The principal contribution of the geomorphology to the geographical problems solving is that it creates a topological basis for systematics, formalizing and mapping of soil, biogeographic and landscape-ecologic units which are strictly controlled by the relief. Elementary natural-territorial complexes are restricted to unambiguously identify elementary surfaces, which are classified in accordance with four criteria corresponding to principal geomorphic parameters. Besides, the geotopological parameters include the vectorial lines azimuth and their angle with subhorizontal flows of water, air and mineral masses. The geotopological parameters analysis permits to obtain a complexes location with reference to flows of matter and energy in the landscape sphere; it makes also possible to predict some properties of a practical value.
The development and usage of theoretical models which permit to determine the significance of individual processes in the mountain slopes dynamics is of growing importance now, as the mountains are actively cultivated. The models are to display a certain pattern in the procures, which exists in the nature and manifests itself in one phenomenon being regularly replaced by another. Two logical models are considered: that of gravitational (sheet and deluvial) slopes and of fluvial-erosional (sheet and rill wash) slopes.
Geomorphology and economy
The paper describes a structural-geomorphological approach to neotectonic studies of the «covered» area of Western Tataria. Relative values are found of positive deformation of the Volga River terraces and a polygenetic surface of planation at the Volga - Sviyaga interfluve; the data are used for the neotectonic Movements appraisal and local structures identification within the sedimentary mantle.
Special studies have been carried out in the Botuobinsky uplift (the Vilyui drainage bad) aimed for elucidation of the ancient karat evolution and location of buried placers in the fossil karat. On the basis of paleogeomorphological and geophysical data sites are chosen with a view of searching for buried karstic placers.
Scientific Research Methods
A case study of the «Karakorum» rock glacier is used to show possibilities of lithological methods in revealing conditions of the development of such a landform. The methods permitted to establish asynchroneity in the real glacier and the proglacial «Karakorum» rock glacier evolution, both situated within a valley on a nor hem slope of the Kungei-Alatau Range. Besides, steps in the rock glacier are shown to be formed at different time. Some special features of the landform are explained as resulted from subaerial weathering processes.
Characteristic horizons designated by the author as «finplain horizons» have been described for the first time within the upper part of coarse molasse of Soviet Central Asia (Late Precambrian to Late Cenozoic in age); the horizons are characteristically different from the main part of the section both in thickness and lithology, and correspond to the stage of dynamic equilibrium which terminates (locally or in general) a phase of re-activation of the mountain topography development. Identification of the finplain horizons (and of other genetically similar formations within continental series) enlarges considerably both methodical and factological basis for paleogeomorphological analysis of orogens and on the other hand facilitates solving one of most complicated stratigraphic problems, that is unbiased stratification of coarse barren continental series.
Short communications
On the basis of space photos interpretation a distinct pattern of structural elements has been identified, such as lineaments, arch and circular structures. When interpreted in terms of morphotectonics, they revealed individual fold-block and block morphostructures bounded by faults. It is emphasized that the formation and development of the morphotectonic framework of the region is consistently explained on the basis of the plate tectonics.
Seismostratigraphic analysis of regional seismic profiles applied to reconstructions of the pre-Early Permian topography within the Caspian depression
During the Pleistocene the Sakhalin Island coastal zone was heavily influenced by glacioeustatic transgressions and regressions of the World Ocean. Some features of the coasts' evolution have been elucidated as a result of studies of marine terraces (using integrated approach) and seismic-acoustic profiles of the submarine margin of the island. New data have been obtained on the shelf structure and coastine migrations down to the shelf's edge during regressions. As a matter of discussion a suggestion is made that the deposits on high coastal terraces are of continental origin. 15-meters terrace deposits are positively dated to the 2nd half of the Late Pleistocene (radiocarbon dates are between 27 and 39 key BP); 30 to 40 m and 50 to 60 m terraces are tentatively ascribed to the first part of the Late Pleistocene and to the Middle Pleistocene respectively.
Furrow initiation of arable land with slopes more than 0.005 using discharges 0.5 to 1.2 l/s initiates an active erosion which results in two types of relief: irrigational erosional» and irrigational depositional ones. Both types develop in close interaction.
Special features of channel profiles as well as channel types variation with the river length and changes in bedload composition in large mountain rivers are discussed with view to geomorphic conditions taking the Katun' and Chuya rivers as the case study. Criteria of changes of one type of channel into another are obtained for rivers with drainage basin area in excese of 1000 km2.
«Tebelers» are hummocks due to frost heaving: they are formed by freezing of water-saturated horizons within the lose mantle. They are closely associated in the region with ice-cored pingoes and may be attributed to pressure of ground water of artesian type, probably with additional feeding by fissure water.
History of Science
Chronicle
International symposium on Middle Volga «Geomorphological processes and environment»
Reviews
ISSN 2949-1797 (Online)
