GLACIER DEGRADATION AND CATASTROPHIC MUDFLOWS ORIGIN FROM THE MODERN GLACIAL-MORAINE BODIES IN THE ELBRUS REGION

E. A. Zolotarev; A. A. Aleinikov; E. A. Kharkovets

doi:10.15356/2076-6734-2012-3-99-108

GLACIER DEGRADATION AND CATASTROPHIC MUDFLOWS ORIGIN FROM THE MODERN GLACIAL-MORAINE BODIES IN THE ELBRUS REGION

E. A. Zolotarev, A. A. Aleinikov, E. A. Kharkovets

https://doi.org/10.15356/2076-6734-2012-3-99-108

Abstract

Mechanism of formation of the catastrophic mudflows in different glacial valleys of Elbrus region at the present stage of glacial degradation is described. The important role of the buried ice in the formation of catastrophic mudflows that affected Tyrnyauz in the XX century was revealed as a result of remote monitoring of changes in glacial-moraine complex of Kayarta river. The dynamics of glacial lakes in the Adyl-Su valley in the Bashkara Glacier region was described and probability of their breakthrough was estimated. The quantitative indicators of the dynamics of the landslide in the Kubasanty valley were obtained as a result of remote monitoring, and its influence on the formation of catastrophic mudflows is discovered. Various possible methods of catastrophic mudflows prevention not requiring expensive protective constructions are discussed.

Keywords

buried ice, catastrophic mudflows, Elbrus region, glacial degradation, glacial lakes, glacial-moraine complex, mudflow canyon,

About the Authors

E. A. Zolotarev

Moscow State University
Russian Federation

A. A. Aleinikov

Ingeneering-technological Center “Scan-Ex”, Moscow
Russian Federation

E. A. Kharkovets

Moscow State University
Russian Federation

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Supplementary files

For citation: Zolotarev E.A., Aleinikov A.A., Kharkovets E.A. GLACIER DEGRADATION AND CATASTROPHIC MUDFLOWS ORIGIN FROM THE MODERN GLACIAL-MORAINE BODIES IN THE ELBRUS REGION. Ice and Snow. 2012;52(3):99-108. https://doi.org/10.15356/2076-6734-2012-3-99-108

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ISSN 2076-6734 (Print)
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