Within the framework of the research program “Eco-Geomorphological Risks Arising from Natural Resource Use on the Northeastern Slope of the Lesser Caucasus and Their Assessment” (2026–2029), researchers from the Laboratory of Geomorphology and Paleogeography conducted field monitoring studies in the Ganja-Dashkasan Economic Region. The research team included Doctor of Geographical Sciences S.A. Tarikhazar, PhD in Geography S.N. Abushova, and junior researcher Sh.F. Ismayilova.
The primary objective of the expedition was to assess the current state of ecological and geomorphological risks in areas subject to intensive anthropogenic impact, particularly in mining zones of the Dashkasan District, as well as along major transportation corridors and rural settlement areas in the Goygol District.
During the survey of the highway connecting the city of Ganja with Lake Goygol, located in the high-mountain zone, researchers recorded a high intensity of destructive slope processes. The area is characterized by a complex geomorphological structure, including highly dissected terrain, serpentine road alignments, and steep slopes. The widespread occurrence of fragile deluvial clay deposits contributes to a rapid loss of soil stability under conditions of increased moisture.
Numerous active landslide sites and rockfalls were identified within the study area. The activation of these processes exhibits a seasonal pattern and correlates closely with periods of intense precipitation. In addition, anthropogenic slope cutting during road construction and expansion acts as a critical triggering factor, disrupting the natural slope angle and causing recurrent deformations of road infrastructure.
Special attention was paid to the village of Dozular (Goygol District), which represents a classic example of the combined impact of natural and anthropogenic factors on public safety. In 2006, inadequate engineering preparation of the area-including the installation of a water pipeline and slope excavation associated with road construction—combined with heavy rainfall, triggered a catastrophic landslide. As a result, social infrastructure facilities, including the school, medical center, and administrative buildings, were destroyed, and 42 families were relocated to the newly established settlement of “Yeni Dozular” in 2007.
Repeated observations of the area indicate that the landslide mass has not stabilized and continues to exhibit a high degree of activity. The identification of new crack networks on the slopes confirms ongoing ground movement. Furthermore, the remaining residential buildings continue to lie within the hazard zone. Structural deformation of buildings and deep cracks in the load-bearing walls of private houses were observed.
Based on these findings, the existing eco-geomorphological conditions in Dozular village are assessed as critical. To prevent further expansion of the affected area, the development of a long-term monitoring strategy and the implementation of slope stabilization and landslide mitigation measures are required.
The territory of the Dashkasan Administrative District has been subjected to intensive anthropogenic pressure for many decades, primarily driven by large-scale extraction of mineral resources. Long-term mining activities employing both open-pit and underground extraction methods have caused profound alterations to the region’s natural landscape and geomorphological structure. The application of geotechnical systems has resulted in intensive technogenic morpholithogenesis, manifested through substantial transformation of the bedrock relief, disruption of natural exogenic processes, and irreversible degradation of sensitive mountain ecosystems.
To verify the extent of lithogenic base degradation and assess the current ecological condition of the area, the researchers carried out geoecological monitoring of lands disturbed by the long-term exploitation of the Zaylik alunite deposit and the Chovdar gold-barite deposit.
The results of the five-day expedition confirm that the northeastern slope of the Lesser Caucasus remains a zone of elevated geomorphological risk. The unfavorable combination of steep slopes, lithological instability, and increasing anthropogenic pressure necessitates the integration of regular field observations with remote sensing techniques in order to minimize potential damage to both public and private property.
