Geodynamical Processes

Abstract

Georgia’s landscape is geologically quite active. At present about 4.5 million ha of the country is under the threat of elemental natural processes. It is subject to serious erosion. Mudslides and landslides are commonly observed. Owing to the destructive exogenic processes, about 5 % of the arable land is withdrawn yearly from agricultural turnover, and 50 % is damaged through erosion. Under the influence of intense anthropogenic factors, about 100–130 t/ha of soil layer from farmlands of eastern Georgia is washed down every year, while in western Georgia it is 150–160 t/ha. During heavy rains these values increase two to four times. In semiarid regions of eastern Georgia, gully erosion widely affects the underlying surface and gives rise to badlands. On the whole, the territory in Georgia affected by natural hazards is constantly increasing. Disasters affected 1 million ha in 1976, 3 million ha in 1981, and 8.7 million ha in 1996. Large mudflow hearths are registered in areas where more than 60 % of the population is concentrated. This chapter reflects on these geodynamical processes.