Geologic Structure and Landforms of Limestone Dagestan

A comprehensive summary of the geological structure, landforms, and geomorphological processes of Limestone Dagestan has not been conducted in over 30 years. Recent investigations have primarily focused on analyzing the region’s potential seismic hazards. The presence of seismic dislocations, which are clearly expressed in the relief, approximates the location and magnitude of earthquake epicenters. Notably, the structural and geomorphological features serve as a paleogeographic archive, preserving evidence of seismic events that occurred before the advent of instrumental observations. Nevertheless, even today, understanding the seismic dislocations and their relation to seismogenic faults remains crucial. The second focus of this study is the assessment of the geographical and engineering-geological implications of sporadically occurring destructive mudflows. Traditionally classified as areas of medium mudflow risk, the highlands and midlands of Limestone Dagestan exhibit significant potential for hazardous rock mudflows and mudflow-like floods in certain locations. The third area of research involves investigating the manifestations of landslide hazards, which can often be large-scale. This analysis of adverse and dangerous phenomena in relation to the diverse lithomorphic foundation of Limestone Dagestan aims to mitigate their destructive impacts. Considering the overall effects of denudation processes on these actively growing mountains, it can be asserted that their folded structures, shaped by prolonged erosion, have resulted in the formation of unique structural and geomorphological complexes in the eastern sector of the northern macroscline of the Greater Caucasus.