extended abstracts - Geomorphic Processes and Geoarchaeology

Geomorphic processes and geoarchaeology
These soils could be responsible for a significant and sometimes catastrophic deformation
of the rock mass under seismic actions. Earthquake in 800 BC by calculations of
Soloviev O. N. and Kuzin I.P. [3], caused tsunami height of 3-6 m near Anapa. The
seismic event of 63 BC resulted tsunami height of 3 m (for comparison – the approximate
height of storm waves Temryuk Bay currently is 2-5 m). According to Nikonov A.A. the
last earthquake caused a slump area of the Azov Sea coast in the north-west of the Kerch
Strait. Occurred landslides were the cause of death of the ancient cities of Pierre and
Antissa on the Bosporus. Similar seismogenic landslides (seismic dislocations) are
widespread on the peninsula Abrau in the band from Anapa to Novorossiysk. One of
these landslides is described by us near of urban settlement Sukko. The cirque rock
landslide has length 160 m, width up to 700 m. Destruction of massif in the described
area associated with a particular type of rock creep under the influence of long seismic
vibrations was called «Pontian phenomenon» by Solonenko V.P.
Seismic events cause activation of mud volcanoes. There are documented cases of
erupting volcanoes during the earthquakes at the epicentral distance of 100-150 km from
the volcano. Eruption, emitting a large amount of mud volcanic breccia, accompanied by
explosions, strong emission of gas jets (with or without ignition) and the formation of
cracks [6] is especially dangerous. Mud volcanism has been described as a phenomenon
in Euxine Pontus coastal area in ancient times. The area of mud volcanoes in the Taman
was considered as an entrance to Hades, and the way in it began with mud volcanoes. In
63 BC there has been a partial flooding of the mud of ancient cities, in particular
Phanagorja [7].
Processes of clay diapirism in some cases causing a rapid rise in coastal areas are
closely related with mud-volcanoes processes. In particular, we have examined the site of
the Azov Sea coast near Cape Kamennyj where in 2011 year there was a rapid uplift of
the seabed at a speed greater than 2 m / month. Raising occurred in the area length about
600 m and an amplitude of up to 5 m. Such phenomena certainly occurred in the past and
could significantly affect the economy of ancient coastal settlements, to cause the
destruction of port facilities.
Significant impact on the economic life of the Taman Peninsula had a tectonic
processes, changes in sea level, as well as lithodynamic processes in the delta of the
Kuban (sediment accumulation).
Sea-level rise (Nimfeyskaja transgression in the 0-1 century AD) increased
abrasion, landslides, underflooding and coastal flooding, mud volcanic activity, etc.
According to various authors the highest level of Nimfeyskja transgression did not exceed
1-2 m as compared with modern level.
Nimfeyskaja transgression began after Fanagoriyskja regression when the sea
level was 5-6 m below today's heights. Subsequent transgression resulted in marine
erosion and the partial flooding of coastal settlements. Currently, the highest rate of
abrasion (2 m / year) is observed on the eastern coast of the Azov Sea. Erosion increases
sharply during the storms. Thus, cliff Golubitskja terrace on area long 1 km withdrew up
to 20 m during hurricane of the 1969 year.
It is possible that a sharp rise of sea level created a dangerous landslide situation,
and areas of the city located near the cliffs began to crumble. Area of marine abrasion has
high probability of rock fall associated with the destruction of port facilities.
Ingression of large masses of Black Sea waters in the Kerch Strait in the initial
phase Nimfeyskja transgression likely resulted in the activation of mud volcanoes.
There were fundamental changes in hydrology and sediment dynamics of the river
outlet of the Kuban due accumulation of the flow of solid matter of the river, coastal
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