Mudflow hazardous areas of the rural settlement Verhne-Chegemskoe (Chegem River basin, Central Caucasus)

Abstract

Changes in the glacial situation in the upper reaches of mudflow rivers that flow through the territory of mountain rural settlements as a result of climate warming contribute to an increase in mudflow risk factors. The current situation requires a review of the issues of ensuring the security of the territories of mountain settlements and infrastructure facilities. An important aspect of solving this problem is to identify areas of residential areas that are under threat of possible negative impact of dangerous slope and riverbed processes. The purpose of the presented study was to establish zones of possible damage by mudflow outflows on the territory of two mountain settlements in the Chegemsky district of Kabardino-Balkaria. The areas of possible damage were determined based on the analysis of the previous mudflow events by comparing the calculated critical volumes of mudflow outflows with morphometric parameters of the territory relief adjacent to the transit sections of mudflow channels, bridge crossings, water and mudflow structures. The results of the performed investigation show that the state and current situation of transit riverbed tracts on the territory of the villages may be inadequate for real mudflow energy. Mudslide risks and hazards in this region will not only remain relevant in the foreseeable future, but are likely to increase, they should be taken into account and it is necessary to be protected from them.