Archeoseismological study in Salachik,the ancient capital of Crimean Khans

Archeological, archeoseismological, and seismotectonic studies were carried out in Salachik, the ancient capital of the Crimean Khans, on the outskirts of the modern city of Bakhchysarai, Crimea. The following damage and deformations of medieval buildings were observed: tilted building walls, shifted elements of building structures, rotation of fragments of walls and building blocks around the vertical axis, considerable deformations of arch structures, and fissures running through several rows of building blocks. These deformations are of a seismogenic nature. Traces of at least two strong ancient earthquakes were revealed in the medieval monuments of Salachik. Based on analysis of kinematic indicators, it is found that the maximum seismic intensity (VIII ≤ I ₀ ≤ IX points) was due to an earthquake occurred in the west. Based on historical seismologic data, one of the two earthquakes is dated by April 30, 1698. Also, structural damage to buildings in Salachik was caused by Crimean earthquakes in 1927. The findings can be used for a comprehensive assessment of seismic hazards on the Crimean Peninsula.     

Contemporary Tectonic Movements of the Western Caucasus and the Ciscaucasia Based on Satellite-Geodetic Observations

Geotectonics - The paper presents the velocity field of the Western Caucasus and Ciscaucasia based on GNSS observations. In the ITRF2014 reference frame, this field shows the coordinated movement...     

Active Tectonics of the Eastern Arctic: New Data from Geological and Geophysical Studies at Cape Thomas (West of Wrangel Island)

Geotectonics - The article presents the results of the first comprehensive geological and geophysical studies of active tectonics in the western part of Wrangel Island, carried out during the...     

Velocities of Present-Day Horizontal Movements in the Central Sector of the Greater Caucasus according to GPS Observations and Their Relation to Tectonics and the Deep Structure of the Earth’s Crust

The results of the first GPS measurements along the geophysical profile that intersects all major geological structures of the Osetiya region of the Greater Caucasus are presented. The results of the measurements are interpreted in comparison with those of neotectonic studies and data on the deep structure.     

Use of remote sensing methods for evaluation of seismic hazard by an example of the Andian seismic dislocations in Dagestan

Large-scale ancient seismic dislocations represented by faults, landslides, and rockavalanches were discovered by remote sensing on the southeastern slope of the Andian Ridge in Dagestan. As a result of the strongest of these land- and rock-slides, dammed Lake Kezenoy-Am was formed. Essential structural features of the ruptures provide undoubted evidence of the seismotectonic origin of the latter. The kinematics of the ruptures (left-lateral strike-slip and thrust) is in conformity with geological data on neotectonic displacements in the Andian deep-seated fault zone. The acquired data allow considering this deep fault to be a major seismogenic structure and confirm the presence of a potential earthquake focus with M _max = 7.0 disclosed previously in the Andian fault zone.     

Active Faults in the Kerch Peninsula: New Results

Doklady Earth Sciences - This paper reports recently obtained research data on active faults in the Kerch Peninsula. The compiled Map of Active Faults demonstrates foci of Late Holocene strong...     

Geological and macroseismic manifestations of the earthquake on October 16, 2011 in the Skovorodino region, Amur oblast

The epicentral zone and settlements that suffered from the M _S = 6.1 earthquake in the northwest Amur oblast are examined. Only secondary seismic dislocations were revealed and mapped in detail. The inspection of settlements and inhabitansts inquiry allowed estimation of the intensity of the macroseismic effect based on the MSK-64 scale. These forthwith primary factual data give an idea on the shaking intensity at the distant and nearest zones and precise location of the earthquake focus. The map of isoseists of the highest (7–8) intensity is drawn.     

Tectonic position and preliminary data on geological manifestations of the 2011–2012 Tyva earthquakes

The preliminary data on the tectonic position and seismological manifestations of the strong Tyva earthquakes that occurred on December 27, 2011 and February 26, 2012 are reported. The seismic ruptures are studied. The earthquake source structure in the earth’s depths is considered.