From October 1 to 8, 2025, staff members of the Landscape Science and Landscape Planning Department of the Institute of Geography of the AR MSE—Doctors of Philosophy and Associate Professors Mirnukh Ismailov and Irina Kuchinskaya, and Junior Researcher Emil Dzhabrailov—conducted landscape-ecological research in the Velvelichay, Gudialchay, and Gusarchay river basins.

The goal of the expedition was to assess landscape-ecological dynamics arising under the influence of modern climate change and sudden synoptic processes, as well as to determine the long-term impact of hazardous natural phenomena such as mudflows, floods, and landslides on water resources.

The researchers paid special attention to the landslide-mudflow that occurred near the village of Laza. Another landslide-type mudflow was recorded there on September 22, 2025. Similar phenomena were observed in this area in 1993, 2006, and 2019. During the research, morphological changes to the slopes and riverbed were recorded, and the extent of destruction and the impact of the flow on surrounding natural systems were assessed. The collected data will help clarify the characteristics of modern landscape and geomorphological processes and will be used to develop recommendations for reducing natural risks and protecting mountain ecosystems on the northeastern slope of the Greater Caucasus.