Terrain Morphometry and Mudflow Features in the Northern Slope of the Great Caucasus

Abstract

Morphometric terrain parameters such as slope angles and altitudes make a considerable contribution to the features of mudflows. In order to assess the contribution of these factors, this study analyzes their characteristics in the Western, Central, and Eastern Caucasus on the basis of an original digital terrain model. The average slope angles in the Western Caucasus are higher by 0.5° than those in the Central and Eastern Caucasus, thus contributing to more active mudflow. On the other hand, the Western Caucasus is distinguished by lower altitude differences. From the standpoint of this factor, the Central Caucasus is the most mudflow hazardous. Hence, the absolute altitude distribution and high forestation neutralize the factor of more significant slope angles and ensure the less considerable mudflow danger in the Western Caucasus relative to the Central and Eastern Caucasus.