Geodynamic condition of the river Duruji basin and the results of hydrological modelling made in order to create early warning system for the danger of mudflows

Author: Otar Kurtsikidze
Keywords: mudflow processes, hydrological model, effective precipitation
Annotation:

Hydrometeorological, morphological and geological characteristics of the Duruju River create favorite conditions for periodicaly activating extremely dangerous processes of mudflows. According to the historical data mudflows were spread in Kvareli as well as in entire Kakheti region and created huge problems for local population and in some cases ended by fatal results. Due to the fact that the mudflows occurred in the Duruji River gorge the Kvareli population and its infrastructure under a great risk, various measures have been conducted since XX century to protect citizens.The safety functioning of mudflow holding river-bank dam, which is locate between Kvareli townand the Duruji River, and cleaning of the river bed from inert material along to the town has the greatest importance. At present, in the condition of flowing of the low density water-deposit mudflow streams, the bottom of the holding dam is intensively being washed and deformed. Bank-protecting concrete structures and gabions on the separate parts of the mentioned dam are out of order and the rehabilitation is unavoidable. since 1990 no longer a regular cleaning of the river beds carried out, due to which for today its hypsometrical level is located higher than the city's topography. It follows from above-mentioned that along with the mudflow holding measures, early warning system should also be added to the agenda. It needs additional researches. During 2014 Polish Centre for International Aid financed the field work in the Duruji River gorge where Polish experts and specialists from National Environmental Agency were involved. As a result of this work existing material and information from research were collected, current geodynamic condition of the Duruji River gorge was assessed and corresponding preventive measures were planned. In the borders of the project transversal profiles were made on the Duruji River; then the complex data was processed in ArcGIS program and hydrologic and hydraulic modelling of the Duruji River was implemented by DHI_MIKE. The presented assay should be discussed as the basis of taking nesseccery preventive measures and providing early warning system for the gorge in future.