To the methods of geomorphological research (geomorphological lessons of the Caspian)

Abstract

The main focus of the article is the significance of the geomorphological method for the reconstruction of paleogeographic events that took place in the Late Pleistocene and Holocene. The specific data obtained as a result of applying this method are given. A reasonable curve of the Caspian Sea level fluctuations in the Holocene was compiled. A risk zone has been defined, within which the level of the Caspian Sea will fluctuate in the future, under modern physics-geographical conditions, which is fundamental importance when planning any economic measures in the coastal zone. Predictions were made and later justified of the Caspian Sea level fluctuations in the 20thearly 21st centuries. The climatic nature of the Caspian transgressions was confirmed. Obtained were new data on the evolution of the shores of the Caspian Sea under rising level conditions, which can be used when forecasting the development of the shores of other seas in the conditions of the present-day rise of the World Ocean level.