Conceptual models are discussed for highest taxonomic rank geomorphological systems, as well as general principles of functioning and development of natural boundary systems. Continents and oceans are considered to be highest categories in systematic organization of landforms; their deep tectonic structure, isostatic equilibrium realisation mechanism and convection processes in astendsphere are discussed in -terms of plate tectonics. The author concludes that at present state of knowledge only alternative conceptual models can be developed.

History of the morphometric trend in the Soviet geomorphology is briefly reviewed. The -topography's morphometry is defined as a branch of knowledge between geomorphology and cartography which deals with theory and methods of quantitative analysis of the topographic patterns and landforms on the Earth and other planets. Importance of morphometric studies for national economy is considered as well as some problems of mathematisation and automation of system morphometric research and some prospect for further development.

Three categories of morphostructures are distinguished: 1) orogenic systems of arcuate ridges concordant with main tectonic zones which came into being in consecutive order during the Late Paleozoic, Mesozoic and Cenozoic as the geosynclines closed, 2) discordant to the first ones, large annular morphostructures, wick resulted from huge igneous (mostly granitic) mass intrusion into upper lithosphere during tectonic and magmatic activisation stages in Early Mesozoic, Late Mesozoic and Tertiary, 3) through linear zones of mostly latitudinal and longitudinal trends, accompanied with large disturbances and morphostructural anomalies, of prolonged development. High order annular morphostructures control the position of rare-metal ores, the latters preservation depending on how deeply they have been eroded, A series of most promising annular morphostructures is selected within the limits of the East Pamir.

Water storage filling/ activities rock streams and rock fields development. The latter's influence on the reservoirs volume depends on two opposite processes. A basin volume decreases due -to its filling with rock debris brought by mass movement process, with thin particles washed from under the rock fields and with ice rafted blocks. At the same time the volume increases as a result of ice melting from submerged rock fields and subsequent blocks collapse. From the author's calculations follows that the water storage reservoir of the Kolyma Hydroelectric Power Station will somewhat increase its volume due to its interaction with the rock streams.

In the process of river valley downcutting its floor width varies in time and the floor itself migrates laterally due to channel meandering. Those processes are not usually reflected in terraces series, though they affect essentially the placers evolution. The process of the valley cross-section and placer evolution is simulated by a computer. The model proved the stream downcutting regime to be independent factor of the useful component redistribution, which control the component concentration into one or several bands mostly at the valley's floor. A placer's structure depends on the valley size, downcutting duration and degree of the source preservation.

The problem of mapping and geomorphological studies is discussed from the position of system-structural methodology and comprises the following tasks: 1) elementarisation (most expedient subdivision of the Earth surface into its elementary components); 2) «organisation» of the point, linear and areal elements, which means their strict definition (formalisation), systematisation, indexation and unified presentation at morphological map, 3) synthetic studies of -the Earth surface composition and structure together with dynamical interpretation of the morphological pattern and delineation of geosysterns.

The field concept is considered necessary for methodical and technical perfection of isolinear mapping of the Earth surface morphometry with view to new technological possibilities. Comparative analysis of existing mapping techniques shows the advantage of moving circle technique, Two schemes are introduced of isolinear morphometric maps compilation (slopes, drainage densities and roughness of topography) which are based on presentation of drainage pat-tern and topography as discrete points using small quadrangles net, The schemes permit to simplify mapping process using digitisers and computers.

The paper discusses some theses of coast equilibrium forms and describes various equilibrium forms. Most often the sea coast develops either arcs of various curvature or asymmetrical formations such as logarithmical spiral, both types being remarkable for their persistence through time, sometimes without lateral migration. These characteristics permit to forecast their evolution and -to identify man-induced disturbances.

Channel-forming deposits composition and distribution at the lower Vilyui River are controlled by geological and hydrological factors, mostly by local supply of material from eroded terraces scarps and by dynamical properties of -the stream. Though both composition and size of the channel alluvium reflect channel-forming discharge, channel alluvium at the lower reaches of the Vilyui indicates noticeable re-distribution taking place during high water in summer. Channel alluvium distribution according to channel types reveals certain regular-ties: particles size increases along with the stream's concentration, larger size is characteristic of zones of the stream acceleration; smallest particles are deposited within zones of deceleration.

A new technique is introduced of the karst denudation rate calculation at carbonate and sulphate rock masses; the technique is based on detailed studies of the rocks jointing and solubility as well as geological-situation. The formulae permit to calculate karst landforms age.

The Ustyurt Plateau scarps (so called «Chynks») morphology is controlled by the rocks lithology and tectonics, The Upper Cretaceous, Paleogene and Neogene carbonate rocks form precipices and steep slopes with steps. If Miocene limestones overlie the Oligocene sands and clays, landslides are developed. The landslide zone is up to 5 km wide, which depends on the scarp height. The scarps age differs at different places, but it is not older than Early Pleistocene, as active and deep erosion preceded the Bakinian transgression. The parts of scarps washed by the Quaternary seas are still younger, mostly of Late Pleistocene and Holocene age, and not older than Middle Pleistocene.

A scheme of fault tectonics and a geomorphological map are compiled for the Guissar-Alai region using space survey data. The structural pattern of the area is shown to be controlled by fault-lines of NW and NE strike. Planation surfaces and old glacial topography outlines are ascertained. For the first time morphogenetic types of slopes are mapped and accumulative-erosional surfaces are identified at depressions margins. The topography is evaluated considering its recent dynamics and relief-forming factors zonality.

Man-induced gullies formation under cold climatic conditions is discussed with special reference to one of newly built-up regions at the NE West Siberia. The main cause of the process is proved to be sharp increase in run-off (resulted from snow drift melting and sewage). Three stages of man-induced gullies development are distinguished, and the first and second stages duration is obtained.