ИСТИНА

We investigated recent rockfalls and rock avalanches in high-mountain zones of the Caucasus. We interpreted the aerial and satellite images, and used the data of our aerial and ground surveys. We collected the data about of rockfalls, and compiled the inventory which includes several dozens of events occurred in the period between 1959 and 2014. Some large rockfalls transformed to rock and ice-rock avalanches. In several valleys, rock avalanches accumulated on glaciers. Initiation zones of rockfalls and rock avalanches located between 2700 and 4500 m. We recognized the activation of small rockfalls on slopes of glacier cirques. Some events occurred in places without rockfall traces in the past. Many of rockfalls and rock avalanches are concentrated around Mt. Kazbek on the border of Georgia and Russia. Warming of climate, degradation of permafrost, and endogenic processes are the main factors of activation of rock avalanches in the region.