Changes in relief of the Azau Valley in Central Caucasus Mts resulting from impact of volcanic activity and glaciers oscillations during the last 1100 years

I analysed changes in the relief of the partly glaciated Azau Valley in the Central Caucasus, neighbouring to Elbrus volcanic cone (5643m a.s.l.) resulting from intensification of volcanic activity and valley glaciers’ oscillations during the last 1100 years. Field research, analysis of topographic maps and photographs from the last 140 years as well as information in literature were the basis for my work. I identified the most important geomorphological processes modelling the valley: a lava flow, floods of jökulhlaup type, glaciers’ transgressions and recessions, erosion of moraines and mass movements on the slopes. I distinguished eight sections of the Azau Valley varied in their relief and being under the differentiated influence of the listed geomorphological processes. The valley under question, represents the Alpine type area of typical cascade like transfer of waste material from the slope to the valley systems and further along its floor. Hanging tributary valleys on the Azau Valley slopes are valleys exporting waste material while the main valley functions as the valley importing waste material. In the period of absence of visible volcanic activity of Elbrus, the fastest changes in the Azau Valley relief take place during the recession of the valley and slope glaciers and of ice cap on this volcano. Findings proof interdependence of intensity of material aggradation in the valley and the amount of moraine deposits which can quickly erode and be transported to the stream channel, easily accessible weathered material derived from marginal ice-free areas as well as on the volume of ice melting water discharging great loads of sediment.