Deep structure and volcanic activity of Mount Elbrus and a portion of the Elbrus–Tyrnyauz valley: Geological and geophysical data

Abstract

A microseismic sounding profile was made along the Baksan River valley from the eastern summit of Elbrus volcano to the southern edge of town Tyrnyauz. The geological section along the profile presents the structural features of the subaerial structure of Mount Elbrus and magmatic chambers, which are traced to a depth of 40 km or more as a subvertical chain. Along the profile, deep-seated faults, well correlated with their morphological manifestations on the surface, were identified. Under the southern edge of town Tyrnyauz, a low-velocity region, comparable in size to Elbrus volcano, was interpreted as the cooling volcanic structure. The results obtained were correlated with the data available on the geology and geomorphology of the area of study, as well as data obtained earlier during independent studies of Elbrus volcano.