Open AccessLandslides in southern Kyrgyzstan: Understanding tectonic controls
Author(s) -
Haberland Christian,
Abdybachaev Ulan,
Schurr Bernd,
Wetzel HansUlrich,
Roessner Sigrid,
Sarnagoev Aman,
Orunbaev Sagynbek,
Janssen Christoph
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
eos, transactions american geophysical union
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.316
H-Index - 86
eISSN - 2324-9250
pISSN - 0096-3941
DOI - 10.1029/2011eo200001
Subject(s) - landslide , tectonics , geology , structural basin , natural (archaeology) , physical geography , natural hazard , geomorphology , geography , earth science , seismology , paleontology , oceanography
Frequent landsliding is one of the greatest natural hazards facing the inhabitants of Central Asia's Fergana Basin and the surrounding mountain ranges. Active tectonics in the region is rapidly building the Tien Shan, one of the highest mountain ranges on Earth, and the extreme topographic relief promotes frequent landslide activity, which causes major losses of life and property. In southwestern Kyrgyzstan alone, on average 10 people die and seven houses are destroyed each year in these sudden and rapidly moving landslides.