Impacts of fluvial processes on medieval settlement Lukovskoe (Tatarstan, Russia)

Abstract

This work is continuation of the research aimed at developing of a system for analysing of risks of destruction of archaeological objects of Volga-Bulgaria period (X–XIII centuries AD) on the territory of the Republic of Tatarstan. Most of the Volga-Bulgaria settlements located on the small rivers banks. This fact is determining the risk of their destruction by natural processes. In order to identify the risk of transformation of archaeological sites by fluvial processes bank erosion dynamics at Lukovskoe fortified settlement evaluated. Modern field survey with use of UAV and GNSS methods applied to study the relief of monument territory. The measured data were analysed using the Geographical Information System (GIS) to evaluate intensity of bank erosion. Historical maps, archival remote sensing data and actual orthophotoplans compared to get quantitative characteristics of monument territory damage. The main factors that influence bank erosion at Lukovskoe fortified settlement placement are the meandering of the Kubnya riverbed, bank height and the ground that forms it. This study shows that remote sensing and 3-D-modelling on the base of UAV survey is very important in study of fluvial processes dynamics as a factor of archaeological objects destruction. The results of research will help to identify trends in monuments state and to quantify the risks of their destruction.