Seismites in Pleistocene Sediments of Gornyi Altai

摘要

Many recent publications have shown that the Quaternary geological history recorded in sediments provides important information about the localization and frequency of strong earthquakes. Seismic activity is reflected in the morphologically different deformation structures (seismites) that are preserved in sediments. In some cases, seismites can be correlated with registered seismic events. Morphologically similar seismicity-induced structures in the natural substrate have been obtained in laboratory experiments. Hence, deformation structures in loose sediments represent potentially reliable indicators of paleoseismic events. Therefore, it is necessary to document such structures in new areas and elucidate the relevant tectonic settings. The present communication is devoted to the identification, description, and classification of deformation structures in Quaternary sections of Gornyi Altai; to finding criteria that will make it possible to correlate such structures with seismic events; and to the elucidation of factors and processes that are favorable for the formation of seismites in loose sediments.