processes; each of the latter is in turn divided into groups of landforms which are in paragenetic connection.

A certain zonality of erosional processes has been traced within the Non-Chernozemic zone of the RSFSR. Sheet wash and gullies erosion intensity increases southward, due to increase in the erosional potential of natural f actors at the south (such as higher dissection density and rains intensity) and most pronounced human impact on the environment. On the Contrary, river erosion increases northward, mostly due to prevalent slope of the surface and to increase in river discharge in this direction.

Significance of neotectonics for the Earth modern topography evolution

Comparison of geomorphological and geophysical data proved both small–local–and large–linear and areal–morphostructures to reflect not only neotectonic structures but some tectonic features due to basement's differentiation into blocks and intense salt tectogenesis. Distribution of small morphostructures differing in degree of neotectonie activity appeared to be controlled by large regional morphostructures: active small morphostructures are mostly restricted to most evelated large ones.

Investigation of wave destruction of the Azov Sea coastal scarps permitted to conclude that on loamy coasts the process results in a very complicated coastal system which differs considerably from one created by abrasion. To use different terms for those processes is important from both theoretical and practical points of view. Some cyclic features are shown in the wave destruction of the Azov Sea coasts. Observation data on the coasts destruction are summarized.

A series of paleogeomorphological environments (including a large paleo-delta of the bird-foot type) has been identified in Western Orenburg region on the basis of the Visean topography reconstruction, the environments were favourable to layers-collectors formation and non-anticlinal oil and gas traps.

Morphostructural analysis applied to the Alps region allowed to trace block structures of the loop-like bend of the Alps. The bend proceeds successively along morphostructural lineaments' zones of the second order. Comparison with geophysical data revealed differences in deep structures of the outlined megablocks, which indirectly indicates the lineaments being deep-seated. The third order lineaments position is in good agreement with basement structures.

A technique of mean slope angle graphs construction is described using contour lines length and steps area measurement at maps. The graphs reveal the presence of topographic steps and their altitude. Two graphs were constructed for two sites at Middle Timan, one being interpreted as single planation surface deformed by inequal tectonic uplift, the other as several steps formed originally at different altitude.

Comparison of height of main mountain structures in Mongolia considering their geology revealed an interrelation between the mountains height on one hand and the intensity and time of general grant formation on the other. Highest mountains are characterised with widespread ancient (Early and Middle Paleozoic) granitoid intrusions and maximum thickness (within the limits of Mongolia) of the earthcrust and granitmetamorphic layer.

Statistical analysis of the surface absolute height and dissection depth and density together with thickness of Quaternary deposits, clay percentage and till content as well as bedrock topography revealed distinct features of recent topography inherited from the bedrock topography. Glacial control over landforms formation is clearly manifested while structural and tectonic factors influence only indirectly through glacial erosion and sedimentation. Heterogeneous character of ancient ice sheets dynamics is proved to manifest itself in general topographic appearance of the area and in deposits composition.

Geomorphology and Quaternary geology in Geolcom-VSEGEI (to the 100th anniversary of the All-Union Scientific Research Geological Institute)

Dmitry Vasilievich Borisevich (to the 70th anniversary)

New contribution to methods of the morphostructural analysis

On glacial geomorphology of mountains