MORPHOSTRUCTURE OF THE KODAR-UDOKAN SECTION OF THE BAIKAL RIFT ZONE

Abstract

The morphostructure of the region is a natural result of active geodynamics in the eastern Stanovoe Upland. Extreme seismic conditions become apparent in rare devastating earthquakes (up to 10-11 in the Mercally scale), as well as in frequent slight ones. Seismic events affect topography and produce seismic deformations of different scale and morphology. Areal disturbances (like the New Namarakit Lake in the South-Muya Mountains origin) and, more often, local deformations (like destructions of the Kodar ridge rocky saddles or clamms [gorges] opening) are evident. Using morphotectonic analysis methods the morphostructural scheme of the Kodar-Udocan section of the Baikal rift zone (perhaps pull-apart basin) is done. In our model piedmont and mountain territories are divided in five level groups of blocks. Neotectonic movements’ amplitude is estimated at 5000 m.