This volume is aimed at providing a comprehensive overview of the state of art of research related to geo-related hazards in the Caucasus and other orogenic regions; it is also devoted to shedding light on a broad array of geological phenomena as well as discussing innovative tools and strategies for geohazard assessment. Additional emphasis is placed on preventive and mitigation measures, which might be helpful in tackling seismic, volcanic and landslide risks affecting major lifelines and infrastructures. The innovative, multidisciplinary methodologies illustrated in this volume may be successfully applied to other orogenic regions across the globe. The book features major scientific contributions from experts working on different Earth Science topics, such as seismology, structural geology, applied geology and volcanology. Its chapters describe a wide gamut of cutting-edge research methodologies and are thus intended to be read and shared by the worldwide Earth Science community.In particular, the readers will have a chance to gain a thorough knowledge of a number of key geological features that can be observed across both the Greater and Lesser Caucasus. Moreover, the volume provides a thorough description of the techniques employed to assess seismic hazard in major cities - such as microzonation - and an overview of the efforts taken to monitor and prevent seismic and landslide hazard posed to vital energy infrastructures in the Caucasus region.

Includes several key examples and methods for geohazard studies in the Caucasus and other orogenic regions

PART I - The role of NATO.- 01-NATO cooperation with Georgia in the framework of the Science for Peace (SPS) Programme.- 02-Lens on NATO-Georgia cooperation: a shared engagement.- 03-An overview of the 20-year collaboration between NATO and Earth scientists to assess geohazards in the Caucasus and other critical regions.- PART II - Key studies focused on regional and geological aspects.- 04-Active kinematics of the Greater Caucasus from seismological and GPS data: A review.- 05-Structural architecture of the western Greater Caucasus orogen: New data from a crustal-scale structural cross-section.- 06-The geometry of the two orogens convergence and collision zones in central Georgia: New data from seismic reflection profiles.- 07-Regional seismotectonic zonation of hydrocarbon fields in active thrust belts: a case study from Italy.- PART III - Key studies for seismic hazard assessment.- 08-The 2020 National Seismic Hazard Model for Georgia (Sakartvelo).- 09-Non-Ergodic Ground-Motion Models for Crustal Earthquakes in Georgia.- 10-Time series analysis of fault strain accumulation around large dam: the case of Enguri dam, Greater Caucasus.- 11-Geohazard assessment along the southern slope of the Greater Caucasus (Azerbaijan).- PART IV - Key studies for volcanic hazard assessment.- 12-Quaternary volcanic activity in the Greater Caucasus: a review of Elbrus, Kazbek and Keli volcanoes.- 13-Tectonic control over the Abuli Samsari Volcanic Ridge, Lesser Caucasus, Georgia.- PART V - Key studies for hydrological, landslide and coastal hazard assessment.- 14-Landslide and mudflow hazard assessment in Georgia.- 15-Significance of the Spatial Resolution of DEM in Regional Slope Stability Analysis Enguri Dam, Republic of Georgia.- 16-Description of a 2-year, high-resolution geodetic monitoring of the Khoko landslide, Enguri reservoir, Georgia.- 17-Examples of coastal hazard along the Georgian Black Sea Coast.- PART VI - Seismic micronation.- 18-Extensive Microzonation as a tool for seismic risk reduction: methodological and political issues.- 19-Preliminary results of site effects assessment in Mtskheta (Georgia).- 20-Rheological properties of soils in assessing the seismic hazard of the South Ukrainian nuclear power plant.- 21-On the Seismic Waves Propagating in the Layered Earth Stratum.- PART VII - 7. Innovative approaches for geohazard and risk assessment.- 22-Commercial-UAV-based Structure from Motion for geological and geohazard studies.- 23-Automatic telemetric monitoring/Early Warning Systems, with multi-task sensor, applied to mass movements.- 24-Extensometer-based monitoring of active deformation at the Khoko landslide (Jivari, Georgia).- 25-Aspects of Risk Management and Vulnerability Assessment of buildings in the Republic of Georgia.