Significance of bedrock structure and lithology for the glacial valleys distribution and genesis in Belarus

  • Mixail E. Komarovskiy Belarusian State University, 4 Niezaliežnasci Avenue, Minsk 220030, Belarus
  • Aliaksandr S. Semianiuk Belarusian State University, 4 Niezaliežnasci Avenue, Minsk 220030, Belarus
DOI: https://doi.org/10.33581/2521-6740-2020-2-78-90

Abstract

Geographic distribution and genesis of glacial valleys within Belarus are closely connected to the structure, deformation properties and lithology of the bedrocks. The study reveals, that the highest valley density is over the protrusions of the Precambrian and Devonian rocks in the Belarusian anteclise and northern Belarus, that have a gently inclination against glacier and are overlied by thin strata of deformable Mesozoic and Cenozoic chalk, marls or uncemented sands and sandstones. In the areas, where the hard Lover Paleozoic and Devonian rocks constitute the bedrock surface in north and east Belarus, glacial valleys are observed in a smaller number. In addition, we find a small number of valleys in areas of southern Belarus, where the Mesozoic and Cenozoic rocks form the bedrock surface, but basement is present of greater depth and dips generally toward to the south. Resistant of the Precambrian and Devonian rocks in northern Belarus to glacial stress and deformable rocks within the Belarusian anteclise predetermined different processes of glacier erosion and favored to development the different types of glacial valleys.

Author Biographies

Mixail E. Komarovskiy, Belarusian State University, 4 Niezaliežnasci Avenue, Minsk 220030, Belarus

PhD (geology and mineralogy), docent; associate professor at the department of regional geology, faculty of geography and geoinformatics.

Aliaksandr S. Semianiuk, Belarusian State University, 4 Niezaliežnasci Avenue, Minsk 220030, Belarus

senior lecturer at the department of soil and geographic information systems.

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Published
2020-12-29
Keywords: glacial valleys, bedrock structure and lithology, rigid bedrock, deformable glacier bed, glacial erosion
How to Cite
Komarovskiy, M. E., & Semianiuk, A. S. (2020). Significance of bedrock structure and lithology for the glacial valleys distribution and genesis in Belarus. Journal of the Belarusian State University. Geography and Geology, 2, 78-90. https://doi.org/10.33581/2521-6740-2020-2-78-90
Issue
No 2 (2020): Journal of the Belarusian State University. Geography and Geology
Section
Geology

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