QUATERNARY GLACIAL SUPERFLOODS AT THE GORNY ALTAI: FORMATION CONDITIONS AND GEOLOGICAL FEATURES
Superflood facies diagnosis is important to identify the areas exposed to their influence in the past and for forecasting in the future. The studies have shown that the definite combination of debris flow facies and floodplain facies which contain “dropstones” is the best indicator of glacial superflood deposits in mountain valleys. Secondary-dammed lake deposits and mud-flow sediments formed on the stage of superfloods completion are paragenetically associated with the two facies. Mud-flow sediments are predominantly widespread in the intermountain basin periphery. Identified facies architecture and structural-textural features of deposits allow their mapping within the intermountain basins and major river valleys of mountainous areas.